God's Signs

Here we are at the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. 

 This big stop sign allowed one vehicle only to cross the bridge at a time. 

And no, we did not bungee jump off the bridge! 

Rainbows at the Falls were numerous, but we always enjoyed seeing God's Signs.  

We took a cruise on the Zambezi River, which we enjoyed very much.  

Funny Shopping Story: There were several craft markets in Livingstone, Zambia and I (Jenn) liked to walk around them even though I did not need anything, famous last words! The stall owners could sell ice to Eskimos! They all had grandmothers with same name as me and conveniently never had any change ,so you ending up buying something else to make up the difference in price. When we got back to the hotel, I was the proud owner of a small wooden hippo, salad servers with hippo handles, five black stone animals made of stone from the river bed of the Zambezi river, and two oval teak serving dishes. Ian asked me, 'Why did you buy all that?' I answered, 'The same reason as you bought two black stone pendants made from river stones and a bright blue batik with two giraffes painted on it wearing ear buds!' 

Ian really wanted the batik of one zebra on a bicycle and the giraffe one was for me! It was a fun experience nevertheless and we both ended up with souvenirs to take home.  

Since being home, we keep thinking about our 'next' trip to Zambia and Zimbabwe. We'd love to go back!

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.

Elephant Ride

When we were in Zambia and Zimbabwe, we had a chance to spend some time with some gentle giants, elephants! We got to feed them and then ride them for an hour tour in the bush. What an experience! 

Jenn's comments: The last time I rode an elephant was when I was a small child and my parents took me to a zoo in England. I was not nervous or apprehensive on the days leading up to riding the elephant but when I got to the center and was introduced to them, I was ready to turn around and go back to the hotel. 

More than one silent prayer was offered up before I was seated on Thembi (which means peace and hope). Philip my guide was very calm and reassuring. It was like sitting on top of a mountain and Thembi's gait was like the piston rods of an engine going up and down. Eventually, I was able to relax and enjoy the ride except when going downhill. I closed my eyes and Philip held my hand until we made it to the bottom of the hill.  

The time after the ride was fun, feeding the elephants and interacting with them. I learnt so much about elephants from the guide and it was certainly will be an experience that I will always remember. 

Ian’s comments: Like Jenn, the last time I rode an elephant was when I was a small child. 

I thought it was a great experience and I enjoyed feeding my elephant through the trunk as we traveled through the bush on our 1 hour ride.

You would be surprised on the view that you get from the back of an elephant. My elephant was called Tata and George was my guide.  The experience for me was very similar to riding a horse, only a whole lot bigger!

 One more thing has been crossed off the “bucket list”. Guess we need to review our list! We had great fun with the elephants!
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.

Medical Team

The medical team worked tirelessly seeing patients all day over the duration of their stay here. 

Patients were seen in Maphiveni, Section 19, Mgldzangcunu, and Khomba for a multitudes of ailments. 4 nurses and two pharmacy techs were able to see patients and prescribe medicines if necessary.  

Mary was doing HIV testing for those who were interested in knowing their status and Kay West (our neighbor here) was doing spiritual counseling.  

We lost count of the total patients seen after we reached the number 400. 

It was several long and hot days, but many people were able to receive care and treatment for their complaints. We are thankful for the willingness to serve that everyone in the team exhibited. Our prayer is that the Swazi people would not only receive physical care but that this act of kindness would in turn show them the love of Jesus and that they would be drawn to Him. 

Pictures about the construction team will be coming soon. 

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.

A team from the States and a struggle to walk

Nowlnuga 3 years old

Nowlnuga has had bad rickets which has left her legs bones growing and fusing together in such a way that it is difficult for her to walk. She also falls over a lot, which is very painful. We are asking for prayer that Good Shepherd hospital will provide her referral to the main hospital in Mbabane and that  Nowlnuga will see the right doctors and be completely healed. Her mother takes excellent care of her and works hard at a fruit and vegetable stall near the Chips office in Timbankulu.

Nowlnuga, her elder sister, and mom are all in the Chips program

Our hearts goes out to this shy little one.

We had a meeting on Monday 11^th Feb with the owner of a private sugar estate owner, Bruce James, in Mchele, a village about 10 minutes away from our house. Our goal was to see if this would be a good area for Chips to expand into, but he takes adequate care of his workers so there is no need at this time for Chips to go into the village. We will be going back to Mchele on March 4th to do education and testing for Bruce James' new employees and will be available should he ever want Chips to help in someway. 

Prayer need

The medical/construction team from the States came on February 18 and will be here until the 22nd. Please pray for their safety and that they would be able to do a lot of good and help many people. Also, we've had a problem in Section 19 with dogs biting visitors. There have been a couple people who have been bit over the last couple of months and there is an ever present threat of rabies from the dogs. We had a meeting with the people of Section 19 to explain the importance of chaining the dogs up for everyone's safety and we are especially concerned with having our team here this week. 

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.

The Mist that Thunders

We just spent about five days in Zambia and Zimbabwe visiting Victoria Falls. What a great trip!

The mist that thunders, that is what the Zambians call the Falls. The mist can be seen from 25.5 miles away. 

It was an awesome experience to see what God had created. 

The majesty and beauty of the falls was breath taking

Despite wearing a rain suit every time we went to the falls, 

we called it our "let’s get wet time” and we got soaked!  

 We enjoyed it so much, we went back 3 times. We never got tired of seeing them and there was always something different to wonder at!

 The mist rising of the falls was so amazing and for us this was a trip of a lifetime! 

 More pictures and stories to follow.

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.

Tires and Seeds= Garden

   I (Ian) have an idea for a way to help families provide food for themselves and potentially earn income which involves free truck tires and a few seeds. We have access to as many truck tires as we can use for free; we just have to hire the transport of the tires.  These tires would be stacked two high, filled with soil and veggie seeds and you have an instant garden. Starting off, I’d identify two families and would provide five sets of tires and seeds to each.  The families will do the work and whatever they grow will be for them to use and sell.  Transport hire would be $50 and five packets of seeds (for each family) would be $10. Once I get the two families all set up with their tire gardens, I would only need to provide more tires if they wanted to expand or to help another family with the initial start up. I think that a lot of people would be interested in having their own tire garden when they see how these go.

Would you like to help with this cost and provide ongoing food source and potential income source to families?

If you do, you can donate to our account and designate it Tire Garden.

Tire transport: $50 (or more)     Seeds: $10/family

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.