Swaziland appeal launched

Samaritan’s Purse has launched an appeal to help the people of Swaziland, who – according to a UN prediction – could face extinction within 40 years.
 
Writing to supporters in a recent letter, Samaritan’s Purse country representative, Wandy Shongwe, warned readers: “Swaziland may not be making the headlines in the UK, but the situation in my country is very serious indeed.”
 
He explained that a combination of the highest rate of HIV in the world, severe droughts and rising food prices have left around 200,000 people in need of food aid just to survive. The precarious position of the country and its people was highlighted by a recent UN statement, predicting that Swaziland’s population of 1.1m would cease to exist by 2050 unless something was done.
 
In response, Samaritan’s Purse UK has initiated its CHOICE (Church Outreach Into Community Empowerment) programme in Swaziland, training church pastors and volunteers to meet the needs – spiritual, physical and material – of those affected by HIV and abject poverty.
 
As Wandy explains: “Our vision is to raise up 80 chuches that will be God’s hands and feet to over 2,000 families in need. Churches that won’t just rely on handouts, but who will creatively use the resources God has given them to bring transformation to their communities, whilst sharing the hope they have in Jesus.”
 
Samaritan’s Purse UK is encouraging its supporters to get behind this work by giving to the CHOICE programme in Swaziland, which can be done online or through response to the appeal letter.