Stories from the Field

November 2004

Attacks in Swaziland increase spread of AIDS

From IMB’s CompassionNet Daily Prayer

The Swazi newspapers have been covering a dispute at the Manzini Bus Rank. A group of drivers and conductors of buses and taxis have been warning girls/young women not to wear short skirts to the bus rank. In fact, a couple of girls had their skirts cut off because of their length.

Recently, a young girl on her way to a birthday party made the mistake of wearing a short skirt to the Manzini Bus Rank and was raped by two men while others cheered and laughed. The police were called but did not arrive until two hours later, even though the station is just around the corner from the bus rank. The young girl claimed to be a virgin. It is amazing how the Swazi people live as though there was not an AIDS problem in their country, when everyone knows someone who has died of AIDS. Three men have been arrested for this offence.

The behavior of those who laughed and cheered has been scorned, and a young girl may have been infected with the HIV/AIDS virus. No one wins in this battle. Please pray that the people of Swaziland will understand what AIDS is doing to their country and will act/behave responsibly. Pray for
many to come to know Jesus as their Savior. For more information on the global AIDS epidemic and the battle in the spiritual world, go to http://www.imb.org/AIDS/