The Arrival of the Container

For those who don't know, several people at Bethany First Church organized a large donation of medical equipment and supplies and sent it on a 40' container here to Swaziland for the Nazarene hospital. The container was purchased for the hospital so that they could use it as secure additional storage on the grounds. We have been working for the last six weeks with a local clearing agent on preparing all the logistics for its arrival, which was to be between October 24- 28.

However, the container arrived a week ahead of schedule on October 19. Neither our clearing agent nor the hospital was notified of its arrival. Instead, on Wednesday the 21st, someone from the railway company (where the container is stored until pick up) called the hospital administrator to inform him that RFM would be charged beginning Monday the 26th for storage of the container. We contacted our agent immediately, who verified that the container had arrived. From that point we had to move very quickly to ensure that the container could get to the hospital by Friday so no storage charges would have to be paid.

Since the container was staying on the hospital grounds, we knew we had to arrange for a way for it to be lifted off the truck bed. We had talked with The Luke Commission, who have had multiple containers delivered, and found contact information for the one crane in country large enough to pick up a full container.
However on Thursday the 22nd, we found out that the crane RFM had “reserved” was double booked and would not be available for us. This led to a frenzy of activity as we and Michelle (RFM's resource mobilization officer) looked for other options for lifting the container. Yet we knew that no other crane could lift the container while it was full. Added to our concern was the fact that we had not wanted to unload the contents all at once, so that we could do a better job of monitoring implementation.

By the end of the day we had only one option, and had to go with it. Our agent suggested a company who had a small crane and large forklift who could move the container once it was fully unloaded. We talked this over with Michelle, and decided we would try to empty the container, move it, then try to put as much back in as possible.

The container arrived at 9:30am Friday morning October 23. Brent rode on top of it with a large stick to move the low-hanging wires out of its way on the hospital grounds. The closest the truck could get to the storeroom was about 40 yards, and there was no platform for it to back up to. This meant that the contents of the container had to be emptied by hand, down to the ground and across the 40 yards to the storeroom. All of the donations had been packaged into pallets or crates, secured well with nails, and screws into plywood and four-by-fours. So, once the container was opened we realized it would be impossible to unload it quickly and then load it back up, pallets full and untouched.

Michelle made the decision to unpack every pallet and move the contents in their boxes inside the storeroom. We had to move quickly to utilize maintenance staff who were scheduled to get off work at 1pm. They used one side of one opened pallet as a steep ramp/ latter leaned up against the opened container which helped them lower the pallets down to the ground. From there the pallets were opened with the only tool available for the day – one crowbar. Boxes, equipment and furniture were carried back to the storeroom, and materials like linens and bandages were put into trolleys that took them directly to the storeroom shelves.

The hospital had hired a small forklift to help in offloading the pallets from the container. The forklift was immensely helpful while it worked, but it got stuck in the coal dust between the storeroom and the container for about an hour and half. When it did work, it carried the pallets as far as the entry of the storeroom where they were opened and unloaded.

With this method the container was fully unloaded by 2:30. By 4:00 all the contents of the pallets had been brought inside the storeroom. The mobile X-Ray machine was retrieved by one of the X-Ray technicians immediately, along with one patient bed and the lead vests. He was very excited! Other large pieces, like the steel countertop/ cabinet and several beds, were quickly implemented as well.

The container stayed at the hospital over the weekend without charge from the trucking company, and this Monday a large forklift arrivee and lifted the container into its new location near the maintenance building at the hospital. Everyone seems pleased with its placement. That same day, there was a meeting of matrons from many of the hospital wards to discuss implementation of the container’s contents. They went through item by item, saying which ward needed the particular equipment or supplies. In this way much of the donated goods are spoken for and have a home waiting for them. It will still take work to get them there, but the hardest part is finished.

