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Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Teen Challenge at work in Africa

I met a man tonight named Kevin Ward who heads up Teen Challennge Swaziland. What an amazing man doing God`s work(Google "swazitc" to check the site)He takes in orphaned youth from the streets and provides them with Christian care. Swaziland has lost over 1/2 million people to AIDS over the last 2 years,1/3 of their population It was heartbreaking to hear the stories of deprivation and abuse that is the lives of these kids but great to hear of the work God is doing in their lives with Teen Challenge
Surrounded by the Republic of South Africa and Mozambique, the Kingdom of Swaziland is a beautiful mountainous country of 1.15 million residents. It is the last remaining absolute monarchy in Africa and known as the most peaceful country on the continent.

We have a nation which has much potential, with its current leadership being found in his Majesty, King Mswati III.

Unfortunately, we have endured a prolonged economic decline for the past ten years; two-thirds of Swazis live on less than USD $1 a day, nearly 25% of the population requires food aid, and unemployment has risen to a staggering 40%. Stark as the economic prospects are, these pale beside the scourge of HIV/AIDS, which has ravaged the tiny kingdom. At 43%, Swaziland's HIV/AIDS rate is the highest in the world. HIV/AIDS has left a burgeoning orphan population of over 60,000 children, which is predicted to grow to 100,000 by 2010. If left unchecked, the current economic social situation will lead to untold misery and suffering for children, families and communities. The next five to ten years are critical as Swaziland attempts to address the escalating challenges ahead.

PO Box 1141, Mbabane, Kingdom of Swaziland

Phone: (268) 404-7685 or (268) 404-5452

Email: lighthouse@swazi.net.co.sz or wardkh@realnet.co.sz

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