Swazi Prayer Bytes

December prayer calendar

2011-11-26T09:23:00.001-08:00

Thursday December 1: WORLD AIDS DAY!! The country of Swaziland is experiencing one of the world’s worse AIDS pandemics. HIV/AIDS infection among pregnant women is 41 percent, 31 percent of Swazi children are orphans and the life expectancy is now 43 years. Pray for a solution to the AIDS problem in Swaziland. Pray Swazis will come to realize that their lifestyle contributes to the early death of friends and family. Swaziland will be featured for World AIDS Day emphasis at http://www.africa.stories.org/.

Friday December 2: Today the Swazi Team will say “Thank You” to the four Hands On missionaries with a trip to the Swazi Candle Factory. Sienna, Kim, Heather and Brandi arrived in June for six months of True Love Waits and other AIDS related ministries. Pray these four missionaries will have a feeling of accomplishment as they prepare to return to the states. They leave Swaziland on the 10th of December.

Saturday December 3: The executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets today. In recent months there has been increasing tension between the leaders of the convention and missionaries. Convention leaders seem to want to rule over the Baptist churches and the missionaries and impose non-biblical hierarchal leadership structure. Pray that the missionaries will have wisdom in knowing how to deal with the convention leadership in a Christian way.

Sunday December 4: Today the Vuvulane and Mafucula Baptist Churches have the opportunity to say “Thank You” and “Goodbye” to Brandi and Kim who have ministered in these areas since their month long homestead stay (Mafucula) in July. Pray this time will be very special as the churches express their gratitude for their work and sadness for their departure.

Monday December 5: On Thursday, November 17th a severe thunderstorm with hail and strong winds hit northern Swaziland. The community of Hawane was hit very hard with many people having major damage to their homes, including several members of the Hawane Baptist Church. Another storm came through the following day causing additional water damage to homes and their contents. Please pray the affected families will be able to quickly repair or rebuild.

Tuesday December 6: “Here I am working alone in a city of many thousand inhabitants with numberless villages. How many can I reach?” Lottie Moon-letter from P’ingtu in 1887. Lottie Moon began her missionary service assigned to Tengchow. Within a few years she was being called by God to reopen the work in P’ingtu. Her reason: other missionaries were teaching the Bible in Tengchow. In P’ingtu (at that time the 12th largest city in the world), the people had never heard. Pray the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering will reach its goal ($175 million) so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.

Wednesday December 7: Yearly rains are needed for Swazis to plant their crops and gardens. It is always hoped the rains will be plentiful and frequent. Pray there will be plenty of rain throughout Swaziland. Pray the fields will receive enough rain to provide food until the next growing season.

Thursday December 8: Today is the scheduled one-day training of the new Biblical Education Program for believers. 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 very useful discipleship tool.

Friday December 9: The Shiselweni Baptist Association meets today at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Besides the normal conducting of business, the planning of the ordination service for Pastor Nkosingiphile Dlamini (Thunzini Baptist Church) 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.

Saturday December 10: Kim, Sienna, Heather and Brandi leave Swaziland today for Jo’burg to begin their time of debriefing (Dec. 11-15). They leave for the states on the 15th of December. Pray for a safe journey, for a wonderful time of debriefing and reflecting and an uneventful flight to the states.

Sunday December 11: November 18-19 the ladies of the New Hope and Mgamudze Baptist Churches met at Mgamudze for an overnight retreat. Studies centered around the theme, “The Joy of the Good News” and one session was spent visiting homesteads near the church. One participant returned to the church and told the leader that the host of the homestead she visited was overwhelmed by their visit. He told her “we have never been visited by church people before.” Thank you for praying for this special event. Pray for these churches as the ladies reach out to those who need the Savior’s touch. May many come to know Jesus through their evangelistic efforts.

Monday December 12: The Swazi Team begins their end-of-the-year retreat today (Dec. 12-15) at the Buckleight Guesthouse in North Durban (South Africa). In the past, this time has enabled the Team to not only have great fellowship together, but also praise the Lord for the blessings of the past year and a time of prayer for future work. Pray for the Team as we begin to prepare for this special event. Pray it will be a time of renewal and encouragement.

Tuesday December 13: The Swazi Team was blessed to receive a shipment of In-Home Healthcare Kits (BGR Buckets) to minister to those with terminal illness such as HIV/AIDS. The Gospel is shared with each family or individual receiving a kit. There have been favorable responses from those receiving the kits and several people have joined local Baptist study groups as a direct result of the compassionate demonstration of the ministry to meet human needs. Pray that those who hear the Gospel will respond before it is too late.

Wednesday December 14: When ministering with the Swazi people there are times when missionaries feel they take three steps back for every step forward. Recently one of Todd Hoskins’ friends (that Todd has been leading in a Bible study for over 6 months) came wearing amulets (indicating participating in witchcraft for healing). Even though this incident was very discouraging, Todd gently showed his friend what the Bible says about trusting Jesus for our every need. Pray Christian Swazis will see that Jesus is all they need to overcome difficulties in life. Pray missionaries will not be too discouraged when Swazis turn to their culture during difficult times.

Thursday December 15: 2011 was a year of turmoil for the government of Swaziland. Strikes for higher wages, an end to high spending by the monarchy as well as the end to the monarchy and better life, have constantly been scheduled. In 2012 pray a peaceful solution will be reached between the government and the Swazi people.

Friday December 16: Last month (November 4th) the children from the Vuvulane and Mafucula Baptist Churches combined for a children’s Bible study after morning worship services. Brandi and Kim (Hands On missionaries) shared the truth/facts about AIDS with approximately 50 children under three small shade trees. After a time of work the children enjoyed chips, cookies and juice. It is so import that Swazi children understand the causes and effects of AIDS. Pray Swazi children will have a chance to hear the truth about AIDS and its causes. Pray for a brighter future for our Swazi Baptist children.

Saturday December 17: Funds are needed to help with the ministry of the World Hunger Fund. One hundred percent of every dollar given to the World Hunger Fund is used to help hungry people. Please consider making a donation to this vital fund or highlighting the need in your church. http://www.gobgr.org/

Sunday December 18: 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 are thought to belong to specific families. In 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 local leadership. Pray these Bible studies will be well attended and will reach additional community members.

Monday December 19: As Swazi Christians celebrate Christmas this month, pray they will look around and see their Muslim neighbors are not celebrating the Lord’s birth. Pray Swazi believers’ hearts will be burdened for these and will find ways to share the salvation story with them.

Tuesday December 20: Today is Wayne Myers’ birthday. Pray his special day will indeed be special!
November 27th the Luhhwahhweni Baptist Church conducted a baptism service for those who made decisions during a two-week revival. After years of few in attendance the church is growing and currently meeting in a school. Unfortunately, there also have been issues between the current leadership and the young who was leading but had to step down due to his unsuitable living arrangements. A special meeting was called between the community leaders, young man’s family, church leadership, missionary and the young man in November to discuss the situation. Because of the conflicts the land given to the church for a church building was in danger of being taken away. Praise the Lord the meeting went well with a good outcome. Pray for continual growth for this church as members try to reach the community. Pray for a good working relationship between past and current leadership and pray the young man will be able to improve his current living arrangements.

Wednesday December 21: Pray for Wayne and Barbara Myers today as the celebrate their wedding anniversary!!
The church was packed by the time the wedding finally started two and half hours late. People were singing, hand-clapping and dancing. The wedding service also included a sermon, greetings from both the bride’s and groom’s families as well as from representatives of the church, the lighting of the unity candles in addition to the exchanging of vows and rings. Orange Fanta was poured into a glass to which was added an equal amount of Coca-Cola representing the thought that once the two were mixed it was impossible to separate them. Following the four hour wedding there was a reception and food for everyone. Pray the Swazis will understand what God expects of marriage and the marriage relationship. Pray for strong Swazi Christian marriages.

Thursday December 22: Perhaps you remember the story of the pastor and his wife who experienced marital difficulties for years. At one point the husband sent the wife back to her mother’s homestead and took another wife in the Swazi traditional way. He left the pastoral ministry. The husband and wife did reunite (he sent his traditional wife back to her home). This man and his family are currently living in the Phuzumoya community. His appearance shows a man that is weak and sick as he deals with symptoms of AIDS. His wife is also HIV positive as well as their oldest child. Please pray for this family, and pray for the many families like this one throughout Swaziland.

Friday December 23: This Christmas season, pray the King of Swaziland, his wives and children will hear the true Christmas story and will realize trusting in Jesus is the most precious gift of all.

Saturday December 24: Pray the Swazi people understand the significance of the Christmas story. For so many Swazis 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.”

Sunday December 25: MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU!!
I said a Christmas Prayer for you because the season’s near.
I didn’t ask for riches but for gifts so much more dear.
I asked for joyful gatherings with your family all around.
And for carols to inspire you with their old familiar sound.
I asked for quiet moments in your heart on Christmas morn,
For special time to celebrate the Savior who was born.
I asked for friends to send their best that you might know they care. . .
I asked for peace & love & hope and I know God heard my prayer.
--Nancy Parker Brummett

Monday December 26: Pray for the Swazi Team as we join together in Tshaneni today to celebrate Christmas!!

Tuesday December 27: Sub-Saharan African Unengaged Peoples:
“Almost six years have passed since the request to begin praying and asking the Lord of the harvest to send workers among the Bankagoma of Mali, and still no one has answered the call. With a population of only 5,000, it would be so easy to overlook these people, but God hasn’t forgotten them. Please cry out on behalf of the Bankagoma and ask the Lord to send out workers who will lead these people into a right relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. Ask the Lord to prepare the way and for those who are being called will be obedient.”

Wednesday December 28: Pray for godly, strong and faithful leaders to take a stand for Christ and press on against deep rooted cultural beliefs as well as expectations from the family. Pray for a strong leader for every Swazi Baptist Church.

Thursday December 29: 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.

Friday December 30: In 2011 volunteer teams from Southern Baptist churches ministered alongside the Swazi Team conducting retreats, Bible studies for adults, youth and children, revivals, hut-to-hut visitation, prayer walking, AIDS orphan ministries, sharing the True Love Waits message and more. Pray as planning begins for the ministry of volunteer teams with the Swazi Team in 2012. Pray for the volunteer team from the First Baptist Church, Washington, North Carolina scheduled to minister with the Allens and Myers February 21-March 6.

Saturday December 31: Victory Baptist Church is holding New Year Eve services. Pray these services will be Christ honoring and a good beginning for seeing in the new year.

