Over the river and through the woods, with the translators' help we go

Hello! This time it really feels like we have done a TON since the last post. Because we have! Here is the cliff notes version(take a deep breath folks, this could be one long sentence): Last Wednesday we had Bible study at the waterfall in Sibebe again. We enjoyed seeing the kids two weeks in a row. After that we welcomed the team from First Baptist Washington. The new faces, fresh off the plane…I don’t know if fresh is the right word to use…you get it though. Just to initiate them well we went to Ngowane on Thursday for children, youth and adult Bible study. We had at least 200 children and 40 adults. Before Bible study we split into groups with one translator in each and traveled over the river and through the woods to homesteads. We greeted each homestead, talked about life and asked them questions about their beliefs. We had a wide range of conversations within the group. They were anywhere from the importance of education, to Zionism, to people receiving Christ. What better way to dive in! The Swazi people are incredibly welcoming and stop everything to sit down and talk. It’s just another way life is different here. There is ALWAYS time for interruption. Friday, we traveled to Hawane(the windy “city” in Swaziland). Hunter and I taught adults while the rest of the team taught children. Saturday, half of the team piled in the car to do homestead visits in Lesibovu while the others waited at the mission house for the arrival of 648 healthcare buckets. They were planning on unloading them but the buckets never came. So we all met up for lunch and another Bible study at Lesibovu. We enjoyed time playing ‘jump the creek’, taking pictures, teaching the youth translators how to do the electric slide, and just spending time together. The few days we have left is starting to sink in so we are soaking up every moment we can. Sunday, half the group attended Peace Baptist church, while the others climbed the mountain to Ntisntsa Baptist. Simanga made a surprise visit in the afternoon. We drank tea and taught him to play a card game. We had our first revival service Sunday night. Although cold, it was encouraging to sing, hear a message and spend more time together with the Swazis. I don’t think that will ever get old. As for now, every moment among these new friends is worth soaking up and later we will talk about the impending plane ride at the end of the week.

We only have two more days of ministry left including two revivals and are very excited about already seeing 5 people come to Christ through homestead visits. We will soon talk to you from the same side of the ocean!

Until the whole world hears,

Katy

The Day and Hour Unknown (Mark 13:32-37)

Over the last few weeks, Katy and I have had the incredible opportunity to share some of our experiences with you through this blog. We have been able to keep you updated on people we have seen, things we have done, and the way we have seen God at work. It has been such a blessing to do this. However, sometimes it is really hard to put into words what we really see and feel with our hearts each day. There is so much to process and not very much time to sit and do just that. Thankfully, over the last few days we have had some down time and have been able to talk through some things happening in Swaziland.

First of all, God is answering prayers in a major way. Currently, there are three International Mission Board (IMB) families in Swaziland. There are six college students living in two rural areas for two months sharing the message of True Love Waits. There are four more college students spending six months in two more areas of Swaziland doing the same thing. Today, a team of twelve arrives from First Baptist Washington to serve for two weeks in the rural areas around the capital city of Mbabane. God is bringing workers to Swaziland, and it is such a blessing to see Him at work in this way.

Swaziland continues to have the highest HIV rate in the world with the most recent percentage being around 30% based off of a self-reported survey. The average life expectancy hangs around 32 years old for both men and women. The orphan population continues to rise as the overall population of Swaziland is declining. This African nation is so engulfed in cultural traditions and practices that changes have to come from within. We can only present the Truth and trust God to work in the hearts of those who hear the Message. Polygamy, ancestor worship, traditional healers, and lack of infrastructure, education, and medical care continue to add to the HIV crisis. The Bible based abstinence program called True Love Waits is essential to this nation, and God is bringing the workers. The Swazi youth and church leaders are being trained to take this message to their communities and are doing such a great job. However, they continue to battle their culture every single day and the temptation is just too much for so many. Please continue to pray for the Swazi people- that their eyes are opened to what is happening in their nation and why it is happening. Pray for the church and youth leaders- that they live out Romans 12:1-2 and do not conform to their culture.

In Swaziland, Zionism is the major religion. It is basically a mix of Christianity, ancestor worship, and witchcraft. If asked, these people will call themselves Christians, but they have no idea who Jesus is or what He has done for them. Over the last three weeks, we have several opportunities to ask several Zionists what they believe about Jesus. Almost every time, they respond, “We know Jesus is coming back.” They are often referring to the movement last month that followed the American preacher who declared Jesus was coming back on May 21 (and now his new October date). However, this opens an amazing door for us to talk about Jesus with them.

