THE LORD WILL BE OUR REFUGE February 25–March 3, 2013

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof….The Lord…will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.” Psalms 46: 1 – 3; 9:9

This week I am going to write my blog a little differently.  I am just going to tell stories about the “times of trouble” for some of these people.  We have heard so many heart-breaking stories, seen so much devastation caused by a storm, witnessed the sins of the fathers effect on their children, seen what poverty can lead to, and also, enjoyed being part of the big hearts of so many gogos.  Shelly Swenson, a dear friend, sent us a book by Jeffrey Holland entitled ‘For Times of Trouble’.  Perfect for this week.  A great book! I have taken the scriptures found in Psalms from his book.

“Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help.”  Psalm 22:11

There was a terrible storm that hit the southern portion of Swaziland on February 21st.  It was a clear, beautiful day when around 3:00 p.m. the people started noticing strange clouds appearing and all of a sudden a tremendous wind storm began.  It hit the land with a vengeance.  It totally wiped out their maize crops that were just about ready to be harvested.  It blew off roofs, flattened homesteads, blew over a trailer home where a teacher was inside rolling within the trailer, trees were uprooted and others permanently bent. But it seemed to miss other areas.  (A word of interest.  When Dennis and I went through the effected area and talked to some of the people, they have a superstition that there is a huge seven-headed snake that lives in the Magugu Dam and decides to emerge periodically to cause havoc in the country.  We first heard of this snake from those sweet 11 children that live by the Magugu Dam.  They will not enter the water because of it.  Some of the victims believe they saw this seven-headed snake and he went up and over the area leaving some without damage.  That is their explanation of what happened.  When you look at the damage, you could see how they would believe that it was a snake.)  There was huge hail that was also part of the storm that they said took 2 days to melt on the ground.   Here are some of the stories of the people that were effected and also other stories.

A small seven-headed snake

“Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.  He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.  Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.”  Psalm 107:28 - 30

Ma Zungu from Nhlangano is a fairly new member of the church whose roof was blown off by the storm .  Their roofs are made from corrugated metal strips that are just nailed in.  Ma Zungu was inside with three of her grandchildren when it hit.  The roof blew off and the rain pounded on them.  She said the children were sobbing and she was so afraid.  They found pieces of the steel in a tree.  They were able to recover most of the steel but they have no nails to secure it.  For now, they are using rocks.  The church is going to replace some of the strips and provide nails.

That tall tree in the back is where they found most of the strips

“I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried; mine eyes fail while I wait for my God….They that sow in tears shall reap in joy”  Psalm 69:3; 126:5  “And it came to pass that the God of Heaven looked upon the residue of the people, and he wept,…And Enoch said unto the Lord: How is it that thou canst weep, seeing thou art holy, and from all eternity to all eternity?  The Lord said unto Enoch: Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands,…the whole heavens shall weep over them….wherefore should not the heavens weep, seeing these shall suffer?”  Moses

…….and Jesus wept

As we were driving we noticed a gogo out in her field that was totally gone.  We stopped and Jerome talked to her.  She said that she was praying that she would find something.  That was their food for the winter and it was gone.  She was picking things off the ground and giving it to her grandson with a wheel barrow who proceeded up a steep hill to take it to their homestead.  This young boy had a difficult time getting that wheel barrow up the hill.  Later, Jerome asked me how old I thought he was – he looked so little.  I thought maybe 5 but he said that he was probably 10.  Their bad diet of just maize stunts the children’s growth.  I worry for this family.   What will they eat until they can plant again next year?

This is what their crop of maize should look like……

…but this is what it looks like in this area

Jerome approaching the gogo

This is the young boy that was pushing the wheelbarrow – How old do you think he looks? I didn’t get a picture of him working so hard to get it up the hill.

These are pictures of homesteads that had rows and rows of maize that are totally gone.  A lot of these homes were missing roofs.

“Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamaties be overpast.”  Psalm 57:1

As we continued our drive we noticed a school that had a roof missing, so we stopped and went in to talk to someone.  We found one of the teachers that was in her trailer home when it was blown over.  She was jostled around.  She was not hurt physically but emotionally was having a difficult time.  She said that she had just arrived to teach two months ago.  What a way to begin a new school year.

The school and the teacher’s trailer which had been rolled back onto its platform – luckily school is over at 2:00 so the children were not there.

