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

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Cape Town

We enjoyed riding the buses around Cape Town to see the different sites and sounds of a bustling cosmopolitan city. It reminded us somewhat of Europe: weather wise, people going out at 9p for dinner, eating breakfast late and the pavement cafes.  The people say they can have four seasons in one day. We did not even see half of of the city and we did not visit any shops, museums.

 If we visit again we would like to ride the train to Simon’s town you can get on and off as you like. Some of the stops would be to visit Boulder beach where the penguins are and the little towns are very pretty with good cafes for lunch or coffee. The train travels by the side of the ocean so it is scenic. Another thing that we didn't get a chance to do was ride the cable car to the top of Table Mountain. We can't wait to go back!

We had good travel everything went like clockwork, hotel was good and we had time to just sit and reflect, the Lord is the great provider in all things and we are thankful for the time we spent in Cape Town

We visited Boulder Beach to see the African Jackass Penguins. 
Jenn really likes penguins and enjoyed this part very much. 
We went to the Victoria and Alfred waterfront which was a very fun place with lots of people, music and food.

One of the beautiful beaches in Cape Town

Cape of Good Hope
Cape of Good Hope
Looking down at Cape Town from Table Mountain. 
We saw other birds besides just penguins. 

We enjoyed our time in Cape Town very much! 
Sitting on the beach!
Beautiful Sunset
This vacation was a nice one to get away and remind ourselves of God's faithful provisions for all that we need.

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.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Dedication Ceremony

Last week we held the Dedication Ceremony of the new Chips office and minibus. The event was attended by Rotary club of Swaziland, Vuvulane Inner Council, directors of Chips and Chips staff. Pastor Ken did the dedication prayers, blessing and a short speech on the beginnings of Chips. He prayed for the future growth that the services offered will reach many more people in this area and he gave thanks to the Lord for his provision in all things.

Daran as president of Rotary Club in Mbabane handing the keys over for the minibus to Jabulani the Project Manager for Chips.


Members of the Rotary club Swaziland

The new minibus (khombi) ready to be used. We're thankful for the provisions that the Lord has given us and we pray that the Chips staff will be able to reach so many people in the future with a holistic approach caring for both physical and spiritual needs of those around us. We appreciate your support in this adventure as well. 

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.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Amazing growth

When I asked Bonginkosi to come back to work in our garden I did not imagine that the results would be so good. He has worked wonders and takes pride in what he does.
Bonginkosi planting lettuce
We have sent many pictures of the crops growing but not of what we have given away. There’s been cabbage, lettuce,spinach,beetroot and the list goes on.
He has never grown eggplant( until now), turnip (we are on our third crop), cucumber, zucchini and yellow squash, which we have growing now.
White onion ready to be picked
During the dry season he would come back to the garden after hours and water the plants. People come to the house and ask how do you grow this or how do you grow that and his response TLC and GOD.
Beautiful eggplant ready to be harvested
We have two beds of lettuce growing right now and people say it is to hot now to grow lettuce (but it’s growing). We have green  beans  and we now have our second crop of peas growing.
But the most pleasing thing is he is growing in the LORD. Bonginkosi takes great pleasure in taking the produce that he has grown and giving it to those in need.

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.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

What a waste!

A survey conducted in the USA in 2010 found that $16 billion was spent on fun (i.e. dvd's and games), $2 billion on holidays, $325 million on cat/dog food, $304 million on chewing gum, $76 million on lipstick and only $104 million on spreading the gospel world wide.
I have said before that some Americans spend at least $25/week at Starbucks on coffee; I can feed a family for a week on that amount. What a waste! 
Would you like to take the money you would have spent this week on chewing gum or coffee and use it to buy a couple of food parcels? We'll pass it out to those in need of food. You can Donate Now. Select our name, Stephens, Ian and Jenn Swaziland and then follow the instructions. 
Thank you!
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.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Wedding Vow Renewal

On Sunday, September 29th, we had a vow-renewal ceremony at church. 
The ceremony was very nice and sprinkled with bits of humor. This marks the third time that we have said these vows to each other, and the third continent.
We married in England 24 years ago, renewed our vows in the States for our 10th anniversary when we started going to church again, and saw it was fitting to do it a third time. 
We have become Christians in the last 14 years and answered the call to full time missions, while growing closer together and to God. We’re thankful for all God has done with us over the last 24 years and give Him all the credit.


