We choose life
“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” John 10:10
“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” John 10:10
The Kingdom of Swaziland is one of the few true monarchy’s remaining in the world. It is a small country, yet it houses one of the world’s greatest problems, HIV/AIDS. In Swaziland, HIV/AIDS is not a problem, it is the problem. To date, some 42.6% of the adult population has contracted the HIV virus and 10% of the population has full blown AIDS. Nonetheless, amidst these daunting statistics, the Kukhany’okusha Zion Church has decided to choose life over death. With the help of two development oriented missionaries, Rev. Wayne and Ingrid Wilson, the leadership of Kukhany’okusha has set out on an ambitious plan which includes a variety of short, medium, and long term projects that encourage life enriching sustainable development.
Short-term projects include a vegetable garden(“Garden of Hope”), a chicken project, and an HIV Peer Counseling Program. Medium term projects include expansion of a tent rental business and establishment of a preschool. And its principle long-term project is the construction of a multi-purpose Family Life Center where a variety of classes, workshops, and services can be offered to the greater community. Ingrid Wilson writes, “Each day as we walk into the Garden of Hope to plant living seeds of possibility, we look forward to the day when the fruits of our labors will become nourishing food for those in need.”
God has blessed us with everything that is needed to get the garden, our first project, off the ground. Fertile land, seeds, sunshine, water and a variety of hand tools. Yet, without the hearts, hands, and minds of those who have sowed the field, the task would have been difficult. Abundant life is always made possible when the people of God allow God to use them just as they are in order to do great things in God’s name.
God is great, God is good. Let us thank God for this food. Amen.
Sincerely,
Rev. Wayne and Ingrid
Wayne & Ingrid Wilson are missionaries serving in Swaziland and Mozambique. Wayne serves with the Kukhany’ Okusha Zion Church in Swaziland as development project officer of the Mozambique Synod of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa. Ingrid serves as the Coordinator of the women’s work and will serve part-time as women’s coordinator of the Mozambique Synod of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa.