A different perspective

Our dear friend Candy just visited us for 10 days. We had a good time showing her around and introducing her to the delightful people here. She sent this letter back home to her supporters and we thought that it was nice to have a different perspective on what we do so we're sharing the letter with you.

 Hi Friends!

I left the US on Monday and got settled at Ian & Jenn's house on Thur. night.  They live in the western region of Swaziland, surrounded by lush sugar cane fields, in the middle of nowhere.

I went out with them yesterday and had a wonderful time (which means I feel at home here).  They are involved in helping get Swazi's screened for HIV and then getting them set up with the free government ART (anti-retroviral therapy) if they test positive.  The program is called CHIPS (Children's HIV Intervention Program in Swaziland). That is just the surface of what they do!  I will write more and send pics when I am back in the US on a wireless network.

Yesterday, we went to 5 areas (ave. population roughly 250 people each).  The situation here is overwhelming.  High HIV rate, Extreme unemployment, infants dying of malnutrition, vertually no mental health care for the entire country, with the added burden of refugees from Mozambique.

Ian and Jenn are working with populations that other workers were not even aware exsisted until they were place here 6 mo. ago.  The people in this area are not sure what they are going to eat from day to day.  One baby we checked on had been born about 36 hr. earlier and had only recieved sugar water. Thank Jes_s, we were able to secure testing and milk for the infant!

We spent the day, checking on sick individuals and securing testing for endangered infants/children, along the way we provided a little clothing and food where the situation was extreme - trying to ensure that 2 infants would not die of malnutrition.  Sadly, an HIV negative infant died recently due to lack of proper nutrition.

During the evening Ian & Jenn went back out to hold a meeting in one of the areas and teach on substance abuse.  Ian asked what dreams they had.  Just  getting them to think beyond food and the present cirucumstances is an act of hope.  The response was encouraging.  One area is in the infant stages of starting a microbusiness among the women.  It has sparked hope. 

As always, they share the good news wherever they go - they are a strong presence of hope and love here.  I know this because when I arrived I already had 2 "brothers" and 1 "sister" - Swazi young adults who have claimed Ian & Jenn as their very own.  One brother told me how he lost his parents and how Ian & Jenn were  sent by our Father to take their place.  We are one happy family here.  It will be difficult to leave! (which means I may return for an extended stay).

There are other programs Ian & Jenn would love to see implemented here:

1. food pantry for malnourished children
2. micro-industry in each area, led by local Swazi councils
3. literacy program
4. program for Swazi youth, focusing on  abstinance, life-skills, & Jes_s
5. securing land/building to use for garden space & resource center to house programs mentioned
6. seeing the CHIPS program expand to other unreached areas

Right now these are just dreams.  Their ultimate goal is train and empower Swazi's, to work themselves out of a job in 5 years.  To realize these goals will take financial support and asking the Father for dreams to become reality. 

Would you join us?  You can write me or talk to me when I arrive back in the US.  I will be home on Sept. 30th. I will have a video and pics to share.

I will write more later. Please ask the Father:

• Guide us to those most in need
• Open doors for HIS work
• Open hearts to HIS love
• Daily Strength
• Favor with local chiefs to buy land - meeting today

IF this has moved your heart, PLEASE respond by writing Ian & Jenn to let them know they are not alone in this work.  Letters & e-mails are very scarce here!  Ian & Jenn Stephens  piggwr4647@aol.com

Much love,

Candy