OK  So today is recovery day for Cup staff, missionaries and HPC/Swaziland volunteers. Saturday and Sunday were big days here in Swaziland. On Saturday we hosted the largest Christmas party in the entire nation with somewhere around 3500 kids attending in Manzini. On Sunday we invited all of our HPC church members to come with us to Mapheveni to have church there and then serve at our next Christmas party with around 800 more kids.

A great time was had by all as many of these kids were able to experience the only Christmas celebration they will ever know. They were all able to participate in lots of games, dancing, face painting and eating of course. Most importantly they were given an opportunity to see a presentation explaining the Christmas story to them, that this was Jesus’s birthday and that He had come to Earth as a human to save us from our sins. Everyone went home with a gift bag and hopefully a new realization of just how much Jesus loves them and the plan and purpose He has for each and every one of their lives.

Yes it’s a lot of work. Imagine the logistics of transporting thousands of kids from 12 different locations AND putting them all back together to get them on the right bus back home. (no we did not lose even one child!!!)  Thousands upon thousands of hot dogs, drinks, ice cream and gift bags for each child. Not only did all the kids and volunteers need to be transported, but all the sound equipment, generators, cooking equipment also had to get there at the right place and the right time. Incredible job by all those who helped in pulling this off!!! And thank you Jesus for your favor that rained down upon us in the days leading up to this event. 

Why do we do this? For no other reason than to show the love of Christ to these precious childen in Africa. The Christmas season sometimes turns into a season of receiving and the real meaning can get lost in the festivities. Lets keep Christ in Christmas. Its a season of giving and celebrating Him, the living Son of God who came to this Earth for all of us.