Swaziland is a beautiful country, with its countryside and mountains. We were all excited the morning we began the climb up the mountain to El Shaddai Ministries. The adventure was exciting because it had rained all night and the dirt roads were now red mud. We slipped and slid all the way up. Our driver got many “hoorays” as he maneuvered through the mud and winding uphill roads. When we reached the top of Piggs Peak to ESM, we had no idea what we were in for. Fog was all around us as we were literally sitting inside a cloud. After being greeted, we casually made our way to the place known as “the rock.” We were told that this big boulder overlooked the Maguga Dam. We sat and waited as the fog slowly faded and little by little a beautiful portrait came to light. Let me tell you that this place is absolutely beautiful! I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a view like it. Pictures don’t do it justice.
El Shaddai is an amazing place. It is literally found on the top of a mountain in the middle of nowhere, Swaziland. When Charmain and her husband first founded this ministry, they had to climb the mountain because there were no roads. She said that when they got to the top and looked around she said, “This is it. This is the place.” I am happy to tell you that we did not have to hike up the mountain with our big packs. Roads have been made to El Shaddai. Thank the Lord!
Inside one of the dorms
El Shaddai is legit. It houses 65 orphans, including about 20 in the “baby house.” There are 2 other dorms to house boys and girls grade 1-8. They are made complete with a kitchen that conjoins them. Toddlers attend preschool on the premises. The children then attend El Shaddai’s primary school just down the road. After grade 8, the teens are sent to board at El Shaddai’s own high school along the river.
the Baby House
There are multiple buildings to house volunteers and staff. El Shaddai is made complete with its own chapel and medical clinic. The organization is well on its way of being self-sustainable. It owns quite a bit of land with its own gardens and corn fields. It also raises pigs, geese, goats, and chickens.
With so much to do and be done, our list of possible ministries was nearly endless. Some possible ministries included:
Preschool
Baby House
Pig Pen Cleaning
Medical Clinic
Intercession using prayer and worship
Work Crew: field work, digging trenches for waterlines, building walkways, mowing, etc
Creating puzzles and chalk boards for preschool
There really was something for everyone. We enjoyed getting to know Charmain and her volunteers, Rachel and Katie. Their vision for this place is awesome. I was blessed by our time at El Shaddai and will continue to pray for and support them.
Our Squad Leader, Andrew, playing guitar on the rock.
