TEAM MEMBERS:

• Wayne & Barbara
• Steve & Monica
• Todd & Deborah

ABOUT THE TEAM:

Swaziland is a small African country with a population of a little over 1 million people.  Approximately 80 percent of the Swazi people claim to be Christian but true allegiance is more to Swazi traditional religion.  Many of the Christian churches and especially the “indigenous churches” have introduced syncretism or the mixing of Christianity with African traditional religion (includes pagan beliefs).  The Swazis are open to the gospel as long as the approach is culturally sensitive. Approximately 80 percent of the Swazi nation still consult traditional healers that are regarded as physicians, prophets, priests, herbalists and diviners (witchdoctors fall in this category).

The first Southern Baptist missionaries arrived in Swaziland in 1983. Current ministries include:

•       TEE (Theological Education by Extension) for leaders
•       Bible School hosted by Phuzumoya for training of pastors (meets four times a year) Chronological Bible storying
•       AIDS ministries
•        Emphasis for strong Sunday Schools for all age groups
•        Annual Swazi Baptist youth and ladies’ retreats
•        Hosting volunteer teams that help with the ministry among the Swazi people
•        True Love Waits emphasis
•        Developing a strong prayer network for the Swazi Team members as well as the ministry among the Swazi     people.

 PRAYER REQUESTS:

1.  Pray many Swazis will truly understand who Jesus is and follow Him completely putting aside traditions that conflict with the Christian way of life.

2.  One of the greatest need besides reaching the lost, is the training of committed Swazis to fill the leadership roles of all current and future work in Swaziland.  Pray many opportunities will help provide training for those who feel called to lead and guide present and future work. Pray the Lord will provide strong Biblical leaders to lead Swazi Baptist churches.

3.  Many people in Swaziland are suffering from AIDS.  The battle rages as Swazis continue to live lives that spread the disease.  Our society is in trouble and we find ourselves being carried away into a vortex of suffering, shame, guilt and death. Pray the Swazi people will understand their lifestyles are causing premature deaths and by living as our Savior shows us, we don’t have to die.