Monday, March 19, 2012

January Prayer Calendar

Sunday January 1:  HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
December 29-January 9 Deborah Hoskins’ family (Yawn Family) are visiting Todd and Deborah in Manzini.  Please pray for safety during their travels and an enjoyable stay in Swaziland.  They will be helping with ministry during their time with the Hoskins.

Monday January 2:  Today Todd and Deborah Hoskins will conduct a training on how to use the In-Home Health Care Kits from BGR (Baptist Global Response) at the Bethel Baptist Church.  Pastor Steve Allen presented the possibilities of using the buckets a few months ago.  Please pray the church will take the initiative to use these kits as tools to minister to those in their community.
--The Mgamudze Baptist Church (Shiselweni region) begins revival services this evening.  Pray these services will touch the heart of a many hurting and loss people.  One ministry during the revival will be homestead visitation and delivering In-Home Health Care Kits to AIDS victims in the community.  Pray for interest among the members of the Mgamudze Baptist Church in providing the buckets to those suffering from AIDS. 

Tuesday January 3:  The Hoskins hope to conduct a training on how to use the In-Home Health Care Kits at the Manzini Baptist Church.  Please pray the congregation will take advantage of this opportunity.

Wednesday January 4:  The Swazi Team will gather at the Swazi Candle Factory to fellowship and meet the Yawn Family visiting Todd and Deborah Hoskins.  Pray for a wonderful time of sharing and eating together. J

Thursday January 5:  The Mabelani Baptist Church meets on a homestead in northwestern Swaziland.  House churches struggle in Swaziland because they are often associated with Zionism (African Traditional Religion) or thought to belong to specific families.  This month (January) weekly Bible study groups will begin to try to increase awareness of the church in the community and to help disciple church members to develop lay leadership.  Pray these Bible studies will be well attended and will reach additional community members.

Friday January 6: The Swazi Team enjoyed three days spent in Durban and their end-of-the-year retreat (December 12-15).  It was a great time of fellowship as well as planning and discussing present and future work.  Pray members of the Swazi Team will seek the Lord’s guidance as they look forward to 2012 with joy, love and the desire to make their lives count for Christ.

Saturday January 7: Pray for Carroll Yawn (Deborah Hoskins’ father) today on his birthday!!
The executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets today.  Please pray for this meeting.  Pray for the leadership who in recent months have displayed an anti-missionary movement and attempted to impose a non-Biblical (as well as Baptist) hierarchal leadership structure in order to exercise control over the churches and missionaries.  Pray for wisdom for the missionaries to know how to work with the convention.

Sunday January 8:  Sundays are difficult for the Allen children (Lacie and Nathan) as they do not know enough of the siSwati language to participate in a meaningful way in the siSwati worship services.  They have occasionally enjoyed attending an English-speaking church in Mbabane which has an age-graded Sunday School.  Please pray Steve and Monica will have wisdom to know how to balance support for the Swazi Baptist churches while meeting the spiritual needs of their children.

Monday January 9:  Please pray for rain throughout the country of Swaziland.  The rains have not been strong this year and the country of Swaziland may be facing a drought and food shortage if frequent rains do not begin.  Please pray the rains will be plentiful the rest of the growing season.

Tuesday January 10:  The Nthutwakazi Baptist Church (Shiselweni region) has requested a date for a baptism service sometime this month.  Pray a date can be set by missionary Wayne Myers and the church.  The Swazi Baptist churches look to the missionary to help with their baptismal services since most do not have a way of baptizing.  The missionary usually brings the portable baptistery and in some cases two barrels of water so the baptism can take place.

Wednesday January 11:  Thank you for praying for the Bible study material in which Todd and Deborah Hoskins have been working with several Swazi friends over the course of the last few months.  The materials are completed.  Pray Swazi Baptist churches will take advantage of the opportunity to use these materials.  May wonderful blessings flow!!

Thursday January 12:  Pray for Steve and Monica Allen on their 10th wedding anniversary!!
Steve recently announced his intention to discontinue the weekly Bible study group at Hawane Baptist Church in order to try to work on strengthening leadership at Mabelani and Sympathy Baptist Churches.  Both churches are without pastors or consistent lay leadership.  Pray the members of Hawane will be faithful in continuing to meet for Bible study and that strong leaders will rise up to continue leading this group.

