Ian and Jenn Stephens are missionaries working with C.H.I.P.S, Children HIV Intervention Programme in Swaziland, to help the orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS pandemic in Swaziland, Africa. Their home base is in Vuvulane and they travel around to various communities testing for HIV, assessing medical needs and treatment options, teaching job skills, providing workshops, and occasionally conducting Crossroads training (character building/positive living/HIV & abstinence). Ian and Jenn's main desire is to share the love of Jesus for each of these precious children while working towards fulfilling the vision of a HIV free Swaziland.

CHIPS Video

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Sandy

It's been a tough week. We received an email from a friend of Jenn's sister, Sandy, on Tuesday saying that Sandy was very ill with pneumonia and other infections and was in the hospital. Jenn spent the next couple of days on the phone with the doctors and other family members in England. She had to make the difficult decisions about whether the doctors and staff should do drastic measures to save Sandy or to let her pass, since Sandy's son was out of town. Sandy did pass away on Thursday evening.

We've had numerous visitors who have dropped in to bring their condolences, which has been a great help.  Some friends of Sandy's in her bible study have also contacted us to share how much Sandy meant to them and what a blessing she was. That was so encouraging to hear and we're so thankful that Sandy is with God now.  It also looks like God is using Sandy's death to bring some reconciliation within our family.  As much as we'd want to go back for the funeral, we realize that we are not yet fit enough to make the long trip back to England. We do plan on going back at some point to get some closure.  This morning we were sharing some of our favorite memories of Sandy. She had quite the knack for taking us on 'shortcuts', when we were out and about on some excursion. However, her 'shortcuts would result in us getting lost or in adding quite a bit of time to our trip.

It happened so quickly, which was a blessing as Sandy didn't have to suffer long, and we are still reeling and trying to wrap our mind around the fact that she is gone. Please continue to lift us and our family up in your prayers. With our accident and now this, we are ready to be done with 2013. In the midst of our grief we pray that God will use this situation to really draw the rest of our family to knowing Him and bringing about reconciliation.

P.S. - If you want to support our ministry, the fastest way is to make an Online Donation via www.WorldOutreach.org
Go to "Donate" and select our name, Stephens, Ian and Jenn SWAZILAND. The system can process USA and International cards.


Or simply mail your gift to World Outreach Ministries, PO Box B, Marietta, GA 30061 and designate for Ian and Jenn, Fund Code #97.

1 comment:

  1. "On the far side of tears is a banquet and joy forever." Trusting the Lord Jesus to bring comfort to you in your time of sorrow. Lance

    ReplyDelete

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