In general, talking about Jesus coming back leads us in two directions with the Swazi people. For the Zionists and other non-believers, we share with them about who Jesus is, about God’s love for us, and explain their need for a Savior. With a life expectancy of 32 years, the urgency is obvious. However, God has also been speaking to me about the urgency for everyone to know Jesus, whether they live in Africa or not. The Bible tells us Jesus is coming back, and there is no way for us to know when it will be or where we will be when He does. My prayer is that we all feel this urgency for our friends, family, neighbors, and people across the ocean who do not know Him. We are ALL called to share the gospel, and there are people all around us who need a Savior. They are searching for love, joy, peace, and satisfaction in all the wrong places. In Africa, they often consult witchdoctors or their ancestors for these answers. In America, they search for this satisfaction in money, jobs, or relationships just to name a few. These things will ultimately not fulfill or satisfy. Jesus is the One they are searching for, the Living Water and Bread of Life.

For believers, the message of Jesus coming back means a few different things. First, it gives us urgency to share the gospel like I just mentioned. Secondly, it sets a challenge before us to live a lifestyle worthy of the gospel we have received. Katy and I have been sharing this message with several Bible study groups. We have been setting the challenge before them to seek Jesus with all of their hearts, to spend time with Him, to live pure and holy lives, to serve wholeheartedly, and to love others more than themselves. Jesus returning sets these challenges before us, but it is also incredible news: Jesus coming back means eternity with Him. What a reason to celebrate! John 14:6 tells us that He is the only way to the Father. We continue to tell the Swazi people they don’t have to pray to this person and this thing and Jesus. All anyone needs is Jesus. Christianity isn’t a list of rules to follow, but a relationship with a Father who loves us.

There is such a hunger for the Message here. Last Thursday, we had over 180 at a Bible study (150 kids and 30 adults). This is a new work area and for the last few weeks, Steve had been compiling a list of people in the adult study who had requested a Bible. We ran out of Bibles and the funds have been depleted to purchase them. It could be weeks or months before we can get a Bible in their hands. People long to know more about Jesus, and we have the ability and tools to share. The question is are we doing that? Are we taking every opportunity in our daily lives to love others like our Father loves us? Are we living our lives worthy of the calling we have received? And are we taking the gospel to our family, our friends, and to the ends of the earth? He is coming back. What does this mean for you, personally?

Serving Him with you,
Hunter

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..." -1 Peter 3:15

Coffee and Hawane...good for the soul

Whew...It feels like we've done a lot since our last post! It's probably no more than normal, just feels like a lot. On Friday we taught an adult Bible Study at Hawane. We loved being able to spend time with such a faithful bunch of believers. During Bible study everyone lays one thing they brought onto a table and picks something else up to take home. These women will tell you it is so no one is ever in need when the need could be filled. They are looking to model the church we see in Acts 2.

Saturday was FULL of Lacie Allen's birthday fun, cake and a jumpy slide(yes, we did want to go down it. No, we didn't actually go down it)! We played at her party and watched a birthday movie with her. It was tons of fun. Sunday we returned to Hawane for church. The church was PACKED! We were able to see many of the women from Friday and our friends from the Youth Leaders Retreat. They are a lively congregation and welcoming to all. We were so glad to be back with them.

In order to be able to return to the States without any problems, we had to leave the country for a day so we won't over stay our passport stamps! So, Monday we headed to South Africa for a get-away and some lunch at a delicious coffee shop. BEST CUP OF COFFEE EVER:) Katy wanted to dance by the table she was so excited. We also went to dinner back in Swaziland with the Steve and Monica Allen which we definitely enjoyed. We feel like new people:)

Tuesday we spent the morning at the Baylor clinic in Mbabane. They treat children with HIV and their families. We shadowed two different doctors and saw a few patients. One little girl was very sick. She has stage 4 HIV(AIDS), skin cancer and TB. She was having all sorts of medicine and dosage confusion. We saw children with pneumonia and a woman who was finally getting better from a long spell of seizures. It was definitely an interesting morning.

The team from FBC Washington gets into South Africa today and drives to Swaziland tomorrow. We will meet them after the Bible study at Sibebe tomorrow afternoon. We're excited to see them and so is Swaziland!

Thank you for praying and keeping up. It means a lot to us both!
Until the whole world hears,
Katy and Hunter

WHAT??!!!

