AIDS Awareness Music Festivals will be held across Swaziland from March 16 to 23. The free festivals will be filled with music, video, drama, and testimonies and will also provide confidential HIV testing at every site.

The AIDS Awareness Music Festivals will  beheld Sunday, March 17 at Siteki Fitch Memorial Church of the Nazarene at 11:00 a.m.; Tuesday, March 19, at Endzingeni Church of the Nazarene at 4:00 p.m.; with a final festival Saturday, March 23 in Manzini at the Mavuso Trade Centre Exhibition Hall #2 at 11:00 a.m. Admission is free. New Start and the The Luke Commission will provide a free health clinics.

Nazarene District Superintendents from across Swaziland, Rev. Philemon Dlamini, Rev. Timothy Dlamini, Rev. Simeon Mahlalela, and Rev. Cariot Shongwe invite everyone to attend. 

Bethany First Church of the Nazarene from the United States is partnering with Nazarene churches across Swaziland to present these international music festivals. Rev. Harlan Moore, Minister of Worship Arts from Bethany First Nazarene in the state of Oklahoma, and Kenneth Zindela, Minister of Music from Sharpe Memorial Nazarene Church, have working to bring together adult, youth, and children choirs from across Swaziland along with a core group of singers, actors, and instrumentalists both from here and the US that will appear at every location.

Bill Dillard, business owner in Oklahoma City and very active at Bethany First, was asked to work with SANU on the idea of a farm.  Over the last two years Bill has gone to Swaziland many times to work in partnership with SANU on Manna Farms.  The first activity of this farm has been beekeeping.  Recently, the first crops of maize and butternut squash have been planted.  In 2013, tilapia and aquaponics will begin at Manna Farms.

The proceeds of this farm will provide much needed scholarships for Nazarene theology students in Swaziland.  Manna Farms will also provide training for SANU students in entrepreneurial skills along with training in beekeeping, tilapia and aquaponics, and fruit and vegetable gardening.  Prayerfully these pastors will take these new skills with them as they minister in churches to tell others about Christ and to help their congregations and neighborhoods with community gardens, beekeeping, and fish farming.  

For more information please go to www.mannafarms.org or contact us at info@mannafarms.org 

The fourth annual Swazi 5K Fun Run/Walk was held on Saturday, September 22, 2012, with 537 participants on the campus of Southern Nazarene University. Karen and Scott Dedmon led a group of volunteers to plan and implement this event. “We are excited the event grew by 100 people, said Karen, “and we are beginning the planning to host even more participants next year.”

It is truly amazing for NCM in Swaziland to receive the Energy Globe Award for their “Water for a Generation” project that included Coca-Cola Foundation and their funding of solar-powered water systems across Swaziland. As the following article states, it won out over 1,174 projects in 115 countries! 

Here is the article that appeared in the Heart of Africa Newsletter:

Swaziland Wins Energy Globe Award
by Betty van den Berg

Nazarene Compassionate Ministries - Swaziland (NCM-SD), was the proud co-recipient of the Energy Globe Award, beating 1,174 projects from 115 candidate countries. In a room with 20 other guests, Simon Maphanga, the Chairman of NCM-SD, could not hide his enthusiasm when receiving this prestigious Award. This Award, created by the Austrian Trade Commission, is the equivalent of the Oscar Prize for Energy Efficiency. It was initiated in 1999 by Wolfgang Neumann of Austria. Through the years, the Energy Globe Foundation has been giving this award annually to present successful sustainable projects to the world.

The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation has been partnering for three years with NCM-SD, constructing solar powered and hand pumps for boreholes under the Swaziland RAIN project, or Water for A Generation (as it is know at NCM). The use of this modern technology caught the eye of the Award grantors. Dr Beauty Makhubela, the NCM-SD Country Coordinator observed "the Swaziland RAIN project delivers so much more than water, it is literally saving a generation from extinction because it has provided clean water to health clinics who can now initiate and sustain treatment for HIV/AIDS and TB, garden projects that feed HIV/AIDS support groups and orphans, and communities that now have an economic future because they have clean water."

As Regional Coordinator of NCM Africa and Executive Director of Helping Hands Africa, Rev. Cosmos Mutowa said, "we have had the privilege of working hand in hand with communities who have lived for years without water or with access only to dirty water and the diseases it brings. It has been humbling to watch the changes these systems bring as students now pass because they are not spending hours a day fetching water for the school instead of learning; that patients and nurses in rural communities now have access to clean water and HIV/AIDS care and treatment; that people living with AIDS are able to grow their own food to improve their health and their economic status at the same time; that orphans are being fed and cared for in nurturing environments."

