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.

Thumbprint of God

Vusi is a new Chips client in Macetuka. He is very sick. Jabulani took him in the last couple of weeks to Good Shepherd to get him initiated on to treatment. He was admitted into the hospital. Vusi has a wife and young baby, and he is a believer so we spent in prayer with him before he went to the hospital. Please lift up Vusi for strength and healing. Also, pray for his young family that they would continue to trust in the Lord during this difficult time. We continue to pray that young married believers, like Vusi and his wife, would be willing to go against the cultural practices of  having multiple spouses and no regard for family and instead choose to follow God's design for a family. That they would be witnesses to those around them and good examples of the blessings that come from obeying God and living a positive lifestyle.

Last year when we were at Macetuka, a young woman asked me to test her and  sure enough she was positive. But she refused any further help because of her husband, he would not allow it. When we were in Macetuka recently, she came to ask if we would test her and her husband.  They are both positive and so they will go next week to the hospital to get initiated onto treatments. There are no coincidences with God! Please pray for this couple that they would come to know God in a very real and tangible way and that they would also have the courage to live a different life than those around them, one that honors God.

We are planning to start the Crossroads training for some of the youngsters in Tmbankulu Hall in the next couple of weeks. We'll wait until  schools get settled in again. Thankfully, it appears as though the teachers' strike is over. Crossroads is a highly effective curriculum dealing with issues including character building, positive living, HIV, and abstinence. This is something that we have done in the past and have had on our hearts to restart the training for the young people around here.

The houses for the elderly are progressing and that is good news. We are so thankful for all the donations that made it possible.

The ladies of Maphiveni have formed a support group and there are 15 ladies with Mkhulu Shandu as the leader. We meet Thursday the 16^th to hear income generating ideas ranging from strawberry growing, chicken raising, making Vaseline and floor polish. The ladies and Mkhulu Shandu are very excited about this new venture and they have already have a treasurer, secretary and are checking out markets.We're thrilled to see them take initiative like this in developing ways to bring in life-changing income through honest work. Please pray that this group would have unity as they work together to better all their lives and that of their families. Pray that God will use this to break the chains of poverty and bring life changing hope and trust in Him. Pray that there is a good market for these goods and that these women would be rewarded well for their hard work. 

There is one more thing, while we have had a large supply of reagents and have been able to get many tested and onto life-saving treatments, our supply of reagents is running out and the government is still not supplying any more. Please pray with us that God would provided the needed amount each month.

If you would like to help with the reagent shortage or the micro-industry or the housing for the elderly or any other project please follow the directions below on how to donate. Your gift does indeed change lives for the better. It is our desire to use every dollar of your gift in a wise and responsible way in order to touch lives with the thumbprint of God, and we pray that God will continue to use your gifts to bless and change lives. Thanks for being God's thumbprint on us and the people that we serve here in Swaziland. We all are blessed!


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.

Ngiyabonga (thank you) from Shandu

Shandu is living in his house.  He is still overwhelmed that people in the States would care enough to provide him with a warm dry home. Shandu's few possessions look lost in the new house but he is so happy.

Shandu  is standing in front of the old house and Jenn is standing in the door of his new place.  We all say Ngiyabonga (thank you)! Thank you for caring so much and being so generous allowing us to show Christ's love to Shandu. We pray that this outpouring of love and support will be a true example of how much God loves Shandu and provides for his every 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.

When the Lord builds a house

We are so thankful for God's provision! Not only did we receive more than enough donations to re-build a home for Mkhulu Shandu, the actual building has progressed really quickly especially in light of how long everything normally takes here in Swaziland to get done.

A beautiful new roof that fits snugly on the walls!

Shandu will have a window in his house for the very first time! 

The inside of the house looks very spacious when compared to the old house. 

We showed up at the Maphiveni care point just in time to join the children for breakfast. Jenn is trying sour porridge. Sour porridge is a basic Swazi breakfast, maize meal is soaked in water overnight and it starts to ferment and then in the morning it is cooked.  It is a very thin porridge and it was different but I (Jenn) could get used to it. The sugar did help, but I don't think I will make it on a regular basis. 

Both Nchlachla and Newman have been joining us for Bible Study on Wednesday's. Nchlachla is such a good role model for Newman and patiently explains the things of God to Newman. Newman is seriously contemplating the gospel and has expressed an interest in going to church. Please pray for Newman at this time, that his heart would be drawn to knowing the One true God and that God would completely deliver him from the addiction of alcohol. Jabulane and Mary have also expressed interest in joining us on Wednesday nights. Pretty soon we will have to load up the khombi and will be bringing half the group!

Ian and Jabulani took the khombi to Manzini this week to get it checked out and were able to pick up the Rav which had been in the shop for repairs. They returned with the Rav but had to leave the khombi for a week to get fixed! It seems like we just switch the vehicles in the shop every week.

