Yesterday Jodi and I went exploring a bit. We first went to visit one of our (further away) sponsored carepoints and then we went to look at a new carepoint with one of the local pastors. This pastor yet again saw the need and out of nothing he started this carepoint. It is a beautiful part of the country we were in, but the people are far from water, schools, stores and clinics. There are 116 homesteads in the area and there are no schools near by. The children have to walk very far to go to school, so most of them leave on Monday mornings and only come back on Fridays after school. I am not exactly sure where they stay during the week, but it is definitely not at their homes and it is not at a nice school dorm/hostel.
There is 2 volunteers at the care point cooking for 32 young ones (the ones who are not going to school). One of the volunteers also teaches the young ones to count, read, identify colors, and etch. She met us at the carepoint (we were there late in the afternoon after the kids have gone home) and she didn’t look to good. She also said that she wasn’t feeling too good, so we prayed for her and gave her some medicine.
Driving away, Jodi and I talked about the hopelessness and desperation that we could feel all around us. I even want to go as far as to say I could feel ‘death’ all around us. It made me feel frustrated and helpless, because I don’t think we can really help them at this stage. I feel so overwhelmed. We understand that the world is in economical trouble and that is why less people are giving money, but it means nothing to these kids who still go to bed hungry at night. We want to see happy kids playing, running and laughing at this care point. We have been here with a reason and we will do whatever it takes to help.
From distant St. Petersburg, Russia; it seems that Swaziland has been calling me.
I met a Swazi university student here a few weeks ago and hope connect with her and some other African university students soon.
All of you and the Swazi people are in my prayers often.
Allen
You are light in a dark place – life in the midst of death. Thanks for going to those places and feeling the pain of the people there. I know it is frustrating to not be able to do as much as the need requires, but the alternative is to bury your head in the sand and ignore it. I know you can’t do that. We have to keep pushing forward.
You are an Intercessor girl – and when you feel what they feel, healing comes… keep going, and we will find the money!!
When you see no way – God will make a way – and He will get all the glory.
Thanks for taking us on the road with you and Jodi. I pray God’s comfort for your hearts as you mourn with those who mourn. Keep truckin’ sisi. Much love and prayers.
Please know that we are praying daily, not only for you guys, but for those children. We will add the faithful sponsors and the sponsors that God will bring to our prayer list. Thank you for your love for these babies and for your sacrifice in answering His call.
I love your Spirit, Kiek! That you have the courage to explore – to go places you know are dark. Places others have long ignored or forgotten. Matthew 5: 14 You are the light of the world… Thank you for sharing the Light.
The funds will come; do not worry – Matthew 6: 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself…
When we are broken and hurting is when we are most effective. The news each of you carry to these people cannot be denied. The Kingdom will win. We already know how the game ends! I give praise tonight to our Father – He is so faithful.
Thank you for sharing this inspiring, hopeful, challenging and very real story. We are counting on you. We are all counting on you. Continue to prove us right!
I had a dream last night that people were donating CRAZY amounts to The Sound of Hope – and that one donor donated MILLIONS – I remember seeing all these zero’s in the account on the computer screen…
Lord let it be! We will continue to pray and share and tell and ask…we do not trust in the economy or even in people’s generosity, but in an ALMIGHTY GOD who rescues those in despair!
Love you guys – sending up a prayer that God will sustain you and equip you right now!!!
Thank you for what you are doing, Kriek. My family prays daily for Swaziland and we will continue to spread the word for more to be involved with praying and giving…even sacrificially so.
Love to you and all there,
Elysa