goodbye Swazi!!
This last week I have been in awe of the unity the Lord brings. This truly is a unifying gospel. A part of walking with the Lord is walking with others. This last weekend I had the Opportunityto visit a church’s plant in Swazi that Abby a girl on my squads home church started. Abby and Skyler and I got to go stay with the pastors of Movement church, Karl and patience. I was shocked when they so warmly welcomed three strangers into their home with such open arms. We ate, played games, laughed and talked about what the Lord has been doing. It was one of those moments where I was just left in awe. It was not a like a host set up by AIM or like we had a ton in common, just a simple connection and the man Jesus.
The way the loved us with such hospitable hearts was such an example of the gospel. It always leaves me filled to overflow when I meet people so in love with the Lord like Karl and Patience. They welcomed us in and poured so much life into us. It was a refreshment my soul needed. What a wild thing that strangers from across the world can become so sweet to you in a moment when Jesus is the unifying factor. This brought my heart so much hope for the global church. When Jesus is the desire of our hearts unity comes. The gospel unites and I believe the Lord wants more unity among believers and across the global church!
This last week In ministry was bitter sweet as we prepared to say our goodbyes. We soaked up the last of our home visits and time with our kiddos. I was overjoyed with laughter and joy by the sweet smiles and fresh love that seemed to fill our care point . There was also some difficult things that occurred this last week, things that broke my heart in a new way for Swazi. As the reality of the state of brokenness here set in. So did a desire to see more of the Lord in this place. I am sure that the Lord has so much He is doing in this place. I am sure He is increasing a hunger in the children in Swazi to raise up kids after the heart of Jesus. I am sure that He will captivate hearts afresh in this place! Jesus’ heart is for the people of Swazi and He will not stop going after His children here!!
Saying our goodbyes were hard. We had a Christmas party at our care point for the kids where we cooked them a feast, sang jingle bells (more times than I can count!), celebrated Jesus’ coming, and poured out even more love on them. It was so sweet seeing the excitement of the kids in this place. Their dances, songs, joy during this last day of ministry was such a gift and a sweet way to end our time there.
While goodbyes are hard what a gift that we got to connect so deeply with so many people in our 6 weeks here. Ngkonini was the name of the care point my Tema served at these last few weeks. It is a more simple care point in a rural community. There was only a small storage house, covered area and a place to serve food from. It had much less than many car points and was one of the few with no playground. While this specific care point does not have child sponsorship set up, you can support the carepoint as a whole. If you fever want more information supporting Ngkonini, please reach out to me and I’ll get you details!
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