The project represents many life transforming initiatives that the Church of the Nazarene is carrying out in many communities throughout Africa. We praise God for yet another milestone in the work in Africa. Helping Hands Africa works in partnership with the Church of the Nazarene, building capacity and providing technical support to projects in child development, community development (including water & sanitation), HIV/AIDS, and disaster response.

Read the article published in the Swazi Observer Newspaper.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Save the date on your calendar for this fun, family event.

Who can participate? Anyone who wants to run, walk or be a sponsor. We will have a one-mile fun walk/run and a fully certified and sanctioned 5K (3.1 miles) race for those who are serious runners. If you can walk for an hour, then you can walk this 5K!

You can volunteer, participate in the 5k or one-mile fun walk/run, or be a sponsor. There are several levels of sponsorship available.
Download the 2012 Swazi 5K Sponsorship Form
Download How To Run or Walk the 5K

Download the Swazi 5K Registration form

Why is this event important?

1) It promotes awareness in our community about the needs of Swaziland.
2) It encourages personal health for all participants

This year we are encouraging people to consider the BFC Family Life Center’s (FLC) guidelines to prepare for either walking or running the 5K. They have a plan! By participating, you can not only increase your fitness, you can change lives on the other side of the world. Visit the FLC to find out about Sr. Fitness classes, Zumba, Pilates and more… Start training now!

3) It raises funds for three important recipients:

•Scholarships to join a future team to Swaziland
•Support of the Swazi HIV/AIDS Task Force who are providing food and medicines to those dying of AIDS
• Newborn care at Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital in Swaziland
Download the Swazi 5K Sponsorship form above to find out more about the recipients.

This summer I had the opportunity to go to Swaziland for the first time. I first heard I was going to help out with Vacation Bible School. I was excited about meeting the children and experiencing VBS with them. I could not wait to arrive in Swaziland and go to the Ntondozi Church of the Nazarene. I knew this would be the place of possibly developing any great relationship(s) since we planned to be there numerous times during our trip.

The first day we visited Ntondozi I met a 10 year old girl. She was quiet and sweet, and we really connected. I wanted to give her a gift before I left, so I decided to use the yarn I brought (for busy work on the plane) to make her a scarf. When we returned the next day, I took my yarn and knitting needles with me to work on her scarf while we all talked. I quickly had a crowd of children asking, “What are you doing?” Some of the children braided my hair while I was knitting. Then several women and young girls came around to watch me knit, too. They started asking how to do it. I handed my needles over to several women for them to practice. I was amazed how quickly they caught on and how eager they were to learn. During this time of teaching, I began having good conversation with a few of the ladies. I was excited about this because the women were shy and did not talk as easily as the kids. One of the ladies began to tell me about her son and what it's like being a single mom. Her sister came over and sat with us and began to share her story as well. Soon, they were asking me questions. They asked me about America, marriage, what God likes, and what He disapproves of. One of the ladies shared her hurt and her feelings about God. She felt He didnʼt answer her prayers fast enough. The woman felt they were on their own, trying to figure out how to deal with this very difficult life. I told her I understood those feelings too and have felt the same way from lifeʼs disappointment and hurt.” Then I prayed for her. I asked God to give them physical protection, provision, as well as hope and healing from their pain.

Initially, I thought I was going to see a pain like I had never seen before in Swaziland. I soon realized their pain is just like ours. God gave those two girls and myself a connection of humanity. I am amazed how God used my hobby of knitting to help me connect with these women in such a deep way. Looking back on my experience, I can connect these "dots". I see how God uses not only our gifts but also our pain for His Glory. I am thankful He is a healer. Now, I desire to speak His hope to others in the world!
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Bethany First Church of the Nazarene, in Bethany, Oklahoma, asked the four Swazi District Superintendents how the church could come beside them to help them reduce the number of HIV/AIDS cases in the country. An idea was formed to bring all the Swazi pastors together to learn about the disease, and to be encouraged, strengthened, and inspired.

The Swaziland Pastors Conference took place August 16-19, 2011. This was the first time in the history of the Swazi church that pastors from across the nation had gathered together. About 200 participants attended the four-day event in Manzini, at the Faculty of Education, on the campus of Southern Africa Nazarene University.
Day sessions focused on education and training with talks on how to respond to AIDS as a holiness people, myths about the disease, and how to compassionately respond to those affected by HIV/AIDS. Evening sessions were designed to inspire and encourage, with Dr. David Busic, Senior Pastor at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene, reminding the pastors of their deep Nazarene roots of compassion and mercy to those who are broken and hurting. Several services closed with pastors flooding the altars to commit themselves to God’s work in their nation.

Dr. Filimao Chambo, Africa Regional Director, challenged the pastors and spouses to be leaders in their congregations by knowing their own health status. Free health screens were offered by medical professionals, and most took advantage of the opportunity to learn their own HIV/AIDS status.

