Teatime with Gogo and the Monkeys

“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, EQUIP YOU with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” –Hebrews 13:20-21

May 26, 2012 – Yesterday began with a quick trip to Make (Mrs.) Ngidi’s homestead, which is in Hawane.  There are four college students from the USA coming on Wednesday to do True Love Waits ministry this summer, and they will be staying with Make Ngidi. She had asked that we go and look at where they will be staying to make sure everything is prepared for them.  In the afternoon, Steve and I went to Peace to lead a Bible Study.  We picked up several children from another church close by (Mabelani). Even though Mabelani is close, the journey to get to Mabelani is not for the faint hearted. Consider this: Steve said that when his brother and nephew get to Swaziland in a week or so, he is going to take them to Mabelani just for the experience. Anyways, I have included a picture of the mountains on the way to Mabelani, as well as a picture of Peace Baptist Church. We had about 25 at Bible Study, mostly children. I taught out of Jonah 4. My translator for the day was man who accepted Christ last year when the First Baptist team held revivals at Peace. It was exciting to see God at work in his life and his excitement for the Lord.

Todd and Deborah Hoskins came for dinner, and I really enjoyed visiting with them. I will be staying in Manzini with the Hoskins after the Youth Leaders Retreat. They are responsible for the four summer missionaries so lots of planning on their plate right now.

This morning, I had teatime with Gogo (Gogo means grandmother in siSwati/a term of respect for an older lady) at the mission house where I am staying. Gogo Shandu actually lives in a small flat in my front yard so I enjoy seeing her every day, even when she is not translating for us. We spent over an hour planning for interviews and other things for my HIV research. While we were working, we had several monkeys from the backyard join us. They enjoyed sitting and guarding the windows. You gotta love Africa.

After lunch, Steve, Gogo and I went to Lesibovu for Bible Study. We picked up one of my friends, Thokozani, who helps lead the children’s Bible Study each week. I taught from Exodus 4, which is a story about God speaking to Moses through the burning bush. After Bible Study, we picked up another one of my friends, Kuseni, and gave him a ride to Mbabane. He had just finished exams and was heading home for winter break until August. It was good to see him. Thokozani and Kuseni both send their greetings to their friends in the states. They are very excited about the team coming, and even more excited to meet Mom and Archer. I have included a picture of the Bible Study group I taught, as well as some of the people from the church.

We stopped for a quick dinner, and I am not sitting by a wonderful fire for the second night in a row. One of my favorite things about coming to Swaziland during the winter is being able to make a fire each night. I am hoping to work on some lessons for the Youth Leaders’ Retreat since I don’t have to prepare anything for tomorrow.

I hope you are all doing well. Thanks for joining me in prayer for the Swazi people. Please be praying for the upcoming Youth Leaders’ Retreat, which is June 1 and 2. I will be leading 4-5 sessions during those two days. Pray for wisdom and for God to speak through me. Also, please be praying for the 8 interviews I have planned for this week.

Serving Him with you,

Hunter

Lamentations 3:22-23

PS- Somehow I forgot to mention some exciting news. At Peace, I received a gift from Make Mkhonta, who is my friend Jane's mom. She gave me a grass mat that she or another lady from Peace had made. I am really excited and hope I can fit it in my suitcase. It's a little smaller than some of the ones that I've seen, so there is definitely hope!! I love it! :)