Friday January 13:  Pray 2012 will be the year salvation comes to the house of the King of Swaziland.  May his wives and children as well as himself hear the true Gospel message.  Pray there will be a change in beliefs and lifestyles in the royal family.

Saturday January 14:  Today is the scheduled ordination service for Nkosingiphile Dlamini.  Pastor Dlamini has been a faithful and committed pastor of the Thunzini Baptist Church for many years.  He has also been a very strong leader with the Shiselweni Baptist Association.  Pastor Dlamini is currently attending teacher training college in Manzini. Pray for Pastor Dlamini especially during the “question-answer” time.  May the Lord provide His comforting presence. Pray the Thunzini Baptist Church will continue to support their pastor.

Sunday January 15: December 18th the Maphangwane Baptist Church (Lubombo region) conducted a baptismal service with Wayne Myers baptizing 10 new believers.  It was a wonderful day for this church.  Please pray those who committed their lives to the Lord will be faithful in following His footsteps.

Monday January 16:  A recent survey of Swazi Baptist Churches in the Hhohho region revealed that several have discontinued Sunday School due to lack of consistent leadership.  Please pray the churches will see the need for Biblical training for children especially and that leaders will arise to take the teaching responsibilities in these churches.

Tuesday January 17:  Deborah Hoskins’ youngest sister starts her last semester of her sophomore year of university today.  Please pray she has a wonderful semester.

Wednesday January 18:  The Jesus Film was shown in the Lesibovu community (Manzini region) during the Christmas party for the church.  A handicapped young man and his mother both prayed to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Please pray these new believers will continue attending the Bible study group and will become strong in their faith.  Pray others who watched the film will think about the Gsopel message which was shared and come to faith in Christ.

Thursday January 19:  December 7th the first Biblical Education Program (BEP) training occurred at the Peace Baptist Church.  Approximately 20 attended and learned more about the beginning of the Bible and sharing their own testimony.  The church provided a wonderful lunch. Thank you for praying for this first time event.  Pray other Swazi Baptist churches will schedule a time for their leaders and church members to be trained using the Biblical Education Program (BEP).

Friday January 20:  Many in Swaziland do not have the promise of eternal life.  For some their belief in Islam keeps them from knowing the true Son of God.  The poverty of Swazis leave them open to promises of jobs, money and security if they convert to the Muslim faith.  Pray Swazis will not be led by a false sense of security outside the Christian faith.  Pray for Christian renewal throughout the country.

Saturday January 21: Todd and Deborah Hoskins are leading a Bible study with the youth at the Mpembakati Baptist Church (Manzini region).  Please pray for dedication among the youth at Mpembakati and pray for Pastor Lloyd Dlamini as he leads the church.

Sunday January 22: Revival services were held in December at the Zikotheni Baptist Church (Shiselweni region).  The services were well attended.  Please pray for this church that meets on the Vilane Homestead.  The church has experienced problems with pastoral leadership.  Currently Pastor Nkosingiphile Dlamini (Thunzini Baptist) and Pastor Patrick Gamedze (Nhlangano Baptist) are taking turns in leading Sunday worship.  A young man of the church also helps when needed.

Monday January 23:  Special prayer request from Todd and Deborah: As we begin the new year, please be in prayer for direction for us. We will be finishing our time in Swaziland the beginning of September and are not quite sure of what God has in store for us.  Please pray we will finish strong and for God to show us the next steps when we need to know them.

Tuesday January 24: February 22-March 6 a volunteer team from the First Baptist Church, Washington, North Carolina is scheduled to minister in both the Hhohho region and the North Lubombo region. Ministries include revivals, Bible studies as well as homestead visitation.  Pray for the members of this team as they prepare for their time in Swaziland. 

Wednesday January 25: Several years ago Nathi came to know Jesus as His Savior while attending the Nhlangano Baptist Church.  At the time Nathi was living with Fikile (not married) and they had two sons together.  Fikile accepted the Lord also at Nhlangano and was baptized.  Both desire a relationship that is acceptable to the Lord.  Nathi informed Wayne Myers that he and Fikile (with the approval of both families) desire and are ready to have a Christian wedding.  Please pray a date can soon be reached for this special event.  Because of the high price libola (bride price) as well as other issues, many Swazi are not legally married but continue living together and producing children. Pray as many come to know Jesus as their Lord, they will understand what God expects of the marriage relationship.