Dr. Bitchong, the Chief Medical Officer, was away at a convention when the container arrived. When he saw the full storeroom and met with his staff he was exceedingly pleased. He told both of us that there were many good surprises on this container and that its contents would help the hospital in many of the areas it had been struggling with for so long. The work is not yet finished, but we are happy to have the container here, all contents accounted for and in one piece, and the hospital happy!

Working at the RFM Storeroom

The store room at RFM has been the location for thousands and thousands of pieces of medical equipment over the years that it has been in existence. A number of years ago the middle section was divided into rooms/offices and a ceiling was put over that space, which opened a second level to increase the space in the store room. Due to leaks in the roof over the past few years, that second story storage has seen significant damage to the floor boards to such a point that there were holes and nothing was safe for storage there.

In preparation for the container that was shipped from BFC, we have been looking for options for short term storage in that area. This un-utilized space was a clear need that was identified and essential for use. BFC was able to contribute the finances for the patching of the roof and the new flooring to replace the rotted floor. Once they had the supplies, RFM staff made quick work of the roof patching and installation of the flooring.

Several weeks ago there was a container of consumables that arrived from Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (Hands of Hope ministries out of Idaho) which included everything from bandages, to surgical supplies and office equipment. When it arrived it was stacked near the entry of the store room as there is always a rush to get a container unloaded as to not accrue additional charges for container rental. In preparation for the BFC container which is arriving tomorrow (Friday 23 October) we went to assist in getting things moved into the new space to make way for items from BFC.

We worked with the RFM staff for nearly three hours to get everything dispersed and organized but as the rain poured down outside (and also made it much cooler in the upper level of the store room) there were no leaks and the new flooring was study underfoot.

We praise God for his providence and the opportunity to assist with his work. It is an incredible thing to realize that the items that we were moving, which were originally packed by fellow Christians overseas, will be utilized in life saving surgeries and in many cases will be given with minimal charge to people with great need here in Swaziland. We also are privileged and honored to work with RFM Resource Mobilization office (Michelle Fidelli) to enact critical support from BFC.

As we made room for yet another container in the store room we look forward to watching how God continues to move in tangible ways to enact his miracles.

The Cattle On A Thousand Hills

Several months ago we sent out emails, letters, and visited churches asking for prayer and financial support as we set off for a year in Swaziland. The money we needed to raise felt like a daunting task in the midst of a national financial crisis. We received a flood of prayers, however, and were reminded often that God has made and will continue to make a way for his people whom he has called. He is the owner of the cattle on a thousand hills, the psalmist says, and so we were encouraged and challenged to trust that he would allocate those cattle to us as he saw fit!

We are writing today with hearts full of thanksgiving and gratitude to say that we have all the funds we needed – and then some! Four months into our stay here, we have the full amount that we will need for the year, with extra moneys available for further donations. This is yet again another HUGE reminder of God’s constant provision and faithfulness to us and to all who he calls. We know that many people gave sacrificially to make this happen, and we are more thankful than we know how to say. We continue to pray for you who have given from your hearts, that God will bless you in abundance for your generosity and obedience. We also hope and pray that you all – whether you contributed financially, through prayers, or in any other way – are able to feel that you are truly a part of our ministry here. Truly, if it was not for your generosity we would not be here.

“Praise and Prayer Requests!!”

Well we have a praise to share!! We found a replacement window for the passenger side of the BFC Mobile that we use here in Swaziland. On the 21st of August it was broken as some thieves were trying to steal some items in the car. (They did not get anything of value praise the Lord). Since that time we have been calling everywhere (even South Africa and Mozambique) to find a replacement. What a frustration and challenge but God provided a replacement yesterday. And for a very good cost. This is a praise as the sound of the plastic on the window was getting really annoying..and with plastic on the windows we never felt secure leaving anything in the car when it was parked, and it is starting to rain more and more here. Praise to God!!

