One thing that we were told to think about was a topic to
preach on or do a message. Today I started to read a book called Serving with
Eyes Wide Open- Doing Short-Term Missions with Cultural Intelligence. The
teachers at my school all had to read it for our annual Service Week…so I
borrowed a copy to see what it had to say….and one thing it talked about was
The way that different cultures view the Bible.
As you look for a topic to speak on…it should first be relevant to what the
people in Swaziland are facing. Certain passages of scripture will speak
to them in certain ways- according to what attributes of God and life that they
focus on most. This means that we may see things one way and they might see it
another way…but both are right. That is the beauty of the Bible.
So what are some of the things that are important and relevant in
Swaziland….from having been there this is what I picked up on….
- Poverty is rough and they always have to depend on God
for what they need. - AIDS/HIV has probably taken the life of more than one
person they love. They are searching for hope and security. Some need
encouragement as they have lost a spouse, parent, or sibling, and might
have to take care of family orphans. - Hunger– this goes with poverty- food isn’t always easy
to buy. The crops may not be that great, the country has been in a drought
for several years. - Work- the people might not have work…they desire
purpose - Family– they value family very much and show a lot of
respect for those who are older- they will find ideas about how to treat
family in certain passages. - Relationships– they desire to be close-knit and share
struggles and to be strengthened by God and others. - Schooling– some kids are too poor to go to school, they
might have to stay home to work or just can’t go. Some kids are sick. Some
young adults are smart and want to go to college or start a good job, but
cannot get the money to go to college or move away and work- patience is
needed. - Sickness– if some people get sick- they can’t afford to
get the medical attention they need. God must be their healer. - Broken families– the father’s leave the wives pregnant
to have and raise the kids on there own many times.
These are things that I saw when I went, they probably are, but may not be what
the people in Ezulwini are facing, but it’s a start. Before you
“finalize” your message leave some room for God to show what is going
on….how the people will view the scripture you share and the words that you
speak. What you say may be earth shattering in American culture…but they
might be confused in Swaziland…so be observant and allow God to speak through
you into the lives of the Swazi people. This way your words will be much more
effective, applicable, and uplifting.
I hope this helps and is relevant, it is at least something to spark some
ideas. I sort of enjoy preaching…so if you have any questions or haven’t done
it before I could possibly give you some tips.
