Africa – just the name brings all kinds of thoughts and images to mind. It’s funny how all those things you think change once you are able to see for yourself. I had no idea what to expect on this trip to Swaziland, and deep down I enjoyed not having any expectations and being able to just follow God’s lead. My initial thought was that three days of ministry is not very long. However, Scripture tells us of a beautiful story of what happened in just three days.
Each day, we spent a few hours with the children at the Care Points and the other half of the day visiting homes in smaller groups. Amanda and I were split into separate groups, and my group met with a lady named Nonshlanhla. As we walked up to the small cluster of huts where she lived, she made her way out hobbling with a cane. She not only had tuberculosis, but a stroke had impaired the right side of her body, basically crippling her. They pulled out the woven mats for us to sit in the shade. We spent a few hours just getting to know Nonshlanhla, who was very shy and reserved. She shared that her favorite Scripture was John 14, which talks about the place He has prepared for us. The first day we prayed for her, and she told us that she felt sorrow in her heart, which really burdened me. The next day we brought her some food, medicine, and toys for the grandchildren. We sat under a shade tree and just talked. The third day was special. One of the ladies asked for Nonshlanhla’s testimony and she shared about an experience in church. A few questions later, she expressed that she was not certain of her salvation. We prayed with her but she still felt sorrow in her heart. She explained the sorrow was from the sins of her past. Praise God we know who can forgive all sins from our past, and after another prayer Nonshlanhla said, “The sorrow is gone.” I cannot think of a more earnest prayer I have prayed than for God to save this woman, and He was faithful. She led us in a song in Siswati (native language). It is amazing how you can sing anything to praise Him when the Spirit is present. Before we left, I asked God to let me know she really knew Him. I’ll never forget the smile on her face that was not there days before. Joy, the fruit of the Spirit, replaced her sorrow. Now, Nonshlanhla is what I think of when I think of Africa.