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-11-26T09:22:00.000-08:00

A THANKGIVING DAY PRAYER
“Faith of our Fathers” renew us again
And make us a nation of God-fearing men
Seeking Thy guidance, Thy love and Thy will,
For we are but Pilgrims in need of Thee still—
And, gathered together on Thanksgiving Day,
May we lift up our hearts and our hands as we pray
To thank You for blessings we so little merit
And grant us Thy love and teach us to SHARE IT.
--Helen Steiner Rice

We hope each of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!! The Swazi Team gathered together in Mbabane at the Allens and enjoyed a wonderful meal with wonderful fellowship. The day was cool and rainy a much needed break from the hot/humid conditions we had been experiencing in Tshaneni. It was so good to feel the gentle rain and know the Lord provided this blessing. We have much in which to be thankful. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. Psalm 100:3-4

November 18-19 the ladies of the New Hope and Mgamudze Baptist Churches did have their scheduled retreat at Mgamudze. It was a very warm day with a very loud thunderstorm during the evening that made it very difficult to hear (metal iron roof) while people were testifying but it didn’t stop us from being together and worshipping. The theme of our retreat was “The Joy of the Good News” with studies centered on this theme. The pastor of Mgamudze (Chris Msibi) had asked that a time for homestead visitation be included in the program. This we did on Saturday morning. After the visitation one of the participant’s returned to the church and told me and the group that the host of one of the homesteads that she had visited was overwhelmed by their visit. He told her, “we have never been visited by church people before.” The ladies were quite touched by this special ministry. Pray for these churches as the ladies reach out to those who need the Savior’s touch. May many come to know Jesus through their evangelistic efforts.

--Sunday November 27th is a scheduled baptism service at the Luhhwahhweni Baptist Church for those who accepted the Lord during the church’s 2-week revival in October. Pray for these who made this very important decision to become a child of the King. May their witness touch the Luhhwahhweni community.
After years of few in attendance the church is growing and currently meeting in a school. Unfortunately, there have been issues between the current leadership and the young man who was leading but had to step down due to living with his sister-in-law and not being married. A special meeting was called between the community leaders, young man’s family, church leadership, Wayne and the young man Monday (Nov. 21st) to discuss the situation. Because of the conflicts the land given to the church for a church building was in danger of being taken away. Praise the Lord the meeting went well with a good outcome. Pray for continued growth for this church as members try to reach the community. Pray for a good working relationship between past and current leadership and pray the young man will be able to improve his current living arrangements. His family sent him to stay in the home of his deceased brother after a couple of break-ins to the house. His sister-in-law works in Big Bend and is not around most of the time. This couple has discussed marriage but agreed it would not be a good idea. He does not have a job and cannot support himself but the community feels he is not doing right in this situation. The issue has caused quite a bit of problems for the Luhhwahhweni Baptist Church.

NEXT WEEK’S MINISTRY EVENTS:
--WORLD AIDS DAY! December 1st. The country of Swaziland is experiencing one of the worlds’ worse AIDS pandemics. HIV/AIDS infection among pregnant women is 41 percent, 31 percent of Swazi children are orphans and the life expectancy is now 43 years. Pray for a solution to the AIDS problem in Swaziland. Pray Swazis will come to realize that their lifestyle contributes to the early death of friends and family. Swaziland will be featured for the World AIDS Day emphasis at http://www.africa.stories.org/.

--Friday December 2nd, the Swazi Team will say “Thank You” to the four Hands On missionaries with a trip to the Swazi Candle Factory. Sienna, Kim, Heather and Brandi arrived in June for six months of True Love Waits and other AIDS related ministries. Pray these four missionaries will have a feeling of accomplishment as they prepare to return to the states. They leave Swaziland for Jo’burg on the 10th of December for their debriefing (Dec. 12-14). Their return flight to the states is December 14th.

--Saturday December 3rd the executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland will meet. In recent months there has been increasing tension between the leaders of the convention and missionaries. Convention leaders seem to want to rule over the Baptist churches and the missionaries and impose non-Biblical hierarchal leadership structure. Pray the missionaries will have wisdom in knowing how to deal with the convention leadership in a Christian way. There will be a special prayer emphasis for this meeting on the 3rd. A special “season of prayer” prayer requests will be included in next week’s prayer letter. Please begin praying today for this meeting.

--Sunday the 4th of December the Vuvulane and Mafucula Baptist Churches have the opportunity to say “Thank You” and “Goodbye” to Brandi and Kim who have ministered in these areas since their month long homestead stay (Mafucula) in July. Pray this time will be very special as the churches express their gratitude for their work and sadness for their departure.

In 1883 the Foreign Mission Board called for special services of prayer for missions, and in 1888 the Convention adopted a committee report urging a return to the establishment and maintenance of the monthly concert of prayer for missions. The founding of the Woman’s Missionary Union in 1888 greatly enhanced the focus of prayer on missions in Baptist life. Lottie Moon had pleaded, in her many letters, for the forming of such an organization. Through her inspiration and intense devotion, a special day of prayer and offering for foreign missions was observed each year 1888 to 1891. Beginning in 1892, the prayer emphasis was lengthened to include an entire week. (From the book The Life That Prays by Minette Drumwright) Your IMB missionaries give their lives to the missions task. Your faithful support keeps them on the field doing what God has called them to do. With each soul won to Christ, each new believer’s baptism and each church-planting movement started, you are a faithful partner in the harvest. 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 www.imb.org/offering

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-11-22T02:13:00.000-08:00

The temperatures continue to be quite warm in our area of Swaziland but we did receive a couple of thundershowers this week that helped to provide a little relief. Rain is still needed for the farmers to plant their crops and gardens. Please pray the rains will come and provide the moisture that will enable crops/gardens to grow and river/streams to fill.

The date for the Mgamudze Ladies’ Retreat that was scheduled for November 18-19 and then November 25-26 has now been scheduled to begin today. I received word on Saturday (12th of November) that the retreat could not take place the last weekend. So the pastor decided to have the retreat today and tomorrow (18-19 of November). He also told me he invited the ladies from the New Hope Baptist Church to join us as a well as a few from the community.   Pray the church will be adequately prepared for the event as well as myself. With the news of New Hope joining us and possibly a couple from the community, I quickly prepared more teaching materials. Please pray the ladies will plan to be on time and attend every session. May we receive wonderful blessings from the Lord!!

THANKSGIVNG DAY-November 24, 2011. The Swazi Team will celebrate Thanksgiving Day at the Allens in Mbabane. Pray for a wonderful day of celebration and Thanksgiving!!
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of Lords: His Love endures forever. Psalm 136:1-3

--Sunday November 27th is the tentative date for baptismal service at the Luhhwahhweni Baptist Church. Pray for this church as they celebrate through this baptismal service. Pray these new believers will totally serve the Lord and will be wonderful witnesses in the community of Luhhwahhweni.

The Hands On missionaries’ time of ministry in Swaziland is coming to an end.   In June they began their 6 month term that will end on the 8th of December when they depart for Jo’burg for a week of debriefing before returning to the states. It has been a wonderful 6 months for the Swazi Team and hopefully for these missionaries. Wayne and I know the Mafucula and Vuvulane Baptist Churches and communities will be very sad to say goodbye to Brandi and Kim. Plans for a farewell service combining the two churches has been planned for the 4th of December. The Swazi Team will also say thank you to the “girls” on the 2nd of December with a trip to the Swazi Candle Factory. Pray for Sienna, Heather, Brandi and Kim as their work in Swaziland slowly comes to an end. Pray for a great feeling of accomplishment as they prepare to return to the states.

Stories of their work in Swaziland will appear on http://www.africastories.org/ the first appearing on the 30th of November. Swaziland will also be featured for the World AIDS Day emphasis December 1st.

The Swazi Team’s end-of-the-year retreat is scheduled for December 12-15 at the Buckleigh Guest House in North Durban. In the past, the time has enabled the Team to not only have great fellowship together, but also praise the Lord for His blessings the past year and a time of prayer for future work. Pray for the Team as we begin to prepare for this special event with hopes that it will provide renewal and encouragement.

UPDATE: In September 23rd’ prayer letter we asked you to pray for Sphesile Msibi (wife of pastor of Mgamudze Baptist Church) who had suffered a stroke. We are happy to say she is doing very well. The family thanks everyone for praying!!

CHECK OUT THIS WEBSITE:
“2 Oceans Cluster” http://www.2oceanscluster.com/ and click on “Town/Village/Rural and then click on Swazi Team

Lottie Moon destined to become a legend among Southern Baptists, was one of the earliest single women appointed by the Foreign Mission Board (now International Mission Board). Harriet Baker was the first, in 1849, but her career was brief, and she “served to confirm the board’s opinion that single women were not suited for foreign missionary service.” Finally, with a change in policy in 1872, Edmonia Moon was appointed to China. The following year, on July 7, 1873, Lottie Moon, Edmonia’s sister, was officially appointed by the Foreign Mission Board meeting in Richmond, Va.
Arriving in China, Lottie immediately enveloped herself in love for, and work with, the Chinese people. She wrote many challenging, chiding letters to Henry A. Tupper, corresponding secretary of the FMB and her trusted friend, asking Southern Baptists for helpers, money and prayers for the sake of the gospel and the people of China. She described the massive numbers of lost souls around here in the Shantung Province. “Thirty million lost people,” she wrote in one of her letters, “yet the one million Southern Baptists at home can barely muster enough through their giving to send only three women and one man to win all of those people to the Lord. I don’t know how that looks in heaven, but it certainly looks peculiar in China.” (From the book The Life that Prays by Minette Drumwright)

Your church’s involvement in the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering provides for your IMB missionaries’ day-to-day needs. Because you give sacrificially, your missionaries can spend their time reaching lost people instead of raising support. The offering comprises 53 percent of the IMB’s total income, and every penny goes to missionaries and their ministries. 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 www.imb.org/offering

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-11-22T02:09:00.001-08:00

The last few days the temperatures have literally soared to between 100-108. Everything is so dry and dusty and in need of good rains. This time of year it is very vital that rains come weekly and no rain is forecast for the reminder of the week.  Please pray the rains will come and provide the moisture that will enable crops/gardens to grow and rivers/streams to fill!!

We enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship with the IMB video team that were in Tshaneni Saturday-Wednesday (November 5-8). Margie, Katie, Tyler and Jess stayed busy photographing and talking with Brandi and Kim and many Swazis along the way. Besides the various AIDS ministries in which Kim and Brandi are involved, the group was able to experience the sharing of the True Love Waits message with the students at the Vuvulane Seconday School.   Pray for this group as they continue their work with Sienna, Heather and the Allens in Mbabane. Sunday they will return to Jo’burg. Pray for a safe journey.

NOTE***Stories from this visit will appear on AfricaStories.org the first appearing on the 30th of November. Swaziland will also be featured for the World AIDS Day emphasis December 1st.

Sunday was a very warm day as we loaded up the children from Vuvulane after worship and made our way to Mafucula for a combined children’s Bible study. Brandi and Kim shared the truth/facts about AIDS with about 50 children under three small shade trees. After a time of work the children enjoyed chips, cookies and juice!!   It is so important that our children begin to understand the causes and effects of AIDS. Pray Swazi children will have a chance to hear the truth about AIDS and its causes. Pray for a brighter future for our Swazi Baptist children.

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST:
The last few months the Swazi Team has requested prayer for the monthly executive committee meetings of the Swaziland Baptist Convention. There have been questions concerning the working relationship between the Baptist Mission and the Swazi Baptist pastors/churches and convention. We have asked you to pray for open minds and a desire to have unity between the convention and the missionaries. Unfortunately, last Saturday’s meeting was very discouraging for the missionaries and it has become obvious that the leadership of the convention does not want the missionaries working with individual churches unless the convention is informed what they plan to teach or do. (Rather odd since it was the missionaries that began the Baptist work in Swaziland.) So this continues to raise the question, “How can the convention and the missionaries work together?”   Pray the missionaries will be able to work through this difficulty with a future of promise and hope. Pray the Lord will lay His hand on this situation and He alone will be glorified in its outcome.

--The date for the Ladies’ Retreat for the Mgamudze Baptist Church has been changed from November 18-19 to November 25-26. Pray the church will be adequately prepared for this event and ladies will plan to attend every session.

--Planning has begun for the Swazi Team’s end-of-the year retreat December 12-15. In the past, the time has enabled the Team to not only have great fellowship together, but also praise the Lord for His blessings the past year and a time of prayer for future work. The selected venue is the Buckleigh Guest House in North Durban. Pray for the continued planning of this special event and for the members of the Swazi Team to prepare to be encouraged and spiritually renewed!!

--Our Hands On missionaries’ time of ministry in Swaziland is coming to an end. They arrived for 6 months in June and will depart from Swaziland on the 8th of December (week of debriefing in Jo’burg before departing for the states). It has been a wonderful 6 months for the Swazi Team and hopefully for these missionaries. Wayne and I know the Mafucula and Vuvulane Baptist Churches and communities will be very sad to say goodbye to Brandi and Kim. Plans for a farewell service combining the two churches has been planned for the 4th of December. The Swazi Team will also say goodbye to the “girls” on the 2nd of December. Pray for Sienna, Heather, Brandi and Kim as their work in Swaziland slowly comes to an end. Pray for a great feeling of accomplishment as they prepare to return to the states.

OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STATEGY:
Please be in prayer for IMB trustees and staff as they gather in Richmond for their fall meeting, November 14-15. May the Holy Spirit be their guide as they discuss important strategic and administrative matters. Pray also for the missionary appointment service that will follow the meeting on November 16. The service will be held at Temple Baptist Church, Hattisburg, Mississippi.

Formed in 1845 with missions a major priority, the Southern Baptist Convention immediately created Domestic and Foreign Mission Boards, promoted the monthly Concert of Prayer meetings for missions, and sent missionaries to China and Africa. By the 1880s the SBC, however, interest in missions had waned, and the prayer emphasis had fallen into serious decline. A report of the convention’s Committee on Progress and Prayer in 1881 attributed the decline of interest in missions primarily to the abandonment of the monthly Concert of Prayer and urged the reestablishment of the monthly event in each church throughout the bounds of the Convention.   (From the book The Life That Prays by Minette Drumwright)

Your church’s Cooperative Program contribution goes to your Southern Baptist state convention office. Between 13 percent and 53 percent goes from there to the SBC Executive Committee office in Nashville. Half of those funds go to the International Mission Board (IMB), and half go to other SBC entities. The IMB receives 35 percent of its total income from CP. That money, along with Lottie Moon Christmas Offering dollars, supports missionaries sharing the love of Jesus Christ around the world. 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.

Hoskins Update - November

2011-11-22T02:07:00.001-08:00

This last month has had its share of challenges. Several situations have come up that make us feel like we’re taking three steps back for every one step forward. One of Todd’s best friends, who Todd has been leading in a Bible study for over 6 months, came over to our home wearing amulets (indicating participation in witchcraft for healing). It was discouraging.

Todd was able to show his friend where the Bible speaks about putting our trust in God alone, but not all challenges are so simply addressed. Please continue to pray for us to have wisdom and patience in our lives and in our work here.

We love the opportunity God has given us to serve Him here in Swaziland through challenges and triumphs. We are currently focusing our energy on finishing the Bible study materials to be ready for training events led by the Baptist Mission in December. We are thankful to all of those who are helping us edit and translate the materials into siSwati.

Our mission cluster has a new website that you can visit at http://www.2oceanscluster.com/. Swaziland is found under the Town/Village/Rural section.

Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers.

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-11-22T02:05:00.001-08:00

The four “Hands On” missionaries and Wayne are on their way to Swaziland after spending the last couple of days enjoying the Kruger National Game Reserve. Wayne phoned yesterday to say the group saw four cheetahs stalking a herd of wildebeest. They watched the cheetahs for about an hour to see if they (cheetahs) would make their move on the wildebeest (they didn’t). The group has also seen many rhino, giraffes, close and personal views of elephants and much more !! What wonderful sightings for their first time at the park!!

While Wayne and the girls were enjoying the cheetah sightings, I experienced my own sighting here at the farm. I am keeping a friend’s dog for a couple of days and left the back door open so he could go in and out without bothering me during my quiet time. As I was finishing, I heard a sound that made me realize a bird was in the house. Since I was alone I didn’t relish trying to find a way to extract the bird (Black-capped Bulbul) from the house. The first thing I did was get the dog out before he could pounce on the bird. He preceded to go to the window where the bird was trying to get out. The bird was looking at the dog from the inside and the dog was looking at the bird from the outside. Several attempts proved futile in trying to get the bird out through an open window (different window from where the dog had positioned himself). A little while later the bird flew to the sitting room and I was able to open the front door for it to fly away!!

--The Shiselweni Baptist Association did meet last Saturday but was unable to plan the ordination service for Pastor Nkhosingiphile Dlamini. Pastor Dlamini was not able to attend due to a school function. Planning will continue for this special service that has been scheduled for January 2012. Please pray for the planning of this special event and for Nkhosingiphile as he continues his education.

--Please pray for the executive committee meeting of the Swaziland Baptist Convention tomorrow November 5th. Pray those attending will come with an open mind and a desire to have unity between the convention and missionaries.

--Tomorrow (11/5) the IMB video team (from Jo’burg) arrives in Swaziland to spend time with Kim and Brandi (Tshaneni/Mafucula) and Sienna and Heather in Mbabane. They will be in Tshaneni Nov. 5-8 and in Mbabane Nov. 8-13. Stories from this visit will appear on AfricaStories.org the first appearing on the 30th of November. Pray for this group’s visit with the “Hands On” missionaries on the Swazi team. May wonderful blessings occur while making these stories.

--Sunday (November 6th) after the worship services the children of the Vuvulane and Mafucula Baptist Churches will meet together at Mafucula. Brandi and Kim will share the truth/facts about AIDS. Pray the children will hear and understand the causes and effects of AIDS on their bodies and their lives.
-November 18-19 is the scheduled date for the Mgamudze Baptist Church Ladies’ Retreat. Pray the church will adequately prepare for this event and ladies will plan to attend every session.

Pray for Brandi Harris (Hands On Missionary) on her birthday the 9th of November. Pray her special day will indeed be special!

The country of Swaziland is experiencing one of the worlds worse AIDS pandemics. HIV/AIDS infection among pregnant women is 41 percent. 31 percent of Swazi children are orphans and the life expectancy is 43 years of age. Pray for a solution to the AIDS problem in Swaziland. Pray Swazis will come to realize that their lifestyle contributes to the early death of friends and family.

It was Luther Rice’s efforts that help lead to the formation of the Triennial Convention in 1814, the first national body of Baptists. Organized primarily as a foreign mission society, the convention’s main purpose at first was to support the Judsons. Soon, their purposes expanded. In 1817, the convention voted to recommend to its churches that they observe the first Monday of every month as a day of prayer for missions. For many years, this remained an important emphasis. Commissioned by the Triennial Convention, J. Louis and Henrietta Hall Shuck sailed for China in 1835. As a youth Shuck had attended a missions rally where an offering was received. Having no money, he wrote on a slip of paper, “I give myself” and placed it in the offering plate. The Shucks were powerful missionary influences in China and America. (From the book The Life That Prays by Minette Drumwright.)

Your IMB missionaries give their lives to the missions task. Your faithful support keeps them on the field doing what God has called them to do. With each soul won to Christ, each new believer’s baptism and each church-planting movement started, you are a faithful partner in the harvest. 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 earth.

November prayer calendar

2011-11-22T02:00:00.000-08:00

Tuesday November 1: Thank you for praying for the Hoskins last month. Todd had a wonderful time learning during the Bible school at Phuzumoya. Deborah loved the fellowship with friends from all over the country at the National Women’s Retreat and particularly enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with Barbara and Monica. Pray for the Hoskins as they continue to minister in Swaziland. Pray for great periods of fellowship with Swazis and learning opportunities through daily experiences.

Wednesday November 2: November 2-4 the “Hands On” missionaries Kim, Sienna, Brandi and Heather are treating themselves to a much deserved trip to the Kruger National Game Reserve. Pray the group will see many wonderful sights and enjoy their time at Kruger. Continue to pray for these missionaries as their time in Swaziland is “winding down”. December 9-13 is their scheduled debriefing in Jo’burg before their departure to the states.

Thursday November 3: The missions movement in America is said to have begun in 1806 in a haystack. Five students from Williams College, a Congregationalist school in Williamstown, Massachusetts, were caught in a rainstorm. Taking refuge under a convenient haystack, they used the time to pray for spiritual awakening of the students and for the lost of the world. Robert Morrison was the first Protestant missionary to go to China. He reached Macao in 1807 and made an important contribution in his translation of scriptures. (From the book, The Life That Prays by Minette Drumwright.) Your church’s involvement in the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering provides for your IMB missionaries’ day-to-day needs. Because you give sacrificially, your missionaries spend their time reaching a lost people instead of raising support. The offering comprises 53 percent of the IMB’s total income, and every penny goes to missionaries and their ministries. Pray the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering will reach its goal so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.

Friday November 4: November 5-13, an IMB team that includes a photographer/graph designer, journalist and videographer will be in Swaziland to spend time with Kim and Brandi (Tshaneni/Mafucula) and Sienna and Heather in Mbabane. Stories from this visit will appear on AfricaStories.org the first appearing on the 30th of November. Pray for this group’s visit with the “Hands On” missionaries on the Swazi Team. May wonderful blessings occur while making these stories.

