This blog by Pastor Gift is hard to read, it such a searing account, I had to tone it down some. My hope in sharing it is that the reality of what so many young Swazi women face will motivate us to action. Morgan also shared the story here. Teri Frana wrote the reflection at the end.

Phumzile, a shop keeper from the small grocery shop across the street comes running into the house as if
something is after her. "Pastor, they have sent me to call you. Maswane is very sick and they need your help", she announces. We immediately stop playing and rush for the Matsenjwa homestead. We find this 19 year-old girl writhing in pain and her grandmother begins to tell us what is wrong with her. Maswane has a terrible skin problem. Her skin looks like a rough snake or lizard skin and has sores that are full of abscess all over the body. I gave her antibiotics and pain tablets. When she looked calm and
settled I talked to her. "Tell me Maswane what happened to you when you were young?" I asked.

 

"Pastor, I have been meaning to talk to someone about this before I die. When I was almost six years-old, in the year 2000, I was raped by my cousin. It happened right here in this house. Everyone was away and I was not schooling then. He came to the house early in the morning and he raped me. The issue was reported to the police and I was taken to Saint Philips clinic for examination. But to this day nothing has happened to my cousin Zakhele. I hear he has done a similar thing to another five year old. They even say he is now on the most wanted police list because he raped an older woman. Pastor, there is something else I must tell you. Not only Zakhele raped me, but also my uncle. He died in December after a long illness. I think I got HIV from my uncle. I have only one wish now, to see Zakhele, my cousin, paying for his sins. My uncle is dead and I cannot do anything about it now. However, can you help me pastor make sure the police find Zakhele and put him in jail?"

 

It's hard to stomach the reality that this is not an isolated incident.  This type of abuse happens more often than they can measure in Swaziland where the rapist is seldom prosecuted.  If HIV/Aids is contracted during the rape, the perpetrator may spend some time in prison, but it is often only a few years.

Parents and grandparents often must leave young children alone while they go find out, food, or medical care.  Their children are left vulnerable to attack so the family can survive.  They know the risk of involved of contracting HIV/Aids, but must think of the immediate dangers of starvation and other disease.  It's an awful choice for any parent to have to make.

As I contemplate this, I'm struck with two distinct thoughts; first, I take so much for granted living in America where my biggest fear for my daughter is a skinned knee.  Forgive me, Lord.   Secondly, I'm speechless as I try to comprehend children living in that type of environment.  How could you possibly keep your daughters safe?  It's unfathomable.

Where do you even begin to address all these issues? I really don't know what to do, but maybe the first thing we need to do is to become aware of this tragedy.

Secondly, we need to pray.  "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."  Ephesians 6:18

Please pray for these children.  Pray for the perpetrators.  Pray for the families.  Pray for Pastor Gift.  Pray for a miracle.  Pray for the community.  Pray for healing, comfort, safety, and Christ to be glorified in the midst of the pain.  Pray for provision for the medical care needed for Grace ($70 per month).  And consider giving to help us protect these children.

Last night, I held my daughter a little tighter before she went to bed.  Then I prayed for God to show us all how to help hold these children a little tighter too.