This note is being written with a very excited, yet heavy heart. When I first met the “junk yard kids” in 2005 I never imagined that I could be a part of having a lasting effect on their lives. The visits, delivery of food, beds, prayers, clothes, school fees and supplies, love and overall support seemed like they would never be enough to help this family out of the cycle of poverty. Our hope and prayer has been to move them out of that dangerous situation, but I didn’t think the day would ever come. I sat with Sarah and visited for more than two hours in February. It was surreal. Just chatting woman to woman, mother to mother, human to human. Not black to white, rich to poor, Christian to non-Christian, just people, children of the living God.
I asked her what her biggest challenges were at the time and she poured out her heart. They included:
- her “husband” (father of the children who refused to marry her after fathering 13 children with her) was beating her regularly and now was beating the older boys with steel rods
- rats biting the little ones as they slept at night (their backs were covered with rat bites)
- as she only had a grade 2 education she was and felt totally incapable of helping her children with their homework
- she didn’t have issue with this, but I continue to be very concerned about the black mould that completely covers the ceilings that are caving in on the children’s beds. One of Shirley’s concerns was that there is no toilet facility and she and the children continue to “go” just anywhere in their back field.
- her boys (11 and 15) were starting to disrespect her and treat her like the man does and the younger ones were starting to follow
February – March Update:
- her “husband” is working in another town now and only comes home on weekends (beatings continue)
- we bought rat killer and have COMPLETELY gotten rid of all the rats (THANK YOU JESUS)
- black mould continues to grow and their health and lives continue to be in jeopardy
- we purchased an outdoor pit latrine and they dug a hole and now have a place to go to the bathroom, in privacy and safety
- boys have taken a turn for the worst and have been caught stealing, have been arrested, charged and have escaped from jail and are on the run and afraid. Neighbors are taking things in to their own hands, beating the boys when caught, threatening Sarah and the children … things are out of control and an email last Monday said that the family was about to collapse
April update:
- things fell apart last week and the whole family was in grave danger from the neighbors and police
- an angel provided funds to start clearing land on Canaan for the family to move. The boys (who were found and refuse to go back to school) went out to the land with Sarah and helped to clear the land. Fencing is going in this week. We have purchased a temporary trailer home for them to live in while the same angel has provided funds to build them a simple home on the land
- the boys will work on the farm until January when they will start in a new school with a fresh start
- the girls will go to a local school and Jabulani will drive them to and from the bus stop every day
- Jabulani and an American volunteer have taken this family under their wing and will stand with them, mentor them, teach them and teach them about Jesus and His love for them and His plan for their lives.
- once everyone is settled the plan is for Sarah to work on the farm and earn an income to pay for food and school fees. No alcohol is allowed on the property so this may/will be a challenge for her in the early days as she deals with her own demons during the transition. She has been pregnant since she was 13 years old, is uneducated and has been hopeless, until now (we hope). We are hopeful … and eternally optimistic.
This transition is filled with complication and risk. From fires being started, to theft to snake bites to rebellion, the list goes on, and so that is why I am emailing you today. We need this family covered in prayer in a big way. They are the front line battlefield and represent the children of Africa, the poverty of Africa and the very ones whom God has called us to serve. Will you commit to praying for this family and to the entire team who are there to stand with them and beside them?
May I say how desperately thankful I am to the family who has provided the funds to begin building this family a home – building a hopeful future for Sarah and her children. But there are additional costs that we need support for. Funds raised will be used to supplement food, school fees, new school uniforms and shoes for the new school, transportation cost to and from the bus every day, medical support and the funds to set up a home (new mattresses are needed), large cooking pots, water tank, utensils, etc. while Sarah is getting settled and adjusted. If you would like to help, or continue helping provide hope for this Swazi family please give today: http://www.heartforafrica.org/9sw102.aspx
This has been a long five year journey, but the lessons that I have personally learned have been invaluable. I pray that the Lord didn’t allow this family to stay in this danger and situation just for me to learn. Jesus help us all to draw closer to you, to listen to your voice, learn quickly, move into action and not waste another day.