KATY GOT A JOB!!
((x 2!!)) Soooooo as many of you know, Katy moved to North Carolina the week before we left for Swaziland. While we have been in Africa, she has been offered a position at First Presbyterian Church in Washington as part-time youth director. She will also be working with Campus Crusade for Christ in eastern NC at various college campuses. It is so awesome to see God at work all around us, whether it is here in Swaziland or back home in North Carolina. This is another testimony to His faithfulness. Siyabonga kakhulu, Nkulunkulu.

Until the whole world hears,
Hunter

There's a fire on the mountain...

Hello to our friends and family! It has been a few days since we have been able to update our blog, but we hope you have enjoyed the pictures in the meantime. We are doing well and loving life here in Swaziland. The weather has been cooler this week. In fact, I am currently sitting by the fire drinking hot tea (that's just for you, Mom). Speaking of fire, it is the dry season, so fires are a common sight these days. Today, we had one on our mountain that had to be contained by the fire department.

On Sunday, Monica was in Johannesburg with Lacie (who is turning 7 tomorrow) for an international gymnastics competition, and Steve, Nathan (3), Katy and I went to Nstinsta for church. Monica calls this the "climb every mountain" church, and now Katy and I know why. After we traveled as far as the truck would allow (and probably a little farther), we hiked the last part to church. The attendance was a little less than usual because there was a community meeting, but we still had a wonderful service. When the team from First Baptist is here next week, we will be doing some Bible Studies here, so it was good to start making connections.

On Monday, Katy and I spent the day catching up on things around the house, uploading pictures, writing Bible Studies, and just having some much needed down time. We went into town with Monica, ran some errands, and spent the evening at the Allen's playing cards with the kids and visiting with Steve and Monica. On Tuesday, we were anxiously awaiting a container filled with 648 5-gallon buckets that contain medical supplies for HIV+ Swazis. However, the container never came, and it will be another few weeks before all the paperwork can be finalized. The 6 True Love Waits (TLW) summer missionaries came over for a while with Mr. Wayne, because they were with the head of TLW International, who was in Swaziland for 4 days. In the afternoon, we all headed to Manzini for a TLW Gathering. It gave the Swazis an opportunity to share testimonies and celebrate what God is doing through this ministry. Katy and I were able to see several of our friends and visit during the tea/dessert time. We were also able to do some souvenir shopping while we were in Manzini, which was a lot of fun.

On Wednesday, we went with Steve, Monica and Gogo Shandu to the Mbabane Government Hospital to visit Babe Mkhonta (Simanga's grandfather), who had surgery on Tuesday. He was doing very well and was actually discharged a few hours later. After visiting with him, we walked through the hospital and saw the children's ward. Most of the children in the hospital are admitted for burns from a fire, broken bones after being hit by a car, or dehydration. This was the first time Katy had been to the hospital, so I will let her tell you about her experience individually. However, we can both say that it was extremely heartbreaking. In the afternoon, we went to Sibebe with Gogo Shandu and taught a children's Bible Study. She faithfully teaches the study each week, because there is not a church in this area. Bible Study is held on rocks overlooking a waterfall and can consist of anywhere between 10 and 25 children. When we got back to the house, the 4 Hands On missionaries were there with Mr. Wayne. He had picked them up from the airport when he dropped off the TLW International staff. These 4 girls will be in Swaziland for 6 months as part of their degree. Two will be living in Mbabane in the house where Katy and I are staying and two will live in Tshaneni close to the Myers. We all went out to eat and spent some time visiting and getting to know each other.

Today, we had orientation with the 4 new missionaries. This afternoon, Steve, Gogo, Katy and I headed to the new work area (Ngowane) for Bible Study. We picked up a few ladies and our translators from Hawane and drove another hour and a half. This new work area is in the same part of Swaziland where a lot of the witchdoctors from all over Africa are trained. There is a lot of spiritual warfare in this area, but people are hungry for the gospel. Katy and I saw this firsthand today. She taught the children's Bible Study and had over 150 kids. I taught the adults and had over 30. God is doing some incredible work in Swaziland, and it is a blessing to be a part of it. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

Love, Hunter
Ephesians 4:1-6

These are a few of my favorite things...

Katy's Kodak:)

Enjoy some of my favorite pictures so far!

Celebrity in Swaziland?

Greetings from Mbabane, our home until we head back to the states. We have basically seen the whole country in the last 4 days. Lots of traveling. Lots of people. Lots of games. Lots of fun! On Thursday we traveled to the Shiselweni region (in the southern part of the country). We managed to stop by the Manzini market and pick up some souvenirs.

