Home Sweet Home

We're so glad to be home and have quickly slipped back into life here in Swaziland after our trip to the UK to visit family.  

Clondile, our housekeeper, did such a great job at keeping our house up while we were gone in the UK. It is nice to have a great help and one who is trustworthy.  

Ian jumped right back into teaching Sunday School with the kids at church. He taught about how the best technology that we need is found in the Bible. Just this past weekend, he participated with the kids in a Litter Drive. They went along the main road through Mhumle park and picked up trash to earn money for camp.  

We both have been back to the communities and have done a few Bible Studies. Jenn was teaching on Rahab and had more men show up, it looks like it is now a mixed group Bible study and not just a woman's group. We were given 60 boxes of clothes from the Simunye Church which we have started passing out in the communities.  

Bonginkosi did such a great job with the garden even planting a new flower garden as a surprise for our return. We now have spinach and lettuce in abundance that we can pass out to those who need food. 

We are so thankful to be home and that is what Swaziland has become to us. Home.

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.

Bonginkosi's Thank You

Bonginkosi wrote this letter and wanted us to send it to you.

(Please excuse the misspellings and the grammar, this is copied as written).

My Dear Friends in America:

Firstly I would like to great you all in the name of the Lord Jesus Crist I would like to thank you for everything that you’ve done for us here in Swaziland.

You’ve help my fellow Swazis they are what they are because of you. They have enjoyd the Christmas because of you, some children are going to school in ful uniform because of you, they go to clinics, go to hospitals just because of you and the is a lot that I can’t mention them all. And I would like to praise the  Lord for sending the write people to the place where they are needed and at the write time the Stephens they are my parents in Crist they show me the good ways of living. They teach me the good things to do. I thank God for them they are so good to me and to everyone who need help.

And thank you verymach guys for the new bicycle you have paid for me I like it verymach and I’ll take care of it I promise.  This bicycle is helping a lot it is easy for me now to visit the communities we are helping on own even if the Stephens are busy or not around, now the people tell me what they need and me tell the Stephens.  And I would like to praise the Lord for giving you the heart of giving, just to give to a person you’ve never mate sometimes you’ll never. In the Book of Act 20:30 my Bible tells me that it is more blessed to give then to receive.

So thank you verymach guys I wish I could be like you.

May the almighty God bless you all thank you. Your friend in Swaziland Bonginkosi Blessing Nhlanti

We are so thankful to be here and be the hands and feet of Jesus in Swaziland but we want you to know that without you behind us as support, we couldn't do what we do. We are the body of Christ together and together we have a ministry in Swaziland. We are so grateful that every time we bring a need before you, you are so generous to give and provide for that 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.

A snapshot of what we spend our days doing

Here are a few things that we have been busy with doing lately.

Last week, we did prayer home visits in Maphiveni and visited five folks including Shandu. The last homestead we visited one of the ladies told us that on Sunday she heard a voice saying  'Someone would visit you tomorrow to give you a word from the Lord'. She thought she was going crazy! So the next day when we show up she was just astounded at the special touch from God. God is amazing! She was saved some while back but does not go to church because no one took the time to disciple her after she accepted Christ. We did say we would visit again. We did prayer home visits in Mgldzangcunu (Tuesday) and one at Section 19 (Friday)

Devotionals with the Chips staff are going well and we are starting to get more more response from the lessons. Ian teaches on Mondays and Fridays and Jenn teaches on Wednesday.  We have made a prayer sheet for each of them to write down any confidential prayer needs they may have and Ian and I will pray for their requests at home. It has just come to our attention that when the staff have been on their phones during the devotional (occupied with what we thought was SMS'ing/texting), they are actually inputting the Bible verses that we use so that they can read them later. A couple of the staff have started doing their own mini study over their lunch hour. Please continue to pray for us that God will give us wisdom on what to say and how to answer their questions and please pray for the Staff that their hearts would be fertile soil for the Word of God to fall and that they will grow in their faith and knowledge of God. 

This past Monday, I, Jenn, started the Ladies Bible study at Mgldzangcunu about 26/27 ladies came, we sang praises, prayed and went through John 4:1-15. Part two will be in two weeks covering verses 15-30. Bonginkhosi, who came as my translator, was a little nervous to start with but he really got into his stride and did well.  He did say he learnt a lot. Then I asked if there were any questions and one lady put her hand and asked, 'Are we really meeting in two weeks?' I said yes. A second lady put her hand and said 'So if we are meeting in two weeks, will we meet two weeks after that again?' I replied, "Yes, as long as you need me to come or until the Lord tells me stop.' Then a third lady raised her hand and said she had a Bible and was going home to read the second part so she would know the end! Please pray for these woman that they would grow in their knowledge of the Lord. 

