Open Navigation
Missions

ESWATINI (formerly Swaziland) CARE POINT

Emmanuel began partnering in 2018 with the community of eNhlanhleni in Swaziland to support a ministry known as a Care Point. Over 250 children are registered at the Care Point where they receive a solid meal each day. In addition, they are discipled to know Jesus and walk a consistent Christian life, given tuition assistance to attend high school (only elementary education is free in Eswatini), provided with grief counselling, and offered opportunities to join leadership training.

Swaziland has the world’s highest rate of HIV/AIDS infection, and many of these children are orphans or have been abandoned by one or both parents. They are often cared for by grandparents or other family members who are overwhelmed by the financial burden. eNhlanhleni is in one of the poorest regions of Swaziland with a high rate of unemployment. Its people deeply value their partnership with us and work hard cooking meals, collecting firewood, and helping with building or cleanup around the grounds as needed.

The eNhlanhleni Care Point is one of about 36 Care Points operated by an organization known as Adventures in Missions (AIM). Their vision for Eswatini can be viewed here: www.eswatinirising.com

A small team from Emmanuel visited the Care Point in late May and early June of 2024. It was a wonderful time of getting to know the children, some of their families, the faithful Care Point cooks, and the excellent team of Swazi staff members. We were very encouraged by the warm welcome we received, the relationships built, and the clear signs of God at work in the community.

In August 2025, Bob Burkinshaw visited the Care Point to continue strengthening the relationship and to celebrate the completion of several projects that had been requested by the community and funded by Emmanuel. He observed an ongoing need for assistance, with some very poor homesteads that have little means of support, but also noted that the people are encouraged by what has been happening and are increasingly engaged in supporting their Care Point.

 

Projects Recently Completed:

Chicken Coop

Completed in 2021 and used as a meeting place for several years. As of late 2024, it is now used by the cooks to raise broiler chickens for personal use and for sale in the community. The cooks are sharing some of their small profits with the Care Point and said they are learning about business.

Soccer Field (Football Pitch)

It was wonderful to see a rocky, thorny wasteland transformed into a very busy soccer field. The children, like most Swazis, are passionate about soccer.

Multipurpose Building

A reasonably large building for both Care Point meetings and community gatherings was recently completed and dedicated on August 23, 2025. This was considered one of the community’s highest priorities, and they are thrilled with the new building, which is now in almost constant use. (Please see photos below and the short video of the ribbon cutting.)

Make’ Ntombi’s house

In addition to projects requested by the community, the 2024 team felt led to fund a house for Make’ (Mother Ntombi), a grandmother who lived with her five grandchildren in a tiny one-room tin shack that leaked badly. When she asked for prayer for an adequate home, our team members sensed that God wanted us to be part of answering that prayer. Your contributions made it possible for a solid two-room house to be built for her.

Make’ Ntombi’s (and five grandchildren’s) house in 2024

Make’ Ntombi’s (and five grandchildren’s) new two-room house in 2025

Projects Funded but Still Waiting to be Completed:

  • Community Garden - Awaiting finalization of the expansion of the Care Point grounds and further work to enhance the water system.
  • Adventure Playground - Awaiting delivery of refurbished playground equipment from the US.

Projects Completed in Previous Years:

  • Cooking Shelter - Completed and in use for several years.
  • Youth Program (Fall 2024) - So successful that an ongoing mentorship program grew out of it.

 

Future Projects

The most important thing we can do is continue supporting the Care Point faithfully. We have partnered with the community for over seven years, and during our visits it became clear that we have earned the trust and appreciation of the people. The Care Point meets a vital need, feeding children who do not have enough to eat and often supporting their families as well. It is also helping raise a generation of Christian leaders who can serve Eswatini’s future.

We expect to receive a new “Care Point Plan” in the near future, outlining the community’s requests for upcoming projects. All projects must be initiated by the community, but we have hinted that we would gladly support initiatives that help families grow more of their own food. Wages are very low in Eswatini, and food is relatively expensive, so anything that helps families produce what they need makes a significant difference.

Next Planned Team Trip:

Peter Spragg is planning to lead a team trip to Eswatini from May 6–19, 2026. Please let Peter or Bob Burkinshaw know if you are interested. An informational meeting will be held in Fall 2025.

If you would like to learn more about this ministry, please contact:


Next Planned Team Trip

Peter Spragg is planning to lead a team trip to Eswatini, May 6 – 19, 2026. Please let Peter or Bob Burkinshaw know if you are interested. An informational meeting will be held sometime in the Fall of 2025.

If you are interested in learning more about this exciting ministry, please contact Peter Spragg at peter@emmanuellife.com or Bob Burkinshaw at robert.burkinshaw@gmail.com.

To view the latest report from eNhlanhleni, click here or see below.

 

Missions Trip to Eswatini 2024/5: