My husband, Brent, and I visited the small village of Nkiliji, Swaziland a few weeks ago. We were coming to visit the orphans and vulnerable children supported by the Nazarene HIV/AIDs Task Force, and also to see the progress of the Bethany First Church-sponsored garden there. 
We traveled with the Task Force’s Mary Magagula, Evelyn Shongwe, and Dumsile Magagula over rain-washed, pot-holed roads and through what seemed to be small lakes! When the most recent GO Team came in August, they left behind many children’s clothes and toys to be distributed, so we were bearing many gifts. Mary and Evelyn also brought school supplies which had been donated to the Task Force, so the children would be getting clothing, a toy, a bar of soap and school supplies. We were all excited for this day.
The Task Force has recently joined the ranks of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) as one of their Child Development Programs. These programs are the vehicle through which children are sponsored and provided school fees and other support.
The children are gathered once a month for a meal, a Bible story and life skills training. Since there are more orphans and vulnerable children in the area than are sponsored through NCM, these monthly gatherings include many more than just the sponsored children. Most of them are orphans, or at least have lost one parent. Most of their parents have died from AIDS, or AIDS-related illnesses. Evelyn told me that many of the children are themselves HIV-positive and are undergoing treatment.
Usually the Nkiliji group meets under a tree since the Nazarene church is far away; but this day they had requested the use of a nearby Methodist church building to use. When we arrived, the children were well into their Bible lesson and I was surprised by how many children I saw! We were met by 80 children from 2 months through 15 years, sitting on wooden benches and listening to the story of Abraham. We and the Task Force leaders were overjoyed to hear the children sing their songs, and recite poems and Bible verses. At other times these gatherings include educational plays, reading short stories and prayers. Because we were there, the regular program was cut a little short so we could address the crowd of kids.
“Gogo” Mary Magagula introduced us and we spoke for a few minutes to the children. We explained who we are and how we are working in partnership with the Task Force. We also explained that the gifts we brought were not only from people in the U.S. and Canada, but from Jesus, who loves them and provides for them.
We moved outside for the gift-giving, where the kids lined up oldest to youngest to receive the goodies. With each child we tried hard to find at least one piece of clothing that they liked and fit them, then they received the rest of their gifts.
When it was all said and done, there were many happy faces and somehow we hadn’t run out of clothing, soap or toys! The care supporters were just as pleased as the kids were, and thanked us and the people who donated the supplies. After the gifts had been given, the children had a meal that was part of the provision from NCM’s Child Development Program.
Many of the children attend the Nazarene church in the next village, over the mountain. The Sunday following the distribution, the whole church was excited to see their children looking so “smart” in new clothes. One mother was especially proud to show off her young son’s new shirt, smiling from ear to ear. We found ourselves just as blessed, however, by being able to be the conduit of God’s rich blessings to this wonderful group of children!
Michaele and Brent LaVigne are serving as Mission Corps volunteers in Swaziland. They are serving as on-site coordinators for the partnership between Bethany First Church of the Nazarene (Oklahoma City, USA) and the Swaziland Nazarene churches and institutions. You can find more information about the partnership, and the LaVigne’s blog, at http://www.bethanynaz.org/the-swaziland-partnership-mission