Wednesday Bonginkhosi and I did food parcels/prayer/visited several home bound old folks at Khomba.  I always really enjoy going out in the communities and visiting with the people here.

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.

Can anyone help a Man with a Mission?

Bonginkhosi (our gardener/translator) has a real heart for his people in the communities. He goes out with us during the week to visit the people and help us with translating.  He often comes back from a trek on his own with someone else in need of assistance.  Bonginkosi would really like to visit more them frequently but he is in need of transport to get to the more distant areas. 

If he had a bicycle it would be such a blessing to him and the cost would be around a $100. Can you help? 

Bonginkhosi interacting with the children

We have enjoyed seeing how God has worked in Bonginkosi's life over the last couple of years and to see how God is using him in the lives of his own people.  Bonginkosi has been coming to church with us and has such a hunger to learn more about God. Please pray that God will use Bonginkosi greatly and that the people would see God in his life and desire to have what he has. 

You can donate online at 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.

This is the day that the Lord has made

The Mgldzangcunu children listening to the story of Jesu.

We played games and had lots of laughs!

Bonginkosi had so much fun that he is already planning what we can do next year!

More than 250 children received a toy and some fruit. We had fruit that we were able to give away to the adults as well. 

Thank you for making this day possible with all of your donations! 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Baby Sihle

Bonginkosi, our former security guard, and Cebile stopped by last week with their 3 month old son, Sihle. Sihle means beauty, and isn't he beautiful!

Bonginkosi is out of work currently and living with family near Vuvulane. Please lift up Bonginkosi and his need for employment as well as his relationship with Cebile, that it would be God-centered, in your prayers. 

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.

Sometimes it's like a 3-ring circus

It has been a crazy last couple of weeks here in the village above and beyond the work with Chips.

Mary's father had a stroke about a month ago, physically he is doing well but mentally he is very depressed and suicidal. Mary goes to Mozambique as often as she can to care for him. Please pray that he will find the God of all comfort and joy.

A week ago Sifiso had an allergic reaction . He could not breath, his face swollen and he was grey. That resulted in a quick trip to the emergency clinic where they gave him shots and medication. He is doing a whole lot better but after I questioned him at length about what he had eaten etc. he told me raw wild honey. I told him to not to eat any more, he was very frightened. Sifiso is still trying to start up his photography business and still has chickens but now they have fleas. He is also on the lookout for a good Christian wife. Please pray for Sifiso that God will bring a godly wife and that his business ventures will prosper.

Lately Newman has been really struggling with the alcohol addiction. Last Wednesday he showed up for church and we discovered he was as drunk as a skunk.  He did not act out in church but sat right at the back away from everyone. The next day Ian talked to him and then he came to apologize to me. I told him I was upset by his behavior and my heart was sad but I forgave him. If we have any further incidents we are going to suspend him for a week and send him back to Macetuka to think through what he has done. He has shown up to work after drinking once or twice since that incident. Newman is still coming to bible study which is good. Please continue to pray that this spiritual battle would be won and that Newman would come to acknowledge Jesus as his savior and his life would be changed.

Newman's son, Colani, comes and stays with him on the weekends. Colani just turned 16 and we celebrated with chocolate cake. Colani attends church with us when he can.

Nchlachla was very quiet and upset about Newman drinking. He told me that he had forgiven Newman and Newman is the lost sheep and we needed to keep praying and supporting him.  So we prayed and cried together it was a special time for both of us. So now we go on waiting for the lost sheep to come into the fold. Nchlachla went home this weekend, his elder brother died last week and his three year old son, Bongimenzi, needs surgery. Bongimenzi  has a problem with breathing. There is a defect in his nose that needs to be corrected by surgery. The surgery will cost about $200. We will be helping with transport costs to the hospital and have arranged for Nchlachla to see a financial counselor to work out a monthly payment plan. Please pray for Nchlachla and his family during this time of grieving for his brother and for the stress of having to take Bongimenzi into surgery and the costs related to that. We are thankful for Nchlanchla's strong faith in the Lord.

We tried calling Bonginkosi but with no success.The last we heard he was in South Africa but we aren't sure where he is or how he is doing.