Thursday January 26: SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA UNENGAGED PEOPLES:  The Wara people live in a remote area of Burkina Faso.  They are a very small people group with a population of approximately 4,500 and live in a small, highly concentrated area.  The Wara people are animistic, and there is no evangelical work being done among them.  Please pray for the Gospel to be taken to the Wara people and for God to prepare them to leave their animistic practices to follow the one true God.

Friday January 27: Saturday February 11th Pastor Lizwe Nsibandze of the Velebantfu Baptist Church (Shiselweni region) will be ordained to the Gospel ministry.  Pray for Pastor Nsibandze as he prepares for this special service.  Pastor Nsibandze has been a faithful and committed leader of the Velebantfu Baptist Church for quite a few years. 
Saturday January 28:  Todd and Deborah Hoskins are leading Bible studies for the youth and women of the Big Bend Baptist Church.  Please pray they will have wisdom in teaching the Truth of God’s Word.

Sunday January 29: March 5-9 is the first session of the 2012 South Coast Bible School hosted by the Phuzumoya Baptist Church.  2011 was the first year for this school for the pastors and leaders.  The school meets for one week four times a year.  Pray as the organization of the curriculum and teachers begin.  Pray many students will be able to attend this school.

Monday January 30: The 2012 Sub-Saharan African Peoples Summit (for Southern Baptist Churches) is scheduled for February 29-March 2 at the First Baptist Church, Montgomery, Alabama. This is a great opportunity to explore opportunities to impact unreached, unengaged people groups.  Participants will have opportunities to speak with missionaries from Sub Saharan Africa, as well as dialogue with pastors and lay leaders of churches who are already engaging a people group in Sub-Saharan Africa.  More information/registration: www.imbafrica.org/summit.   Pray for this important meeting and for those attending.  Learn how churches can get involved in taking the Gospel to unreached, unengaged people groups (UUPGs) www.call2embrace.org

Tuesday January 31: The date for the Two Oceans Cluster Strategy Meeting (includes your Swazi Team missionaries) is March 31-April 5 at the Riverside Lifestyle Resort in South Africa.  Pray for the continued preparations/logistics for this meeting.  Pray for spiritual preparedness for the missionaries attending, volunteers ministering and leadership that is leading.

NEW YEAR’S PRAYER
In this new year, Lord, please help me
Be the kind of person You’d have me be.
Will You, dear Lord, hold to my hand,
And help me through the year to stand
Against temptations that I may face,
And may I by Thy loving grace,
Serve You, with humbleness and love.
May I, oh God, be worthy of
The blessings You give day by day,
The love You share in every way.
So through the year, Lord please help me
Grow more and more each day like Thee.
--Janice Mizelle Taylor

Merry Christmas from the Allens!

Merry Christmas from Swaziland! It is officially Christmas on our side
of the world and yes, we are still up! :) We just finished playing
Santa for the kids and put the turkey in the fridge. This is the first
year the kids will have the opportunity to open presents on Christmas
Day from so many family because of our crate arriving earlier this
year, Steven's visit to the USA and packages sent to us. Thank you for
thinking of our family!

Today, we were able to hang at home spending time together baking
cookes and other goodies, watch Santa Clause 2 and enjoy a rare
Saturday with Steve not out in the rural area. The weather has been
quite hot as it was 102 degrees on Wednesday at one of our Christmas
parties out at one of our churches. It was a long day but a great day,
too. We showed the Jesus film and two people accepted Jesus
Christ...what a great Christmas present! Yesterday, the weather turned
rainy and cool so it has been a nice break from the heat. We went to a
Christmas Eve candlelight service at one of the churches in town and
had a few friends over for dessert/finger foods afterwards. These were
most of our close friends outside of our mission team so we also
exchanged presents with these two families. We wish so much we could
be home with our own families but we are very thankful and blessed by
our mission community here in Swaziland.

