Swazi Prayer Bytes: Jordan's Swaziland News

We have had some cold days in Swaziland this week with even having to get the fireplace going. We know that’s not what you want to hear when you are experiencing temperatures in the 100s. After telling our friend in Belton about our cold weather she said we were being cruel and I suppose she was right. So sorry you are going through another summer with extreme heat.

I (Belinda) have celebrated another birthday since you last heard from us. My special gift was a trip to Kruger National Park, a huge game reserve in South Africa. We went with missionaries Wayne and Barbara Myers and saw so much of God’s creation. We are enclosing my favorite picture of the whole trip. Also attached is Al’s favorite of an illegally parked Zebra.

We have sent pictures of roads we travel but Al thought it would be interesting to send pictures of some bridges we cross. They are interesting to say the least.

A couple of Sundays ago Al preached at the Hawane church again mainly to be involved in celebrating a send off for one of their youth who had been accepted to Swaziland University. To be accepted is a big deal and especially for a youth from that rural area. Everyone in the church is so proud of Kuseni. He has been an outstanding youth influence who has grown in the Lord and shown a humble spirit. Kuseni has gone with Al every Saturday to teach the children at Lesibovu while Al has Bible study with the youth and adults. He will be missed. At the celebration Kuseni sat at the front of the church while Al laid hands on him and prayed for him. Then anyone who had brought him a gift came to the front and laid their gift on a table. The last gift to be brought was a live chicken with its legs tied. The lady put it right in the middle of the table. At first it looked like the thing was hypnotized but then it began to squawk as someone was giving a testimony. The young man picked up the chicken and held it but then the church leader brought a plastic bag and stuck the chicken in it. That seemed to quiet her down. The great thing about the chicken gift is that it was probably the best thing the lady could afford to give. Please pray for other Swazi youth to be as committed to the Lord as Kuseni (see attached picture)

Next week the team from First Baptist Belton will start arriving to lead the National Youth Camp. Please continue praying for team members Grant and Jenna Hickman, Brett Land, Courtney Pett and Daphne Davies as they make last minute preparations. Pray for their safety and adjustment to the culture during their short time here. Pray for youth coming to camp to experience God and embrace a godly lifestyle that will literally save their lives. Most youth coming to camp are in the 15-24 year age group. 50% of Swazis in this age group are already HIV positive. Pray for us as we host the team and drive them many kilometers to the camp venue as well as show them beautiful Swaziland.

Thanks for continuing with us. You have been a blessing.
Al and Belinda

Elephants drinking water at Kruger Park