Since 2003, when the Lord started speaking to us about our foreign mission projects, we have not relented in getting ourselves ready for the great challenges ahead of us. The Lord has since then be taking us from one stage of training to the other. And like the sons of Isaachar, who understood the time and season, we have come to the understanding that the time is now for us to proceed to the uttermost parts of the world, according to the injunctions of the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:8.We are by all standard prepared for the fulfillment of this great commission, for whom the Lord calls He prepares. He has been laying a great burden in our hearts to proceed to Swaziland, and other regions of South Africa.
It may interest you to note that Swaziland is a country located between Mozambique and South Africa, with Mbabane as its capital. It’s about five hours journey from South Africa, and is made up of Nguni people 90.2%, Swazi (Swati) people 650,000, Zulu people 76,000, Tsonga people 19,000.The nation has its official languages as siSwati and English languages, with literacy level put at about 67%. They are about 938,000 based on the 1995 population census.
Though Christianity is estimated to be about 80.2% of the population, but still all is not entirely well with the land. For instance, quality Christian leadership is in short supply-the pastors are poorly trained and paid .Also, and they are mostly part-time in the ministry.
Few congregations in Swaziland are confident to confront either traditionalist or intellectuals, and so have little impact on the unreached in the land. In actual fact the church in Swaziland need an unprecedented revival.
The demonic powers that have for long held the land, are yet to fully yield to the Lord Jesus Christ. A large missionary input, and much activity has not produced a committed and well-taught church in that land.
Congregations are predominantly composed of women, the men are often in syncretic independent churches. Also young people are torn between the old ways and the new.
Religious practice in Swaziland is free, but it is to be noted that criticism of non-Christian tradition is not welcomed.
The degree of compromise with polygamy, witchcraft, ancestor veneration and appeasement sacrifices varies widely. The “Ethiopian” Churches broke away early from the mission-planted churches and tend to be oriented to the Old Testament.
The “Zionist” Movement has a strong emphasis on both Pentecostal gifts and traditional customs. It’s also important to note that one of the essential needs in Swaziland, is the production of Christian literature in siSwati( one of the official languages besides English). This coming after years of linguistic denomination by the related isiZulu. The siSwati New Testament was published only in 1981, while the entire Bible was produced in 1994.
In Swaziland, most Protestant missions and missionaries are evangelicals and majority of them are heavily committed to institutional programmes, and to radio ministry, and only a minority are in direct church development, thereby leaving the church bereft of believers well grounded in the things of God.
This is a vacuum that missions and missionaries need to fill as quickly as possible in that region. Our mission in Swaziland is therefore going to be multidimensional, but with specific interest on leadership development, that is training the trainers.
We will set up Bible Training Institutes, be involved in church planting activities to the unreached, publication of Christian materials and also mission awareness programmes.
Swaziland by all standards is a needy land, just like the biblical Macedonia calling for help. The mission challenge in that region is enormous to recount.
Can you imaging that the number of Pentecostals/Charismatic, is just about 5.5% of the population, representing about 18,400 members, and the Evangelicals are put at about 11.9%, representing about 40,000 members.
Missionaries to Swaziland are just about 220 in about 34 agencies, while missionaries sent out by Swazi church are just about 31 in only 3 agencies. It is obvious that the work in that land is enormous, and thereby requires a concerted effort of the church.
We therefore appeal for your unalloyed support in terms of financial and prayer support. Please help us pray;
1. For a divine link up with the churches, agencies, and families that will be our “Lidias” (Acts 16:13-15), and “Priscila and Aquilas” (Acts 18:26).
2. For an adequate missionary plan or strategy that will enable us penetrate that nation
3. That God will meet us at the point of our needs, in terms of financial provision that will take care of our visas, air thickets, accommodation and feeding.
4. That God will grant us an undisturbed and smooth entry into the land
5. For God to make our work meaningful in that nation-with signs and wonders following our ministry there.