When we arrived in Mpolonjeni, we discovered that many of the pastors in this rural area did not own a copy of God’s Word. In response, Orphan to Heir has distributed hundreds of large print, leather bound Bibles in the SiSwati language to pastors and church leaders, equipping them with this essential resource for their ministry.

Formal training is a luxury most pastors never imagined they would attain. Orphan to Heir was honored to sponsor 50 local pastors for a two-year seminary program, which the majority successfully completed, earning certificates in Christian Leadership. In addition, these pastors, along with several others, have completed advanced courses in trauma and marriage counseling. The newfound confidence they exhibit in handling and teaching God’s Word is truly remarkable and inspiring.

Since 2017, Orphan to Heir has sponsored the Mpolonjeni pastors to attend the International Levite’s Conference. This conference brings together pastors from numerous African nations, aiming to equip and encourage them through fellowship, worship, teaching, and networking with other pastors at local, regional, and international levels. It has become a highly anticipated annual event. Additionally, the Mpolonjeni pastors visit our Hope Center campus weekly for prayer, planning, and mutual encouragement, fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration.

Before 2018, the women of Mpolonjeni were unfamiliar with the concept of a women’s conference—something often taken for granted in America. However, thanks to our established integrity and the trust earned from the Mpolonjeni church leadership, we were granted the opportunity to host a gathering specifically designed to meet the spiritual needs of the women and teen girls in the community. Working with women and children remains a core priority for Orphan to Heir. Teaching from God’s Word and investing in the mothers of Mpolonjeni are foundational activities in our ministry.

Historically, ministry and teaching within Christian churches in Eswatini have primarily focused on adults. However, in August 2019, Orphan to Heir organized a transformative conference for church leaders interested in starting or enhancing ministries for young children. Over the course of three days, nearly 100 leaders gathered to explore God’s Word, learning about the importance of children and the Father’s tender heart toward them. The conference introduced foundational principles of Trust-Based Relational Intervention, effective teaching strategies, and practical methods for developing Bible-based teaching curricula. Attendees expressed great enthusiasm for implementing these strategies, including engaging games and activities, within their churches. Since then, children’s ministry has continued to flourish in the community. The Hope Center in Mpolonjeni now serves as a spacious hub for ongoing development and training of church leadership.

Due to often insufficient congregational giving to fully support pastors and their families, we have supported a small business microloan program designed to address this challenge. Through this initiative, pastors have been empowered to engage in entrepreneurial ventures such as piggery, poultry, goat and rabbit breeding, vegetable farming, bakeries, and small eateries. These endeavors provide a sustainable means for pastors to support their families while continuing to minister effectively to their communities.