If the weather stays rainy, we are not sure if we will make it to one
of our rural churches so plan B will happen. However, plan is to be at
one of our rural churches that does not have a pastor so Steve can
preach/encourage them. We will also be giving out handmade dolls a
church in the USA brought to us a few months ago. Our family plans to
be home after church for the rest of the day doing our own Christmas
meal. We had offers to join others but decided to hang home with just
our family. We plan to have a turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce,
rolls, butternut and pumpkin pie.
Our mission team will be together on Monday for a cookout at our team
leader's house since Christmas falls on a Sunday this year.

Last week, our mission team went to Durban, South Africa, for our
annual team retreat. It was a great time to get away from Swaziland
for a few days. We were able to do some shopping in the largest mall
we have seen in Africa, go to the ocean, swim at the pool, visit
uShaka Marine World and Water Park (kinda like a smaller version of
Sea World) and time with our mission team. The kids were able to see
Father Christmas as Santa Claus is called here so attaching the photo
of them. We will send out some Christmas photos soon.

We pray everyone has a great Christmas and a chance to remember the
real reason why we celebrate Christmas.

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

--We enjoyed a wonderful day of worship last Sunday (December 18) at the Maphangwane Baptist Church.  The service began with Sunday School for all ages.  Afterwards everyone returned to the main building and by the time everything and everyone was in place the building was packed.  A  10-member volunteer team from four Baptist churches in Durban, South Africa spent the week visiting homesteads and spending time with the people of the community.  Wayne preached on the topic of “What Makes A Strong Church” and after the sermon the congregation went outside and gathered around the portable baptistery for the baptismal of 10 new believers.  After the baptism the adults and youth returned to the building and the Lord’s Supper was observed.  We left the house at 9:00 and arrived back at 4:00pm.  Even though it was a little warm and a little long, it was still a wonderful service.  Please pray those who committed their lives to the Lord will be faithful in following His ways.

--The scheduled Executive Committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland did not meet last Saturday. The next meeting is January 7, 2012.  Please begin now praying for this meeting. Pray the convention and missionaries will try to work together and the executive committee will learn to conduct business as Baptists. Pray the Lord will be glorified in everything that is said and done.


SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST:
--Please pray for rain throughout the country of Swaziland.  The rains have not been strong this year and the country of Swaziland may be facing a drought and  food shortage if the frequent rains do not begin.  Our grass is brown (usually green at this time) and our last rain fall was a week and a half ago.  Usually rains are weekly if not daily during the month of December.


---The revival services last week at the Zikotheni Baptist Church were well attended.  Please pray for this church that meets on the Vilane homestead at Zikotheni.  The church has experienced problems with pastoral leadership.  Currently Pastors Nkosingiphile Dlamani (Thunzini Baptist) and Patrick Gamedze (Nhlangano Baptist) are taking turns in leading Sunday worship.  A young man of the church also helps when needed. 

PRAISE:  Several years ago Nathi Vilane  (Zikotheni Baptist Church) came to know Jesus as His Savior while attending the Nhlangano Baptist Church.  At the time Nathi was living with Fikile (not married) and they had two sons together.  Fikile accepted the Lord also at Nhlangano and was baptized.  Both desire a relationship that is acceptable to the Lord.  Friday Nathi told Wayne he and Fikile (with the approval of both families) desire and are ready to have a Christian wedding.  Please pray a date can soon be reached for this special event.  Because of the high price of libola (bride price) as well as other issues, many Swazi are not legally married but continue living together and producing children. Pray as many come to know Jesus as their Lord,  they will understand what God expects of the marriage relationship.


--The Ntuthukwazi Baptist Church has requested a date for a baptism service in January.  Pray a date can be set by Wayne and the church.  The churches look to the missionary to help with their baptismal services.  Most churches do not have a way of baptizing.  The missionary usually brings a portable baptistery and in some case two big barrels of water so the baptismal service can take place.  J


MERRY CHRISTMAS  December 25, 2011
Pray the Swazi people will understand the significance of the Christmas Story.  For so many Swazi Christmas is a time of eating special foods and having everyone at home.  Swazis may know the story of the birth of Christ but do not understand the importance of that event to their lives.  Pray the Christmas story will touch many Swazi hearts this Christmas season.  May they truly understand the words, “Joy to the World, the Lord is Come.”