Yes, we keep marrying the same person. This is our last time marrying each other. We are in it for keeps at this point. We were planning to do a Vow Renewal next year for our 25th anniversary, however after the accident and everything that happened in the last couple of months, Pastor Dana convinced us that we needed to do it now and not wait. 


We're thankful for our church family as they celebrated with us. 



Pastor Dana (middle) has been such a blessing and encouragement both personally and to our ministry.

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.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Kindle Love

Our Kindle envy started around last Christmas when we heard that Jenn's sister and Charissa both had gotten a new thing called a Kindle. They were telling us about the great way to read electronic books and that you could take it anywhere and have so many books loaded onto the device. Having read all the books in the 3 libraries nearby (or attempting too as many books have pages/sections missing) we started looking at the kindle online- really being envious of not having one ourselves. We debated long and hard about if the expense of buying a kindle would be worth it. Finally we decided to purchase two, one for each of us. We emailed our wish list of books to Charissa and she loaded them onto the kindles and sent them to us. They arrived shortly before our accident, which was such a blessing!  Since we couldn't get around and leave the house very much during our 10 weeks or so of recovery, our kindles helped us not get quite so stir crazy (at least kept us from wanting to choke each other).  Our neighbor John has been great about giving kindle tutorials whenever we run into something we don't know like how to share books between our two kindles. We've started reading more authors and types of books than what we previously had on our 'favorites' list. One series that we have found is a British murder mystery series which makes us laugh out loud when reading it. When we aren't reading, we are online adding books to our wish list of ones we want to download. We'll have to test the claim that you can have up to 14,000 books on the kindle at a time, right now we have just over 60 books each!

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.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Sitting on the Veranda


There's a gentleman who makes bamboo furniture and sells it by the roadside.  He does excellent work and we applaud him for coming up with a creative idea to be gainfully employed and support his family. He is an example in an area where many are unemployed and have no real desire to work with one's hands to provide for one's family. After admiring his work for quite some time, we decided to purchase some veranda furniture. 
Isn't it nicely made? 
We enjoy sitting out on the veranda and having a cup of tea.  
Bonginkosi is telling 'Mammy' (Jenn) what she should be doing. Newman is also in on the fun! We're thankful for both guys and the laughs/conversations we can share. 


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.

Monday, August 12, 2013

'Is Evolution a Fact?'

Another Daily Bread that I think is right on. My theory, believe what the Bible tells you and you cannot go wrong. Hope this encourages you too! Ian

                                                 IS EVOLUTION A FACT?

The theory of evolution is not without its problems. One scientist says this about life starting on its own:
“Amino acids would have to be arranged in exact sequence to form a protein . . . just like the letters in a sentence. Mere laws of chemistry and physics cannot do that .The probability of a protein forming by chance would be 10 with 64 zeros after it to 1!”
Many people assume the theory of evolution to be true. But can it be scientifically proven? Something is considered scientifically true only if it can be repeatedly verified under laboratory conditions. The claim that life sprang up on its own out of a long impersonal process cannot pass this test of truth. That is why evolution remains only a theory.
So if you are ever tempted to doubt the Genesis account of the creation story, consider the alternative. The odds against even a simple protein creating itself are astronomical. How much more reasonable to believe GOD and His Word.
Written by Dennis Fisher and taken from Our Daily Bread August 4th 2005



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.

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.

Spinach and cabbage

Bonginkosi has a green thumb and our garden has been flourishing under his attentive care. He's turned our whole yard into a garden and has a variety of vegetables growing. You have to remember that it is winter for us and our garden has done very well.
Cabbage
Spinach
Tom's Beet Root

Turnips and Radishes
There is also green and white onions that are growing.