After that we picked up the three summer missionary girls and several Swazi friends and went to Maloma for a youth Bible study. The whole group played "rugby" which is ultimate frisbee with a soccer ball. Yes, we did try to play defense against the over 6ft tall athletic Swazi youth:) The sunset was beautiful and we had a blast. Friday was full of more traveling to see the three missionary guys, greet several families and teach by flashlight another youth Bible study in Thunzini. We were sad to say bye to several of our friends since we will now be in Mbabane for the remainder of the trip.

Now comes the good part...
Hunter and I tagged along with the guys as they set up an appointment at a school for a presentation. While they were talking with the headmaster, Hunter and I were recruited by a teacher to greet his class. He originally wanted us to teach his class...we kindly turned the offer down and said we would come say hi. He wanted them to hear our english accent to see if they would understand it:) We walked into a class of probably 50 students wide-eyed as if they hadn't seen white people before (many of them probably haven't). We told them we were from America and they went CRAZY! They screamed and shouted and clapped. The students had never met Americans. We asked if they had questions for us and found out all they wanted was to shake our hands...like we were important... so we shook everyone's hand and gave a few a hug. They asked about President Obama and the buildings in America. This happened in two different classrooms. That was a new experience to say the least.

Today we traveled from Nhlangano to Manzini where we spent the morning with Deborah Hoskins, one of the IMB missionaries. Then we were collected(as the Swazi's say) by Steve Allen, one quarter of our host family for the rest of our time here. We scrunched into the Bakkie with several friends and translators and drove to Lesibovu (if you are wondering, it is across the river with no bridge...). Hunter taught the adult/youth Bible study, while Katy taught the children. Since the last time Hunter was there the Bible study has grown into a church and the church is working to build it's own structure. Two of the youth leaders from other areas (Thokozani and Ntombi) have taken initiative to come out each week to lead the children/youth. God has done an amazing work among the people and we enjoyed being a part of it for a day.

Thank you for keeping up with us and remembering us in your prayers.

In Him,
Katy and Hunter

Where else can you pet a zebra, have monkeys in your backyard, and teach by candlelight in your socks all on the same day?

Greetings from Tshaneni, Swaziland! Katy and I have been all over the country this week and will continue to travel even more. On Monday alone, we were in all four regions of Swaziland. Monday morning, we left Mbabane and headed to Nhlangano to take the six True Love Waits summer missionaries to their homesteads. We ate at KFC for lunch (yes, Swaziland has a KFC), and I introduced Katy to ice cream here- which tastes like birthday cake for the record. After lunch, Mr. Wayne Myers and Deborah Hoskins took the summer missionaries out to the rural area where they will be staying, and Monica Allen took Katy and me to Simanga’s homestead. As some of you know, Simanga and I have been friends for years and his grandparents have been so special to First Baptist Washington, so it was really good to see them. We spent the afternoon visiting with Simanga and his family and several of the youth from Thunzini Baptist Church came over as well. Make Mkhonta (Simanga’s grandmother) fixed us a traditional Swazi meal before Mr. Wayne came to pick us up.

Yesterday, we went to a high school to set up plans to speak at the morning assembly on Wednesday (this morning). In the afternoon, Mr. Wayne had his weekly TEE class at Mafucula (not to be confused with Macethuka), so he dropped Katy and me off near a school and we spent some time with the local children. We played games with them and taught them a Bible Story. There was not a translator for us, so that added an extra challenge. :) We were also able to have some good conversations with several of the youth from that area. We attracted a lot of attention. Still not too sure why…

This morning, we spoke at Lomahasha High School, which is close to the Mozambique border. There were around 400 students at the morning assembly. I gave my testimony, and Katy shared a brief lesson. We spent a few hours this afternoon driving through Mananga Game Park. We were able to see several giraffe, zebra, warthogs, impala, monkeys, and even saw a jackal. Also, the Mananga Country Club has a zebra (named Mr. Hobbs) that we were able to pet. Tonight, we had a Wednesday night service at Vuvulane Baptist Church. I briefly shared a lesson by candlelight in the homestead where the church meets each week.

We are headed back down to Nhlangano tomorrow and will do several Bible Studies in the surrounding areas over the next two days. On Saturday, we will travel back to Mbabane where we will be for the remainder of our trip. Thanks again for remembering us in your prayers.

Love, Hunter