Visiting evangelism team from Kentucky

We are so thankful for the Team from Kentucky who came on the 22^nd of July and spent four days visiting the communities served by Chips.  Rodney, Miles, Peggy, Alvin and Michelle were a real blessing and encouragement to us and we really appreciated their prayers over our ministry and lives.

The gospel was shared with many people hungry to know God in Mgldzangcunu. 

We were refreshed and renewed personally and so glad to see that the "embers were stirred" among the people that we serve.

The team was wonderful to work alongside of as we prayed with adults and children for healing. Some people prayed for Salvation and others for release from abusive situations.

We ask for continued prayer for the Swazi people that they will  receive discipleship and encouragement as they continue to grow spiritually through the different churches and our Bible studies that are in the communities. 

Peggy and Jenn praying for healing at section 19

Michelle and Bonginkhosi praying for children at section 19

So many wonderful things happened when God shows up! Healing miracles take place, people are set free from the bondage of  spiritual darkness and oppression, and lives changed when redemption and salvation come into their lives. Amen to God be 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.

Salt of the World

As you know we have been doing bible studies in several of the communities that we serve. The response has been great, with more people in attendance each week. The people are so hungry for the Word to be planted and watered in their hearts, and keep asking for Bibles that they can have in their own language. (Providing Bibles is an on-going request. If you would like to contribute towards this need, you can follow the instructions at the bottom of the post to donate towards providing Bibles.) We spend a lot of time each week teaching in these various Bible Studies.

Here are the Bible Studies that Ian has been teaching.

Section 19 has just started their Bible Study and meet every two weeks on Wednesday afternoons. They have been covering Acts 1, Acts 2, the early church and Peter's Sermon. About 30 people have come and this group loves to sing! 

Macetuka meet every week on  Tuesday afternoons. The past studies here have included Joseph, the Exodus, Holy week etc. They are currently in a 4 week series of Ruth and will study Acts next. 

Chips devotionals  Ian teaches the devotional Monday and Friday mornings every week and teaches what ever the Lord shows puts on his heart to share. 

Jenn has been teaching at these locations

Khomba is a fairly new Bible study and they meet Thursday afternoons every other week. They have covered Simeon and Anna, and Hannah. Bonginkosi has shared his testimony from a man's point of view about supporting one's wife when she is going through difficult circumstances. There are several people willing to share their testimonies. 

 Chips devotionals on Wednesday mornings every week and teaches what the Lord puts on my heart  such as faith, or walking with God. 

Mgldzangcunu meet Monday afternoons every other week. They have covered Esther, Lot's wife, Hannah, Ruth, and Rahab. One Bible Study at Mgldzangcunu was  titled “Salt of the world" based on Matthew 5:13. We had 22 people who attended the Bible study and they all received an amazing prize of a bag of salt for  having the correct answer! It was a fun afternoon and lots of interaction. 

Attendees with their salt. 

Please continue to pray for us that God will give us wisdom on what to teach about and that He would speak through our words and impact the hearts of those we serve. We have come to see ourselves, not as pastors, but as teachers or shepherds and we know that only God can implant His Word into people's hearts. Pray for the people that they would come to know God in a very personal way and that their lives would be changed.  

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.

Future projects for the Vuvulane Primary School

Principal Aero has told us of several future projects that he wants to tackle to help move the school to being self-sustaining.

This area is being dug out so that the school can have a fish pond. The fish pond would be stocked for free by the government. The students would be taught how to care for the pond as well as how to fish. The fish would be used as food for the students.  

In this field, Aero would like to grow maize and beans. Again the students would have to work the fields, gaining valuable experience and the food would be also used to feed the children. 

This is a water irrigation canal that is being put in to bring water to the field above. 

Another project is to tear down this old kitchen and build a larger one in it's place to better accommodate cooking for more students. There are plans to build more latrines and do some more painting as well. The enrollment has gone up at Vuvulane Primary School since their rates are more reasonable than the other schools in the area. We are so excited about all these plans that Principal Aero has for the school and for the children and to see how God is working through this by providing.

Ian was asked to lead a devotional at the school assembly and was able to fit that in just before we left for the UK. We're looking forward to our return to Swaziland and to see what our role should be with the school. Please keep the principal and the students in your prayers, that God would shine forth out of the Vuvulane Primary school to impact the community. 

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.

Vuvulane Primary School

Principal Aero from the Vuvulane Primary School came to us a couple months back to ask if we would partner with the school to help the abused and neglected children (since we do that already with a few). Aero is a Christian and has a huge heart for these children, especially the Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OCV) that attend the school. 

Here is the principal sharing the vision that he has for the school. He wants to see an end to the abuse and neglect that many of the children face on a daily basis. Aero also wants to see the school being able to become self-sustaining, growing food for the students and teaching them valuable work skills at the same time. 

Aero has offered us this block of buildings to house an office that would be shared with the police and social workers that he would like to have on the premises in order to work together on eradicating the abuse.  

We did receive a donation for the school which Aero thought it would be best to repaint this block of rooms. This is how the building looked before the paint and supplies were purchased. 