Other than that, we have really been enjoying the bible study on Wednesdays at our church. Chips continues to keep us busy. We have been making plans to return to England and the States in the spring. Please continue to pray for us, that we would have strength and wisdom to deal with whatever comes our way every day and that God would continue to use us to minister to those around with His love. 

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.

Praising Jesu

Jabulane talking with a Chips patient

We are praising Jesu that all of our Chips patients are stable and non are in the hospital at this time.  

Kim and Brandi

Kim and Brandi are two college gals who came to do their 6 month internship with Chips. They are getting sociology degrees and already know SiSwati. Kim and Brandi lead praise and worship with the kids at Khomba and did a fantastic job. We are thankful to have them here!

The Khomba children enjoyed the praise and worship.   

It was a great time of singing, dancing and generally having fun. 

Another praise, Bonginkosi is now a proud, happy dad to a little boy. Cebile and the baby are both doing 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.

Bonginkosi is back!

Bonginkosi has been back in Swaziland for a while now. He found a new security job in a town called Congo which is about five miles away from where we live. This new job includes free housing, electricity, and water. The pay and conditions seem to be a lot better for Bonginkosi and he's happier now than when he was working in the coal mines in South Africa. We are happy to have him close by and praise God for His provision. 

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.

Stepping out on Faith

The offer on the Brown buildings was turned down. Chips has made another increased offer on the buildings and we are waiting to hear back from the lawyers. We did find out from Pastor Dana, the pastor of the church we attend in Simonye, that in the past quite a few offers have been made to purchase these buildings but the Brown family has always turned them down. If you would continue to join us in prayer about this, that would be very appreciated. It will be a large step of faith for Chips if the offer is accepted but we know that God is the God of the impossible and provides for all our needs.

The Brown Buildings

Pastor Dana and his wife Astrid have become very interested in Chips and have come out with us on some community visits so that they can get a good idea of how the Simonye church can come alongside Chips with support. A couple ideas are food and warm clothing boxes. Praise the Lord for that extra support especially since we are heading into winter.

Sifiso was baptized recently and loves Jesus. There are a few requests on his behalf. The new security company (that employed Sifiso as our night guard) is very strict on their rules and will fire someone for any infraction including something as simple as wearing the wrong color shirt to work or a shirt that is too long. This is quite the daily challenge for the employees. For a long time Sifiso has been wanting to start his own business of taking pictures and raising chickens and is weighing the option of breaking off from the security company at this time in order to do that. Please pray for Sifiso that he would have wisdom as to what direction God would have him go at this time and that while he is still employed at the security company he would be able to obey the rules easily.

Bonginkosi called us last week from South Africa. He is very unhappy at his new jobs in the coal mines there in South Africa and sounded very lonely. Please keep him in your prayers that God would encourage him and help him to view his job as a blessing and a ministry opportunity.

Newman is struggling with the desire for alcohol again and we are praying about how to best help and support him in this time. Please pray that he would get a special touch from Jesus and that the desire for alcohol would be removed completely from his life.
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.

Guards and gardens

We've employed Newman full time as our gardener. He will be very busy over the next few weeks as it is the best time to plant veggies. We will have to go to the nursery in Vuvulane to get some more seedlings.

Our new day guard, Nchlachla, is a Christian and has been very pleasant to work with. 

The other day, Newman and Nchlachla found a spitting cobra in the flower beds. They were able to quickly dispatch the snake. We just have to be careful as it is the height of snake season. 

Bonginkosi was able to get a job working in the coal mines in South Africa. He has to report on March 21st, but will come visit us before he leaves. We didn't think that we would miss having him around as much as we do, but we are thankful that God has provided another job for him. 

Our night guard, Sifso now has a girlfriend. We're thankful for all these men who are a great help to us and continue to pray that God would draw them ever closer to Himself, and that they would be godly examples in the community. 

Familiar Names

Popodvo, 7 years old, from Mgldzangcunu, will be attending school! He's been spending his days running around the village and the headmaster at the Vulvulane primary school just agreed to let him enroll in school.  Even though education up through the 3rd grade is free, there are still fees to be paid for school supplies and uniforms.  After talking to Pastor Dlamini, we found out that one of the Hope students was no longer attending school so the funds for that student were able to be transferred to pay for Popodvo.

Pastor Dlamini is forced to use crutches as his knees are causing him extreme pain. Please lift him up in your prayers for healing, protection, and wisdom as he continues to care for his flock.