Over the last couple of weeks, we have been able to take our extra produce (50 pounds of spinach at a time for example) and go out into the communities, giving the veggies to those in need. One woman was so thankful when we showed up with spinach, saying that she only had enough maize for a couple of meals and the spinach was an answer to her prayers.  
We've been so blessed to be able to start driving again and able to head into the communities. It's been a long 10+ weeks of recovery and being stuck at home. The people are overjoyed to see us back and we are blown away by their care and concern for us. 

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.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

'We Don't Need You'

I enjoyed reading this Daily Bread and wanted to share it with you. It's true, we can't do anything without God giving us the ability and the tools to do what He's called us to do. Ian

WE DON’T NEED YOU

There’s a story about a group of scientists who decided that humans could do without GOD.
So one of them looked up to GOD and said, “ We’ve decided that we no longer need You. We
have enough wisdom to clone people and do many miraculous things”.
GOD listened patiently and then said, “Very well, let’s have a man making contest. We’ll do it just
like I did back in the old days with Adam”.
The scientists agreed, and one of them bent down to pick up a handful of dirt. GOD looked at him and said “ No! You have to make your own dirt!”

Taken from Our Daily Bread  August  3rd 2005

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.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Freedom with a great sendoff!

Ian went back to the Doctor on the 4th and was cleared to be able go around to a couple communities close by. Hopefully at the next appointment, he will be cleared to be able to drive around. Jenn went to see her Doctor on the 5th and her cast from her ankle and wrist were both removed. She is able to walk without her walker and without the crutch/cane. Her wrist is still pretty stiff with a very limited range of motion at the moment. Jenn has started physical therapy and her therapist is a Christian. All the nurses were glad to see both of us when we went back for our checkup.
There is still more recovery that needs to happen but we trust in God as our healer. We'll be taking it slow for a while but we are very thankful for the good reports.

We went out (finally!) into the communities this week for a couple short trips. Newman and Bonginkosi gave us a royal sendoff! We were so glad to be let out of the house, it felt like the Freedom Train! It was good to be out and about and we ran into so many people who were so glad to see us.


Please continue to pray for all of us at Chips as there are a lot of transitions and changes in the works, that God would be the one to guide and direct us and that it would be His will that would be done.

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.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

The World Is Mine

This poem was printed in our church's newsletter and it meant a lot to me. I wanted to share it with you.  Ian

                                                                         THE WORLD IS MINE
Today, upon a bus, I saw a beautiful woman and wished I were as beautiful.
When suddenly she rose to leave, I saw her hobble down the aisle.
She had one leg and wore a crutch. But as she passed, she passed a smile.
Oh, GOD, forgive me when I whine. I have two legs; the world is mine.

I stopped to buy some candy.The lad who sold it had such charm.
I talked with him ,he seemed so glad. If I were late, it’d do no harm.
And as I left, he said to me, “I thank you, you've been so kind.
It’s nice to talk with folks like you. You see”, he said, “ I’m blind.”
Oh, GOD forgive me when I whine. I have two eyes; the world is mine.

Later while walking down the street, I saw a child I knew.
 He stood and watched the others play, but he did not know what to do.
I stopped a moment and then I said “why don’t you join them dear?”
He looked ahead without a word. I forgot , he couldn't hear.
Oh, GOD , forgive me when I whine. I have two ears; the world is mine.

With feet to take me where I go.. With eyes to see the sunset glow.
With ears to hear what I’d know. Oh, GOD forgive me when I whine.
I've been blessed indeed, the world is mine.

If this poem makes you feel thankful, just share it with your friends


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.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Continued Thanksgiving and God at work

Here's more additions to our list of God-things and things we are thankful for.

