Just over a month ago we returned from our latest trip to Swaziland. When I watched the highlight video in our Worship Service on Sunday, my mind was flooded with thoughts and good memories.
The children at our CarePoint are well loved.
The discipleship team (the “D-Team”) represents Christ with honor, truly loving and caring for the children entrusted to them. Our kids in Mpholi are specifically cared for by Bheki (B-eh-g-ee) and Londiwe (Lon-dee-way). Bheki is a passionate young man who serves as an associate pastor at his church in addition to working with his assigned CarePoints. Londiwe is a devout woman with a tremendous heart to influence young girls with the gospel and see them embrace Christ as Lord of their life. Both Bheki and Londiwe embody the spirit of our Lord and like Jesus choose not to be served, but to serve and minister to others.
The children at our CarePoint have shelter.
When the CarePoint began in 2006, there was nothing more than a roof over a fire pit. Any bad weather resulted in the daily meal being cancelled. It was a rudimentary set-up outside of a kind man’s home. When we began partnering with Children’s HopeChest, to minister to the kids of Mpholi, we immediately started praying for how we might provide a little more permanence to the CarePoint. Through the faithful support of enthusiastic individuals, our CarePoint has a kitchen/classroom structure and a large shelter. Rain or shine, children can be fed now, both physically and spiritually!
The children at our CarePoint face tremendous challenges.
Swaziland has the highest rate of HIV infection in the world. They are dealing with a widespread tuberculosis epidemic. The average life expectancy is the 31 years – the world’s lowest – some 6 years younger than Angola the country with the next lowest average life expectancy. Education is expensive and employment opportunities are limited. The nation is dying from the inside out. The road ahead is difficult for the children of Mpholi.
The children at our CarePoint are joyful.
Despite heartache, hunger and an uncertain future, these children possess a joy that humbles and convicts me. They are a profound example of not being “anxious” and they certainly had a greater impact on us than we did on them. They sing. They laugh. They play games. They are kids. In Swaziland, it’s obvious that “one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). While they certainly have great needs, what they don’t need is joy. That they have running over.
