God keeps pushing me
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So I never really expected to be doing this type of work in Africa- leadership training with teenagers. And I wasn’t overly excited about it. But I had a real moment of clarity when I was sitting talking with my small group. We were talking about the problems that they are faced with in Swaziland and whether or not they will try to be the ones to find solutions to those problems. And that’s when it really hit me – I’m not going to help Swaziland. But I can empower Swazis to help Swaziland. That is the only way change will ever happen.
God moved powerfully this weekend. It didn’t look like anything special from the outside – there weren’t trumpets blowing or miracles being performed – but lives were changed. During our last session of the day Jason spoke on healing and restoration in our lives and we did exercises where the kids broke into pairs and told each other their greatest fears and also their deepest hurts. The kids were from a secular school, not a Christian school, but many were crying so we just went around and started praying for them. And then Jason opened up the front asking anyone who would like to have prayer or would like to come seek Jesus to come up. Everyone went up. And it wasn’t a peer pressure type of situation either – as soon as the words were out of Jason’s mouth the kids were out of their chairs heading for the front.
It was beautiful.
I don’t know the whole stories behind these kids, but I do know a lot of them have suffered abuse, neglect, and rejection. And yet they had huge dreams! I was so inspired by my small group – Dema, Nele, Lindo, and Nana. Dema wants to be an accountant, then go to law school, and perhaps get a degree in science as well. Nana is determined to win a Grammy award and put Swaziland on the map. Lindo wants to be a chemical engineer – even though he’s not even sure if there are any chemical engineers in Swaziland! And Nele wants to be a doctor so she can help people in her community. And I fully believe these guys are going to chase their dreams with wild abandon – they are one passionate group of kids.
God keeps pushing me. I felt very inadequate to lead this group of youth. Some of them were my own age. What could I possibly give to these guys when I am not far from where they are? But He showed up, showed up through me. I was able to ask my small group some pretty deep questions, I got to know their lives, their passions, their dreams, and their worries. And I really have a love for them.
It’s been a great 2 days. We still have half a day left tomorrow, more just to hang out and have fun than to teach and learn. We will be going abseiling and hiking – so pretty much just repelling off a cliff somewhere. Hopefully everything goes well and everyone stays safe! (I’ve already heard some horror Jason stories.. they’re not encouraging..) As long as I don’t get my hair caught up in the clips I should be fine!
