A couple of months ago, I got an e-mail from Seth Barnes about Swaziland, telling about some different ministry opportunities there. Initially, I didn’t even think about it, but as time went on, God begin to really create a hunger in me to go to Swaziland, to meet the people and see the various ministries there. I was blessed to have the opportunity to go, when we ended up with a few extra days at the end of the world race debrief, before it was time to fly home.
I have to admit, once I stepped off the tiny propeller plane, I found my experience in Swaziland to not be anything like I expected. I know, I know, World Race motto: Don’t have any expectations!
First of all, I had thought that Swaziland would be more of a ‘wild Africa’ experience: mud huts, women wrapped in colorful sheets, walking around with baskets on their heads, that sort of thing. Imagine my surprise to discover the tap water to be of better quality than back home in California! Next, I completely fell in love with the vivacious character of the people. So much
of what I’ve heard about Swaziland has to do with the AIDS crisis, and the number of kids being orphaned. Around the world, desperate situations leave kids tired, hungry, and serious. But everywhere I went, I found laughing, friendly children, ready to jump into my arms and play. They are so affectionate! And I couldn’t help but fall in love with all of them. I’m telling you, little black babies are the cutest in the whole world!
Our first day, we drove out to Bulembu, a formerly abandoned mining town that is slowly coming back to life. The sun shines down through gorgeous green tree-tops, and hydrangeas in full bloom line the road. God is opening up many doors for ministry in this area, located in such a beautiful valley. Orphans in Christian homes such as ABC Ministry are learning who their true Father is, poor children are being fed and educated at various care points, and soon there will be a Christian leadership development center (headed up by Gary Black). There are so many opportunities to get involved, and if you are feeling called to go, you are surely blessed!
Then, we went with Julie Anderson to her care point, where she runs a craft co-op discipleship group with a large group of women. Most of these women are grandmothers who have taken on the burden of caring for their orphaned grandchildren. Through the craft co-op, they have a chance to learn new skills and earn a small income. We got to see them working on beautiful hand-made purses and small grass baskets. Though the money they raise will definitely help provide for the needs of their families, the greatest thing they can gain is the salvation and hope that only comes from Christ Jesus. Please pray for these “Gogos”, that they will grow deeper in their faith, and be able to teach and provide for their loved ones.
Our last full day, we went to a Christian youth rally in the capital city of Mbabane (pronounced: ma-bonn). Youth teams from America paired up with local Swazi youth groups to produce an amazing day of fun
, sports, drama, dance, and worship. Hundreds came together to praise God, black, white, it didn’t matter. The personal highlight for me was hanging out with the Real Life team members – young people age 19-24 serving in Swaziland for the summer. They were trying to grill us on our world race experience, while I was trying to hear about all of their Swazi stories of the summer! I was encouraged again about my commitment to disciple youth in America after the world race, to encourage teenagers in their faith and equip them to go wherever God may be calling them to. Praise God!
I am so thankful to God for bringing me to this amazing place, and for all the great people I met along the way. Thank you to Julie and Ellie for sharing your house with me. Thank you to Jumbo and Creek for all the rides to and fro. Thank you Jacci for your stories and your support, and thank you to Seth for believing that God had something to show us. Though I didn’t receive a specific calling to missions while in Swazi, I was confirmed in so many other things: my passion to disciple youth, the need for Christians to reach out to their hurting brothers and sisters around the world, my desire for a life of obedience to God’s will, a heart to pray for the innocent victims of AIDS. And, I am brought full circle by a reminder of something God pointed out to me in Guatemala, 10 months ago:
“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. ” James 2:15-17
