I first met Bongani Dlamini and his brother Mlangeni and sister Gcina upon our return from our first Stateside Assignment in 1998.   They were attending the Nhlangano Baptist Church.  From the very beginning it was evident Bongani who was younger than Mlangeni was the leader of the group.   They looked to him to take charge.  Even after Mlangeni’s death from drowning, I remember Bongani and Gcina coming to the door with a message from their mother.  They were so young and they were hurting.

In Swaziland, counseling for children after a tragic death is not done.  Children are virtually ignored during the time of the funeral and grieving process.  All the attention is given to the adults.  How I mourned for Mlangeni but also Bongani and Gcina.  If Bongani had received attention and care needed during this very difficult time, perhaps his struggles would not have been so great.

A few years ago we began receiving reports from some of the youth that Bongani was lying and stealing. His mother even came to us wanting us to beat (their word for spank) him after he was caught stealing a radio (the radio was returned to the owner).  We were totally horrified that a mother would ask us to beat her child and we graciously told her we could not but we could pray for Bongani.  As a church we prayed for Bongani to find his way back to the Lord.

Yesterday, Bongani preached at the Nhlangano Baptist Church.  In the last two years we have seen Bongani rededicate his life to the Lord.  He is always at church and even comes early to set up the chairs and get the keyboard ready for worship.  He has taught himself to play the keyboard and oftentimes plays for worship and choir specials.  He desires to learn and be obedient to the Lord.  He currently is involved with TEE (Theological Education by Extension).  I am so thankful the church did not give up on Bongani.  When he was struggling and doing things that were not right we prayed for him. J 

I wait for you, O Lord; you will answer, O Lord, my God.  Psalm 38:15

Pray for Bongani to be the Leader the Lord would have him be.  Pray he will keep focused on the Lord and seek the Lord’s guidance in every area of his life.