“It has been said that the local church is the hope of the world,” said Dr. Busic. “These pastors are now equipped to be a healing force of mercy and compassion to those in their communities affected by HIV/AIDS.”

Bethany First Church of the Nazarene (BFC) has committed to a unique 10-year partnership with the Swaziland Church of the Nazarene. BFC has coordinated more than 400 volunteers travelling to the small African kingdom to work in construction, education, medical, and compassion teams. The Swaziland Partnership has grown to include Swaziland Health Institutions, the Swaziland HIV/AIDS Task Force, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, and Southern Nazarene University.

“We are humbled by your generosity!” These were the thrilled first words of Matron Mamba when she saw the dozens of vibrantly colored caps and wraps being carried into her office. Matron Mamba, who is in charge of the maternity ward at Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital in Manzini, Swaziland, proceeded to inform us of the vast need of the new mothers in her ward. She said that 60% of the mothers we were soon to meet lived below the poverty line and the generous donation would be of immense assistance in taking some of the financial burden off of these mothers. These donations came from a group of dedicated ladies & men who have worked to supply as many newborns as possible with blankets & caps. This group, named Swazi Caps & Wraps, was started after a few women from Bethany First Church heard that mothers in Swaziland did not have blankets & caps to keep their delicate babies warm.

As we walked into the maternity ward, there were several mothers lying in beds filling a long concrete room. We came to one mother that had just given birth the day before. Her name was Yenzokuhle Tsabeolze. Her day old child was only 6 pounds 6 ounces. She was very grateful for the gift of the blanket & cap. The head nurse for the ward expressed her immeasurable gratitude as well. When they thanked us we were able to tell them about the wonderful group of people at Bethany First Church who had worked many hours and put lots of love and care into supplying these beautiful gifts. Before we left, we were able to pray for
the new baby and mother. As we showed Yenzokuhle the pictures that we
had just taken of her baby in his new cap and blanket, her face absolutely beamed with pride.

Thank you for your hard work in ministering to the mothers of Swaziland! It is greatly appreciated!

You can personally help the children of Ntondozi.

Learn more about the children from Ntondozi in these stories written by BFC's onsite coordinator in Swaziland, Amy Curry:

Philiswa's Story
When introduced to a three year old little boy who has his shirt tucked in, his belt snug, and his khakis clean you would never suspect the overwhelming challenges he faces every day at home. You can make difference in the life of Philiswa and others like him at the new Ntondozi Child Development Centre in Swaziland.

Philiswa Dlamini is three years old. His mother is paralyzed, unable to work, and his father lives on another homestead without work. This leaves Philiswa and his younger sibling hungry, “starving” to quote his teacher. With no means of support, his mother and their entire family are desperate and very vulnerable. Their home is always full of men; either taking advantage of her or giving her something in return for her body. What options do you have when your children are starving and you have no skill?

Philiswa is very timid, spending most of his time in the background. There are many situations where his anger overflows leading to fights with other children. Thank the Lord for the Ntondozi Church and the love and support they are giving to Philiswa. He now has a safe place where he can go daily to find compassion and food.

Nokwethu's Story
Whenever the children of Ntondozi sing songs there is one little girl who sings louder than all the rest. Her name is Nokwethu and she is five years old. You would never know the sorrow she feels from the way she sings. Nokwethu lives with Grandmother because both of her parents are deceased. However, Nokwethu believes that her mother is still living. Her family has told her that her mother is sick and in the hospital. Her father passed away six months before her mother. They fear her mother’s death would be too much information for her to cope with. Nokwethu already has trouble with depression. The teacher has to force her to eat and she cries when her family is mentioned.

Nokwethu is cared for by her grandmother, but her grandmother has ten other children to care for. Here low, unsteady income is not enough to feed the children and pay for their school fees. The partnership with BFC is already making a difference in Nokwethu’s life. Her actions show that she is craving love and affection. The love she shows to GO Team members is priceless. She is quick to smile and not shy to sing. Nokwethu will often grab the visitor’s hands and hold their hands up to her cheeks, not wanting to let go.

Lungiswa and Melokule's Story
Giving birth to twins is often seen as a curse in Swaziland. Imagine having two sets of twins amongst your eight children. Swaziland tradition would see you as cursed. That is the weight three year old twins Lungiswa and Melokune must carry.

Last year their father died leaving behind eight children and a widow. Lungiswa and Melokule’s mother is fortunate to have a job at the Swazi canning company. She spends her days peeling oranges to be canned. Unfortunately she has to leave her home at 5 a.m. and returns home at 6:00 p.m. Still she is not making enough money to feed her eight children.

