Ground Conditions
Perhaps you heard fleeting news about the rioting, looting, and burning rocking the country of South Africa last month. Less likely, but still possible, you might have heard about the violent political protests and the ensuing brutal governmental response in the smaller country of Swatini. These events were much more than a blip on our personal radars; we got daily frantic reports from our ministry partners and many friends in these two nations.
How would you respond to loved ones sending countless terrified messages such as these? “I can hear the bullets so we are just staying inside our home and praying,” “They are burning outside our home; I am afraid,” and “We can no longer get food because our food supply chain has been cut off; I do not know how I am going to feed my children.”
Response
I wanted with all my heart to tell them that things would be okay, but I knew that would be a platitude. There was a very real possibility that they would go hungry or even be killed. The Lord spoke clearly to my heart that I must encourage them in the only certainty — their eternal inheritance in Him.
One of those who took God’s message to heart was our beloved Ncamsile. She resolved that a countrywide uprising was not going to get in her way of leading women to pray. During the weeks when any civilians gathered together were considered a threat and thus a potential target for the bullets of the army or police, she led a group of determined women in a Moms in Prayer conference, steadfastly praying for their children’s eternal inheritance.
Faithfulness
In spite of all the hard things transpiring, God continues to show Himself faithful to widows and orphans as shared by one of our ministry partners: “This month we visited a school at Tekatakho; as always the conditions and the situation were heartbreaking. We donated sanitary pads, shoes, socks, masks and face cloths to the learners, but what touched us most were twin girls. They were wearing skirts with torn zippers and no underwear. We were able to buy both skirts and underwear.”
Most importantly, all our ministry partners continue to share with those we bless materially with the far more important message of the inheritance they can have with Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior
Covid
There are so many powerful stories. For the 16th month in a row, we have been able to feed between 30-45 families who are devasted by the economic repercussions of COVID and now civil strife. Here is just one of the reports: “Sisy wami” [my sister] saw us giving food parcels and she came running to us and said please can I have some food. It had been two days and she didn’t know what to give her children and grandchildren things are so tough. When we gave her the food, she really was thankful with smiles on her face. Siyanithanda. [“Thank you. We love you.”]
The need is greater than ever. God willing, a small team of us will travel to both nations to encourage, equip, and exhort our brothers and sisters there, to distribute gifts, to visit all our projects and project partners, and always, always, to share the Gospel with those who are perishing. You see, according to 1 Peter 2:9, “…we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” It is our duty and delight to fulfill our calling as priests proclaiming God!
With the ever-changing regulations due to COVID, we may or may not be allowed to go, the obstacles there could still be many. But we truly have nothing to worry about. As His chosen vessels, the Lord Himself is our inheritance according to Deuteronomy 18:2.
Needs Met
The Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent Creator of all the Universe, the perfectly good, holy, wise, loving, gracious, merciful, just, compassionate, eternal God of all peace, joy, patience, kindness, provision, healing, deliverance, and resurrection power is our inheritance! Because we choose Him, we have eternity with ALL our needs met and everlasting life through the Lord Jesus Christ!
“Sharing the Love of the Lord With the People of Southern Africa”
[Kay West, wife, mother and writer, serves with her husband as missionaries in southern Africa through Swaziserve, which they founded. She also serves as ministry liaison for Mom’s in Prayer International. She shares her qualification for these works comes only through Jesus’ words found in Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” You can find out more about her life at, Singing for Joy. Contact: kwest@swaziserve.com]
Life Thoughts Today 