Broken People Loving Broken People
Wow! So this is the first blog that I’ve had a chance to
post since the start of our trip! What a privilege it has been to spend these
past few weeks living life and ministering with these 18 young men and women
and my 2 incredible co-leaders! Christ
is at work in Swaziland
in huge ways… starting with each one of us!
There is so much that I could share about how the Lord has
used and worked inside this team! One amazing thing the Lord has shown me
through this group is true brokenness for what breaks the Lord’s heart. We have
spent some time loving and getting to know the children and their mothers/
caretakers at the Government Hospital in Mbabane.
The hospital is truly a dark place… death is everywhere. The back room of the
children’s ward is filled with precious children who have been abandoned and
have no where else to go and one nurse to “care� for them. The rooms are filled
with hurting kids fighting for life, and their caretakers who must stay
constantly by their side. Honestly, the place is far from inviting and almost
hopeless. Praise our God that He is the God of hope!
and see our team shining light in this dark place. I’ve looked around to see
Rob drawing pictures for a little boy dying of tuberculosis, all while he
speaks truth into the boy’s little life. I’ve seen Kirstie run from room to
room rejoicing that the little abandoned baby girl, which she has held tight
every moment we’ve been in the hospital, has now been given the chance to live
in a solid home. I looked outside to see Shannon
holding an abandoned, disabled boys hand for hours and never letting go. I’ve
seen Bekah’s smile bring joy to the life of disabled girl who frankly hasn’t
seen someone smile at her near enough. I’ve seen Lauren share her life with a
mother who barely understands English, but sure does understand love. Honestly,
I could go on and on! I have seen each and every single member of this team
pour Jesus out in this seemingly hopeless place. Then, as we walked out of the
hospital, I’ve looked around to see broken people. They aren’t broken by things
of this world, but instead, they are broken for what breaks our Lord’s heart.
It is a beautiful picture… this team of broken individuals going to love broken
people in the children’s ward of the Mbabane
hospital!
through this team!
The Lord is close to
the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
Me and my husband have been so touch by all the blogs. It is wonderful to see what God is doing in all your lives. I pray you will all find direction for your lives to be used by God. I can’t wait to see Jennifer we all love and miss you. Can’t wait to see what God has revealed to you.
Love, Jennifer Heath’s mom
What a beautifully written post!!
My heart breaks for these children.
So thankful that you folks are there
to share the Love of Jesus….and the
hope that only He can give.
Wonderfully written blog. It makes my heart ache for the children over there, but I hear the joy you are bringing and that along with the word and Love of God is the most wonderous thing. Keep sharing THE Word, and you will be truly blessed.
My tears ar running freely.
If only all God’s people could experience what you are experiencing -it would change the world.
Love & prayers
Hey Bug,
We are sitting here at the Petick’s reading your blogs for the first time. We miss you so much and we are so glad that you answered God’s call for you to be in Swaziland. We love you so much and are praying for you every day. We can only get so much from the blogs and we cannot wait to hear about how God has worked in your life. This is an amazing opportunity for you. Be safe and know that we cannot wait for you to get home. Have a great time. Write if you can and send pictures if possible.
Love you for always,
Ham, Tami, Benji, Daryl, Mom, and Hal
P.S. I got home safe and sound from Guatemala. Waiting for you.
Love you.
Hey Tawn,
I finally found your blogs!!!! We all miss you and hope you are having a wonderful life experience, we cant wait to see you and hear about your awsome adventure! We all love you sooo very much and miss your awsome self! can’t wait to hear your stories, were all doing good. Have fun were all praying for you! Love you lots!
Your Big Sista, Toy
XXXOOO
P.S. Dad got a Wilson! Finally!!!
Hi there. Thank you for getting back to me. I am giving you a different email address because I check this email more often.
Yes I have couple of kids, 15 & 17 and i would like send them to a mission next Summer. Any recommendations? They went to Team mission from Orlando couple of years ago; altought they liked the country where they went but they were not too thrilled about spending 2 weeks for training.
I am hoping to send them to 2 or 3 weeks mission.
After your recommendations, I will check those idea in more detail…
When they go, how big would the group be and who would be the leader? Any information you could give or share..
Thank you and Gold Bless you.
Peter Yon