Due to poor health and hunger, Lungiswa and Melokule look younger than their age. Their energy level is very low and their expressions are typically stoic – rarely showing their emotion. While Lungiswa loves to sing songs and do all the motions that come with them, and Melokule becomes a different child full of energy when he has a soccer ball to kick, still they show no emotion on their face. We are thankful to the Ntondozi Church, for it is not only a place for Lungiswa and Melokule to receive food. It is a place where they are exposed to joy, love, and a place to play.

You can make an incredible difference in the lives of the children in Swaziland. Thank you for praying these children and for your financially support.

If you have questions or desire more information, please contact Barbi Moore, Director of Global Outreach, at (405) 789-2050 or bmoore@bethanynaz.org.

Introducing Evan and Andrea Mosshart

Evan grew up in Yukon, Oklahoma and has attended BFC his whole life. He graduated from Southern Nazarene University in 2009 with a degree in Network Engineering. He is currently working at Advanced Network Design in downtown Oklahoma City as a Network Engineer.

As the daughter of a Nazarene Pastor Andrea lived in several different places growing up. When she was in third grade her father served as the children’s pastor at BFC. After high school Andrea moved from the Oregon coast in order to attend Southern Nazarene University. She graduated in 2008 with a degree in Speech Communications and a minor in Christian Education. For the past three years she has worked in the Spiritual Development Office at Southern Nazarene University as a volunteer coordinator. She is also working towards a master’s degree in theology.
Evan and Andrea played on the same t-ball team at Bethany First Church when they were young, and reunited at SNU. They were married last November. They are excited for the opportunity to serve God in Swaziland this next year.

In 1999 a storm destroyed the Tsambokhulu Church of the Nazarene church building in the East District of Swaziland. After six years of meeting in a nearby classroom the Pastor was approached by a man whose father was the pastor many years ago. The current Pastor, Pastor Nyoni, has been the pastor for 34 years. The man gave money to the church to start building a new structure in honor of his father. The money that was donated was enough to complete the walls. As of 2011 the church was in need of support to help put the roof on the new structure.

As BFC started preparing for the March GO Team in 2011 a construction project was needed. The East District was a part of Swaziland where the BFC partnership had not worked on a church. Under the leadership of Distric Superintendent Rev. Timothy Dlamini the Tsambokhulu Church was labeled as the construction project for the March GO Team. Tsambokhulu Church of the Nazarene had the largest need for assistance in the East District.

As planning started taking shape many members of the community came alongside Andy and Amy Curry, the on-site coordinators, to help assist. Even community members that were not part of the church came to help. There was an excitement in the community over the roof for this great church. In March the GO Team partnered with Swazi's to help complete the roof. The task was accomplished in a few short days. While the men worked on the roof the women worked hard to level the dirt floor.

At the end of the week a celebration lunch was thrown for not only the GO Team but for the church and community members who helped accomplish the goal. At the celebration service the church's treasurer spoke about the great partnership. Instead of inviting the GO Team to go first in line (which is typical) he encouraged the Swazi's and American's to intermingle. This was a beautiful representation of the heart of the BFC partnership. Coming alongside our brothers and sisters to better the Kingdom of God together.

All proceeds from this book will benefit these ministries in Swaziland:
    ·         Swazi HIV/AIDS Task Force  - providing home-based 
              healthcare to those dying of AIDS
    ·         Gigi’s Place - feeding street children every week day
    ·         Southern Nazarene University’s Morningstar Institute – 
              assessing micro-finance projects through community
              gardens 

On the “give” section of this website you are invited to purchase some books.  Please add your mailing address to the order form.   

$50 provides you with an autographed copy of the book.  $40 provides an unsigned copy.  This price includes shipping and handling. 

In the stories of every woman you will see a redemptive thread of God’s grace and hope.  Don’t miss owning one of these books for your own library.

On the border of South Africa and Swaziland there is town called Bulembu. For many years the mining town of Bulembu had a population of 10,000. In 2001 the mine was shut down and the town’s population dropped to 100. In recent years, a group of seven social developers and entrepreneurs (five from Swaziland) have started rebuilding the city. The town’s population is now 2,000 with 700 of those being orphans. The town has the capacity to take care of 2,000 orphans. Slowly the town is growing, hoping to be self-sustaining by 2020.

Within the town Bulembu, is a Nazarene Church with 36 members. They currently meet in a wooden shack and have been working on a new church building for two years. Samuel Dlamini, the pastor is a wonderful man with a great heart after God. Pastor Dlamini has shared how he has gone through seasons of discouragement, trying to imagine how this small church, without money, could ever raise funds to finish the structure. During those seasons he continued to pray for God’s help to complete the church.

