"There are thousands of people in Swaziland who are disappointed in the Jesus that has been presented to them."

The pastor of the church I attend here in Swaziland made the above statement at church a few weeks ago.  It is a very powerful statement that many people may not agree with at first, but I agree wholeheartedly.  At least with my experiences here and the people I have talked to I would say this is very true.  About a month ago I was struck with the fact that what this country needs more than anything else is the true gospel.  More than a cure for AIDS, or an abstinence program to encourage kids to wait until marriage for sex, or food for all the starving kids, the Swazi people (and many other people across Africa and the world) need to know the true and living Jesus Christ.  Many people in Swaziland are presented with the Jesus of prosperity or a "quick fix Jesus" and then quickly become disappointed.  Our pastor said in this same message, "Jesus is the answer, but not for what you want done, but for what He has done."  This is so key in understanding who Jesus is.  It's not about what He can do for us and how He can fix our problems.  Jesus has already made the biggest sacrifice by giving His life for us and redeeming us from the pit of darkness, He owes us nothing.  This concept is often hard for me to grasp and doesn't seem fair sometimes, but it is true.  The need of pastors who receive good, solid Biblical training is crucial.  The Swazi people do not need to be told to believe in a Jesus who will solve all your problems.  Who will cure you and your family of AIDS and provide food in abundance for you at all times.  They need to understand who the real Jesus is.  They need to hear over and over again of the simple and true gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  The sadness and desperation of people in need is extremely grave here.  The way AIDS is ravaging this nation is outrageous and the number of children who have lost at least one parent is heartbreaking.  This is why the people need to know who Jesus really is and this is why good pastoral training is in such great need in my opinion.  As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2:1-2, "And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom.  For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified."