Life here is full of contrasts. Light and Dark. Life and Death. Deception and Truth. Joy and Suffering. That really is the case everywhere; just seems here in Nsoko the line between the two extremes becomes blurred. Opposite ends of the same spectrum co-exist in a fascinating and, sometimes, unimaginable way. One of the things we have learned to love about he people here is their resiliency. The people of Nsoko have an amazing ability to keep their faith even in the face of urgent need, intense sorrow and deep desperation. The joy and hope that shine forth from their faces is a testimony to us that God is in control and that He brings wholeness to broken lives. Only the Holy Spirit is able to bring super-natural healing where sickness and death once reigned. Today, we celebrate the wonderful gift of JOY…alive and well here in Nsoko, Swaziland. It never ceases to amaze me how when the Gospel of Jesus Christ takes root in a heart beautiful things pour forth! It makes children sing and dance. It causes adults to laugh and smile. It brings life to dead places. Hallelujah!! Hallelujah!! This is Nsoko’s gift of joy to the world…
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17
“A happy heart makes the face cheerful…” ~ Proverbs 15:13a
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” ~ 1 Timothy 4:12
“But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.” ~ Psalm 71:14
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.” ~ 2 Corinthians 4:18
“I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. I will satisfy…with abundance, and my people will be filled with my bounty, declares the Lord.” ~ Jeremiah 31:13b-14
Such beautiful people!! Thanks for sharing their smiles as well as their tears!
It is so amazing, yes, to see the joy of these beautiful people….it has been amazing also to share it with you mom 🙂 I love you so much…thank you so much for again sharing your gift of writing with me…
I love you SO much!!!
Love,
~Claire
Joy is contageous! It is evident in the pictures that you have shares. God Bless all of your family members!
Jen- thank you for all of your posts and all of your pictures. Thanks for writing your heart and your prayers out for us to take part in. It means so much to get to share in your ministry. Blessings on your final days in Nsoko. See you soon!
Jen, I look forward to reading your stories! Keep them and the gorgeous pictures coming! Barb
I have pictures that look exactly the same! I miss the people of Nsoko so much and you are right-they have so much joy it is humbling and inspiring!