In the mean time, BFC was contemplating making Bulembu our next project with the Jubilee offering. Not sure whether or not to take the risk, because Bulembu is located at the top of a mountain with rough roads leading the way. How would the workers and supplies make it up the mountain as the rainy season was beginning? Finally, the decision was made to move forward and for BFC to do their part in the rebuilding of this town.

Right away preparations for the church took place and the news was shared with Pastor Dlamini. Since the news was shared Pastor Dlamini cannot talk without smiling from ear to ear. On October 12, 2010 while giving his annual report at his district assembly, Dlamini shared with his fellow preachers and laypeople that “he saw God”. He is truly amazed that God answered his prayers and did a miracle in the church.

What a privilege for the BFC partnership to be a part of how God has worked in not only Bulembu, but Pastor Dlamini’s life. He is extremely encouraged and is excited to see the church grow. Knowing that it is the church’s desire to welcome orphans into their church, it is our prayer that the new structure can be used for this purpose.

100 years ago a young man by the name of Harmon Schmelzenbach landed in Africa to spread the good news of our Lord and Savior. He was the first Nazarene missionary in Africa, a trailblazer for Nazarene missions. After four years Schmelzenbach led someone to the Lord. Over time the number of Christians grew and a church was built for Schmelzenbach to pastor. The church was torched twice, burning to the ground.  But Schmelzenbach remained dedicated to our God and the country of Swaziland. 

Now 100 years later Swaziland is celebrating God’s faithfulness to the country of Swaziland and the Nazarene church with much gratitude towards Harmon Schmelzenbach for answering the call on his life to come to Africa. Many things have taken place in Swaziland due to fellow Nazarene’s responding to a call. One third of Swaziland’s populations claim the Nazarene Church as their church home.

The month of August was a time to celebrate all the work that has taken place over the past 100 years. Dinners, all night prayer services, parades, and much more happened throughout Swaziland. Leaders of Swaziland are very supportive of the work of the Nazarene church and spent their time celebrating with the church in August. 

On Saturday August 14, 2010, a daylong celebration at the Manzini stadium took place for all who wanted to attend. The day was full of energy, entertainment of all sorts and especially full of praise. There were choirs from all districts, from many schools, a women’s choir (including a princess) and men’s choir (including the prime minister). Dramas and poems were performed. Some of the speakers included members of the royal family, the prime minister, Schmelzenbach family members, director of the Africa region Dr. Filimao Chambo, and General Superintendent Dr. David Graves.     

The Prime Minister, Dr. Sibusiso Barnabus Dlamini, is a member of the Nazarene church. He was born in the Nazarene clinic located in Endzingeni.  He was raised attending Nazarene schools and still attends the Nazarene church today. During a dinner for many of the leaders and the Saturday celebration the prime minister spoke of the role the Nazarene church has had in his life.  He also spoke a great deal of the Swaziland Partnership. He feels proud and honored that the Nazarene church in America has dedicated their time and resources towards the people of Swaziland.     

The moments spent in celebration were full of vast emotions.  Feeling humbled as the Swaziland Partnership has been honored to be a part of this celebration yet challenged as the future church takes shape. May God continue to go before and prepare each person and project the Swaziland Partnership touches.

By Barbi Moore, Director of Global Outreach

For 18 months we have been preparing for this team that was co-sponsored by BFC Student Ministries. We had told our Swazi leaders about the summer 2010 team with so many students and their families. Our Swazi friends were excited and greatly anticipated the arrival of this GO Team filled with so many of our young people.

This was my 12th trip to Swaziland and while I was excited about this team I must admit I had moments of slight panic about how dozens of teens would do in Swaziland. How would they respond to the needs they would see? Would they fully participate in ministry and have the stamina for the schedule while on-site? I shouldn’t have been concerned for a minute as these students exceeded my greatest expectations!

Brent and Michaele LaVigne laid a lot of ground work for this team even though they would already be home in the United States by the time this delegation arrived. Andy and Amy Curry, our new on-site coordinators, followed up on many details in preparation for our arrival. Pat Burton, my assistant, worked for many months on the preparation of each person with their travel plans, passports, and fundraising. Thank you to these and all our team leaders for what took place from July 22-August 2, 2010.

Here is the story of this great intergenerational team…

Compassion Team – Half of this July/August GO Team were on the Compassion Team with 32 great members. Christi Busic and Susan Hall gave leadership to this group and their activities.

The Compassion Team had the opportunity to deliver 200 pairs of black school shoes to Gigi’s Place and see street children receive what was probably their first pair of new shoes and socks. The excitement was tangible at Gigi’s Place that day! Thank you BFC Kids who gave their offering from VBS 2010 to buy new school shoes for children in Swaziland.

