This month our squad in Nsoko, Swaziland at the AIM care point base, which is ran by AIM staff, gogo’s (grandmother in SiSwati), and other volunteers that keep it running. Even though we live together, we’re split in our teams during the day to work at other care points to help wherever is needed and our team is working with one called S’khaleni.
One instance that sticks out to me the most happened when the Lord told me to love the one standing in front of me. When we arrived at S’khaleni on the very first day of ministry we were immediately embraced with hugs by the sweet kiddos. I noticed this little girl, probably around 2 years old standing away from all the other children crying because she was absolutely terrified of us. After noticing one of my teammates walking over to console her I brushed it off and started playing with another little boy who wanted to go kick the soccer ball, so off we went! A little while had passed and I looked over to where the little girl was standing and she was still crying and I heard the Lord say, “Go pick her up”, so I did. As soon as I walked over to her, she reached her little arms up and as I held her she stopped crying. Then the Lord told me to rock and sing “Jesus loves me” over her. It was like no one else was around but Jesus, her, and I. The wind was blowing so calmly and I could feel his presence and love for this little girl. That He had great plans for her life and loves her so much. After a few minutes one of my teammates told me she was fast asleep. I knew she would be out soon. So I took that opportunity to just pray and speak of who God says she is over her. Later on in the day the Lord used that opportunity to speak to me that in the same way I was holding her and comforting her He does that to me too. When I’m down or feeling discouraged, he just sweetly holds me and speaks over me, “Come to me and rest. I will protect you.” I now stand amazed at the goodness of our God and the enormous things He can accomplish if I am obedient to His command to stop and love the person in front of me. It was such a sweet moment that I hope and pray I will never forget!
<3
Emily
