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
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