It was our first day of ministry in Swaziland – Monday, November 3rd, 2014. As we gathered in a circle with the Discipleship Team for a morning devotion, I could hardly wait to see what the day would hold. After all, I had been waiting 22 years to get to Africa. Before jumping into worship and the day's schedule, we did introductions. That's when I met him; his name is Pilo, and we quickly became friends. He told us about what he does with AIM and that as a side ministry, he also leads a "Beat the Drum" program in Nsoko high schools. He further explained that this was a campaign to teach young people about the dangers and risks of AIDS & HIV, and how to prevent it, encouraging abstinence until marriage. With the extreme HIV rate in Swaziland (the highest in the world), and a missing generation (ages 20-40), this type of ministry is much needed and I immediately was drawn. I NEEDED to accompany him, if only just once.
As many of you know, in seventh grade, after doing a research project on AIDS/HIV orphans in Africa, my heart was filled with a deep desire to see change, to MAKE change. AIDS/HIV awareness & prevention soon became my heart's passion and prayer. The devastating reality of how this disease affects communities around the world, and especially in Africa, broke my heart. It still does. Children without parents raising their younger siblings, some with HIV themselves. Add to it the struggles of extreme hunger and poverty and well, Swaziland sure could use some hope, some CHANGE.
Following devotion, I spoke to Pilo and asked if I could join him during one of his talks sometime. He advised me to talk to our host Erica, who said perhaps later in the month. I was feeling a little disappointed – I've found on the Race, and in life in general, that "maybe later" often mean probably not. That Thursday though, much to my surprise, God had something up His sleeves, and it would quickly become one of my most treasured memories from my time in Swazi. It was about noon and as my team walked back to the Anchor Center (our home for the month) after doing a home visit, Pilo and I walked with one another. As conversation began to flow, he shared his story with me. Behind my aviator shades, I hid tears. As a young boy, he lost his mother and step-father to HIV. He and his older sister were separated, and years later, she too would become inflicted with and taken by the disease. With every detail he shared and the way his heart filled each word, I quickly became overwhelmed. Over the years, I have read hundreds of stories and statistics and in that moment, I was staring them in the face, in the face of a Spirit-filled, fun-loving, huge-hearted 26-year-old man. Consider my heart crushed. I praised the Lord in that very moment for reawakening my compassion for those who have suffered from HIV/AIDS. I have never wanted to hug someone so badly in my life! But with uncertainty as to how that would be received in Swazi culture, I refrained. Though Pilo, himself, does not have HIV, his life has been forever affected by it, and God has instilled deep within him a passion to fight against it, to make a difference in his home community, to see a brighter future for the young people who live there.
After our walk "home", Pilo invited me to accompany him at a high school down the road, saying "So, are you coming with me today?" I had a tough choice to make – eat a pb&j lunch OR live a dream. I chose the latter. Upon arriving, I met his cooperating teacher and he led us to his classroom. As I entered, I was overcome with a great sense of the Holy Spirit's presence. Looking back at me, bewildered by the white American standing before them, were about 30 teenagers. Pilo introduced me and asked me to share my story and heart for the cause and why it is important. After a brief silent prayer, I began to share with them how God had placed missions and Africa on my heart at age 5, the fight against AIDS/HIV on my heart at age 13, and now, at age 27, brought me to Swaziland to speak with them at that very moment. I told them of how faithful God is and that He has a purpose for each of our lives. I told them that their futures do not have to be touched by HIV, that they CAN break the cycle. I told them that God loves them and wants better for them; we want better for them.
Whew. The joy that filled me in that moment is unexplainable. I felt empowered to speak this real truth and it felt all too natural, as though those words had been on my tongue for 14 years just waiting to be spoken. To Pilo, it was just another day, but to me, it was a faith-filled, God-filled moment. It reminded me that I have been chosen, called according to HIS purpose, and that no matter how long it takes for us to finally meet that purpose, God is faithful in getting us there. It's all about the journey and taking a chance on Him. I'm not sure what God has in store for me in the future, but I DO know that whether it is returning to Nsoko, Swaziland to start an organization to fight HIV, or returning home to advocate for the cause while on American soil, or even something completely different, I trust that God will equip me and carry me. He's not done with me yet, and He's not done with you either. What has He placed on YOUR heart? Pray for it & run after it. I dare you.
*Please pray for Pilo, that God would continue to heal his heart. Though time passes by, the pain of losing loved ones still lingers. Please also pray that God would rise up people in his community to walk alongside him in this ministry, that they would see the need and trust that a difference CAN be made. Finally, please pray that Pilo's faith would be strengthened and that God would show Himself and His love, that He would provide a vehicle and funds for petrol to reach more schools, and that He would provide a way for Pilo to make this his full-time ministry, while still being able to meet basic financial needs.
Please also pray for Swaziland, that God would radically change their circumstances and show Himself and His power in ways no one would expect. It has been projected that the country will cease to exist come 2050 if big changes do not happen soon. It is a nation of beautiful people, beautiful landscape, and beautiful, spirit-filled worship. I believe that God can turn things around. Please pray with me!