A visual picture to see the strength of the wind

“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower….As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him…..From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”  Psalm 18: 2, 30; 61:2

We continued walking down to see the devastation of the storm and found these women in a homestead.  We stopped to talk to them and heard a story that pierced our hearts.  They showed us their destroyed crop and the damage it had done.  Then proceeded to tell us that there used to be 9 men that lived in the homestead….husbands, brothers, grandfather.  They all had jobs, so built them the home they lived in which looked very nice on the outside. (I don’t know why I didn’t get a picture of the home)  But one by one each man died until they were all gone leaving just these women to care for the children.  They died of pneumonia, TB – all causes of HIV/AIDs.  They now have no means, can’t get jobs to support themselves, no food, no future.  They did say that a nice older man on a homestead not too far from them was helping them but he died recently also.  Shame.  I can’t imagine waking up each day wondering where I would get food for my children/grandchildren, how we were going to survive to the next day.  On top of this, a storm came by and destroyed the very little they had.

When we first arrived the gogo was sitting like so many of them do – what strong backs they must have.  The young lady was watering a little garden they tried to restart after the storm.

Showing us some of the damage.  If you look in the back you can see their maize that is totally gone.

Dennis saw this little 3-month old on the ground and started playing with him.  He started giggling which warmed our hearts.  What is the future for this little one?  How long will his mother’s milk last?  A precious child of God.

They were telling Jerome how hopeless they feel.  They want to work but need money to get a job because you have to sustain yourself for a month until your first paycheck comes. 

The women and small children – the other children are in school.  The king does provide school fees for children that are orphans or have lost a parent. 

This tent was temporarily set up for this family whose home was flattened and the others had no roofs.

We found the Red Cross to see what the church humanitarian department can do to help.

“When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.”  Psalm 56:9  “Whenever we go out and always when we come in, no matter what the trouble and trial of the day may be, we start and finish with the eternal truth that God is for us.  He loves us.  He is our Heavenly Father, He never sleeps nor slumbers in His watchcare over us. His work and His glory are to save us, to exalt us, to see us safely home with Him.”  Jeffrey Holland

While we were in Nhlangano we tried to find the three Mabuza sisters (their brothers are on missions and they were staying by themselves in their home).  We found out that their father who was suppose to be caring for them, kicked them out of their place  and moved his new family into it.  They had no place to go.   Pres. Bulunga called them to help and when the father found out he took their cell phone away from them so they would lose all contact.  Now we know why we could not get hold of them.  What can we do?  Ma Zungu was helping them but she has no food or money either.  We do not know where they are now.  I asked Pres. Bulunga if the brothers knew what was going on and he responded that he didn’t want to tell them.    “This I know…… God is for me (them).”

Their family just before the brothers left for their mission

In November we went to visit and found two of the girls and two cousins that were living with them at home.  What big hearts and smiles they have. The sisters are the two in front.

We found the older sister (one on left)  and another cousin in town

“He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory….”“Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.” “He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack:…..” Samuel 2:8; Psalm 41: 1;  Proverbs 28:27

We went to a small community called Thunzini with Jerome to meet with some women to evaluate their situations.  Jerome has been hired to take surveys of the problems that women have around the country.  It was a warm greeting.  What friendly and gracious women.  They talked which of course was all in siSwati but there was a lot of laughter.  Jerome is a delightful man.  We visited some ponds where they are trying to grow fish to sustain them.  After, they fed us a meal of pap, pumpkin, spinach, chicken and a broth.  I did pretty good at eating most of it.  I couldn’t finish all the pap.  I do not think I will ever get used to it.  But we learned later how much they sacrificed to serve us this meal.  They told Jerome that their meals include a sour porridge (maize in water that is fermented) for breakfast and pap at night.  That will be all.  They also showed us some of the jewelry they are making that is made from paper but they need a place to sale their wares.  I bought two sets.  They’re very creative.  What really amazed me was the small children sat on their laps and the older ones were outside playing during the entire meeting and never bothered us.  What well trained children.  We said our good-byes and left them no better off than we found them.  Really, what good am I doing here.  How can we change their situation?

All this water came from under the ground after they dug the holes for their fish ponds

The only thing I can contribute to the plight of these women is a sweet.  How pathetic – but it does bring a smile for a moment

This lady made the jewelry that I bought – all made from paper – earrings, bracelet, necklaces

Our feast

While driving out, we saw these students out stretching – a PE class in Swaziland!  Dennis was so excited.