Saturday November 5: Pray for the executive committee of the Swaziland Baptist Convention. Pray those attending the meeting will come with an open mind and a desire to have unity between the convention and the missionaries.
--Heather and Sienna are working with the youth today at the Mphembakati Baptist Church sharing more about True Love Waits. Please pray they will be effectively able to share the truth about love from the Bible.

Sunday November 6: Today after worship services the children of the Vuvulane and Mafucula Baptist Churches are meeting together at Mafucula. Brandi and Kim will share the truth/facts about AIDS. Pray the children will hear and understand the causes and effects of AIDS on their bodies and their lives.
Monday November 7: Pray for Brandi Harris (Hands On Missionary) today on her birthday. May her special day be special!! J
The country of Swaziland is experiencing one of the worlds worse AIDS pandemics. HIV/AIDS infection among pregnant women is 41 percent. 31 percent of Swazi children are orphans and life expectancy is 43 percent. Pray for a solution to the AIDS problem in Swaziland. Pray Swazis will come to realize that their lifestyle contributes to the early death of friends and family.

Tuesday November 8: The rainy season has begun in Swaziland. Swazis hope the rains will be plentiful this growing season. After the planting of crops and gardens frequent rains are needed. Pray there will be plenty of rain throughout Swaziland. Pray the Swazis’ fields will receive enough rain to provide food until the next growing season.

Wednesday November 9: The South Coast Bible School finished its 2011 year with the last session October 10-14 at the Phuzumoya Baptist Church. Approximately 20 students attended from Swazi Baptist churches and the communities around Phuzumoya. Pray the attendees were richly blessed through their studies last week. Pray as planning begins for the 2012 (four sessions) South Coast Bible School.

Thursday November 10: Please pray for the Hoskins as they continue to work on translation (English to siSwati) of Bible study materials throughout the month of November. “Please pray that the translation will be done and that we make the most of the opportunities to disciple those working with us on the material”.

Friday November 11: October 9th was World Hunger Day! But you can give to promote the World Hunger Fund anytime of the year. One hundred percent of every dollar given to the World Hunger Fund is used to help hungry peoples. Pray for support from our Southern Baptist churches to this fund and ministry. http://www.gobgr.org/

Saturday November 12: The Baptist Global Response (BGR) In-Home Care Kits are being used by the Swazi Team to teach and empower local churches to make home visits and show love to those dying with AIDS in their community. Presenting the care kit to a family opens a great door of opportunity to share a Bible story about Jesus’ ability to heal the soul. Pray the use of these items by loving care givers will show the love and compassion that Jesus Christ has for the terminally ill. http://www.inhomecarekits.org/

Sunday November 13: Continue to pray for the outreach ministry at Ngowane as the group desires to start Sunday services in the near future. Pray for leadership to rise up and be trained to lead this possible new church.

Monday November 14: For some who attended, this was their first Swazi Baptist Ladies’ Retreat at the Manzini Baptist Church (October 13-15). For others it was their second or third or even more times of coming to fellowship with ladies from Swazi Baptist churches, study God’s Word, sing His wonderful praises and enjoy Swazi cuisine. Missionary Monica Allen did a great job leading three sessions on the topic “God, our Father”. At the closing of Friday night’s session, with broken hearts and great needs, the ladies spent time confessing their sins and seeking the Lord’s help. What a blessing to experience the strong presence of the Lord. Pray for our Swazi Baptist ladies as many daily struggle with cultural issues, a husband with more than one wife, responsibility of family needs and a desire to grow spiritually.

Tuesday November 15: Todd and Deborah Hoskins has been working on a project to expand Biblical Education opportunities for believers. This resource (BEP-Baptist Education Program) is designed t be an additional tool for Swazi Baptist church members. Pray this resource will be a very useful discipleship tool. The first one-day training event has been scheduled for the 8th of December.

Wednesday November 16: 2011 was a year of turmoil for the government of Swaziland. Strikes for higher wages, an end to high spending of the monarchy as well as the end of the monarchy and a better life have constantly been scheduled. Pray a peaceful solution will be reached between the government and the Swazi people. Pray the King of Swaziland, his wives and children will come to know Jesus as their Savior. May true revival touch the hearts of the Swazi people.

Thursday November 17: It was a very warm day at the Phuzumoya Baptist Church when friends and family gathered to celebrate the 12th wedding anniversary of Mandla and Philiswe Sigwane (October 22nd). What a special event and witness for this couple (pastor of the Phuzumoya Baptist Church). Swazis live in a polygamous society and do not understand what God expects of marriage and the marriage relationship. Pray for strong Swazi Christian marriages that follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Friday November 18: November 18-19 the Mgamudze Baptist Church has scheduled an overnight women’s retreat and asked missionary Barbara Myers to lead. Pray as Barbara prepares to lead this group of women in a time of Bible study and fellowship. Pray the ladies of the Mgamudze Baptist Church will desire to come together. One of the sessions will be door-to-door visitation in the community. Pray the Lord will reap great benefits from this ministry.

Saturday November 19: Todd and Deborah Hoskins will lead the youth Bible study today at Mphembakati Baptist Church. Please pray the study will go well.

Sunday November 20: Last month the Shiselweni Baptist Association conducted their bi-monthly meeting at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. The main topic of business was the ordination service for Pastor Nkhosingiphile Dlamini (Thunzini Baptist Church). This special event is being planned for December 2011. Pray planning will go well. Pray the Lord will provide for the needs of Nkhosinigphile as he attends teacher training college.

Monday November 21: With the upcoming holidays, pray for missionaries all over the world not able to be with their extended families. Holidays are probably the times most missionaries can be homesick and missing family gatherings.

Tuesday November 22: Through Jesus’ blood, we call God “Abba Father”, an intimate phrase of tender love between a parent and child. Muslims know nothing of this intimacy in prayer. Many are deeply religious, but to them, their god, Allah, is far off and inaccessible. They face their struggles alone. Pray for these to know the One who will never leave or forsake them. “And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them”. Isaiah 42:16

Wednesday November 23: In 2011 volunteer teams from Southern Baptist churches ministered alongside the Swazi Team conducting retreats, Bible studies for adult, youth and children, revivals, hut-to-hut visitation, prayer walking, AIDS orphan ministries, sharing the True Love Waits message and more. Pray as planning begins for the ministry of volunteer teams with the Swazi Team in 2012. May God’s wonderful blessings continue to flow.

Thursday November 24: The Swazi Team will celebrate Thanksgiving at the Allens in Mbabane. Pray for a wonderful day of celebration and thanksgiving!!

Friday November 25: Sub-Saharan African Unengaged Peoples: The Caprivi Strip of Namibia reaches east like a long finger, stretching to touch the great Zambezi River. This landlocked peninsula is bordered by Angola, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Fwe of Namibia make their home in the sandy Caprivi Strip. Currently no one is intentionally starting churches among the Fwe. Pray the Fwe believers will boldly proclaim the Gospel to their families and friends, and the Fwe will see their need for Jesus Christ and the salvation He offers. Pray that a strategic plan will be developed to plant biblical churches among the Fwe of Namibia.

Saturday November 26: The Hoskins will lead a Bible study with youth and women at the Big Bend Baptist Church. Please pray the Bible study will go well.

Sunday November 27: “Q” is a Swazi child that has been diagnosed with TB. His mother refuses to allow him a follow-up visit to the clinic for fear he will be given the ARVs (anti-retroviral drugs) designed to prolong the life of an AIDS victim. Instead she took him to a traditional healer and was told the drugs the clinic gave him would kill him. “Q” (a very thin child) is now afraid to take any form of medication given to him by the clinic. Pray the mother will see that not allowing her child to be properly treated will lead to an early death. Pray for the many Swazi families that are afraid of abandonment if it is discovered that one of their family members is HIV positive.

Monday November 28: Pray the government of Swaziland will see the need to provide doctors in clinics and a supply of medications that will be adequate. Pray Swazis will not seek the use of traditional methods of medical care.

Tuesday November 29: Plans have begun for the Swazi Team’s end-of-the year retreat December 12-15. In the past, the time has enabled the Team to not only have great fellowship together, but also praise the Lord for His blessings the past year and a time of prayer for future work. Pray as the Team selects a venue and agenda for 2011’s retreat. Pray in all things the Lord will be glorified.

Wednesday November 30: Pray Swazi Christians will understand the customs and traditions that are a normal part of life are not always acceptable to the Lord. Pray they will study more and learn about the Lord and His ways.

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-11-22T01:47:00.000-08:00

It is a very warm and windy day in Tshaneni. It has rained this week and now with the sun trying to peak through the clouds, it is quite humid. We are thankful for every drop of rain, especially this time of the year when farmers are trying to plant their crops and families their mealies (corn). Swazis always hope the rains will be plentiful and frequent. Pray there will be plenty of rain throughout Swaziland. Pray the fields will receive enough rain to provide food until the next growing season.

It wasn’t raining Saturday when the church and community of Phuzumoya met for the 12th wedding anniversary of Pastor Mandla Sigwane and his wife Philisiwe. It was quite hot with a strong breeze whipping the tents. The Swazis did not seem bothered by the uncomfortable conditions (like I was!!) and stayed to witness this special event in the life of the church and the Sigwanes. Swazi society allows a man more than one wife and most do not understand what God expects of marriage and the marriage relationship. Pray for strong Swazi Christian marriages that follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.

--Wayne left this morning for the Shiselweni region and to attend the Shiselweni Baptist Association meeting at the Velebantfu Baptist Church tomorrow (Saturday). This meeting was postponed last month due to our vehicle difficulties. On the agenda will be discussion of the ordination service in December for Nkhosingiphile Dlamini, pastor of the Thunzini Baptist Church. This will be a big event in the life of the Shiselweni region, Thunzini Baptist Church and Nkhosingiphile. Pray for the planning of this special event in December. Pray for Nkhosinigphile as he continues with his education and pray the Lord will provide for his needs.

SWAZICAN CITRUS FARM UDATE:
As I sit here and type our weekly prayer letter, we still do not know the fate of the 190 employees who were given their notices effective October 30th . A company has brought the farm and will take over sometime in 2012. There is to be a meeting today and the employees will hear whether they will have to pack up and leave or stay temporarily or indefinitely. Pray for these who may lose their homes and jobs. Please pray for the Lord’s provision.
Our situation: We did receive a notice that the lease to our house will expire the end of the year. We will then renew monthly until the new owners take over and a new lease will then be discussed. Our plan at this time is to stay in this house until we are told we cannot or until our stateside assignment begins in September 2012. Please pray for our peace concerning this situation.

PRAYER EVENTS FOR NOVEMBER:
-November 2-4 the “Hands On” missionaries with enjoy their time in the Kruger National Game Reserve. Pray the group will see many wonderful sights. Continue to pray for these missionaries as their time in Swaziland is coming to a close.