--Pray for the Swazi Team as we join together in Tshaneni December 26 to celebrate Christmas. J

--December 29-January 9, Deborah Hoskins’ family will be visiting.  Pray as the family prepares to make the long journey to Swaziland.  Pray for a wonderful time of ministry and fellowship for the Yawn Family.


April 20, 1993 the Myers were commissioned as missionaries of the Foreign Mission Board (now International Mission Board) to the country of Swaziland.  Through the years we have depended upon the giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering to provide for our day-to-day needs.  Without this offering, we would not be able to do the work the Lord has given us to do.  Thank You!!  It is wonderful to know Southern Baptist churches in the USA support and give sacrificially to the LMCO.  Thank you for this wonderful Christmas gift.

It matters not who or what you are,
All men can behold the Christmas Star.
For the Star that shone is shining still
In the hearts of men of peace and goodwill.
--Helen Steiner Rice

Wishing you a very Happy and Merry Christmas!!

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

WORDS OF PROMISE   (God has given a son to us…His name will be Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God…Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6)
Every Christmas I read this reminder that came in the mail several years ago:
   If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator.  If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist.  If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist.  But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent us a Savior.
  Christmas cards.  Punctuated promises.  Phrases filled with the reason we do it all anyway.
     He became like us, so we could become like Him.
     Angels still sing and the star still beckons.
     He loves each one of us like there was only one of us to love.
From the book Grace For the Moment by Max Lucado

The Swazi Team wishes to express a heart-felt thanks for praying for the executive committee meeting of the Swaziland Baptist Convention last Saturday (10th of December).  As one puts it, “We could feel a big difference in the atmosphere than in past meetings.”  One of the leaders resigned due to the feeling the convention could not accomplish much since they didn’t have the right to tell churches, missionaries and others what to do.  He felt it was a waste money to travel by bus to the monthly meetings.  Even through this was a disappointment the Lord was working in the midst of the group.  Another meeting has been scheduled to continue with discussion concerning relationship of missionaries and the convention tomorrow (December 17th).  Please continue to pray for the convention and missionaries as we try to work together and lead the executive committee to conduct business as Baptists.  One of the biggest problems is the leadership desiring to rule over the Baptist churches and the missionaries and impose a non-Baptist leadership structure.  Please continue to pray:
§  For the leadership of the convention to be open to hear the Lord’s voice as He leads, putting aside cultural values and allowing the Lord to lead.
§  For boldness of the members of the executive committee to speak up when they feel leadership is straying away from Baptist doctrine and polity.
§  For unified solutions to the problems we (missionaries) and the convention (leadership) are facing.
§  For all Swazi Baptist churches to desire to be evangelistic for the Lord’s Kingdom.  Pray each will seek to be used of the Lord and be His witness within the community.
§  The LORD WILL BE GLORIFIED IN EVERYTHING THAT IS SAID AND DONE!!

--The Swazi Team also enjoyed three days spent in Durban and their end-of-the-year retreat (December 12-15).  Besides discussing business matters, receiving a mini training of the Biblical Education Program (BEP), reviewing goals and objectives for 2011, planning for the nine summer missionaries expected the end of May as well as other calendared events, the Team was able to enjoy various recreational activities. J Pray members of the Swazi Team will seek the Lord’s guidance as they look forward to 2012 with joy, love and desire to make their lives count for Christ

Pray for Wayne on the his birthday, 20th of December!!

Pray also for Wayne and Barbara as they celebrate their wedding anniversary (37th) on the 21stof December!! J  And, no unfortunately we were not 12 when we got married. L


--Last Friday (9th of December) the Shiselweni Baptist Association met at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Ordination services for two of our pastors were scheduled.  January 14, 2012 Pastor Nkosingiphile Dlamini’s ordination service will be conducted at the Thunzini Baptist Church.  February 11, 2012 Lizwe Nsibandze’s ordination service will be hosted by the Velebantfu Baptist Church.  These are historical events for these two churches, these two pastors and for the Swazi Baptist churches of the Shiselweni region and Swaziland.  We praise the Lord for what He is doing in the lives of these two men.  Pray as Nkosingiphile and Lizwe prepare for these ordination services.  Pray they will feel the peaceful and calming presence of the Lord. J

--Wayne is in the Shiselweni region today meeting with a couple of the leaders as well as attending the revival services at the Zikotheni Baptist Church this evening.  Please pray the church will be spiritually revived from the revival services this week.  Pray for strong leadership to lead and guide this church that meets at the home of the Vilane family.