“A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked…..Be not thou afraid when one is made rich,when the glory of his house is increased: For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.”  Psalms 37:16; 49: 16-17

We visited an inactive family in Mdulini with Pres. Bulunga.  They literally live out in the middle of nowhere on a dirt road.  They used to live in Nhlangano and were very active until he lost his job.  Then they had to move where they are because it was an existing homestead belonging to his family.  They no longer could attend church.  We found out that the babe had found a job but it was in Mbabane.  So he had to leave his family in hopes they can take care of themselves while he is gone.  He comes home rarely because it takes so much money for transport.  This area was also hit by the storm which destroyed their crops.  I do not know how these women do it.  I admire their strength and courage.

“When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.”  Psalm 27:10

“Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth…Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.”  Psalm 71: 9, 18

One of our Lobamba boys’, Sibusiso, gogo is in the hospital and we asked him if we could visit her.  He accompanied us so we could communicate.  What a frail lady with a big heart.  After our visit the conversation I had with Sibusiso went like this:  “How long have you been with your gogo?”  “For 19 years” (he just turned 19).  “Did your parents pass away?” (I probably should not have asked that) “My father passed away in 2002 but my mother is still around.  She just didn’t want me.” “So is your gogo your mother’s or father’s mother?” “Neither.  We are not related.” “Then how did you know her.”  “My mother would stay with her sometimes.   My gogo wanted me when my mother didn’t.”  “How lucky she is to have you!”  “She had no children so she loved me.”  Can you imagine growing up knowing that you were not wanted as a baby.  But truly how lucky both of these special people are to have each other.  They were blessed beyond measure with a lifetime of memories with each other.  As I watched his tenderness with her, I witnessed true love .  A few months ago a young man told me….”It isn’t blood that makes a family.  It is LOVE”.  How true this statement is and I witnessed it this day.  Sibusiso just received the Melchezedek Priesthood, so Dennis suggested he give her a blessing.  He was frightened but did not hesitate and proceeded to give her one.  Out of the babes of children comes the truth.  Don’t you think they look alike?  I think Heavenly Father had a plan from the beginning.  She had no children to love and care for so he sent her Sibusiso through someone else.  That mother is still alive but look at all she has missed out on.  Shame.

"”From the end of he earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”  Psalm 61:2

Sister Msibi was in church on Sunday.  We were so excited to see her. With her was a friend that has come now for three weeks.  She wants to have the lessons but she cannot hear.  Through Jerome Shongwe, again, we found out her story.  She used to live and work in Bulembu (now a city for orphans with HIV/Aids).  Earlier Bulembu was a city that mined asbestos until they closed it down when asbestos was found to be hazardous to health.   She said that everyone that she knew is now dead because of the asbestos.   She feels that her life has been spared because Heavenly Father wanted her to find the church. The medication that she takes “closed her ears” as she put it.  She can speak and read English but cannot read lips in English.  So we write in English and she responds.  This will be a new experience for our Elders.  She desperately wants to join the church. 

I did not get her name but  isn’t she beautiful

Jerome talking with her for us – she can read lips when you’re speaking siSwati

Sister Msibi with Sister Mavis Dlamini – Ezulwini’s Relief Society President

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart; wait, I say, on the Lord”  Psalm 27:14

Early Sunday morning, the elders received a phone call from Bro. Sabelo Shongwe, an investigator, that his wife was sick and needed to go to the hospital.  They rushed to their homestead and called an ambulance.  They discovered that she drank some cleaning fluid.  Later that evening, while we were bringing Sabelo home from visiting his wife, we found out what happened.  They are having a lot of financial problems which has led to marital disputes.  He used to work near the Lavumiso border at a game park constructing hotels, etc.  When the project was cancelled, he was forced to return to Lobamba to stay on his wife’s family homestead.  He has not been able to find work.  They have two children – one has been sent to stay with a gogo and their 5-year-old is with them.  They have no means and no food.  He drinks to release the stress and I guess, her way out was to end her life.  He is a carpenter and he hopes to have a job in a few weeks with a construction company that is building the new US Embassy by us.  That night he was a broken-spirited man.  Another, sad thing is their five-year-old was home by himself the entire day while he was at the hospital.  (This is now two days later…..Bro. Sabelo Shongwe was called today to come in to work tomorrow.  His wife is home and things are looking up for them.  She needed to “wait on the Lord” just a little longer.)

We went and visited Sister Shongwe today at home.  She is tired but is doing well.

“O God, where art thou?  And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place? How long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people and of thy servants, and thine ear be penetrated with their cries?…….….My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then if, thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high….”  D & C 121: 1,2,7,8

Thomas Paine wrote..”…love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection.  It is the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm,and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death.”