-Pray for the executive committee meeting of the Swaziland Baptist Convention November 5th. Pray those attending will come with an open mind and a desire to have unity between the convention and missionaries.

--November 5-13, an IMB team will be in Swaziland to spend time with Kim and Brandi (Tshaneni/Mafucula) and Sienna and Heather in Mbabane. Stories from this visit will appear on AfricaStories.org the first appearing on the 30th of November. Pray for this group’s visit with the “Hands On” missionaries on the Swazi Team. May wonderful blessings occur while making these stories.

-November 18-19, the Mgamudze Baptist Church has scheduled an overnight ladies’ retreat. I (Barbara) will lead this special time of study and fellowship. One of the sessions will be door-to-door visitation in the community. Pray the Lord will reap great benefits from this ministry.

AIDS UPDATE:
Perhaps you remember the story of the pastor and his wife (Shiselweni) who experienced marital difficulties for years. At one point, the husband sent the wife home to her mother’s homestead and he took another wife in the Swazi traditional way. He left the pastoral ministry. The husband and wife did reunite (he sent his traditional wife back to her home) and were attending the Sigwanes’ anniversary service. I was a shocked to see how his condition has deteriorated since I saw him two or three years ago. He was very thin and sickly. At one time he was on the antiretroviral drugs but ceased to take them because he felt the Lord had healed him. I don’t know if he has resumed taking them. Even though his wife is also HIV positive she looked well. Their three daughters are also HIV positive. Please pray for this family. And pray for many families like this one throughout Swaziland.

Congregationalists Adoniram and Ann Judson and Luther Rice sailed from American shores for Burma in 1812. Along the way both Adoniram and Luther felt drawn to the Baptist position on baptism. After agonizing over the situation for three months, all three were baptized by one of William Carey’s associates. They resigned from the Congregational Board leaving them without support. Carey offered to support the Americans through the English Baptist Missionary Society. However, they all agreed the best plan would be for American Baptists to provide the support. Rice returned to America to stir up the Baptists and encourage the formation of organizations for the support of foreign missions in general and the Judsons in particular. (From the book The Life That Prays by Minette Drumwright). As your church gives, prays and goes, unreached people—like the Manga Kanuri of West Africa, the Huishui Miao of China and the Uzbeks of Uzbekistan—gain access to the life-giving Gospel of Jesus Christ. They hear and respond because your IMB missionaries go with full support and because you give generously and sacrificially. Please support and give to the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-11-22T01:43:00.000-08:00

For some who attended this was their first Swazi Baptist Ladies’ Retreat at the Manzini Baptist Church (October 13-15). For others it was their second or third or even more times of coming to fellowship with ladies from Swazi Baptist churches, study God’s Word, sing His wonderful praises and enjoy Swazi cuisine. Missionary Monica Allen did a great job of leading three sessions on the topic “God, our Father”. At the closing of Friday night’s session with broken hearts and great needs, the ladies spent time confessing their sins and seeking the Lord’s help. What a blessing to experience the strong presence of the Lord. What a blessing to be able to be a part of an event that is very special to these ladies. Pray for our Swazi Baptist ladies as many daily struggle with cultural issues, a husband with more than one wife, responsibility for family needs and a desire to grow spiritually.

-One attendant fell and broke her ankle the first night. Pray as she recovers from her injury.

--Wayne spent a busy week traveling to the Phuzumoya Baptist Church and teaching at the South Coast Bible School. Approximately 20 students attended from our Swazi Baptist churches and the communities around Phuzumoya. He felt it was a good experience and as always enjoyed being with “the guys”. Pray the attendees were richly blessed through their studies last week. Pray as planning begins for 2012 (four sessions) South Coast Bible School.

--Tomorrow the Phuzumoya Baptist Church is hosting the celebration of Mandla Sigwane (pastor for the church) and Philisiwe Sigwane’s 12th wedding anniversary. What a special event and witness for this couple. Swazis live in a polygamous society and do not understand what God expects of marriage and the marriage relationship. Pray this event will be a wonderful witness to the Phuzumoya community. Pray for strong Swazi Christian marriages.

--October 17-26, missionary Steve Allen is in the states in order to renew his US drivers’ license (North Carolina). Steve will also visit with family and friends. Pray for Monica, Lacie and Nathan as they remain in Swaziland. Pray for Steve’s safe travels and great times with family.

“HANDS ON” UPDATE:
In June four “Hands On” missionaries became a part of the Swazi Team. Their basic ministry was sharing of the True Love Waits message but involvement in other AIDS ministries was also encouraged. Heather and Sienna moved into the mission house beside the Allens in the capital city of Mbabane. Kim and Brandi moved in with an American friend, Corine in the small rural bush town of Tshaneni. The Swazi Team has enjoyed these missionaries and will be sad when their time is completed the first of December.    Please continue to pray for the ministries of these missionaries and their remaining time in Swaziland.
v Please especially pray for Heather Palmer. Her “adopted” grandmother passed away. They were very close. Please pray as she deals with the sadness of this loss away from her family.
v November 2-4 the group will enjoy a restful and exciting time at the Kruger National Game Reserve. Pray for a wonderful time and wonderful sightings of animals and birds!!
v November 5-November 13, an IMB team (based in Jo’burg) that includes a photographer/graph designer, journalist and videographer will be in Swaziland to spend time with the four missionaries. Stories from this visit will appear on AfricaStories.org the first appearing on the 30th of November. Pray for this group’s visit with the “Hands On” missionaries. May wonderful blessings occur during the making of these stories.

Sunday while attending worship at Vuvulane (church meets in a Swazi home) a most unusual happening occurred. I was sitting on the floor in front of the door in order to feel the fresh air that occasionally blew past me. From the corner of my eye I noticed this well-fed hen passing the door. She was not passing door has any ordinary chicken would do.   She passed by the door as though she had a plan!! At first she stopped at the door and look around at everyone in the room. It was as though she knew someone in the group. She did this several times and each time Kim (our urbanized “Hands On” missionary who was sitting on a bench by the door) would “shoo” her away. This continued for at least 10-15 minutes. It was while our prayers to the Lord were being prayed that Kim’s friend the chicken became very bold. When we opened our eyes, there she was perched on the bench right beside Kim. I couldn’t help but give a chuckle. With my chuckle though, the hostess of the church told one of the children to “get the chicken out of the room”. This she did. (We were told the chicken was looking for a place to lay her eggs.) I was sorry Kim’s friend was banned from the room. I think I would have liked to see her lay an egg!!

**October 9th was World Hunger Day!! But you can give to promote World Hunger Fund any time of the year. One hundred percent of every dollar given to the World Hunger Fund is used to help hungry people. Please consider making a donation to this vital fund or highlighting the need in your church. http://www.gobgr.org/

The missions movement in America is said to have begun in 1806 in a haystack. Five students from Williams College, a Congregationalist school in Williamstown, Massachusetts, were caught in a rainstorm. Taking refuge under a convenient haystack, they used the time to pray for spiritual awakening of the students and for the lost of the world.
Robert Morrison was the first Protestant missionary to go to China. He reached Macao in 1807 and made an important contribution in his translation of scriptures.   (From the book, The Life That Prays by Minette Drumwright.)
Your church’s involvement in the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering provides for your IMB missionaries’ day-to-day needs. Because you give sacrificially, your missionaries can spend their time reaching lost people instead of raising support. The offering comprises 53 percent of the IMB’s total income, and every penny goes to missionaries and their ministries. Please support and give to the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-11-22T01:31:00.000-08:00

WONDERFUL BLESSINGS FROM THE ALLEN FAMILY
The last couple of weeks have been a rollercoaster ride of emotions waiting to hear news about my mom, especially being so far away. However, praise God she received the cancer free report!!!! I wish I could be with her during her recovery time but know she is in God's hands. Continue to pray for her full and speedy recovery!

Continuing with the praise report....Lacie had a complete hearing test on Tuesday and her hearing has greatly improved. The doctor said she went from being around 40% (moderate level) to 20-25% (mild level) due to her recent surgery. Lacie said she can tell a big difference and she is flying through her reading books now. Another huge praise the Lord! We serve an amazing God!!!

We (the Myers family) had a wonderful visit and ministry time with our True Love Waits International consultant, Kym Pennington Coe (Sun.-Wed). Kym led a training event that included the two Hands On missionaries at Mafucula. She was fortunate to also spend “quality time” with Brandi and Kim. We praise the Lord for Kym’s ministry as well as her witness!! Pray for Kym as she works with the Hoskins and Allens before leaving Swaziland on the 12th of October.

SOME NOT SO GOOD NEWS FROM THE MYERS FAMILY
Sunday on the way to church Gertrude (our Swazi friend and switchboard operator on the farm) told us the bad news. Due to losing money the last few years Swazican is closing their production on the farm. The employees have been given their notices effective on the 30th of October. There is a possibility that interested parties will take over the farm with plans to raise sugar cane instead of citrus fruit but this is not confirmed. Either way many of the employees will lose their home and job.
·         Pray for these families as they return to their family homes. Pray for the children that will not be allowed to finish their school year (ends the first of December). Pray all will have a chance to find ways to provide for themselves and their families.
·         Pray for the children from the farm that have been going with us to Vuvulane Baptist Church. Pray wherever they go, they will have a chance to attend an evangelistic church.
·         With this change there is a possibility that we might have to move. If so this will be the third move in as many years. We would like to be able to stay here since housing is so difficult to find in this area. Pray for us as we deal with an uncertain future on the farm and possibly in this area.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
October 8: Suzanna Yawn, Deborah Hoskins’ sister
October 12: Barbara Myers
October 13: Todd Hoskins’ mother
May our special day indeed be special!!

WORLD HUNGER DAY October 9, 2011
In sub-Saharan Africa these funds are currently feeding war widows and orphans in Sierra Leone as well as providing seed for them to become self sufficient.  In South Africa and Zimbabwe, World Hunger Funds provide nutrition for thousands of children in child headed households and feed patients who are sick with AIDS and unable to care for themselves.  In Kenya, these funds are providing food for many who have been affected by the Horn of Africa Famine.  World Hunger Funds enable Baptist Global Response to minister around the world, and this fund is at an all time low.

October 9 is World Hunger Day, but you can give to or promote the World Hunger Fund any time of year. One hundred percent of every dollar given to the World Hunger Fund is used to help hungry people. Please consider making a donation to this vital fund or highlighting the need in your church.
http://www.gobgr.org/

--October 10-14 is the last session of the South Coast Bible School in 2011. This school meets for one week four times a year at the Phuzumoya Baptist Church. Pray those attending will find the classes helpful with their ministries. Pray for the Swazi Team missionaries (Wayne and Todd) assisting with teaching and other administrative duties.

