Most pastors in the rural areas like Mpolonjeni do not own a copy of God’s Word. O2H has distributed hundreds of NLT large print, leather bound Bibles in the SiSwati language to pastors and church leadership.

Formal training is a luxury that most pastors never dreamt they would attain. O2H was honored to sponsor 50 local pastors for a two year seminary program. Almost all of them completed their education and received a Certificate in Christian Leadership. These pastors, along with several additional pastors, have also completed advanced courses in trauma counseling as well as marriage counseling. To see the new-found confidence in the handling and teaching of God’s Word is remarkable to say the least!

Since 2017, Orphan to Heir has sponsored the Mpolonjeni pastors to attend the International Levite’s Conference in Mbabane, the capital city of eSwatini. This conference is attended by pastors from many African nations and is purposed to encourage and equip pastors through fellowship, worship, teaching, and networking with other pastors locally, regionally, and internationally. This is a much anticipated event every February. Our founders have been honored to be a keynote speakers at this event as well. It is the joy of a lifetime to fellowship with these men and women of God!

Prior to 2018, the women of Mpolonjeni were unfamiliar with the concept of a Women’s Conference, which is something that we in America take for granted! Because of our proven integrity and earned trust with the Mpolonjeni church leadership, we were given permission to gather with the women of the community for an event specifically tailored to their spiritual needs. There was no cost, except that we required each woman bring a teenage girl with her to the conference. For three days we taught from God’s Word and marveled at the movement of the Spirit as the women began to hear His gentle whispers of love in their hearts. Freedom and salvation met us in a mighty way! This radical change in the lives of the 150 women who attended prompted many of the men to come stand along the fence at the perimeter to listen in on the conference. The joy spread like a wildfire, even into the streets hundreds of yards away. Singing and worship, raising of hands to heaven and people falling to their knees in the presence of the Almighty could be seen even in the distant market places! The leadership insisted that we facilitate this gathering, Thirst Conference, annually.

Historically, ministry and teaching in the Christian churches in eSwatini has focused primarily on adults and not considered the spiritual development of children. Conviction by Holy Spirit, however, is challenging this cultural norm. In August 2019, Orphan to Heir facilitated a conference for church leaders who wanted to launch or improve their ministry for young children. For three days, nearly 100 leaders came to learn from God’s Word the importance of children and the Father’s tender heart for children. They were taught basic concepts of Trust-Based Relational Intervention, teaching strategies, and how to develop their own teaching curriculum from stories in the Bible. The pastors reported great enthusiasm to implement these strategies and children’s learning games and activities in their churches. Also, Orphan to Heir was pleased to fund the purchase of a large “REVIVAL STYLE” VINYL TENT FOR THE COLLECTIVE CHURCHES to use for children’s outreach and Bible clubs in remote areas.

Because congregational giving is often inadequate to support pastors and their families, we have lended support to a small business micro loan program which they created. Entrepreneurial endeavors such as piggeries, chicken, goat and rabbit breeding, vegetable farming, bakeries, and eateries are ways that a pastor can support his family while ministering to his community.