--Sunday December 18th, the Mapangwane Baptist Church will conduct a baptismal service.  Pray those who have committed their lives to the Lord will be faithful in following His ways.

PRAY FOR THESE DECEMBER EVENTS:
--December 25th is the Lord’s birthday!!  Pray the Swazi people will understand the significance of the Christmas story.  Also, pray for the King of Swaziland, his wives and children to hear the true Christmas story and realize trusting in Jesus is the most precious gift of all.
--Pray for the Swazi Team on the 26th of December as we join together in Tshaneni to celebrate Christmas!
--December 29-January 9, Deborah Hoskins’ family will be visiting.  Pray as the family prepares to make the long journey to Swaziland.  Pray for a wonderful time of ministry and fellowship for the Yawn family.


The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering remains the lifeline for missions overseas.  As always, 100 percent of the offering goes to the overseas missions budget.  About three-fourths of this budget helps support missionaries.  This pays for the missionaries’ language study, travel and other items to make their ministries possible.  But it also pays for more basic needs.  It pays their salaries, their food, it puts their children through school, it pays their rent, it does all these things so the missionaries won’t have to work one or more jobs just to survive overseas.  It preserves their calling by allowing them to devote themselves full time to their individual ministries.
What Will You Do?  In the early years children devised simple methods of giving.  Throughout Virginia they began naming their hens “Lottie Moon” and selling the eggs to raise money for missions.
Please give to the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.  Give so the Myers and other missionaries around the world can continue the “Great Commission” calling to go, teach and baptize in the uttermost parts of the world.  Lottie Moon Christmas Offering Goal: 175 million

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter


FOND FAREWELLS ARE SAID…..
This week fond farewells were said to our four “Hands On” missionaries as they prepare to leave tomorrow for Jo’burg and their time of debriefing.  On the 15th they will board the plane that will take them back to the states and to their families, friends, routines and life. 
--Friday the 2nd of December the Swazi Team took Sienna, Heather, Brandi and Kim to the Swazi Candle Factory for last minute shopping as well as lunch.  It was quite an enjoyable outing. J
--The Vuvulane and Mafucula outdid themselves as they wished Brandi and Kim safe journal and thanks for coming all the way from America to minister with them.  Words just could not express their feelings of thanksgiving and intense sadness upon saying goodbye.  Our service last week was one to remember for a very long time.  Thank you for praying for the ministry of these four missionaries.  The Swazi Team has been blessed and we pray each will return to America filled with blessings and a place in their hearts for the Swazi people.

--Wednesday (7th of December) the first Biblical Education Program training occurred at the Peace Baptist Church.  Update on the event from the Allens:
I wanted to write and let you know that the training event at Peace Baptist Church today went very well. Todd, Deborah, Steve and Make Shandu arrived around 8am but no one was at the church. Folks started coming closer to 9am, which is typical Swazi not to be on time. They were not sure how many would attend the training but actually had 18 folks at the training event. Todd, Deborah and Steve took turns teaching throughout the day. The church provided a wonderful lunch and fed everyone. All in all, it was a great first training event with teamwork, assistance for the church and excited to see God use the training more in the future. They finished the training event around 4pm.  Thank you for praying for this special first time event.  Pray other Swazi Baptist churches will schedule a time for their leaders and church members to be trained using the Biblical Education Program (BEP).


--Today the Shiselweni Baptist Association meets at the Velebantfu Baptist Church.  Wayne left yesterday for Nhlangano and the meeting today at Velebantfu.  Besides the normal conducting of business, the planning of the ordination service for Pastor Nkhosingiphile Dlamini will continue.  Pray for a sense of fellowship and unity will continue as business is discussed.  Pray also for the planning of Pastor Dlamini’s ordination service in January.

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST:
In recent months there has been increasing tension between the leaders of the Swaziland Baptist Convention and the Swazi Team missionaries. Convention leaders seem to want to rule over the Baptist churches and the missionaries and impose a non-biblical hierarchal leadership structure.  The Swazi Team asks that you join us in a “Season of Prayer” for tomorrow’s meeting (10th of December) and the overall situation.  We are facing a very difficult spiritual battle but we don’t have to fight the battle alone. Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Jeremiah 33:3
§  Pray for the leadership of the convention to be open to hear the Lord’s voice as He leads, putting aside cultural values and allowing the Lord to lead.
§  Pray for boldness of the members of the executive committee to speak up when they feel leadership is straying away from Baptist doctrine and polity.
§  Pray for unified solutions to the problems we (missionaries) and the convention (leadership) are facing.
§  Pray for all Swazi Baptist churches to desire to be evangelistic for the Lord’s Kingdom.  Pray each will seek to be used of the Lord and be His witness within the community.
§  Pray for revival to take place in the hearts of every Swazi Baptist member that will reach out to the surrounding communities.
§  Pray the LORD WILL BE GLORIFIED IN EVERYTHING THAT IS SAID AND DONE!!
Please set time aside today and tomorrow to intercede for the Swazi Team, convention leadership and tomorrow’s meeting.  Wayne will not be able to attend due to taking the four “Hands On” missionaries to Jo’burg tomorrow.  The outcome of this meeting could possibly affect current and future missionary involvement in Swaziland. 


v  Monday begins the Swazi Team end-of-the-year retreat (December 12-15) at the Buckleigh Guesthouse in Durban, South Africa.  We plan to leave quite early Monday morning so we can arrive early afternoon.  Wayne is putting together a schedule for our time together.  Pray for a time of renewal and encouragement.

--December 18th, the Mapangwane Baptist Church will conduct a baptismal service.   Pray as the church prepares for this special event.


December 4-11: INTERNATIONAL WEEK OF PRAYER FOR INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS AND LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING
At first the neighborhood kids called Lottie the “foreign devil.”  They had never seen an American.  They did not trust her.  But Lottie started baking cookies.  The smell coming from her oven made them curious—and hungry.  As they ate the cookies, Lottie made friends with them.  Soon they called her “the cookie lady.” 
Ingredients:  3 teacups of sugar, 1 teacup of butter, 1 teacup of sour milk, 4 pints of flour (8 teacups), 3 eggs beaten, ½ teaspoon baking soda
Directions:  Set oven at 375 degrees.  Mix the ingredients, then roll out into a flat sheet about 1/8 of an inch thick.  Cut out circles.  Bake on a greased baking sheet for about 8 minutes.
How Tall Do You Have To Be To Be A Missionary?  Lottie Moon was short.  At 4’3” she was as tall as today’s average 8-year old.  But she had a big heart, especially when it came to missions.  How tall are you?  How big is your heart?  Please support and give to the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering so missionaries can continue the “Great Commission” calling to go, teach and baptize in the uttermost parts of the world.  Lottie Moon Offering Goal:  $175 million 

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

The Swazi Team will say “Thank You” to the four “Hands On” missionaries with a trip to the Swazi Candle Factory today.  Sienna, Kim, Heather and Brandi arrived in June for six months of True Love Waits and other AIDS related ministries.  Pray for this special time of fellowshipping and saying thanks to these missionaries for coming to Swaziland to minister to the Swazi people through AIDS ministries.  Pray these four missionaries will have a feeling of accomplishment as they prepare to return to the States.    The group leaves Swaziland on the 10thof December for Jo’burg and a time of debriefing.  December 15th they leave for the states.

Sunday (December 4th) the Vuvulane and Mountain Baptist Churches gather together to say “Thank You” and “Farewell” to Phila Masuku  (Brandi Harris) and Nomsa Masuku (Kim Hultgren) at the Mafucula Primary School.  Saying goodbye and having closure is very important to the Swazi people.  After spending a month on the Masuku homestead in July, Brandi and Kim became part of the Masuku family and were given the Masuku name.  Now the Masuku family will lead this time of Farewell for Brandi and Kim. 