This team provided a two-day Vacation Bible School at Blackmublizi Nazarene Primary School for 800 students. They participated in the chapel at the Living Waters Nazarene Primary School, served lunch at Gigi’s Place and visited people in their homes who were dying of AIDS, TB and malaria.
Lastly, this team got to do something new. We have tried for some time to obtain permission to do an assembly at some of the Nazarene high schools in Swaziland. We were finally granted permission and did two high school assemblies in the rural area of Sidvokodvo and in the urban city of Manzini. In all we ministered to about 800 students through these two high school meetings. Karen Miller led a dance team. Shelley Coil led a praise team – in English and siSwati. Cyndi Curry led the drama team and Bill Dillard in sports. Rev. Chris Pollock talked about how we all have scars in our lives – some that we can see and others that we cannot see. He told how Jesus wants to help heal these scars and use us for His glory. White index cards were given to every student at the conclusion of the assembly so they could write a prayer request. Hundreds came forward to drop their white card in a box so that someone could be praying for them. Please be praying for these students as they have concerns over grades, relationships, death of family members, and dreams for their future.

Construction Team and the first Jubilee project - It was Rev. Will and Karis Stemen, our first on-site coordinators in Swaziland that told me about the Embekelweni Church of the Nazarene over a year ago and their need for a roof on their new Sanctuary. We were working in other communities at that time so were not able to help. The LaVignes brought this church to BFC’s attention again and we decided we could help with the funds from BFC’s Jubilee offering. Andy and Amy Curry were the on-site coordinators that had the privilege of working with Embekelweni’s pastor Siyabonga Kunene on how we could partner with their congregation on a new roof, doors and windows. We learned more about this congregation and that they had been working for 10 years to lay the foundation and build the block walls. Pastor Kunene said that it would take another 10 years to raise the funds necessary for the roof!

Andy Curry made daily trips to Embekelweni to help develop a plan of partnership. Jon Cargill, Mike McGarry and Kevin Metcalf were ready to help lead our construction team and to work alongside Andy and the local people. Our team did a great job in working with new Embekelweni friends to finish the roof, doors and windows. Pastor Siyanbonga Kunene expressed his deep appreciation to the people of BFC for the gift of a new and completed Sanctuary for his congregation.

Education Team – It is always an honor to have educators on our GO Teams and this team was no exception. Our youth leaders Jaci Bounds, Rev. Stefanie Higgins, Rev. Chris Pollock led an NYI Workshop the first day they arrived in Swaziland! Over 100 youth workers came to Manzini to spend the morning with our BFC youth leaders. Chris, Stefanie and Jaci spoke on topics that the Swazi’s had selected and they had the opportunity to see some of these youth workers throughout the week for continued conversation and encouragement.

We had three counselors on the Education Team with Amy Curry, Cyndi Curry, and Carry Lance. These ladies led workshops on childhood trauma and abuse at New Hope Centre and with the caregivers from the HIV/AIDS Task Force. Their training was greatly received.

Rev. David Busic, Bill Dillard, and Rev. Scott Peterson spoke at the Ministerial Day with all the pastors from the Central District of Swaziland. They worshipped, prayed, and spoke words of encouragement to these men and women who are ministering to their congregations in Swaziland.
Medical/Dental Team – The 13 members of the Medical/Dental team consisted of four physicians, one dentist, two physician assistants, three nurses, one physical therapist, one pharmacist, and one dental hygienist. We are truly blessed with incredible professionals that give so freely of their time and expertise to Swaziland. Dr. Terry Hall, Dr. Paul Rothwell and Dr. Tim Rothwell were our leaders and worked to recruit this group of professionals.

Dr. Tim Rothwell, DDS, is working to provide a new dental clinic at Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital (RFM). He and dental hygienist Jana Bowes spent their week seeing patients, training three health workers on the basics of dental health and how to do simple extractions, plus assessing the site that RFM has given for this new clinic.

Dr. Terry Hall had meetings with the Swazi Ministry of Health as plans continue for the pediatric version of the Standard Treatment Book to be fully endorsed by the Ministry for use throughout Swaziland. Many children’s lives will be saved through this standardized approach to healthcare.

The medical/dental team provided healthcare to the most critically ill patients cared for by the HIV/AIDS Task Force, gave lectures at RFM, worked in four Nazarene clinics to see patients and work alongside the nurses who staff these clinics, provided annual physicals to the children at the New Hope Centre and spent a day with The Luke Commission.

There is much more to share about this team…

Bill Dillard spoke with regional and Swazi leaders about the possibility of a Great Commission Company coming to Swaziland. He has provided a for-profit business in several developing countries that support kingdom work. In Swaziland these leaders are considering a farm in Siteki that would support more students to attend the Nazarene College of Theology. More meetings are planned in the future to see this farm come to a reality.

