The World Race isn’t just about the Racers. It’s about everyone affected by the Race. It’s about their field support and mobilization staff. It’s about parents and supporters, small groups and small towns.
And on the field, it’s about the contacts and the ministries Racers support. It’s not about going on the field to fix things in other places but to join the work God is already doing and the amazing servants he’s already placed there.
Swaziland is one of those countries that most people can’t find on a map.
It’s estimated that by 2050, the entire nation of Swaziland will die out because of AIDS and the hunger crisis. But if ministries like El Shaddai have anything to say about it, that’s just simply not going to happen.
Nestled in the mountains of this kingdom, on top of a hill, sits a home for children that brings hope to the nation. With their church, school, children’s home, and other ministries, they’re providing a safe haven and brighter future for children rescued from neglect, abuse, and abandonment.
“El Shaddai” is one of the ancient Judaic names of God meaning, “God Almighty.” And this place has certainly lived up to it’s name.
This incredible ministry fights for their kids, restoring hope to their lives, just as our God fights for us.
We’ve been sending teams there for years, and we’re honored to play a small part in what God is doing.
“Each of the children has a heartbreaking story. Swaziland has the highest HIV rate in the world and in addition, physical and sexual abuse runs rampant, even throughout the schools. To explain here what they have gone through would be too graphic.
The good news is, their stories are not over.
The safe refuge found at El Shaddai has become a place for God to show his redeeming love. At El Shaddai, there is food, shelter, clothing, and most importantly, tons of unconditional love. These innocent kids have now begun to live a story of God’s goodness.
And it was such an honor to be a part of their story for just a brief time.
Throughout the past two and a half years I’ve worked alongside several different ministries – and this one surely topped them all.”
-Dan Lidwin, B Squad, T Squad Squad Leader
“It was so peaceful, quiet, and still. There is something special about a sunrise as opposed to a sunset. The sunrise shows us that God is still being faithful to us even though through years and years of disappointment…He still loves us. He still blesses us. He still gives us the sun.
A prophecy was made over Swaziland that it would be the “Pulpit of Africa” even though it has the highest HIV rate in the world.
God seems to do that in our lives. He seems to turn things that seem hopeless into things that can change an entire continent.
The orphanage is filled with babies and children who have been abused, neglected, abandoned; many are HIV-positive.
This could mean a prison of unhappiness and despair. But God is faithful and has raised up this sanctuary of hope on the mountain top called El Shaddai, where the children are fed, clothed, cherished and loved to the uttermost. In the midst of the darkest hour, there is hope.”
-Jillian Paul, T Squad
That’s the kind of place El Shaddai is, and that’s the kind of person our God – El Shaddai – is. He rescues us out of darkness and brings hope and healing to our lives.
And you’re invited to be a part of that.
Whether you join us on a World Race route or not (though we’d love you to), we hope you can join us in believing today that our God is God Almighty – our God is El Shaddai.
And he welcomes you.
El Shaddai Ministries is thriving, but they still need help. You can learn more about them on their website, as well as sponsor children, donate, or GO. They need your help. Will you join them in showing how almighty our God is to the children of Swaziland?
Photos via Anton Lewko, El Shaddai, Emily Mitchell, Terin James, Jillian Paul, Nick Rice, Emily Wright,