Jabu isn't doing well. She has been experiencing a lot of mental confusion and appears to be deteriating quickly. We're taking her to Good Shepherd Hospital this week.

Jabu # 2 looks great! We saw her for the first time in 3 months and she is fit and healthy! Praise the Lord.

Vusile's father is wanting (again) to put Vusile into a home. We'll see what comes of this, because we've tried to assist with this request before and every time his father changes his mind at the last minute.

Bonginkosi was laid off by the new security company that took over the contract. He's been such a faithful night guard and has become a great example of Christ's love. Please pray that he is able to find a job soon as the unemployment rate is extremely high.

Sifiso, who was our day guard, had his shift changed by the new security company to the night shift. We're grateful to still have him around.

There is another lady, Jabu #3, that we need to introduce you too. She was seriously attacked by her boyfriend using a bush knife and has been in the hospital for a few weeks. We visited her and found out that she had lost 3 fingers in the attack. She is healing. The guy is still in jail for the attack. Please continue to pray for her healing and that she would come to know God in a personal way.

Ian's brother-in-law passed away early January.  Please pray for Ian, his sister, and the rest of the family as they are grieving. Also please pray that this situation would draw Ian's family to God.

Back into the swing of things

Just a couple of updates as we get back into the swing of things here in Vulvulane.

We were encouraged at the TEAM conference and were able to renew friendships. One of our goals for the conference was for wisdom and discernment as to our role for the next year and we did receive clear direction through a lot of wise counsel. 

On the way home, we stopped by the ocean for two days and enjoyed the time of rest (also we were able to finally warm up as it was really cold in South Africa). It is good to get back and we plan to start the public health meetings in Maphiveni again on January 21st.  Our garden was under several inches of water, looking like wetlands, when we returned and looks like we've lost the tomato crop. The 2nd maize crop is doing well as well as several other vegetables.

Bonginkosi and Sifiso have been employed by the new security company but they will find out if they can stay in this village or will be transfered elsewhere. We hope they are able to stay. Mira and Luke have left the hospital and disappeared. Please pray for them wherever they are at.

The micro-industries are both doing very well. We will be visiting the mushroom houses on January 26 as one of the final steps of training before we can get that micro-industry going. The floor polish production in Section 19 has taken off very well. The people in the area around Tambankulu, where the Chips office is, often stop in and buy the floor polish. The participants in the Maphiveni jam making project started with paw-paw jam and have now increased production to include mango and lemon jam.

We are still praying and weighing how to bring Chips into Mafucula. This settlement is very spread out and there are a lot of needs to be addressed. Central points of contact would have to be established and home visits would take a lot longer. There is a lot of distances between homesteads and the main road is a steep winding dirt road that is used by smugglers since it is on the border of Mozambique and Swaziland.

Another thing that we will be focusing on now that we are back is meeting with the Chief of Maphiveni to continue our discussion of the community center that we (Chips) would like to build in Maphiveni.

Please continue to remember us in your prayers as you can see that there is a lot going on and many decisions to be made.  We greatly appreciate all of you!

Mary is holding Standiwe, whom we affectionally call Rav-4. Remember he was born in the back of the 

Rav-4 on the way to the hospital? He is doing very well!

Bonginkosi

We have often heard that people watch Christians to see how they live and what they do but never gave it much thought until the last few weeks. 

Bonginkosi, has been our security guard and friend since we've been here in Swaziland. He works 12 hour nights here in the village and then in the mornings went off to driving school. After six weeks of study, he passed his truck driving test. Now he will be able to get a better job to provide for his family. The sad part is that Bonginkosi will have to go to South Africa in order to get a truck driving job. His plan is to to save up money and then return here and buy a house. We are so proud of him! He has become like a son to us. 

Like a lot of Swazis, Bonginkosi had a very hard life growing up; was orphaned at a young age and did not finish school. Some months ago, we noticed how God was working in him. He would give spinach or a lettuce from his own garden to someone in need and when we told him what a great thing he was doing, he just smiled and said, 'But mummy and daddy do it all the time.'

Then Candy blessed him with his drivers license and now there is no stopping him.  A couple of weeks ago, there was an 18 year old who was abandoned by her mother outside the village(not from this area). Bonginkosi gave her food, shelter and care for 2 days until she was finally reconnected with her Gogo in Mafucula, whom she had not seen since she was a small child.  He gave us 50 onions from his garden, two for each person in the Maphiveni group. We can’t wait to see what God will do next in his life!

Bonginkosi with his drivers license