--Coming together with other women for a time of Bible study and fellowship is a great enjoyment for our Swazi Baptist women. October 13-15 is the scheduled National Swazi Baptist Women’s Retreat. Missionary Monica Allen will be the guest speaker. Theme is “God, Our Father”. It will be a time for the ladies to be refreshed, renewed and strengthened as they return to their homes and families who depend upon them. Pray many ladies will be able to attend this time of fellowship and study and will leave refreshed, renewed and strengthened.

AIDS UPDATE:
The last two Sundays, one of the “farm” children that usually attends church with us has been ill and not able to come. When asked what was his problem, I was told that he had TB. At first, I didn’t believe this could be his problem. But compared to his younger brother he had the appearance of a very sick child. I was also told that even though the farm was paying for the medical bills, his mother refused to allow him to return for a follow-up visit at the clinic because she was afraid they would start him on the antiretroviral drugs. Can you imagine my surprise to hear that a mother had reservations about allowing treatment that would prolong her child’s life? Unfortunately because of the fear of losing jobs, being abandoned and the fear of the unknown, this is a common view. Please pray Qiniselani’s mother will allow him to have the needed treatment to deal with his illness. Pray for understanding, not condemnation or blame, within families affected by AIDS.

Who is the first executive director of the Foreign (International) Missions Board? James B. Taylor, a former Baptist minister in Richmond, Va., who served 1846-1871. Has your church set the goal for the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering? Every penny given to Lottie Moon is used to support your Southern Baptist missionaries as they share the Gospel overseas. Pray for faithfulness of the Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2011 LMCO so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.

Hoskins Update - October

2011-11-22T01:26:00.000-08:00

This time last month we were enjoying a wonderful visit with Todd's
parents. They were able to join us in local ministry, and then we had
the chance to take a South African safari with them. It was so nice
to be able to spend time with family!

In this message, we want to tell you a little more about the ministry
in which we are involved. Evangelism and church planting are the
overarching objectives of the Baptist Mission in Swaziland. There are
a variety of ways that Deborah and I are involved in doing that:
mentoring youth, teaching Bible studies, working with local churches
to expand evangelistic efforts, and witnessing to people about new
life available through Jesus. In addition to those primary
objectives, there are a few tangible projects that Deborah and I are
involved in that we would like to show you. We've attached pictures
to give you a visual:

1. Bible study resources: This project we are working on involves
expanding Biblical education opportunities for believers. This
resource, which is in a dual siSwati/English format, is designed to be
an additional tool for our church members along with the ongoing Bible
school. We also hope that this will kick-start 1 to 3 day training
programs in other regions throughout the country.

2. siSwati Bible: We love opportunities to be involved with giving
or subsidizing Bible distribution in the communities in which we work.
The siSwati Bible has only been available in its entirety since 1996.
This means that a lot of people here still do not have God's Word in
their heart language. It is exciting to see how anxious church
members are to have a Bible of their very own. We are thankful that
family and friends have supported our involvement in Bible
distribution.

3. AIDS home care kits: Through Baptist Global Relief (BGR),
Southern Baptist Churches assembled and shipped over 650 of these kits
to the Baptist Mission of Swaziland for distribution to families in
need. We are using the kits to teach and empower local churches to
make home visits and show love to those dying with AIDS in their
community. Presenting the care kit to a family opens a great door of
opportunity to share a Bible story about Jesus's ability to heal the
soul (e.g. Mark 2:1-12).

4. Dolls for hospital visitation: Through another generous donation
from churches in the U.S., we have the opportunity for outreach to
hospitalized children. We are currently working with one of the
churches located near a hospital to show them how these dolls can be a
tool to show the love of Christ to children who are not feeling well.
The church is looking forward to the opportunity to start ministering
in the local hospital.

Thank you for your ongoing support through prayer. We are so happy to
have the opportunity to share the love of Christ here in Swaziland.

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-11-22T01:06:00.001-08:00

Recently there has been much publicity for the small kingdom of Swaziland and unfortunately most of it has not been good. In a recent international TIME magazine an article appeared, “Out of Step His Nation in Crisis, a King Indulges Himself”.   The article centered around the Reed Dance in September where tens of thousands of virgin girls trek across to the Queen Mother’s (King’s mother) royal residence. These maidens dance before the King in less than appropriate attire and hope to be the one the King might pick to be his wife. The article contained these statistics:
·         The country is currently experiencing the world’s worst AIDS epidemic
·         HIV-AIDS infection among pregnant women is 41%
·         Swazi life expectancy is down to 43 years
·         31% of Swazi children are orphans
·         Unemployment rate is 43%.
·         63% of Swazis live on $2 a day or less
The main content of the article discusses the overindulges of the monarchy in view of the above mentioned statistics and the economic condition of the country that largely depends upon South Africa economically. There is unrest in our small country and strikes continue daily. Schools were delayed in opening due to the government owing the schools for this year and previous years (unfortunately the government is broke). Please pray for the political situation in Swaziland. A large group of people want change and some are even demanding the dissolution of the monarchy. Pray a solution will be found before violence becomes the answer.

Our vehicle woes are over!! Thank you for praying. We were able to drive to Mbabane for the scheduled Swazi Team meeting on Wednesday. We also took the chance to stock up on needed groceries, medications and supplies. It felt good to have “wheels”.

--Wayne took the opportunity today to make his postponed trip to the Shiselweni region. Pray he will be able to accomplish what he needs to accomplished during this quick trip.

--As mentioned the Swazi Team was able to meet on Wednesday and discuss calendar events as well as review the last few months. Pray for the Swazi Team as we work together to help many Swazis come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Plans for the Team’s end-of-the-year retreat were also discussed. The dates of this special and fun time is December 12-15.
--Todd, Deborah and Steve drove to Tshaneni on Tuesday to review the Biblical Education Program (BEP) compiled by Todd and Deborah to help Swazi Baptist churches disciple their people, train their people to teach Bible studies and Sunday School and to encourage spiritual growth.   Pray many Swazis will be able to participate in BEP.

Happy Birthday on the 2nd of October to Kim Hultgren (Hands On missionary)!!

--Kym Coe, True Love Waits International consultant will be in Swaziland 2-12 of October. During her time with the Swazi team she will continue to lead TLW trainings and follow-up with TLW presenters. Pray Kym’s time in Swaziland will be very beneficial to everyone. Pray the True Love Waits message will continue to be shared with schools, care centers and churches in 2012. Kym will be in Tshaneni October 2-5.

---Pray for the executive committee of the Swaziland Baptist Convention. On the agenda is the discussion of how the convention and the Swazi team should work together. There is not a consensus among the group on how this should be accomplished. Pray those attending the meeting will come with an open mind and a desire to have unity between the convention and the missionaries. May the Lord be glorified in this situation.

UPDATE ON MONICA ALLEN’S MOM:
Keep praying for my mom. She is in lots of pain and on morphine to ease the pain. Probably will be in the hospital for a few more days. The family is waiting to hear conclusive results from the tests that will determine future treatment. Pray for Polly Trice as she recovers from the removal of a mass from her colon. Pray for quick healing and good results from the lab tests. Pray for the family as they deal with Polly’s medical situation. May the Lord provide the comfort and peace that only He can provide.

PRAY FOR THESE TWO MAJOR EVENTS IN OCTOBER:
--October 10-14 is the last session of the South Coast Bible School in 2011. This school meets for one week four times a year at the Phuzumoya Baptist Church. Pray those attending will find the classes helpful with their ministries. Pray for the Swazi Team missionaries (Wayne and Todd) assisting with teaching and other administrative duties.

--Coming together with other women for a time of Bible study and fellowship is a great enjoyment for our Swazi Baptist women. October 13-15 is the scheduled National Swazi Baptist Women’s Retreat. Missionary Monica Allen will be the guest speaker. Theme is “God, Our Father”. It will be a time for the ladies to be refreshed, renewed and strengthened as they return to their homes and families who depend upon them. Pray many ladies will be able to attend this time of fellowship and study and will leave refreshed, renewed and strengthened.

What organization sets the goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering? The Women’s Missionary Union
Has your church set the goal for the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering? Every penny given to Lottie Moon is used to support your Southern Baptist missionaries as they share the Gospel overseas. Pray for faithfulness of the Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2011 LMCO so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.

October prayer calendar

2011-11-22T00:59:00.001-08:00

UPDATE ON MONICA ALLEN’S MOM: Wanted to let you know that I received more information about my mom not too long ago. The colonoscopy tests found a large mass. Surgery was scheduled for Monday but moved to Tuesday morning (27th of September). I have talked to my mom and her spirits are quite high. We know God is in control but not easy news to hear when we are so far apart. Please pray for this family as they deal with the uncertainty. Pray for Polly as she prepares for surgery and for Monica as she is so far away from her mom. Pray for good news and good outcome.

Saturday October 1: Pray for the executive committee of the Swaziland Baptist Convention. On the agenda is the discussion of how the convention and the Swazi Team should work together. There is not a consensus among the group on how this should be accomplished. Pray those attending the meeting will come with an open mind and a desire to have unity between the convention and the missionaries. May the Lord be glorified in this situation.

Sunday October 2: Pray for Kim Hultgren (Hands On missionary) today on her birthday. May her special day indeed be special!
Kym Coe, True Love Waits International consultant arrives in Swaziland today. During her time with the Swazi Team she will continue to lead TLW trainings and follow-up with TLW presenters. Pray Kym’s time (10/2-12) in Swaziland will be very beneficial to everyone. Pray the True Love Waits message will continue to be shared with schools, care centers and churches in 2012.

Monday October 3: The pastor of the Mgamudze Baptist Church sent a phone message to missionary Wayne Myers a couple of weeks ago requesting prayer for his young wife who suffered a mild stroke. Pray for healing for “S” and for her family as they deal with her illness. Pray her recovery will be quick and complete.

Tuesday October 4: Monica and Lacie Allen travel to Jo’burg today for Lacie’s follow-up visit with her ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) doctor as well as complete hearing test with the audiologist. Lacie underwent corrective ear surgery in August to correct a 30% hearing loss due to an extra bone near the ear canal. Please pray trusting and believing that her hearing has improved due to her surgery. J

Wednesday October 5: The BGR (Baptist Global Response) In-Home Care Kits are provided for terminally ill patients with AIDS. The kits are centered around a five gallon heavy duty bucket with lid that seals. Inside the bucket are items that will assist in keeping patients clean and dry, items to protect their mat and mattress from soiling and vitamins to help keep their immune systems strong. Pray the use of these items by loving care givers will show the love and compassion that Jesus Christ has for the terminally ill. Pray for the Swazi Team as we continue to work with the Swazi Baptist churches in distributing the In-Home Care Kits to victims and families of AIDS patients. (If you or your church would like to help fill the In-Home Care Kits please contact http://www.inhomecarekits.org/.

