(SWAH-zee) – Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a small, independent African country within South Africa. It has a population of about 1 million people. Approximately 80% of the Swazi people claim to be Christian, but true allegiance is more often to their African traditional religion. Many of the Christian churches have introduced syncretism, or the mixing of Christianity with traditional pagan religion. The Swazis are open to the gospel as long as the approach is culturally sensitive and respectful. Pray that many Swazis will understand who Jesus is, be willing to put aside traditions that conflict with the Christian way of life, and follow Him completely. “And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me'” (Luke 9:23 ESV).