Hope is Rising…..
Wow….how fast time
flies. Our well thought out plan
has been to update our blog at least once a month and here we sit being back in
Swaziland for almost 2 months. So
sorry for the delay, but here is an update to get everyone caught up.
It has been an
interesting re-entry back to this country we love. On our first day back we were hit with all sorts of
challenges, our only vehicle broke down and our dog, Ruby, had come down with
tick bite fever. Thankfully both
are doing much better now. Not
exactly the welcome home we wanted, but we were able to take in stride.
On the bright side it
has been great to see the growth and change within the ministry. The Swaziland Leadership Academy
students are teaching full time at most of the care points now and we have a group
of disciplers that are now teaching at our newest care points. Very exciting times for our ministry
here in Swaziland. We also have had
an amazing time leading the Warren Baptist team from Augusta, Georgia. What a great group of people to serve
alongside for 9 days. We are
always amazed by their dedication and determination in helping the orphaned and
vulnerable children at their 2 Care Points (Timbutini and Ntabas). What a blessing it was to see this
team live out the scripture, James 1:27.
It has been great
getting back to the 11 Care Points we manage. To see all of the kids we have known for over 2 years is
really uplifting. For the most
part they all seem to be doing really well. It is also exciting to see all the new kids attending the Care
Point. While this may be a sign of
more children in need, it is confirmation that the ministry is reaching out to
community they serve. While
it has been great to visit with the kids and re-connect with the Pastors we
partner with, unfortunately this brings tragedies/issues up to the
surface. We have learned about a
14-year-old boy who drowned in a river near the care point he attended and two
brothers (age 8 and 6) who have been sleeping out in the forest near one of our care points because of
being severely beaten by their father. Thankfully the ministry is now aware and
is involved in helping with these situations. Unfortunately these are just 2 examples of probably
countless times it is happening within this country.
While we are not
surprised by attacks of the enemy, it still catches us off guard and quite
honestly it is a struggle to deal with at times. We do rest in the fact that we serve a God that is in
complete control and has a perfect plan.
Because of that we see hope rising in this small kingdom in the southern
part of Africa.
Please pray for…..
The staff we serve
alongside everyday
The Bomake and
children at all of our care points
The King and all
government officials who have the ability to effect change in this kingdom
Protection for our
family from any accident, sickness and/or injury
Our vehicle…that it
will continue to operate on these roads and keep us safe as we travel
Continued financial
provision for our family
We are so thankful
for your prayers and support. We
know that we would not be able to continue to do what God has called us to do
without your financial and prayer support. Thank you!!!
Blessings,
The Clyburn Family
Mark, Allison,
Madeline and Emma