This room would be turned into a library room for the children. It is in good shape and already has kid friendly furniture. 

Here are the books that need to be organized for the children. We are praying about this opportunity and will make our decision whether to partner with Principal Aero and the school once we return from our trip to the UK. If we agree, this would take up a lot of our time and we wouldn't be able to do as much with Chips as we have been doing. Please join us in prayer that we would know the direction we should go with this opportunity. 

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.

John and Elias- both having surgery

A little boy, John, that we found who has hydrocephalus is having surgery today to put a shunt in to drain off the fluid. Please pray for him. It always pains us to see the little ones suffering.

Elias, the elderly man who needs vision surgery, will be having his surgery on Thursday. He doesn't know Jesus and so we are praying that through the provision of the surgery he will come to know the love of Jesus in a real and personal way.

We're so thankful for your incredible generosity that allows us to pay for both surgeries. Thank you for meeting the real life needs of the people we serve. We'll post an update on the surgeries.
Thank you for joining us in prayer!

Update 3/30/31- Both John's surgery and Elias's surgery went well and they are now recovering at home. Thank you for your support and for 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.

Vuvulane Primary School

Vuvulane Primary School is a poor rural school which serves the town and 4 other informal settlements. A large percentage of the children are OVC’s (orphaned and vulnerable children) and their parents /guardians are unemployed. These are the children we try to help with uniforms and fees. The school has received some funding from the government enough to cover the basics mainly teachers’ salaries. 

The principal, Aero Mthembu, is a Christian and has a deep commitment to the children in the school. Over the past few months, we have developed a good relationship and we enjoy the way he interacts with the pupils. Aero Mthembu really wants to improve the life of the children, but needs our help. The main objective he has is to set up a counseling /library center.  There is a need for furniture tables, chairs, paint to brighten the interior of the room, shelving for books, and breakfast food. Many of the children do not have a meal before school starts and the only meal they have is provided at lunch time by the school.  The education of these children is the future of Swaziland.

We are not asking for any specific dollar amounts, but we would appreciate your prayers and ask the Lord to see what He places on your heart to give towards this huge need. We are so thankful for wonderful ministry partners with whom we can share these prayer 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.

Gift of Sight

Elias is 65 years old and he has four school aged children. Occasionally, he was able to earn money working in the fields and he would fish to supplement his family’s need for food. Over the past year, Elias permanently lost sight in his left eye and now he is losing his sight in the right eye leaving him unable to work or fish. Elias needs surgery to regain some sight. The surgery can be done here in Swaziland and would cost $100. 

We are asking you prayerfully to pray for him and to follow the Lord’s leading to help with the Gift of Sight for Elias.  

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.

There are seven kids who need to go to school

Ntsetselelo, Fanzile, and Sphelele

These are the three boys that we have put into school by paying for their school uniforms and school fees. 

Ntsetselelo, 6 years old lives in Mgldzangcunu with his mom who does piece work in the fields and there is no support from his father. 

Fanzile lives with his grandparents but often goes to school hungry and unkempt. His grandparents are not much of a support with regards to school. We've written about Fanzile before and he's won his way into our hearts. 

Sphelele is about seven and lives with his mother also in Mgldzangcunu. We don't know much about their family except that their house burnt down a couple of months ago. 

There so many more children who are just as needy and destitute, but there are seven in particular that we have identified.  They are unable to attend school without their uniform and school fees. Please pray for these children and that the Lord would give guidance to how we can best help them. If you would like to help with the school fees, it costs $100 for the fees and the uniform per child per school year. 

We have decided that, with whatever donations come in for school fees, we will try to help as many children as we can attend school with their most pressing need. This will help take some of the financial burden off of their parents, while allowing the parents to still own responsibility for their child's education, and enable us to help more children get access to school.

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.

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.

New Chicken House

The ladies working with the Chicken Project have finally moved to a larger building since their chicken business has really taken off and they were able to start bringing in a profit within just a couple months. Now that they have the new building, there are some details that need to be worked out with the group. They have been working on a constitution for the members to follow and meeting the various requirements that the Chief (who owns the land the building is on) has come up with.

The women have worked really hard to clean up this building and refurbish it to house their expansion of the chicken project. We will be supplying them with the funds to build a cement fence around the building to keep the cows out from wandering in among the chickens. 

I (Jenn) volunteered to take several of the ladies and Solomon (the overseer) into town this last week to help them open a bank account. Well, to open the bank account, the women all needed to get their own id. This process took several hours and I was just sitting outside waiting for the ladies to finish their business. Several people came up to me asking what I was doing. I guess I looked suspicious just sitting there outside the building. We weren't able to finish all the necessary steps for opening the account that day so we will have to go back again to complete everything. Once the account is opened, the women will be purchasing some more chickens to raise to sell.  We are so grateful to a couple of our friends who have graciously decided to back this operation financially so that these women are able to earn an honest income and support their families. Please pray that we are able to get this venture off the ground once again and that it will be a good source of income for these women.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 18^th 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 10^th 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.