  • Mbabane Chapel praying for us. Several members came to see us when we were in the hospital. 
  • Prayers and encouragement from our supporters. 
  • Jenn is feeling God's presence and God is showing her various things. 
  • Jenn feels the need to be more involved with the Simunye Church  and to get to know the congregation on a deeper level. 
  • Ian is listening more to Jenn and is being patient with her. 
  • Jenn is able to share on a more personal and deep level with Ian. 
  • The Rotary grant application accepted the proposal for a new Chips khombi and Chips will be able to get it in the next few months. 
  • There has been funding that has come into Chips which will allow us to expand. Chips will be able to hire a full time nurse and a couple more counselors. We will be able to have the equipment to test for CD4 levels in the field and be able to prescribe medicines in the field. Additionally we will be able to go into new communities and provide services for them. 
  • Jabulane has shown a lot of difference over the last month in his car for others. 
  • Jenn has been convicted about judging others on areas in her own life that need to be worked on. 
  • God's people at work in our life and the community's which is amazing!
  • People from the church continued to bring food all the way up until this last week when we told them to stop. 
  • We're learning to be dependent on others. 
  • Each day is a gift. 
  • Ian is very supportive of Jenn.
  • God has spared us for a reason. 
  • We're learning to receive abundantly from others. 
  • We can see the effect that we are having on those around us. 
  • There have been numerous opportunities through out this whole time where we have been able to witness and share with others. 
  • Ian continues to feel better and regain his strength. 
  • Ian is able to get out and about for short times. 
  • Ian got a good Dr's report this week and most restrictions were lifted. 
  • Everyone around us has been fantastic. 
  • The Chicken Project has been in operation for 6 months and is now turning a profit!
  • The study about community, that we were in the middle of at the Simunye church at the time of the accident has really impacted a lot of people. We are on the receiving end of a true community gathered around us. 
At times it has been difficult with everyone taking over for us and that we are unable to do what we want to do when we want to do it. However, when we look at this list, we are able to see that God has a purpose for this (though we don't know exactly what yet) and He is working through the accident and the recovery time. 

We expect all the changes with Chips to be implemented  about the same time that we are able to get back to work. Maybe we needed a time of rest before all these changes come about. 


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.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Thankful list

The last six weeks have been difficult at times, dealing with the frustrations and limitations of our injuries.  In order to keep our perspective on what God is doing, we have started a list of things we are thankful for and ways we see God at work.

  • ·       Jabulane-sees the value of community and wants to join the Simunye Church
  • ·       Getting a loaner crutch
  • ·       Bonginkosi wants to join the Simunye Church
  • ·       Mary sees a true community in action.
  • ·       Umpopoli’s visits with lots of tears and prayers to the Lord for saving us, his prayers for our healing (he’s a non-believer)
  • ·       Simunye Church-brought the service to us, with a total of 16 people in our living room. 
  • ·       More communication between us and realizing we need each other.
  • ·       Being able to talk with and get wisdom from Pastor Dana, as well as prayer  and support
  • ·       Thembili- taking over the household duties and coming more often
  • ·       Many people praying for us around the world.
  • ·       Gogo in tears about our situation
  • ·       Cops praying for us and stopping Jabulane and Mary to pass on messages for us 
  • ·       Ian-physical progress
  • ·       Forgiveness toward the truck driver
  • ·       People in the community are touched by our example and they really care for us
  • ·       Food from the church
  • ·       Martha cooking different types foods
  •        John and Kay West- greater friendship and help with many things
  • ·       Realize how much we need each other
  • ·       The blessing of Charissa-more than our own children
  • ·       Time and strength to deal with things from the past
  • ·       Daran bringing cheese
  • ·       Teresa’s visits
  • ·       A good surgeon for Jenn and being able to minister to him
  • ·       Prayer and support and friendship when we are unable to continue.
  • ·        A great OT who has been able to come to the house




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.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Starting the recovery process

Thank you for all your prayers, encouraging notes, and thoughtful acts of kindness to us since our accident. We are feeling very loved and cared for and realize how many lives God has touched through our lives. It is very humbling. We are at home resting and working on recovering. It's a challenge, Jenn can't do much with her left hand and right ankle out of commission and Ian can't bend or lift anything due to the fractured ribs and sternum. However, we are thankful for God's abundant provision and we are well cared for by our friends and neighbors here in Swaziland. If we spoke more SiSwati (or more fluently) we'd have an unending stream of visitors from the communities who are all so very concerned for our well being and pass on messages to anyone who is heading to see us. Please continue to keep us in your prayers, especially as neither of us like to stay in very long and we're already feeling a bit stir crazy.

