Hello Hello! I’m excited to bring you my first update from Swazi!
This month is once again all squad month where we are all together. So, in addition to our new teams we are also split up into different ministries, and not necessarily with our teammates, we are intermingled which is pretty cool. We are at the main AIM (Adventures in Missions) base in Manzini, Swaziland, who is in partnership with Children’s Hope Chest and doing amazing things in the local community. For the month my group is assigned to the “Care Points” ministry. Monday we sit in on staff meetings in the morning and then do market ministry, which is going into the city and market and find people to love, talk with and embrace the local culture. Tuesday and Thursday we set out on about a 45 minute to an hour walk to do home visits. I’m excited because this is something I was introduced to last month and want to grow more in evangelism. And each afternoon Tuesday-Friday we spend time at the Care Point facility with the kids. We went to two different ones last week. It’s a place they come to after school to play and be fed. We get to love on them, play outside, sing songs, act out bible stories, but most importantly to just love the kids and teachers like Jesus did.
I’m not going to lie, at the end of the day I’m completely exhausted. Walking, lots of walking….
And the kids require a lot of your attention and energy but oh it’s so worth it. Every smile, hug, laugh, every child that comes to hold my hand, and every minute spent investing in these sweet souls, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
I am reading through the book of Luke right now. Today I’m just really grateful for the gift of salvation and reflecting on that. Here we are going across the world making sure people receive the same gift and that it’s available for everyone. It’s the heart beat of why we are doing what we’re doing and every interaction we encounter with young and old. It was another afternoon spent at a care point and I had a child in my arms and hugging them from behind with my hands over her chest.
It was then that I felt it… Thump, thump, thump. In that moment it was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever felt. I couldn’t help but think to myself, “THIS is the heart beat of Jesus” and it was then I felt the calling so clearly and it was such a profound moment. I felt Jesus and it took me a minute to remove my hands. I’m taking that heart beat with me wherever I go. In reading about the crucifixion of Jesus in Luke, I’m reminded that his heart beats today through the power of his resurrection. He is ALIVE and his kingdom is here on earth. I’m seeing glimpses of it across the world. Seeing how his heart beats for other people, for me, and the community I’m surrounded with over these 11 months.
Lord, I want to love like you. I want my heart beat to be your heart beat. Thank you for constantly pursuing my heart, and continuing to give my heart the eyes to see your people and the world the way you do. As I go into a new week of ministry, allow me to experience and pour out love in a new way. Keep cultivating a teachable spirit, that’s my biggest prayer for the week. Give me strength when I’m tired so I can give this ministry and every single person the best of me. I will have a cup that’s overflowing and not half empty.
Psalm 23: 5-6
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Much love to you all!