Rev. David and Christi Busic, Barbi Moore, Pat Burton, and Andy and Amy Curry attended a meeting on July 22 that included many regional and Swazi leaders on how we can help Swaziland with their AIDS rate and vulnerable and orphaned children. The meeting was scheduled for 2 hours and went 5 hours! Plans are forming for a 2011 Pastoral Couples Conference to help equip these leaders to talk with their congregations about AIDS, abstinence, faithfulness in marriage, and heart holiness. Nazarene Compassionate Ministries is working on a plan for future child sponsorship in Swaziland that BFC will be ready to endorse.

Meredith Diffee, RN, was a part of the GO Team and decided to stay longer to work with Dr. Harry and Echo VanderWal of The Luke Commission. This aspiration began when Meredith met the VanderWals on our first GO Team in July 2008. She wanted to serve with them after she graduated from nursing school and passed her state boards, which she did consecutively in May and June of this year! The Luke Commission is a mobile clinic that provides healthcare to those in the most rural areas of Swaziland where there are no clinics. Meredith served on their team after the GO Team departed for home.

I need to stop. My heart is so full of seeing people serve, lives blessed, and people pointed to Jesus throughout our time in Swaziland. Continue to watch our website for podcasts, blogs, stories, and pictures of this GO Team and more.

One last thing. Don’t miss the opportunity to serve on a GO Team. Make plans now. Pray about how you can be a part of a future team. Pat Burton and I are here to help you find a place to serve!

Embekulweni Church of the Nazarene is located in the beautiful hills surrounding Manzini. Pastor Siyabonga Kunene, 28 years old, has been pastoring the church for the past four years. Pastor Kunene is currently taking the summer off from classes, but will reside as a full time seminary student in August. He has been attending the Nazarene Theology School to receive his degree in theology. He is extremely dedicated to his studies and his church.

One of his goals as pastor is to finish the building of a new church.
This church has been under construction for the past ten years. In Swaziland building is done differently: they build as they receive money. For example, if the congregation raises enough for twenty cinder blocks, they purchase the blocks and add to what they have already started. The congregation has been raising funds and recently raised enough to plaster the church.

The timing could not be more perfect for Bethany First Church to come and partner with the church. Due to the next step in the construction being the roof, which is an expensive step. Imagine the years it would take to raise the funds for the roof. God continues to show His faithfulness as He directed the hearts and steps of the partnership in taking BFC to Embekulweni.

Andy has lived in Swaziland before when his parents, Mike and Debbie Curry, were missionaries in Swaziland. Andy was four when the family arrived and eight when they came back to the States. Andy is currently a building contractor in Dallas, Texas. He is a graduate from Southern Nazarene University.

Amy is just finishing her masters in counseling from North Texas University with an emphasis on play therapy. She graduates May 14 and they depart May 18. She is also a graduate from Southern Nazarene University.

Welcome Andy and Amy to Swaziland as BFC’s new representatives.

Dr. Hall took up the challenge. He invested 3,000 hours personally, serving as a researcher and editor. Many physicians and nurses played vital roles in contributing to the book. Dr. Raymond Bitchong, chief of staff at Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital (RFM) was a partner to Dr. Hall in providing leadership. Many physicians from RFM contributed as well.

An anonymous donor through Dr. James Copple provided printing of this first manual that has gone to every health care provider at Raleigh Fitkin and their 17 clinics.

A second edition with an updated section on HIV/AIDS will be printed for the Ministry of Health clinics and hospitals in Swaziland.

Contributors:

• Dr. Raymond Bitchong, MD, MPH, Msc
• Bryan Boatman, PharmD
• Joseph Colaizzi, RN, BSN
• Dr. J.D. Crooks, MD
• Janet Ellingson, RN, ARNP
• Dr. Athena Friese, MD
• Dr. Joseph Garlett, DC
• Dr. Getahun Tsegaye Tesfa, MD, Paediatrician
• Susan Hall, BS
• Dr. Terry Hall, MD, FAAFP
• Dr. Erin Hummert, MD
• Dr. Georges Kimba, MBChB
• Randy Moore, RPharm
• Dr. Siphile B.V. Msane, MD
• Arlene Musa Ngwenya, RN
• Dr. Pawelos Seyoum Beshah, MD
• Dr. Kyle Rickner, MD
• Dr. Paul Rothwell, MD
• Dr. Tim Rothwell, DDS
• Dr. Ami Siems, MD
• Lori Stewart, RN
• Dr. John Williams, MD

Michaele and Brent LaVigne, 30 November 2009

Last week we received a call from David Tembe who is the water manager for Sitsatsaweni. He asked if we could visit the primary and high school as they wanted to say thank you to us for the Solar Water Pump that was donated by BFC November 2008. In accepting the invitation we did not know what to expect but were excited for Monday morning to come.

