Welcome Back!

Hello all my friends and family, I haven’t forgotten you! I’m so happy to be able to reach out after a few weeks of silence to send out some much needed updates! I have been in Eswatini for about 3 weeks and will remain for another 2ish weeks.

Much has happened during my time in Swazi but I will highlight a few key moments!

Friday 24th: My team and I travelled from Nsoko Swaziland (where our ministry base is) to Manzini (where the boys’ ministry base is). We reunited as a whole squad and joined on a Swazi staff outreach and prayer day. Walking the streets of Manzini, mixed up groups of racers and Swazi staff shared the Gospel, prayed over people and listened to various people’s stories. My group landed at an outdoor lounge area where we table hopped, having meaningful conversations. I met one younger man, named Ngiyabonga (which means “thank you” in Seswati). I chatted with Him the whole time. We talked about his life, we talked about my life, we talked about Jesus, we talked about America, we talked about skin color, religion and poverty. In a simple conversation I shared the Gospel in new ways.

The Holy Spirit pressed on me to speak on Ngiyabonga’s desire to observe of the world (Ngiyabonga is the kind of person to understand different opinions and learn new things by watching and listening to those around him intently). I encouraged him to look intently for God and the way He is moving in others, in nature and in life. He might just be surprised what he finds.

At the end of our conversation I asked Ngiyabonga if he had any suggestions for me or any areas he saw for growth in me. After some deliberation, he gave me the encouragement to do good things without expecting anything at all in return. He reminded me that doing the right thing and giving what I have for the benefit of others should not have any other agenda but for the sake of love (love being Jesus.)

What a sweet and needed reminder for me!

Random days at the “Anchor Center” Care Point: The kids at the care point are preparing for a Christmas party which will include a Nativity skit. I showed energy to organize the rehearsals through teaching lines and creating on the spot movements and in doing so, have been officially defaulted at play director. I love every moment!

Saturday 25th: The whole squad got together to go on a safari ride in hopes of seeing the “Big 5.” I rode beside Tony and Luke on this fun adventure during our weekly Adventure Day! We saw sleeping lions, roaming rhino, elephants eating, giraffes grazing, kudu observing us, as well as some other animals I don’t know the names for. I need not mention antelopes because those are wander around everywhere by the sides of the roads alike to little wild monkeys.

Friday 31st- Sunday 2nd: We as a squad are currently on a “Visa run” in St Lucia, Africa. We are here to renew legal time to return to Swaziland for ministry. Our time in St Lucia has been a unique experience and extremely precious. We have had the opportunity to go to the ocean- the Indian ocean! Don’t forget that St Lucia is home of roaming hippos! (Hence our 7 o’clock curfew 😉

Please be praying about:

• Thank the Lord for the unity in Spirit among the squad!
• Praise the Lord for the ways He is patiently teaching me to live on mission-speaking the name of Jesus wherever I go and to whomever I meet!

Thank you for all of your prayers and love! To testify to the power of prayer: For the first few weeks in Swazi I could not comprehend why I felt little worry or stress in such a new and challenging environment. It then occurred to me that I had an army of praying people behind me asking for peace and protection! Thank you.

I look forward to sharing more stories and testimonies once connection permits!

With affection,

Lia.