This is the first in a series of blogs to introduce our ministry partners here in Nsoko! What is a ministry partner? A ministry partner is a young, local Swazi who is part of our team. They translate for us among the go-go’s and children at the care points. They participate in twice weekly Bible studies to grow in their own spiritual journey. They assist us in presenting the Gospel to the precious children and adults we serve! Some of their responsibilities vary a bit, but those are the main ones. We feel that these folks are so important and valuable to the ministry here in Swaziland, that we wanted to dedicate a series of blogs to introducing each one individually so that you can “know” them and (most importantly) so that you can begin to pray specifically for each of them.
So, today….let me introduce you to Nombali Myeni!
Nombali is 18 years old and graduated from secondary (high) school in November of 2009. She would love to attend university someday and study to become a teacher. Nombali lives on a homestead with her mother, two brothers, one sister, grandmother, two aunts and several cousins. Her father was killed in a car accident in 2001. Nombali enjoys helping out with chores around the house, reading and she is a loyal fan of watching “Generations” (a South African soap opera that everyone seems to be hooked on!)
Nombali is very soft spoken and has a gentle, sweet personality. She is very good with the children at the care points and shows definite potential as a teacher someday! She told me that her hope for her community is to see many young people complete their education and find a good job. She values being a ministry partner because it allows her to be a positive example to the younger children she comes in contact with. Nombali dreams about seeing an orphan home built in the community in order to provide a safe environment for the kids who have no remaining family members who can properly care for them. “Often these children are living in situations that are not good, where people abuse them.”
Nombali is faithful in attending Sunday worship at the church we are a part of, and often plans and leads the children’s ministry during the service. She also is part of a young woman’s support/fellowship group that meets on Friday afternoons. Recently, at one of these gatherings, I asked the girls to share their favorite Scripture. Nombali shared the following verse:
‘I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.’ Philippians 4:13
She has a very strong faith, believing that with God everything is possible but “it is His timing, not ours.” Nombali says that this is a great source of comfort for her. She asks people to pray for her that she would be able to save enough money to attend university. She also asks people to pray for her community, specifically for the terrible drought that plagues this area making clean water scarce. Nombali says simply: “I love God and I love working with children.” This is what makes Nombali an important and precious part of our ministry team!
Praise the Lord for Nombali!
You can tell the lovely Nombali that Go Go Baker will be praying for her.
Great update. Praying the one day Nombali goal of attending a University will be fulfilled.
Look forward to more updates your fellow colleagues there!
Take Care, 🙂
What a blessing for Christ’s Church to have such a ministry partner. Nombali reflects the Spirit of Christ and is a great example for me!
She is absolutely beautiful!!!