I have several friends who are currently in Swaziland, Africa (Or…what I affectionately call 'The Land of My Heart'). One year ago, I was with them in Swaziland and I had a collision with the vision and purpose that the Lord has for my life. (I can't wait to go back next year!!!!) As I was praying for my friends, I was remembering some of the things that I learned from the God of Hope, the One who has NOT forgotten the Swazi people. I figured I'd share a little of that with you.
Journal Entry: A Warzone Without Bullets
As we drove from Johannesburg, South Africa into Swaziland, I noticed that the land was very beautiful. I’m sure that during summer when everything is alive it is breathtaking to see. You don’t have to look very deep beyond the landscape to recognize the presence of AIDS in this country. Billboards proclaim the importance of being tested and advertise funeral plans. Many of the buildings are marked with the AIDS ribbon. Graffiti leaves the stain of a hurting people. One entire wall was painted with various african animals and said ‘God Save The Humans’. I silently prayed and agreed with this anonymous prayer. My heart cried, God, save the humans! God, save the Swazis!
As our project leader gave us an overview on the work being done in Swaziland over the past few years, we were given all kinds of overwhelming statistics on the prevelance of HIV/AIDS and the condition of the nation. Of course this gripped me, but I couldn’t help but think about how to an outsider, this crisis could seem too big to imagine and all of the numbers and statistics don’t always invoke action in people. We need to make the Swazi people relatable and personal. I prayed that this would go deep in my heart, that I would not go back to America with stories, but with the imprint of people on my heart. I want this to be personal, even if it is painful!
Our project leader described Swaziland as a ‘warzone without bullets’. The conditions and needs of the Swazi people are the same as those of other nations ravaged by war. The war is not as noticable, but is very real, and the Swazi people are left fighting for survival. There is much work to be done, both relief and developmental work.
Journal Entry: Sunday Morning in Swaziland
This morning we went to church at the community center next to the Bhalekane Care Point. As soon as we walked into the building, I recognized the presence of the Lord there. We walked in and the kids were singing. I don’t think I will ever get tired of the sound of African children singing. It is absolutely one of my favorite sounds in the entire world. Their precious voices are so beautiful! A few of the adults led some other songs, some in english and some in SiSwati. It was incredible to know that He was there. I didn’t always understand what we were saying, but I recognize and I know His Presence. It was incredible to encounter Him on the complete opposite side of the world in a simple, one room building with a few rows of chairs. I couldn’t stop thinking about how faithful He is and how He has not forgotten Swaziland. He is here in this country, and He has never left. One of the songs that I could understand was about exalting and glorifying the name of Yahweh. As we sang, His sweet Presence was in our midst. They didn’t need lights or a stage or instruments or a microphone or even screens on the windows. In the simplicity of their desire for Him, He was faithful to come.
After singing, several people got up to testify. Each one introduced themselves with their name and they said “I greet you in the name of Jesus Christ” or “I am saved by Christ”. Why do I not identify myself this way?!? Each person would sing about their victory in Christ as they stood up and sat down. And every person testified about the faithfulness of God! It was so beautiful to see and hear the Swazis testifying about the goodness and faithfulness of God in your lives. From an ‘American mindset’, these people are seen as lacking so much, but Americans don’t typically identify themselves with the salvation Christ has given them…and complain in their abundance! I wonder how much we are truly missing and lacking that the Swazis have! There is so much we can learn from these beautiful people!
