God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes

Jim & Jayanthi Wilson – Botswana

Jim & Jayanthi Wilson – Botswana

One of the greatest joys in doing ministry is when you see the fruits of your labor. At other times, however, all we can do is give our best and to leave the rest in God’s hands.

“God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” – Revelation 21:4

One of primary purposes of Sedibeng, where Jayanthi works- is to help empower young people and women. As a Christian, non-profit organization- it attempts to helpsuch people todiscover the innumerable talents within themselves, to gain marketable skills as well as to take charge of their own lives. Sometimes, that’s exactly what happens. But, at other times, the obstacles to whichthey aremade to face seem nearly insurmountable. Take the case of Thato, a woman of about 50 years old. She came to Sedibeng nearly a month ago seeking advice and help. A victim of spousal abuse,penniless and with no hope of finding a jobin the village from which she came, shemoved to Gaborone, Botswana along with her family. In a dilapidatedone-room dwelling (approximately 6 feet by 10 ft) she lives therealong with5 other people (a son who is 8 years old; one daughter who is 18 years old and another daughter who is 20 years old and who has two children of her own- ages 2 and 4). The dwelling has no lock on the door and very basic furniture inside. Thato wants to change her circumstances, but doesn’t know how. She feels insignificant and incapable because ofyears of spousal abuse; limited educational skills, and no extended family nor support group to help during this difficultperiod in her life.

Sedibeng has tried in many ways to help give support and guidance to Thato. They have given herused furniture, clothing and have also connected her to varying kinds of governmental assistance. At the same time, they are encouraging her to gain further job skills and to learn to be independent. But, as Jayanthi and the other members of the Sedibeng staff already know- such people come to the institution with multiple problems and very rarely do suchproblems go away over night. Nonetheless, theyare reminded over and over again of the words found in the Book of Revelation, i.e. that God is close to the brokenhearted and wipes awayall tears from their eyes.

I recently had the opportunity of participating in their annual graduation ceremony of Kgolagano Theological Collegewhere 29 our students completed their studies and were awarded varying kinds of certificates and diplomas on Saturday, May 20. It was a wonderful occasion and withmany people in attendance. But, what was most amazing about the ceremony was the number of times during the ceremony that graduates, fellow students, family and staff broke into spontaneous songs of praise to God, clapping hands and dancing. Many of theseindividualswere faced with so many hurdles in the process of completing their education- including difficulty in raising the USD 300.00 to pay for their annual tuition, living in remote places with little or no access to books, anddealing with the time restraints that come with working, raising a family and being actively involved in the churches where they come from. And yet, through it all, they give praise to God.

Jayanthi and I consider it a real privilege to be serving in Gaborone, Botswana through Global Ministries, and appreciate the prayers, e-mails and the other ways that churches and friends encourage us. God bless.

Jim & Jayanthi Wilson

James & Jayanthi Wilson are missionaries with the Kgolagano Theological College in Gaborone, Botswana. Jim serves as a teacher of theology at Kgolagana Theological College. Jayanthi serves as seconded staff to the Mabogo Dinku Advice Centre in Gaborone, Botswana. She works in community development at the Mabogo Dinku Advice Centre.