Swaziland has definitely been an adventure so far. We’re living at a small base in Nsoko. We live in a small building that has two bedrooms with bunk beds, a kitchen, and to rest rooms. The showers in the building haven’t been finished yet, so we use the one shower in the clinic, go to a Safari place down the road that has showers, or simply don’t take showers. We drive about fifteen minutes away to get groceries and use the internet. And we had actually been expecting our living conditions to be worse off. Bryan still wants to live in a hut.
The past few weeks have been spent getting settled in. I can’t believe that we’ve already been here two weeks, and that Christmas is sixteen days away. After a few days of being here we met with our ministry host, and he told us that each one of us would be over a ministry while we were here. I got the task of starting a youth group. I don’t know what in the world to do, but I take comfort in the words of a woman I love a ton when she told me, “All you have to do is find teenagers and hangout with them!” Thanks Brigette! In addition, we would be doing house visits every day as a team. Also, Bryan and I play soccer with the pro team that is part of the ministry. We’re slowly getting better, but these guys are amazing players. The girls have Women’s Bible Study twice a week.
We started going to Care Points yesterday. The kids wore me out, and it was only the first day! I think at one point I had at least five kids hanging on to me from my back and arms. They love grabbing on to our arms and having Bryan and I curl them. There are 8 Care Points that we will be visiting, and I know there will be times when we get exhausted, but I want to learn each of these kids stories and become part of their lives. Bryan is over the Care Point ministry, and he has to profile each kid so that Churches can adopt them. It is $27 per kid per month, and there is an average of 20-30 kids per Care Point. The kids come to the Care Points to be fed and have something to do. It’s the only food they’ll probably get for that day. If you or your Church is interested in supporting one, contact me or AIM, I’ll try to direct you to all the information you need.
I’m looking forward to the next five months. I know God has great plans for us here. I also know that God wants to do amazing things in us, and He has definitely been working in us the whole time. He never stops.
Just so you know, the title of this blog is me quoting the coach of the soccer team. He was talking to two of the guys on the soccer team that we arguing. After he talked to them, they shook hands and laughed.
I hope all is well wherever you find yourself in life. God Bless You! Don’t forget the reason for the season. Haha!!! That line is so corny, but true!
Jon
Hey Jon,
Good to hear from you. Being a “former” smoker – I don’t want to smoke nothing! Only kidding. I don’t want to smoke, but I do like what you’ve got going on over there. I hope many churchs and individuals will sponsor these young children. This is something that needs to be bathed in prayer.
Speaking of kids, how is your youth group coming along? You know, Bridgett is right, just find a bunch of teenagers and hang out with them. Become their friend and sooner or later you will have opportunities to witness to them.
You know God loves to do His great work through His people as He gives us a Holy boldness to we tell others about Him and what He has done for us. Stay strong my brother. I look forward to hearing about the kids in whose lives you are making a difference. God Bless you Jon. Be safe and take care.
Your brother in Christ Jesus,
John