Just wanted to let you know about Nokulunga, she was supposed to go to the Mbabane hospital on the 18th May but the only remaining orthopedic Dr had left and they were no longer seeing patients. There is another orthopedic Dr at the hospital in Manzini  who is willing to see Nokulunga. She now has an appointment for the 10th of June so prayerfully she will actually be seen that day and will get the medical care that she so desperately needs. 

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.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

God's hand is on the micro-industry projects



The chicken project is going well and the ladies are taking responsibility for the ongoing work of taking care of the chickens and planning to expand the project. They have made a profit of several hundred dollars since  Jan 10th. Now the women are talking about bank accounts, micro-loans  and building their own chicken house when they have saved the money. The original chicken house which was on Gogo Doreen’s property, but Gogo Doreen refused to have the other ladies on her land.  but as a group they found another place to keep the chickens and paid the first month’s rent. Progress is happening but these are great times to share the Word as we talked about forgiveness after what happened with Gogo Doreen. The Lord has really worked through this and has amazed all of us with how well that the project has gone.

Ian has received enough money to provide tire gardens to five families in Macetuca. The tires were delivered in the last couple of weeks and we'll be taking pictures to show you as the gardens grow. 

We were able to visit Gogo Mandatshane's homestead and assess her house and needs. Her homestead is up a rough mountain road and then about a mile down a bumpy cart trail. There's no water on site and her house, made of wood, is in bad shape. There will be a challenge to get the supplies and crew up there, but we're looking forward to helping her out with this need. Gogo Mandatshane was very excited to show us her homestead and land.

There have been some meetings with Lloyd Dlamani, who is the area coordinator for the Sebenta program. This program is government run with an emphasis on literacy and has been going well for ten years. We really liked this program because it focuses on Swazi ownership and responsibility. Lloyd also has all the participants pay a nominal fee to be a part of the program. If there isn't enough money for the fees, that's where Chips would step in and help cover the remaining amount. There is a one time fee of $1.25/person fpr books and $1.50/month. The program is 6 hours a week and continues for 9 months. We are still looking to find a coordinator in our area.

The floor polish ladies group has done extremely well. They keep making and selling batches of floor polish and vaseline, even with a couple different scents.

We're so blessed to see God's hand in all these projects and how He's given the participants success. We continue to pray that they would see God as the one who has provided for them the work and ability to sell their goods.
Thank you for your help with all of these projects and impacting so many lives.

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.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Ripple Effect


There are a couple of stories that we need to share with you about the impact that the team from the States had. Shortly after the team left we were in Macetuka and a man came up to me (Jenn) and said "I have decided to be a man and live." I could tell he had been drinking and was a little confused but then he went on to tell me on the day of the team clinic, I had treated him for an infection on his feet. The treatment worked his feet were a lot better, but also at the time I offered him prayer, testing and counseling all which he refused.  He had left the clinic, went home and thought about the words I said about sometimes you need to be a man, take responsibility and choose whether you want to live or die. So Mdudize returned to the clinic to get tested and found out that he was positive for HIV. He will be going to the hospital in the next few weeks to start treatment so please pray for him, and that God will help him with his addiction to alcohol ( he reminds me so much of Newman). The seeds we sow are so important and pray that he will turn his life around, I did tell him how much Jesu loved him.  In addition to Mdudize, there have been more and more men who have come forward to be tested and to start treatment.

Another praise came with Kayanda's story.  Kayanda, a young lady, had come to see us when the team were out here for a heart condition. We asked if she wanted to be tested for HIV and were surprised to hear her answer. She said that there was no need as she has practiced abstinence and she knows that God has a godly man in store for her and is happy to wait for him. Please do pray for her that she can see specialists and get some help for her heart problems.

Give GOD THE GLORY!


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.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Gogo Mandatshane needs a home


Gogo Mandatshane Masinga is 78 years old and she is unable to work due to chronic pain in her knees, and needs a cane to walk. The only financial aid she receives is the $10 elderly grant per month from the government. Her home fell down two years ago and she has been living with neighbors/friends, basically whoever can take her in for a short while. She has no immediate family and relies on donations of food and clothes for her basic needs. Gogo Mandatshane is not a Christian but for the past several months she has been attending church and is growing in her faith. We are asking for prayer for this lady that she will come to know Jesu as Lord and Savior. Mafucula is about 15 miles away from our home and it is not an area we serve with Chips. Mafucula is located in in the mountains of Shawula.  We had heard of Gogo Mandatshane's needs for the past several months and plan to visit the area next week. We need to raise about $500 to rebuild her home at Mafucula. Can you help? 