Another ministry partner, Corrine, is providing an income opportunity for some of the ladies in Section 19. They had their first meeting on Thursday of this week and will be sewing hand bags to sell. We ask that this venture would be blessed and that it would open up many doors for the women of Section 19.

The rains have come and we will soon be planting maize. The rest of the crops are all doing well. We recently have heard from several of our ministry partners back in the States and have been blessed and encouraged by the correspondence. Living here in Vuvulane can be quite isolated at times and we struggle with feeling isolated, lonely and disconnected from those we 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.

An overflow of generosity!

Wow! You are so generous! We have received $860 in donations for Mkhulu Shandu's new home, which is far above the amount that we needed. Thank you so much from all of us. We decided to include a window in the new home, Shandu has never had a window, and then use the remainder for the next need or project that comes along. We are excited to be talking to the contractor and ordering supplies. Pictures of his new home will be posted.

All donations above and beyond our normal support (or a specific project like this) go into a general fund in order to meet needs that arise. Some examples are sponsoring a child to go to school by paying their school fees or providing a food package to someone who has no means to get food or giving a new mum/baby package with clothes or diapers to a new mum.

Thanks again so very much! 

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.

New Home for Mkhulu Shandu

Shandu after receiving the news that we are raising money to build a new home for him

 Mkhulu Shandu, 59, was forced to quit his laborious job of a sugar cane cutter 2 years ago when he had to have a much needed hip replacement. The surgery was successful but the recovery has been slow. Shandu still walks with a limp and the assistance of a cane.

Cane cutter at work

Unable to work and not having family nearby, he is dependent on neighbors and donations from Chips for enough food to survive. Consequently he suffers from malnutrition and needs the most basic things, like batteries for his alarm clock so he knows when to take his ARV medicine. Chips also provides transportation to/from the hospital for check-ups.  

Shandu's home is approximately 9x9 shack made of sticks and mud with a tin roof. The walls have to be constantly re-patched any time it rains. There is a 6 inch gap between the roof and the walls.

 He has fenced off a small area in front of his house and keeps a couple of chickens there. 

We would like to build a concrete house for Shandu to replace the shack falling down around him. The cost of the supplies is $600 and the labor will be donated. As of now we have 50% of the money raised and would like to have the house built by the end of September before the rains come. Ian will be talking with the contractor this week. 

A concrete house similar to the one we want to build. 

When we shared our plans to raise money for a new house, tears of amazement and gratitude sprang to Shandu's eyes. He was blown away by the thought that people who live in a far-away country who don't even know him would be willing to send money for a new house.

Can you help?

If you would like to donate for Shandu's home, the quickest way would be to donate online at www.worldoutreach.org Go to Donate, Select our name from the drop down menu, Continue following the prompts to make the donation.

When you are done, please email us at piggwr4647[at]aol[dot]com and let us know you donated towards Shandu's house.  Thank you very much for your generosity from us and from Shandu himself.  

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.

Does this look like a house to you?

It is home to Mkhulu Shandu. 

Mkhulu was so appreciative to receive the warm blanket, especially considering the shape of his house (that is behind him). We didn't realize how big of a need that Shandu has for shelter. It's winter time and the temperatures can reach down to 6' C at night and 20' C during the day. His house/hut is made of sticks and mud and the back part of the house is falling down. 

We do have volunteer labor available to reconstruct the house but it will cost $600 USD for the supplies to build an adequate house for his protection from the elements. 

On Mkhulu Shandu's behalf, we ask you to prayerfully considering helping with this great need. If you are feeling led to help with Shandu's house, you can donate here www.WorldOutreach.org and just drop us a note stating your donation is for Shandu's house. Thank you for your generosity and care for this elderly man. 

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.

Babies to Elderly: Chips patients vary

Lunga, 3 months old, is one of our smallest Chips patients and receives lots of love from Mkhulu Stephens.  

Ian and Mary talk with Mkhulu Shandu. 

Mkhulu (which means grandfather) is in his 60's and has been a Chips patient for 2 years. He suffers from HIV and mal-nutrition. Last year, he had hip surgery and is having a hard time getting around. He lives alone, with neighbors checking on him at times. We were able to leave him a food parcel about a month ago. 

Mkhulu Shandu had a couple of other needs, thick woolly socks to keep his feet warm in the cold winter nights and batteries for his alarm clock. He relies on his alarm clock to alert him when it's time to take his ARV's. The batteries, which we were able to give him, only cost $0.50 USD which isn't a lot of money until you don't have any money at all. 

Our elderly are just as vulnerable as the young children. Providing medicine and food for the elderly and children are our prime focus. 

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.