Thursday October 6: Revival services were conducted at the Luhhwahhweni Baptist Church in September. Several accepted the Lord and there were many rededications. Pray for these who made the commitment to follow Jesus. Pray their lives will be a witness to others. Also pray for the church that has experienced leadership difficulties in the past few months.

Friday October 7: The pastor of the Thunzini Baptist Church is currently attending a teacher training college in Manzini. He requests prayer to receive the scholarship the government had promised the students for food and rent. Unfortunately, the government had to reduce the number of scholarships due to lack of funds. Pray the Lord will provide the needed funds so the pastor can stay in school.

Saturday October 8: Pray for Deborah Hoskins’ sister, Suzanna today on her birthday. May her special day indeed be special!
Swazis hope the rains will be plentiful this growing season (Oct.-March). After the planting of their corn (mealie) strong and frequent rains are needed. As long as there is mealie, there is food. Pray there will be enough water in the rivers and stream to meet the people’s needs. Pray the rains will be plentiful throughout Swaziland. Pray the Swazis’ fields of mealies will receive enough rain to provide food until the next growing season.

Sunday October 9: Continue to pray for the outreach ministry at Ngowane as the group desires to start Sunday services in the near future. Pray for leaders to rise up and be trained to lead this possible new church.

Monday October 10: So many pastors and leaders desire training to be better prepared for the work the Lord has given them. The South Coast Bible School (originates in South Africa) began earlier this year at the Phuzumoya Baptist Church and meets for one week four times a year. October 10-14 begins the last session in 2011 for the school. Pray for those attending to find the classes helpful with their ministries. Pray for the Swazi Team missionaries (Todd and Wayne) assisting with teaching and other administrative duties.

Tuesday October 11: Please continue to pray for the Bible study at MaCethuka. Pray helpers will be able to assist with the teaching of children and youth/adults on a regular basis.

Wednesday October 12: Pray for Barbara Myers today on her birthday. May her special day indeed be special!
There is a siSwati word the Swazis use for wife or women that means “One who dies without speaking what she has endured.” Living in a polygamous society that allows husbands to have more than one wife as well as numerous relationships is very difficult. Many women are left to support and care for the children without help from the spouse. It can be a very lonely life. Coming together with women (in like situations) for a time of Bible study and fellowship is a great enjoyment for our Swazi Baptist women. October 13-15 is the scheduled National Swazi Baptist Women’s Retreat. Missionary Monica Allen will be the guest speaker. Theme is “God, our Father”. It will be a time for the ladies to be refreshed, renewed and strengthened as they return to their homes and families who depend upon them for daily needs. Please pray for our Swazi Baptist women to find true hope in following and depending upon the Lord for their familes’ needs. Pray many ladies will be able to attend this time of fellowship and study and will leave refreshed, renewed and strengthened.

Thursday October 13: Pray for Todd Hoskins’ mother’ s today on her birthday!!
Pray her special day will indeed be special as she celebrates with family and friends.
--Thank you for praying for Todd’s parents’ visit with the Hoskins August 29-September 9. They were able to participate in ministry as well as enjoy a family vacation to the Kruger National Game Reserve.

Friday October 14: Pray Swazi Baptist churches will become burdened concerning the spread of AIDS in communities, schools, and among friends and families. Pray each pastor will lead in teaching the congregation the importance of remaining spiritually pure and true to the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Saturday October 15: Today Todd and Deborah Hoskins are leading a Bible study for the youth of Mpembakati Baptist Church. Please pray this Bible study will go well.

Sunday October 16: Today missionary Steve Allen flies to the states in order to renew his US drivers’ license (North Carolina). Steve will also visit with family. Pray for Monica, Lacie and Nathan as they remain in Swaziland. Pray for safe travels, and great times with family. Steve will return to Swaziland on the 27th of October.

Monday October 17: Pray the Swazi Christians will understand the customs and traditions that are a normal part of life are not always acceptable to the Lord. Pray new Christian Swazis will give their lives in obedience to the Lord and His ways.

Tuesday October 18: During the ladies retreat in August at Mafucula a little girl attending with her mother caught the missionary’s attention. She stayed with her mother during the sessions, sleeping most of the time. She was very small in stature and when held was very light, almost weightless. She had the look of a child older than her years. The missionary had seen that look before when a mother brought her baby to the house after visiting the clinic. The mother admitted the baby was HIV positive. The child died a few weeks later. Pray for the children in Swaziland touched by the AIDS pandemic. Many will live short lives due to the illness attacking their bodies. Pray this one will be able to live a long and fruitful life.

Wednesday October 19: I Timothy 2:1-2 commands us to pray for kings and those in authority. Please pray the King of Swaziland, his wives and children will come to understand what it means to be a Christian. Pray their lives will show the love of Christ.

Thursday October 20: Sub-Saharan African Unengaged People: History repeats itself. Over and over in scripture we read about people worshipping the creation instead of the Creator. Among the Heikum Bushman of Namibia, fire is considered sacred. Pray that the people’s eyes will be opened to the truth. There are more than 27,000 Heikum Bushman in Namibia, and currently, no one is intentionally starting churches among them. Pray that the Heikum Bushman believers, no matter how few, will boldly proclaim the Gospel to their families and friends, and that the Heikum Bushman will see their need for Jesus Christ and the salvation He offers. Pray that a strategic plan will be developed to plant biblical churches among the Heikum Bushman in Namibia.

Friday October 21: In 2011 volunteer teams from Southern Baptist churches ministered alongside the Swazi Team conducting retreats, Bible studies for adult, youth and children, revivals, hut-to-hut visitation (witnessing), prayer walking, AIDS orphan ministries, sharing the True Love Waits message, and more. What a blessing Swazis, volunteer team members and the Swazi Team received. Pray as planning begins for the ministry of volunteer teams with the Swazi Team in 2012. May God’s wonderful blessings continue to flow.

Saturday October 22: Today Pastor and Mrs. Sigwane (pastor of the Phuzumoya Baptist Church) invite many of their friends to celebrate with them their 12th wedding anniversary. The service will begin at 9:30am at the Phuzumoya Baptist Church. Pray for this special event in the life of this family and church. Pray the Swazis will understand what God expects of marriage and the marriage relationship. Pray for strong Swazi Christian marriages.

Sunday October 23: My own conversion is the result of prayer, long, affectionate, earnest, importune. Parents prayed for me; God heard their cries and here I am to preach the Gospel. (Charles Haddon Spurgeon, 1834-92) Pray the Lord will be able to draw strong spiritual leaders from the congregations of the Swazi Baptist churches. Pray many Swazis will truly understand what it means to be a Christian.

Monday October 24: Pray the high appreciation of Jesus Christ as a prophet and miracle worker can be used of the Holy Spirit to open the hearts of the Muslims of Swaziland to accept Him as their Savior.

Tuesday October 25: Who is the first executive director of the Foreign (International)Mission Board? James B. Taylor, a former Baptist minister in Richmond, Va., who served 1846-1871. It is time to set your 2011 church goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Pray for faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2011 LMCO so missionaries can continue to be sent to minister to many lost and dying people.

Wednesday October 26: The couple had the attention of the entire family gathered in a house with the children and grandchildren almost filling the living room. A chicken had been killed earlier and cooked for the guests. With everyone situated, singing began. Afterwards the couple was able to share the story of the Bible from Creation to Christ. What a blessing. Pray for this family who heard this wonderful story. Pray more opportunities will be taken by missionaries on the Swazi Team to share with those who do not know Jesus as their Savior.

Thursday October 27: November 2-4, the “Hands On” missionaries, Kim, Brandi, Heather and Sienna are treating themselves to a much deserved trip to the Kruger National Game Reserve with missionary Wayne Myers. Pray the group will see many wonderful sights and will enjoy their time at Kruger. Continue to pray for these missionaries as they share the True Love Waits message as well as participate in other AIDS related ministries.

Friday October 28: Saturday November 5-Sunday November 13, an IMB team that includes a photographer/graph designer, journalist and videographer will be in Swaziland to spend time with Kim and Brandi (Tshaneni/Mafucula) and Sienna and Heather in Mbabane. Stories from this visit will appear on AfricaStories.org the first appearing on the 30th of November. Pray for this group’s visit with the “Hands On” missionaries on the Swazi Team. May wonderful blessings occur while making these stories.

Saturday October 29: Todd and Deborah Hoskins is leading a Bible study for youth and women of the Big Bend Baptist Church. Please pray for good attendance and the study will go well.

Sunday October 30: There are several churches that have been given land for building their church structures. Some are in the midst of planning and building while others are waiting to begin. Pray as these congregations plan towards their building projects. Through tithes and offerings, may these new structures be completed.

Monday October 31: We loaded up the portable baptistery, two fifty gallon drums of water and other supplies and headed to our destination, an hour earlier than usual to allow us time to get the baptismal pool set up and before services started for the day. The baptismal candidates gave a brief salvation testimony and a sermon was preached about the Lordship of Jesus Christ. During the service we had a brief interruption as we had to chase away some cows that discovered the baptismal pool and thought it was a drinking trough. Eleven people were baptized. It was a joyous celebration for all those present. Pray new Swazi Christians will grow daily in their faith. Pray the Lord will bring a spiritual harvest among the Swazi people.

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-11-22T00:52:00.000-08:00

Rain fell yesterday in Tshaneni. It was good to hear the raindrops hit the roof and clean the earth. Rain is so important to the Swazis. Without adequate rainfall crops cannot grow, gardens do not produce food and rivers and streams do not fill up with water that will wash clothes, provide drinking water for animals and people and help with food preparation. Swazis hope the rains will be plentiful this growing season (Oct.-March). After the planting of their corn (mealie) strong and frequent rains are needed. Pray the rains will be plentiful throughout Swaziland. Pray the Swazis’ field of mealies will receive enough rain to provide food until the next growing season.

Thank you for praying for the ant invasion in our house. It seems things are under control. I look each day to see if there are any new sightings. Please pray our ant invasion is over!!

At the writing of this prayer letter, our mission vehicle still has not received the needed repairs on the gear boxes. We did get clearance from leadership to have the work done but now are waiting until the shop in Mhlume can get the parts and schedule an appointment. For those of you who have visited us at Tshaneni, you know it is a typical bush town. Medical care is scarce, there is no pharmacy and our one grocery store provides plenty of rice, mealie meal and beans for the Swazis. Manzini is 1 ½ hours from us, Mbabane is 2 hours, Nelspruit, South Africa is 2 hours. These places help us with medications that are needed, luxury items such as contact solution, sweetner, instant cappuccino, and goodies, as well purchase supplies that help with our work. Since we have been advised not to take long trips we wait here in Tshaneni hoping our vehicle will soon be repaired so we can get medications and other supplies that we need. Please pray our vehicle will be repaired this week so we can resume our normal routine of ministry and life.

