Hi From Manzini, Swaziland! After 34 hours of traveling, minimal sleep and lost luggage, I finally arrived in Manzini. am spending 3 weeks learning about the culture seeing many carepoints and ministries and praying for guidance on where God would have me serve here.
My first week I went to a place near the border of Mozambique called Nsoko, there are very missionaries there, none that live there, but they are trying to start a children’s village, where orphans can live 8 in a home with a house mom. They have found property to build on and are trusting God for the the funds. There is a Swazi pastor who is willing to move to that area to minister and make sure needs are being met properly and money is not misused by those receiving it. I went to 5 different carepoints in Nsoko and did food distrubution,the children are so hungry for love and affection that before I even fully stepped out of the car, i have 7 children pulling on me and grabbing for me to hold them. It broke my heart all over again. I am willing to drive the 1.5 hours to help there.
This week I have been to some of the AIM carepoints,a squatter camp and the hospital in Manzini. At the carepoints I taught songs about Jesus to the children, brought Mangos for each of the children at the Timbutini carepoint. In Timbutini they have no water because one night someone came and stole they water container. The children there are unruly and it was hard to keep them organized for very long. About halfway through the day, they were all ready for napping in our laps. I had 2 children fall asleep on me. One of the volunteers (Thuli) brought with her, her son, he was very sick and so we paid for her to come back to Manzini with us and take her son to the hospital, God really provided for her because she was given 4 bottles of medicine for 3 Emalangeni (that’s the currency), where it would normally cost 300 Emalangeni for 1 bottle.
At the hospital I visited with children who were sick and prayed with their mothers, I also was able to go to the maternity ward and provide juice to a new mother, who hadn’t paid her hospital bill, so they refused to feed her. I was able to name her son also, most swazi’s give their children a Swazi name and an English name, she let me give the English name, I chose Andrew. I met another new mom and named her son Emmanuel, she really likes the meaning of that. Most people want the names to mean something important so it was hard to name them.
I am still praying for discernment on what I will do besides going to Nsoko and I would love prayer for that. I have a week left to see more ministries. Some time next week I will go with the Swazi discipleship team to their carepoints.
You remain in our prayers Christine. After sharing with you, first hand last summer, the need for Christ’s Love in Swaziland, I could almost hear and feel those children as you explained how they were tugging on you!
Please send our regards to Jumbo & Kreik and give those kids a hug for us!!
Christine, thankyou for providing what God’s children need. Do not get discouraged, the difference you are making now is tremendous, and all will be shown to you someday when you see Jesus.
Love ya kid.
Chris, keep loving those people for Jesus. I am proud of you and your wonderful heart and smile :)Can’t wait to hear first hand where God is leading you.
PS: Avoid Air Hockey 🙂
Chris,
You are in our prayers for strength and direction. It is awesome to be involved with what God is doing around the world. Somehow, the choir is managing in your absence!
Mike
Just keep making yourself available for whatever the Lord assigns. Be flexible,eager and willing to do the less desirable tasks and you will please Him and experience joy beyond your wildest dreams.
I love you girl.
Dear Christine,
I am praying for your health and spiritual focus. I cried when you said that you got to actually name a baby. That is a deep honor that I have perhaps never heard of in the U.S. – a non-parent naming someone else’s baby. Let the Lord be the one who leads, not your emotions. Though He will often use those emotions to point you in the direction of His leading, let it be a matter of your personal prayer and waiting (which requires time) on the Lord.
Bob
Great to read about what is going on with you there in Swaziland. I hope the Lord brings a focus to your vision for yourself there.
Blessings to you Christine-
God will continue to pave the way for you. We are keeping you deep in prayer. Miss you!
In Him, with much love-
The Kellerman’s
Hi Christine! As someone who has experienced the feeling of children tugging on them for affection (both as a missionary in Romania, and as a Nanny here in the US!), I know how heart-wrenching and at the same time heart-warming that can be. Let God be your strength and let Him work and speak through you as you minister to the people in Swaziland. Those children and their families will never be the same because of the love- and the love of God- that you have shown them. Be blessed, my friend, and know that you are prayed for!
love, Aimee
How great to hear how you are being changed while being down in South Africa. May you be changed into Christ each and every day as you are transfused with his blood and passion and may you be like John the Baptist who said,”Let Christ increase and you decrease.” Looking forward to hearing your stories when you return. Peace, In Him Scott
WOW sounds as though God is using you to reach out to these children and hug them with a heavenly touch….what an amazing honour to be used in this way! Praying as your out there God is blessin you too and guiding you in the direction he wants you to go…..Jer 29v11-13 read v13 as many just read v11 but God makes an amazin promise in v13 too :o) Look forward to hearing your stories love from clare xx
so much need,so little you.. Im praying
God makes your path clear. Im really looking forward to your safe return to hear all the details.Besides,I do miss you. See you soon, love mom
Wow I can only imagine the way you feel right now in the midst of such a deep and real need there. I will continue to pray for God to lead you in discerning where you can be used by Him the most. I am so proud of you sis, and slightly envious because I want to be there too! 🙂 Love you!
Christine, I am so proud of you and your willingness to do The Lords work…no matter the cost…I will continue to pray for your guidance and direction as well as the needs of the people there….See you soon, big sissy!!! I love you.
Sawubona Sisi—
I am going back and reading your old posts so I can get to know you better and get a feel for how God moved in your life to get you to Swaziland. In case I’ve not shared, I lived there in the 80’s as a single missionary. My husband and I are praying about moving over there full-time with our kids in a few years when he retires so I’m especially interested in seeing how God revealed Himself to others as they sought His will.
Sala Kahle,
Elysa Thandeka Lom Kuhlu Dlamini MacLellan
(Whew…that’s long!)
We are proud of you, Christine, and you remain in our prayers. Keep doing Kingdom Work!
Greetings Christine,
I am so encouraged by your mission trip. I am praying for you safety and strength.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15
Kristine
Praise The Lord. Greetings from Arizona. It is such a joy to hear how God is using you in Swaziland. It is amazing how The Lord will use us if we are willing. We are praying that He’ll keep you safe and in the palm of His hand. Look forward to hearing from you when you return. God Bless!