Hello to all of my Supporters and Subscribers!
We made it to Swaziland on February 8. Since then, we have been in a whirlwind. We are in Manzini working with the Adventures in Missions/Children’s Hope Chest Base. Last week, we also helped Timbali Crafts with distribution and organization (If you are interested in their products, visit timbalicrafts.org).
Most people on my team work with the Care Points in the city, which distribute food to children and provide a school and some lessons on the Bible. There are 40 Care Points and altogether they feed 7,000 children a day.
Here are some facts about Swaziland:
The average lifespan is 49 years old.
49% of the population is under 18 years old
It has the heaviest HIV/AIDS per capita in the whole world.
Over 40% of the population has HIV/AIDS.
My job in Swazi is with the maintenance crew at AIM. Last week, we loaded boxes of non perishable food sent from Cincinnati, Ohio. Altogether, we loaded 162 boxes that were 35 lbs each. We drove them to the Care Point in Nsoko and unloaded them. It was interesting being on the other side of the canned food drive. I was able to see the work it takes to distribute, where the food is stored, who delivers it, and who receives it. This week, I am working with the 20 year olds employed by AIM (they are all from Swazi). They are going through intense training this year to shepherd the kids at the Care Point. They will do grief counseling with the children and teach them a Bible curriculum. I have also been painting Care Points and making more trips to Nsoko.
Swaziland is full of friendly, beautiful people and they are quick to greet you on the streets. It is customary to greet each other and get to know people you don’t already know. It is also not uncommon to get a marriage proposal and to be offered cows, funny enough. I already have some great stories when I get home, for sure!
We only have one more week in Swaziland before we must go on to South Africa. To my friends that I have messaged back and forth, I have not had a lot of WiFi, so I do apologize for my lack of updates. There are few places to get it here, and it is usually 2 or 3 am your time when I am able to send emails and texts. I miss you guys and am thankful for your support along the way!
I have loved it here in Africa, especially musically speaking! They sing before office meetings, they make beautiful music in church, and they are eager to learn more. I have met jazz musicians, people that are a part of a blind gospel choir, and those that are directors of choirs. I feel blessed to be immersed in this rich culture, and ask that all of you continue to pray for my team as we have different experiences here.
Speaking of which, we had team changes a couple weeks ago! So I have been readjusting to my new team, which has 5 total women. We are called 5 Multiplied, because we believe we will see miracles together, like Jesus feeding the 5,000. If the Holy Spirit could help him do it then, surely it can do it now. I have reshaped my testimony with them. It is very interesting to see more and more clarity and resolve, and I see so much growth with the Lord on this journey!
So there have been many changes in the last few months, but God is present in those changes and He has been challenging and growing our whole squad amidst those changes. God bless you all at home. Keep praying and growing. Keep leaning into the Father, for He is good.
With Love,
Murbs