The program begins with Sunday School at 10:00am.
·         After choirs and testimonies, Pastor Mavuso of the Vuvulane Baptist Church will preach the Word of God.
·         After the preaching of God’s Word,  a special recognition time for Nomsa and Phila.
o    Testimonies and thanks to Nomsa and Phila
o    Presentation of Gifts: Mountain & Vuvulane
o    Special Word of Thanks: Bheki Mtsetwa (language and culture tutor)
o    Words by Babe (Mr.) and Make (Mrs.) Masuku: Host Parents
·         Mountain and Vuvulane Baptist Church committees or church leaders will come and pray for Nomsa and Phila.
·         Close with singing and dancing!! J  (Lunch will follow)
Pray for this special service.  Pray for the Mountain  and Vuvulane Baptist Churches as their gratitude is expressed to Brandi and Kim.  Pray for the Masuku family as they send “part of their family” back to the states.  Pray for Brandi and Kim as they too say goodbye to their “second” family and friends they have made in the past few months. 

--Sunday November 27th, 7 were baptized at Luhhwahhweni Baptist Church.  We thank the Lord for each one who made the commitment to follow the Lord and be obedient through baptism.   Pray for these who made the very important decision to become a child of the King.  May their witness touch the Luhhwahhweni community.  Pray for continued growth for this church as members try to reach their community.

Thursday December 1st was World AIDS Day!!
How does one help others understand the lifestyle they have chosen to live may lead to an early death?  How does one explain the teachings of the (Swazi) homes may help a whole generation die young?  How can it be explained that God’s way is for one man and one woman in marriage each faithful to the other before and after marriage when the Swazi way is for a man to have many wives and girlfriends throughout adolescent and adult life?  To have sex is a man!!  What can be done to help alleviate rape and abuse of Swazi children that also lead to early deaths?  What will lead Swazis to understand the devastation of AIDS and an impure lifestyle?  Pray the Swazis will come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and will have eternal life.  Pray for true revival to take place in their hearts enabling them to experience life not death.     Check this website: www.africa.stories.org

NEXT WEEK’S MINISTRY EVENTS:
--Saturday December 3rd  the scheduled executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland has been postponed until the 10th.   In recent months there has been increasing tension between the leaders of the convention and missionaries. There will be a special prayer emphasis for this meeting.  A “Season of Prayer” requests will be included in next week’s prayer letter.  Please begin praying for this meeting.  Wayne will not be able to attend because he will be taking the four “Hands On” missionaries to Jo’burg.
--December 7th is the scheduled  one-day training of the new Biblical Education Program for believers at the Peace Baptist Church. (The date is incorrect on the Swazi Team Prayer Calendar L)  BEP is designed to be an additional discipleship tool for Swazi Baptist church members.  Pray for a great interest among Swazi Baptist members.  Pray BEP will be a very useful tool.
--The Shiselweni Baptist Association meets on the 9th of December at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Besides the normal conducting of business, the planning of the ordination service for Pastor Nkosingiphile Dlamini will continue.  Pray a sense of fellowship and unity will continue as business is discussed.  Pray also for the planning of Pastor Dlamini’s ordination service in January.

v  DECEMBER 12-15 THE SWAZI TEAM’S END-OF-YEAR REATREAT at the Buckleigh Guesthouse in Durban, South Africa.  Pray for the Team as we begin to prepare for this special event.  Pray it will be a time of renewal and encouragement.

December 4-11: INTERNATIONAL WEEK OF PRAYER FOR INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS AND LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING
A handyman working at the Baptist mission office in the Philippines noticed a sheet of paper tacked to a bulletin board.  The paper announced the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.  Asking a missionary if Lottie Moon would accept “just a little,” the handyman stopped at the International Baptist Church of Makati a few days later.  “Miss Moon was not there, but I left it with the church secretary,” he said.  “It” was an envelope addressed to “Miss Lotties (Handyman’s spelling of Miss Moon’s first name) Moon.”  Inside was 400 pesos—about 15 U.S. dollars.  The gift represented almost one-tenth of the handyman’s net monthly salary.
There are approximately 5,000 “Lotties” today who depend on your prayers and financial support.  People following the Lord’s call to go and share Christ’s witness.  Doing the best they can to proclaim joy to the world.  This Christmas, what will you do for them?  Give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.  Goal: $175 million