The leadership of the Africa Continent Mission (ACM) has commended the Eswatini Observer for its continued support of faith-based and community development initiatives in the country.
This was during a courtesy visit by ACM General Director Rev Dr Chong-Yang Kim, Mission Chairman Rev Young-Keun Lee and their delegation to the Eswatini Observer offices at Sidwashini yesterday, where they met Acting Managing Director Mbongeni Mbingo.
During the visit, Rev. Dr Kim led a special prayer for Mbingo, asking God to bless him with wisdom, good health and success in both his personal and professional life.
The prayer also extended to Mbingo’s family and the continued growth and prosperity of the Observer.
Rev. Dr Kim said he was pleased to visit the institution and expressed gratitude for the relationship built over the past 20 years between the mission and the Observer.
“I came here to pray for my dear friend Mbongeni Mbingo for success in everything he does and for the wellbeing of his family. We also pray for the Observer to continue growing and succeeding in its operations,” he said.
He further acknowledged the role Mbingo has played in supporting the mission’s activities in Eswatini, saying his dedication and encouragement had contributed greatly to the mission’s achievements in the country.
“We are very grateful for the love and support we have received from him. He has shown commitment in helping us achieve success in Eswatini and we truly appreciate that,” added Rev. Dr Kim.
Mission Chairman Rev. Young-Keun Lee also praised the Observer for supporting the work of the church and development programmes spearheaded by ACM.
He said the media house had consistently played a role in highlighting initiatives that positively impact communities, particularly in education and social development.
Rev. Lee specifically highlighted the contribution of the Eswatini Medical Christian University (EMCU), which he said had transformed many lives through educational opportunities and community empowerment.
“God is using Pastor Kim to help the country through educational programmes such as the Eswatini Medical Christian University. These programmes have changed the lives of many people and supporting such initiatives is part of God’s work,” he said.
He further described Mbingo as a visionary leader who had always championed development and progress within the mission and the country at large.
The visit concluded with words of encouragement and a renewed commitment to strengthening the partnership between the mission and the Observer.
Acting MD Honoured by Special Prayer
Eswatini Observer Acting Managing Director Mbongeni Mbingo has expressed gratitude and humility following the special prayer session held in his honour.
Speaking after the visit by the Africa Continent Mission, Mbingo said he was deeply honoured by the gesture, describing it as a reflection of the strong relationship that has existed between the mission and the Observer for the past 20 years.
“I did not expect such a prayer and visit so I feel greatly honoured. This is testimony to the relationship and trust we have built over the years,” Mbingo said.
Mbingo reflected on his long journey of supporting and advocating for the Eswatini Medical Christian University (EMCU), which has grown into one of the mission’s most notable projects in the country.
He explained that ACM continuously contributes financial support towards its projects in Eswatini every Sunday, including EMCU, several churches and SIAM High School, among others.
“The ACM has invested a lot into these projects and without their support some of them would not be operating today,” he said.
Mbingo further revealed that the mission also ran similar community and development projects in neighbouring Mozambique, all aimed at uplifting communities through education, faith and social support.
He noted that the Eswatini Observer had consistently defended and supported the mission’s programmes over the past two decades through balanced reporting and public awareness.
“For 20 years, the Observer has stood by these programmes. I personally wrote articles defending the institution, especially during difficult times when the project faced land disputes and other challenges involving the church,” he said.
Despite setbacks experienced during the early stages of the projects, Mbingo said he remained committed because he believed in the value and impact of the mission’s work in the country.
He added that the ACM delegation was currently in Eswatini to tour the different projects they support and assess their progress.
The Acting MD said he was deeply touched and grateful for the recognition and prayers he received from the ACM delegation.
Mbingo said acts of appreciation had become rare in today’s society, making the visit and prayers even more meaningful to him.
“Being appreciated is very rare and I am very happy for the recognition and love shown to me by the ACM. For them to travel all the way from Korea just to pray for my success and wellbeing truly means a lot to me,” he said.
Mbingo said he felt honoured that the mission had acknowledged the role he played in supporting and advocating for their programmes and projects in the country over the years.
He noted that the university had made a significant contribution to the country by producing graduates now serving in different sectors of the economy.
“The EMCU has produced many graduates who are helping improve various sectors in the country. That alone shows the impact the institution has had on Eswatini,” he said.
He added that the continued growth of the projects motivated him to remain committed to supporting initiatives that uplift communities through education and development.