Another praise from this past weekend is that we were able to attend a Spiritual Renewal Retreat with other Nazarene Missionaries and leaders from Africa. The focus was on Sabbath Rest. It was another chance again to be renewed by God and to learn from him. Also the opportunity to meet others who serve our lord and the church of the Nazarene in Africa was a great blessing!! The facilitator Cindy North who has served before in Africa was a great leader during this time and we thank her and her family (for letting her come to Africa)

We also have some prayer requests

- Swaziland – HIV/AIDS that a miracle comes from the Lord. In the past week a nationwide study/report has come out showing again the incredible odds that face the country of Swaziland in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
- For those we interact with that they can see the love of our Lord and know him and his peace. There are a few who are asking a lot of questions and need answers from the Lord!!
- For our friend Sizwe who is feeling a strong call of God on his life. For safety as he works to provide for his family (as a combi driver across borders) and for wisdom.
- For traveling mercies for Michaele and I as we continue to drive across country and borders.
- For the four district assemblies that are happening this week! Wisdom and unity for the leaders of our church in this country!

Task Force Graduation

Several weeks ago I (Michaele) had the privilege of joining a “graduation” ceremony for the newest care supporters of the Nazarene HIV/ AIDs Task Force. Care supporters are individuals who have volunteered to provide consistent care, encouragement and support to HIV patients and their families. One care supporter I met in the eastern district of Swaziland has twenty clients that she looks after, seeing each of them at least once a week. It is the care supporters who make sure these clients are getting the right medicines and staying on their ARV’s (Anti-retro-viral treatment helps the body to fight against HIV and prolongs health and life). Care supporters also work to provide food and other goods when they are needed, as well as emotional and spiritual support. Much of this support is gained through the formation of HIV support groups, some of which form garden co-ops and begin garden projects together. All of these efforts have a remarkable impact and do an amazing job at prolonging life, increasing awareness of HIV, and de-stigmatizing the disease and those who are infected.

New care supporters go through an intensive three-week training process before they are sent to do the work. I was able to join them for the closing ceremony of this training. They shared a short drama depicting a typical scenario in which the care supporters would work: A young lady who is bed ridden is prohibited by her father, mother and aunt from seeking medical help because they are convinced she has been bewitched or that is the work of some ancestor’s curse. The care supporter made regular trips to the family before finally being able to take the young lady to see a doctor for TB treatment and to begin ARV’s. When she returns, healthy, to her family they are all amazed at the miracle that has taken place and the care supporter is able to pray with the family.

I was so impressed and touched by the emotions depicted in the drama and those of the other care supporters watching it. The drama depicted the true-to-life difficulties each of these new care supporters will face, yet they were ready and eager to take on the challenge. The keynote speaker was a woman from a similar organization that focuses on youth, Acts of Faith, supported through the Mennonite church. Her address focused on why we as Christians are different in the care we provide and in the way we respond to these challenges. She said we as Christians are blessed by the dying not because we do big things, but because we can do the small work of touching and changing someone’s heart. Again I saw the agreement and even the excitement in the faces of the new care supporters and was overwhelmed by their determination to do the hard, hard work of giving the smallest acts of compassion in the face of a horrible, depressing situation.

To close their session they sang a triumphant-sounding song that matched in melody and rhythm any siSwati praise song I had heard. Yet I kept hearing “A-R-V’s” at the end of the refrain. I asked for a translation of the song, and this is what I got: I promise never to forget my ARV therapy/ I promise never to quit my ARV therapy/ In the morning and in the evening its ARV therapy (2X)/ I promise never to quit my ARV therapy. So, in addition to using drama, the care supporters have also written this and other songs to communicate to and rally their clients.

These are the wonderful men and women (mostly women) who are doing the work that will turn the tide of the HIV crisis! These are the people who are really on the frontlines, being the hands and feet of Jesus in more ways that we can count. These are our brothers and sisters who I love and have the highest respect for. These beloved people are the ones who need to be covered in our constant prayers!

The Nazarene Task Force has, at present, around 114 such volunteers in all four districts. Please join us in prayer for their leaders, Mary Magagula and Evelyn Shongwe. You can find information about them and how to donate at NCM.org.