When we stand together with the Lord, we stand with the sun.
Today was our final day of ministry in Eswatini, and we worshipped at Hawane Baptist Church with so many sweet, precious, special friends. It felt like old times with Kuseni translating Jimmy’s sermon on Jonah. We laughed a lot, we cried a little and we said that Swazi hello and see you soon, all in the same breath. And we set off for the Matsamo border.
What. A. Drive. Yall.
I’ve been all over Swaziland and I’ve never seen views like I saw today. It was magic. As Jimmy said, “there are other Magic Kingdoms besides Disney.” A reminder of God’s hand in it all.
As we crossed the border with Xolani and Mpumelelo in tow and headed to Kruger, the sun danced through the windshield, bathing everything in its gentle, golden glow. The heat warmed the dash and warmed my soul.
That setting sun felt faithful. All throughout this trip we stood in the sun, letting its blaze light our way, asking its hue to paint the memories of our time in Eswatini, praying that its face would continue to shine on us.
And it has.
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.” – Psalm 84:11 ESV
The Lord has shown us so much favor on this trip as we’ve crossed mountains and valleys serving our Swazi friends. He’s given us protectors in Xolani and Mpumelelo, who are far more than translators. He’s provided time after time, in tires, in conversations, in food, in friends, in rest. He’s given us the sun.
As we spend the next few days in Kruger, pray for rest. Pray for each of us to sit with these experiences, to wrestle with what we’ve seen and heard. Pray for us to continue to stand in the sun.
Nkulukulu wetembekile. God is faithful.
