Pray with Eswatini, November 14, 2021
Lectionary Selection: 1 Samuel 1:4-20
Prayers for Eswatini
Holy Heavenly Father,
You are mighty, merciful, and gracious; abounding in love and faithfulness. Our help truly comes from You, O Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
Thank you for your reassuring presence in our lives, and the faith and confidence that comes in knowing that your eye is on the sparrow. We are on your radar. You see us and hear all of our prayers, and you answer! So quiet our fears, anxieties, and frustrations, as we trust you and wait patiently to see the manifestation of the hopes, dreams, and promises that we hold dear in our hearts to come to fruition.
We forget not your benefits and forever bless your name!
Please pray for:
- Peace and stability in the land of Eswatini
- God to ease the heart of the Oppressor so Emaswati can actualize freedom.
- The release of incarcerated Members of Parliament (MPs): Honourable Bacede, Mthandeni and the wanted Mduduzi ‘Gawzela’
In Jesus’ name, we pray,
Amen!
Mission Moment from Eswatini
Time continues to evolve in the midst of public celebration and looming unrest. The country is attempting to move forward in the aftermath of heightened protests and intense civil unrest, that occurred in June. Emaswati continue the fight for democracy and the release of pro-democracy Members of Parliament (MPs) who were arrested and denied bail for supporting the movement for change in the Kingdom of Eswatini. “We want democracy now!” exclaims a tricenarian Emaswati woman. And Emaswati are working relentlessly to see their demand become reality.
King Mswati III continues to refuse requests for a formal meeting with protest leaders and has only responded to calls for democracy with incarceration and extreme violence against protesters. These actions have resulted in numerous injuries and an inconclusive number of deaths. Therefore, leaders have taken further measures to get their grievances heard.
On September 10th, protest leaders delivered a petition to the United Nations (UN) requesting its intervention and assistance with the people’s ongoing demand for Democratic Reforms within the country. Two weeks later, a march to deliver a petition to the United States Embassy in Ezulwini, Eswatini seeking further intervention was set to occur; but, it was postponed due to failure to obtain a permit and complaints of short notice from many across the country who desired to participate.
Although protests and destruction are not at their height, the situation in Eswatini remains extremely volatile. The Council of Swaziland Churches (CSC) and the nation solicit your prayers in the pursuit of human rights, justice, and peace.
Prayer and Mission Moment by Kahala Cannon
Mission Partners in eSwatini
Global Ministries Mission Co-worker in Eswatini
Kahala Cannon serves with the Council of Swaziland Churches (eSwatini). Her appointment is made possible by your gifts to Disciples Mission Fund, Our Church’s Wider Mission, and your special gifts.