Project Profile

Base City: Manzini

Status: Open

Age: 18-22

Cost: $5,500

Project Overview:

The Kingdom of Swaziland is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordered to the north, south and west by South Africa, and to the east by Mozambique. It is a small country, no more than 124 miles north to south and 80 miles east to west. The people of Swaziland are dying in alarming numbers. With the world’s highest HIV infection rate of over 44.2%, people are dying faster than they are being born. At this rate, unless something drastic changes, by the year 2050, the entire population of this tiny southern African nation will cease to exist. This deadly disease has affected almost every family there, and the number of orphans in the country is increasing at an alarming rate. These children are often left malnourished, uneducated and without hope. In addition to the problems caused by the AIDS epidemic, Swaziland is also a land of extreme poverty and false religion. Although Christianity is the dominant religion statistically, many who claim to follow Christ are still involved in various forms of syncretism and witchcraft.

Ministry Description:

Participants on this trip will be working with the large number of orphaned children through Pastor Gift, working in care points to feed and educate orphaned children. Though devastated by the rapid spread of HIV, Swaziland is an absolute place of smiles and hope. Participants can also expect to teach and preach at area churches as well as participating in children’s ministry, pastor's conferences and hospital ministry.