The women of a tiny south african country called ESwatini have taught me so much about having genuine faith. The kind of faith that never runs out and has the power to move mountains. Faith is the basis of our relationship with Abba and seems so simple, yet every day I find that the meaning behind it runs deeper than I could ever fathom.
To give a little bit of back story- I’ve been living in Nsoko, ESwatini for a little over 2 months. HIV and AIDs has devastated this area. 40% of the population has tested positive for HIV. Practices like child sacrifice occur during election season (2,000 children went missing in mid-September). Young girls are raped by their guardians. The children are seen as a burden, and it’s common for them to go hungry.
Yesterday I was talking with a police officer named Precious. I walked into the conversation expecting to share Jesus with her. But we ended up talking about how Jesus changed her life! She shared her heart for the children of Nsoko. They are the reason she became a police officer- she fights for their freedom. She goes to schools and speaks to girls about rape and empowers them to come forward. Precious expressed that her job is emotionally draining, and that most days she is drawn to tears. When she sees the suffering of these little ones she sees her own daughter. She was so quick to say that even in the pain and sorrow she knows that she can run to Jesus with the heavy burdens she carries. And even more amazing is the fact that she is so confident that Abba can and will restore ESwatini. Precious possesses the kind of faith that changes the worlds of little girls here. She finds strength and renewal in the arms of the Father. She is fighting the good fight, even as she walks through her own poverty and dark valleys. She says that God gives her overflowing joy, if you met Precious you wouldn’t be able to deny that.
Abba has thrown my giants into perspective. Faith and open hands. That’s all He needs to bring restoration! Even if that restoration comes one rescued child at a time.
