Swaziland is a small country with a mountainous western side and open, rural eastern side. It sits almost completely within South Africa with the exception of its east side being bordered by Mozambique. The length north to south is about 120 miles and 81 miles from east to west. That's not much bigger than my home of Houston, Texas! The people speak Swati, a name which was given after their 19th century king, Mswati II; but thankfully English is spoken as a second language! That is always helpful!
This Kingdom of Swaziland only gained its independence recently in 1968. Over 75% of its inhabitants basically only farm enough to support their own families. They have a variety of crops and livestock and don't often use the markets to buy food for their families. Similar to the other countries we've looked at so far, over half the population lives on less than US $1.25 a day.
The long term existence of this little kingdom is being seriously threatened by its unprecedented high rate of HIV. 26.1% of adults are infected with this disease. It has been marked as a country having a life expectancy which basically means they're anticipating it will eventually be unable to act as an independent country. As seems to be true for most of the South African region, Christianity is the largest religion; however there is much division and rivalry among denominations.
Points for prayer:
– Clearly the overall health (and I'm sure morale as a result) could use some uplifting! Ask that people would find hope in something greater than this life – Jesus Christ who has precious and very great promises waiting for those who love and follow Him.
– Pray for unity among those who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ. Ask that they would be reminded that there is nothing to be added or taken away from the gospel. That they would submit to one another in humility and brotherly love under ultimate submission to God and his eternal purposes. To me this is a very familiar issue present in America as well.
– Ask for leaders to rise in wisdom and discernment…economically, spiritually, holistically.