We asked Jimmy Braithwaite (Agri pumps owner) and Colleen Copple (NCMI Africa Global Resource Coordinator) to join us for this day. We arrived at 10am and met with the head teacher of the primary school, who we had met in previous visits. She led us down to the high school principal’s office where we were seated along with a representative from various community organizations.

In attendance was:

• Mr. David Tembe – Sitsatsaweni Water Technician/Manager
• Mr. Jimson Mahlalela – High School Head Teacher
• Mrs. Ethel Dlamini – School Committee Representative
• Mrs. Sophie Ginindza - School Committee Representative
• Mrs. Mavis Dlamini – Bucopho
• Ms Esselcuna Mavimbela - School Committee
• Mr. Anthony Mazija – Chief’s Council
• Mr. Joseph Similane - School Committee
• Ms Ncamsile Matsenjwa –Primary School Head Teacher

We all sat in chairs lining the small office, which was actually a portion of a large classroom sectioned off with shelves. The rest of the room was used as storage and the secretary’s office. The head teacher, Mr. Mahlalela addressed the group first and announced his community’s intentions of being like the one leper in ten who returned to thank Jesus for his healing. He spoke of the benefits brought by the availability of water, and how grateful he, his students, and teachers were. His short speech was followed by several others in the group, until nearly all had said their thank you’s. Each person highlighted a different aspect that had been helped by the presence of the water, and it was amazing to hear it all!

The primary school (1st – 7th grade) has begun agricultural classes this past school year (2009) so that students can learn to plow, plant, and grown crops. Next year they will also be adding chicken to the agricultural program so that students will learn how to care for, breed and sell chickens. The primary school is also working on a home economics class which is now possible with the presence of water.

The high school has also added an agricultural component to their students’ curriculum, and we were able to see some of the fruits of this labor. Two small fields have been planted with maize (corn) and other vegetables. Two taps have been added to the system in the high school premises to accommodate these gardens as well as hand-washing near the toilets.

The head teachers and school committee representatives commented on how the presence of water has helped retain teachers as well. Previously, they said teachers would not want to come, or would not stay very long at Sitsatsaweni because there was no water available at their homes. Now teachers are content, and as Mr. Mahlalela said, “happy teachers make for better students”! He also commented that this pump has put their small community “on the map” as he has been asked about it many times from other head teachers during seminars and conferences.

Sitsatsaweni is not yet without challenges, however. Although the primary school had 750 students in 2009 and will likely have 850 in 2010, they only have 300 suitable chairs for students. The high school is also in need of much-needed expansion because they can only accommodate 170 students in their school. This means many students cannot continue on to high school or have to take years off before moving on after grade 7. Usually in Swaziland these issues would be resolved by raising school fees marginally for the year in order to raise funds for necessary improvements. In Sitsatsaweni, however, there are a high number of orphans and vulnerable children who cannot pay the full amount of school fees, let alone a temporary increase. Mr. Mahlalela told us separately that 80% of his students are orphans or vulnerable in some way.

Although it was hinted that the community would like a further helping relationship from Bethany First Church, this was not the purpose of the meeting. In spite of its challenges, this community has taken it upon itself to make continuous improvements capitalizing on the presence of water. David Tembe has increased the number of taps in the system so that water is available many places throughout the school and clinic grounds. They also requested that this same gift be given to other places in Swaziland, and said they had been praying about that.

After their thanks had been said, it was our turn to say a few words. Each of us – Brent, Michaele, Jimmy and Colleen, gave small speeches on behalf of all those we represented. We told them about the Coca-Cola project and the fact the Sitsatsaweni pump had been the first of its kind that sparked interest for a much larger project to go all throughout Swaziland, just as they had prayed. We also reminded them that just as Fred Evans and Bethany First had been the ones to offer them a cup of cold water in Jesus’ name, now they had the ability to offer that same gift to others in their community.

While we were there, Jimmy was also able to clear up some minor misconceptions about the system. In this first year, many were hesitant to open the water resources up to the community at large for fear of water shortages. When this issue was brought up, Jimmy assured them that the pump would provide enough water for the community to partake as well, without needing to increase the storage tank capacity. It was agreed, however, that taps should be placed outside of the clinic and school grounds so that community members can retrieve water without coming onto the grounds. This would be the best way to prevent any theft or vandalism. Jimmy also offered that if the community members dig the trenches, he would supply the pipes and fittings necessary to install two more taps.

Our time ended together with light refreshments, a stroll of the grounds to see the gardens and new taps, and then a group picture under the solar pump. There were too many thank you’s to count, but apparently there were not enough said to satisfy one community member present. He said, “We wish we had a million mouths to say thank you a million times!” We have truly experienced that in the family of Christ, you often get the privilege of reaping what had been sowed before you.