Sorry for the late update. My squad and I have been in eSwatini for 3 weeks now. The service here is scares.
Ministry in eSwatini has consist of ATL in Manzini, prayer walks in a low income community. Bible study with the caretakers who volunteer at the care point in Lesibovu eSwatini. Care points are places where kids come and play and get a meal. At the care point place my squad and I get to hangout and play with the kids. We also get to serve them food.
At the care point there are approximately 200-250 kids that come. If I am honest I would have to say this ministry brings both joy and sadness. It brings so much joy because those kids seem so happy all the time. Especially when they see us come. They don’t have much activities or equipment to play with. The boys usually play soccer and the girls play on the playground, or just sit with us. We sometimes dance with them. For most of them, they just need that presence and physical touch love that most of them don’t receive at home. Sadness also comes because it bring out some memories from when I use to be in the orphanage. Seeing the kids in ripped clothing; racing to get the burnt part/ scraping the pot for any little scrapes that was left because some of them starve before going to bed. For some, this is the only meal they get. Also, some of the kids live with family members that are alcoholics and they have been physically harmed by their caretakers. All these things break my heart.
After seeing all this, I am reminded how God has kept me alive today. I also recalled people (maybe missionaries) coming to my orphanage and brought stuff to us and we were all excited. The opportunity to be on the other side as a missionary to give; even just our presence is a rewarding and humbling experience that He has allowed me. Yet it is rewarding, I still have those thoughts of wanting to do and give more. But it is a challenge. “Jesus said, ‘let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such these.’” Matthew 19:14
please pray for
-growth in relation with the kids.
-energy and patience with kids.
-kids to have hope, peace, joy, comfort and love.
-healthy and safety for my squad and the kids.
Peace out,
Yu-Mei
Love ❤️ this blog. Your ability to relate to what the children are going through is powerful. Thank-you for all you are doing!!!
It made us happy to find your blog post and hear news of your ministry in eSwatini! We love and miss you! May God bless you and keep you safe as you continue your missionary adventure! Love, Margie
I can only imagine what memories seeing those kids brings up for you! When present day stuff brings up our past unresolved issues, I take it to mean that God wants healing for you at a deeper level – to deal with both the past and present day pain at the same time. Praying for some time with God to work through this!
Dear God, Please help Yu-Mei see the tender side of You and know that the difficulties she has suffered and the challenges these kids face serve a purpose for her and their ultimate good and for Your glory that will only be understood when we fully enter eternity.
Help her feel Your love and compassion for all of the people in the world no matter where they are or what their circumstances are.
Please bring Your kingdom to this earth! We need it so desperately!
Help Yu-Mei accept that she is truly doing all she can do, and if there is more, please reveal it to her. In Jesus’ name, Amen