We are planning to start a ladies literacy class in Mgldzangcunu. We are talking to several organizations to find out about their programs fees. At this time we do not do any projects in that area and we feel this would be a very practical help as illiteracy is a big problem in the isolated rural communities. We will keep you updated how this new project works out.  Jabulane said the ladies should be very excited to be a part of this. Wouldn't it be great just to be able to sign your name or read a page out of the Bible on your own without depending on someone else? 


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.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Lent Commitment


We would like to share with you the commitment we made to God after we returned home from our vacation in Zambia. We felt convicted for the first time to do a daily Bible study of the Lent readings and so on Ash Wednesday we started the journey.For the first few weeks we prayed, read the verses out loud and then discussed what we had read but then gradually it became more in depth and we found we had a lot of questions. These questions lead us to do more research for example, who were the 24 elders as mentioned in Revelation 4:4, 11-16 etc.  We read that they could be angels, but angels would not wear crowns of righteousness, or they could be the twelve disciples and twelve leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel. This is pure speculation because there is no mention in the Bible who they actually are.As we near the end of our forty days of readings, we have learnt so much and have been reminded of God's faithfulness. No record is kept of our sin and we see anew His mercy, love, compassion and strength. We could write a whole page on the attributes of God! We will continue our daily bible reading study through Holy Week and we prayerful hope that you may be encouraged to do a similar study.
Deuteronomy 32:4
He is the rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just.
 A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He.

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.

Saturday, March 16, 2013

The Significance of Four

I (Ian) have been teaching the Sunday School kids once or twice a month and have really enjoyed my time with them. This month I've taught once already and will teach again on Palm Sunday. Lately, I've been sharing with the kids about the significance of the number four that's found in the Bible, so I thought I would share it with you.

                                 THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NUMBER FOUR
When  GOD formed the earth, He gave the earth four points; north, south, east, and west. He also gave four seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. When God flooded the earth it rained for 40 days and nights. When He sent Elijah into the desert it was for 40 days and nights. When Christ was born, we were given 4 gifts of hope, peace, joy and love. Jesus was in the desert for 40 days and nights. GOD then gave us 4 gospels. Matthew, which was written primarily for the Jewish people for Jesus is the Son of David. Mark was written for the Romans for Mark was a Roman. Luke was written to the Greeks. John was written to all people who would believe in Jesus. In Matthew, Jesus is portrayed as the promised Savior. In the book of Mark, Jesus is the powerful Savior.  Luke shows that Jesus is the perfect Savior and in John He is shown as the personal Savior. We may not have seen Christ personally but we believe and receive the blessing of knowing the Father. 

This was a blessing to me to learn all this. Please continue to pray for the kids that I work with, that they would come to a full and growing knowledge of God.

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.

Monday, March 11, 2013

Construction Team

Ian was in Maphiveni with the construction team from the States. 
 We repaired several houses that were in disrepair, by reinforcing the walls with stick, stone, and a mud mixed with concrete.
 
 

The construction team worked in Maphiveni, Section 19 and Macetuka. All of the houses were stick and mud; we reinforced them with cement. 
 
 
Here is a finished house after all our hard work. 
There were 4 guys on the team plus Ian and Jabulani, who all worked very hard. One lady was moved to tears that these strangers from America cared enough to build her a home. 

They guys built 3 houses and left money for another one to be rebuilt. Since the teams returned to the States, there was a donation by one of the supporting churches to build a new home for an elderly lady, who has been homeless since her home collapsed. We are so thankful for this very tangible blessing and are impressed with how much was able to be accomplished in such a short time. Ian became good friends with Nate, one of the guys on the team. Nate plans to set up another team to come out to help in the future. We look forward to his return. 

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.

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Section 19 Woman's Support Group Floor Polish Micro-Industry