June 15: My time in Tshaneni is winding down, but it has been a great week filled with some new experiences. My good friends Mpilo and Mpumelelo, along with Babe (Mr.) Vilane, taught me how to do things like mix cement, lay concrete blocks, and build the foundation of a church structure. We had a lot of fun but true heart confession- I am sore!!! I have included a few pictures of what the Vuvulane Baptist Church structure looks like now. These guys truly amazed me throughout the week. They handmade half of the tools we used, worked the whole time without pay, and had fun doing it. Seeing these men come from across the country to help build their sister church was a beautiful picture of the body of Christ.
Mpilo climbing out of the 6.5 foot toilet pit that was dug by the guys
Before leaving on Tuesday
After finishing work on Wednesday
We spent all day on Tuesday and Wednesday working on the church. Wednesday night, we had a prayer meeting, and I had the opportunity to lead the devotion time. Yesterday, we took the guys from the Shiselweni region to the bus rank in Manzini so they could head home. We will be joining them tomorrow for revivals with the team. Mr. Wayne, Mrs. Barbara and I ran errands which included a trip to the embassy. That was the first time I had been! We also looked at a new bakkie for the Myers, picked up some paperwork, and then went shopping in Mbabane. While we were in Mbabane, we ran into the four summer missionary girls with Thokozani. They had just been to a school and made an appointment to do the True Love Waits presentation tomorrow. I think they have already presented several times and seem to be doing very well. This week, the teachers in Swaziland were on strike, so it has allowed them to have more time in the classrooms than normal. We also saw the evidence of the strike driving through Manzini because of the increased presence of police and security.
Wednesday night prayer service with my new little buddy, Fezo :)
(who was carrying my bag for me)
Our next stop was a nice restaurant to meet up with the Allens and Hoskins. The Myers had not met Steve's brother and nephew so they were able to do that. I was glad to have the opportunity to visit with Monica and the kids some before the team arrives. Steve will take his brother, Michael, and nephew, Jared, to the airport today and collect my dad's team tonight. Tomorrow, Mr. Wayne and I will head to the Shiselweni region and meet the team at the border somewhere to do a trade off with Steve. We will begin revival services tomorrow night at Thunzini and New Hope.
At this point, I am definitely realizing my time is more than halfway finished. I am really looking forward to being in the Shiselweni region as some of my first and oldest friends in Swaziland live there. Dad is also excited about being in this area since it was where he spent his time during his first 4 or 5 trips. This will be my dad's 10th trip to Swaziland over the last 15 years. We are both thrilled for my mom and brother to see the place and meet the people that have become part of our lives, hearts, and everyday conversation. Definitely an answered prayer and a blessing to have this opportunity.
Each time I am here, God teaches me so much about Himself, and He opens my eyes to new things. Over the past three weeks, I have constantly been reminded of why I am in medical school. I have been encouraged by my friends and the hearts of the people in Swaziland. I have seen growth within the youth and the churches and have been blessed to have the opportunity to join His work here. It's incredible to see new Bible Studies and new churches beginning and to be reminded of what hunger for the Word looks like. In the midst of poverty and the HIV crisis, these people have a desperate and urgent need for Christ. My heart aches for this kingdom as I physically see the consequences of their lifestyle choices. I ask you to join me in prayer for the Swazi youth. Pray for conviction as so many of them are sexually active even though they know Scripture and know the threat of HIV. Pray for husbands and wives to stay faithful to each other, and pray that sexual abuse is no longer seen as normal. This nation literally needs a miracle. This morning I am thankful that our God is bigger than the problems that we face. Pray that the Swazis turn to Him and not their ancestors and witchdoctors for answers and for the hope that they so desperately need.
In Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine...
Hunter
PS- As a side note, I've also learned what a precious blessing it is to have access to water. A week with no running water and hauling water to use for construction has taught me a lot.
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