Getting Settled

Yesterday, Saturday, September 6th the Kingdom of Swaziland recognized it's 40th year of Independence from Great Britain and the 40th birthday of King Mswati. As the people of Swaziland celebrated their nationhood, CLC hosted its first Annual5K Run/Walk for Swaziland. More than 240 people participated in this fundraiser aimed at heightening awareness of the devasting effects that HIV/AIDS is having on the people of Swaziland. According to the latest U.N. estimates, only one in four Swazis can expect to reach the age of 40. AIDS has infected nearly 40 percent of the adults in Swaziland — the highest infection rate in the world — and has left a generation of orphans.

CLC has felt called to share the love and hope of Jesus Christ with the people of Swaziland, particularly with the orphans and widows. Earlier this year we launched our Swaziland Ministry and partnered with Pastor Kevin Ward to implement an "In Community By Community" project. The proceeds from the 5k Run/Walk for Swaziland will help fund our current Hawane CLC project.

While the race was underway here in Dayton, our 3rd Construction Team was busy visiting our church property in Swaziland and assessing the building that will become a children's home. After spending the morning at the job site, the men and Kylee visited the Cultural Village at the Mantenga Nature Reserve to gain a better understanding of the Swazi culture.

Once their visit to the Cultural Center was completed, the team headed into town to purchase necessary supplies and to buy food gifts to take with them as they visit homesteads in the coming week.

Today, Sunday, was spent honoring God! The team first attended services at the Potter's Wheel Church in Mbabane, where Kevin Ward is the Senior Pastor. Then they headed back to Hawane Farm to attend local services led by Pastor Augustin Bauteng. Pastor Augustin will lead the church at Hawane CLC once it is completed.

This afternoon, the construction team and Kylee had the opportunity to get to know some of the children currently living at Hawane Farm. Whether it was playing board games, taking a walk or playing a game of soccer, the opportunity to spend time with these wonderful children will be a blessing and will help this team understand even more the importance of doing this work.

Tomorrow will begin 5 straight days of construction work on the children's home. Please pray that God will bless the site, that He will keep our men safe and that He will provide the guidance and endurance the men need to accomplish as much as possible in the days ahead.