Because of the state of our vehicle, Wayne again had to cancel his trip to the Shiselweni region for the Shiselweni Baptist Association meeting. We cannot travel to Manzini or Mbabane for the scheduled Biblical Education Program meeting with Wayne, Todd and Steve or the Swazi Team meeting. Pray rescheduling or a possible change of venue of these events will not be a problem.

Chris Msibi pastor of the Mgamudze Baptist Church sent this text message to Wayne on Tuesday:
Hi! Pastor we are not okay this side, we need your prayers, my wife has suffered from a mild stroke and I pray that she will be better soon. Greet Barbara bye Please pray for Sphesile’s healing. Pray for the family as they deal with her illness.

From Monica Allen: I received an email from my mom's cousin this morning that my mom was taken to the hospital yesterday. Tests are showing severe colitis but doctor is doing a colonoscopy to rule out cancer. It is times like these that it is very hard to be away from family. Pray for God's comfort and peace during this time as well as healing for her body. My brother might be going home to be with mom for a few days.

PRAYER REQUESTS:
-Pray for the executive committee of the Swaziland Baptist Convention. On the agenda is the discussion of how the convention and the Swazi Team should work together. There is not a consensus among the group on how this should be accomplished. Pray those attending the meeting will come with an open mind and a desire to have unity between the convention and the missionaries. May the Lord be glorified in this situation.

--Kym Cole, True Love Waits International consultant arrives in Swaziland on the 2nd of October. During her time with the Swazi Team she will continue to lead TLW trainings and follow-up with TLW presenters. Pray Kym’s time in Swaziland will be very beneficial to everyone. Pray the True Love Waits message will continue to be shared with schools, care centers and churches in 2012. Kym leaves Swaziland on the 12th.

--October 10-14 is the last session of the South Coast Bible School in 2011. This schools meets for one week four times a year at the Phuzumoya Baptist Church. Pray those attending will find the classes helpful with their ministries. Pray the Swazi Team missionaries (Wayne and Todd) assisting with teaching and other administrative duties.

--Coming together with other women for a time of Bible study and fellowship is a great enjoyment for our Swazi Baptist women. October 13-15 is the scheduled National Swazi Baptist Women’s Retreat. Missionary Monica Allen will be the guest speaker. Theme is “God, Our Father”. It will be a time for the ladies to be refreshed, renewed and strengthened as they return to their homes and families who depend upon them. Pray many ladies will be able to attend this time of fellowship and study and will leave refreshed, renewed and strengthened.

What missionary worked for 40 years in China literally giving her life to her work? Lottie Moon is famous for her desperate appeal in 1888 for more missionaries (resulting in the annual Lottie Moon Christmas Offering). Funds were so scarce Lottie once spent 14 continuous years on the mission field. Thank you for giving to the 2010 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Last year’s giving was one of the largest in record. As plans begin for the promotion of the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, pray the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give this annual offering will continue. Pray the Lord will be glorified a planning begins and goals are set.

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-11-22T00:49:00.000-08:00

One thing that keeps the boredom out of life is the unexpected. We never know what will happen from week to week and this week is no exception. Yesterday, Wayne took our mission vehicle for a check-up and was told the gear boxes are in dire need of repair. He was also advised not to take any long trips until the repairs were done. This was quite unexpected since no real problems had occurred due to the gear boxes, but it is wise to take the advice of those who know and so our trip to Jo’burg next week has been cancelled until next month. Wayne also cancelled his trip to Shiselweni to attend the Shiselweni Baptist Association.
Please pray the needed repairs will be done on the mission vehicle this week.

Plans are to reschedule the Shiselweni Baptist Association for next Saturday (24th of September). Pray for a great time of fellowship as well as discussion and planning for present and future work.

Last week I shared our experience with the cobra that ventured into our yard. Since then Mandla (our brave gardener) has gone next door(house is vacant) and cleaned around the fence. He also made trench and mound so that any intruder would have to work to get into our yard. This week we have been in battle with ants. I am use to ants to some degree in our homes here in Africa but never have I had to deal with the extent of the ant invasion as I have this week. We are talking about thousands of them in most every room except our bedroom and the spare bedroom. This morning when I came to sit at my computer desk and work I was shocked. I couldn’t see the floor for the ants. L The usual ant spray did little to deter the intruders. So, out comes the real stuff Blue Death!! Blue Death is a white powder that kills most any type of insect. So now when anyone enters our home, they will see white powder everywhere but hopefully no ants! Pray we will be the victors!!

*** Revival services at the Luhhwahhweni Baptist Church were extended until this weekend. We praise the Lord for the many decisions and commitments that are being made each night during the services. Pray those who made commitments to follow Jesus will understand their decisions. Pray the stronghold of the evil one will be broken in this community.

Please continue to pray for Pastor “B”. Last week I shared of the problems in the community due to his choice to live in the home of his sister-in-law. More problems occurred this week due to the displeasure of Pastor “B” with those from the South Lubumbo region who are leading the revival. Pray the heart of Pastor “B” will be convicted and he will strive to make things right with the Lord and the community. May the Lord be victorious in this situation.

--Continue to also pray for:
· Pastor Nkosingiphile as he deals with the need of a scholarship to provide for his rent and food while attending a teacher training college in Manzini. The scholarship the government promised has been limited due to no money. Nkosingiphile asks us to pray he will be one of the few to receive the scholarship.
· Brandi and Kim (Hands On missionaries) as the Lord leads them to AIDS related ministries and opportunities to present the True Love Waits message.

--A couple of weeks ago, my niece Rebecca Miracle was in the hospital with a bad case of pneumonia. Becky has experienced difficulties since childhood with asthma, allergies and sinus problems. She also suffers from migraine headaches. She was able to come home but has been weak and tired and dealing with a migraine headache. More doctor appointments are scheduled. Pray Becky will soon gain her strength and the headache will “go away”. Pray for her full recovery.

EVENTS FOR SEPTEMBER:
-September 27, Todd, Steven, and Wayne will meet in Manzini to review the Biblical Education Program (BEP) complied by Todd to help Swazi Baptist churches disciple their people, train their people to teach Bible studies and Sunday School and to encourage spirit growth. Pray as Todd, Steven and Wayne review the materials for this program. Pray many Swazi Baptists will be able to participate in BEP.

-The Swazi Team meeting in Mbabane is scheduled for the 28th of September. It has been quite a while since the Team has gathered to praise the Lord and seek His help and guidance for presents and future ministries. Pray for this special time.

--Planning continues for the National Swazi Baptist Women’s Retreat October 13-15 at the Manzini Baptist Church. Theme is “God, our Father” and main speaker is Swazi Team missionary Monica Allen. Pray planning will continue to go well. Pray many ladies will be able to attend this time of fellowship and study.

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-09-10T06:19:00.000-07:00

Thank you for praying for Lacie Allen and her surgery last week!!
Lacie saw her ENT doctor this afternoon (Tuesday) for her post-op appointment. She was so ready to get rid of the head bandage. She has done really well with her recovery time. Doctor did a little test in his office to check her hearing and he was quite pleased. Lacie was able to hear better in the front part of her left ear than she has in the past. It is too early for him to do a complete hearing test because there is some swelling inside her ear from the surgery. She has dissolvable staples and we have to be very careful with showers/swimming over the next month. The doctor told us to use prestick (bostick) over her ear but not to put anything in the ear canal. It worked great with her shower tonight and she was happy to wash her hair after one week! :)
   Lacie and I (Monica) will be coming over to Jo'burg on October 4 for a quick trip for a check-up with the ENT and her hearing test with the audiologist. The ENT doc is also going to make silicone plugs for Lacie's ears so no chance of water from swimming getting in her ears with our summer months coming up soon.
The Allens returned to Swaziland on Wednesday the 7th of September. Continue to pray for Lacie’s quick recovery and will be able to hear 100% in both ears.

Thank you for praying for the executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland. There was very little discussion concerning the relationship of the Swazi Team to the convention. Other items of business were discussed that took most of the time. Please continue to pray for the Swazi Team as we work with the Baptist Convention of Swaziland. May the Lord be glorified in everything that is said and done.

**Revival services have been meeting this week at the Luhhwahhweni Baptist Church. 10 have accepted the Lord and there have been many rededications. The church was given a plot of land a few months ago and the revival services met on the plot. Pastors from the South Lubumbo region helped with visitation during the day as well as Bible studies. Please pray for these who made the commitment to follow Jesus. May their lives to be a witness to others.

Also, please pray for this church. There have been issues with the pastor/leader. A few years ago his brother died leaving a wife and two children. The wife continued to live in the home of her husband after his death but due to her work was away most of the time. After a break-in to her house, the family asked “B” (pastor of Luhhwahhweni) to stay in the home. With Swazi culture, to stay in the home with a widowed sister-in-law basically means you are taking the place of the husband. They have no plans to marry and even though the sister-in-law is not at home most of the time and “B” says they do not have a sexual relationship, the community sees his behavior as inappropriate for a pastor. Wayne and pastors have talked with “B” about the situation and he knows it is not good but is doing nothing to change the situation. “B” has a small home but no job and his sister-in-law provides him food. While visiting in the community this week several comments were made to the those visiting that were not commentary to the church or to “B”. A rumor has also began circulating concerning him and a married women with children in the community. Whether the rumor is true is uncertain but the situation is quite damaging to the church.
Since last year “B” has not preached on Sundays. Churches in the South Lubumbo Association have traveled over 2 hours each Sunday to provide worship for the church. Pray for this situation. Pray the heart of “B” will be convicted and he will strive to make things right with the Lord and the community. May great things be done in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Luhhwahhweni community and church.

--September 17th, the Shiselweni Baptist Association meets at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Pray for a great time of fellowship as well as discussion and planning of present and future work.

Pray also for Nkosingiphile Dlamini, pastor of the Thunzini Baptist Church who is currently attending a teacher training college in Manzini. This week he sent this email to Wayne:
Hi pastor, Please remember me in prayer. The government wants 2 change mind regarding scholarship. At first they promised 2 everyone who has been accepted in the college &last week they told us that they will reduce the number because there is no money. I pray that God help me 2 be one of those who will be given scholarship.     thanks a lot pastor.
--We believe the scholarship is a small stipend for food and rent. Nkhosingiphile does not have a job and therefore is having a hard time providing food for himself. We praise the Lord for Nkosingiphile’s desire to ask the Lord to provide for his needs. Please pray the Lord will provide the scholarship for Nkosingiphile.

Continue to pray for Brandi and Kim as the Lord leads them to AIDS related ministries and opportunities to present the True Love Waits message. Monday Brandi, Kim and I will begin a weekly Bible study provided by the IMB for the Hands On missionaries. Pray this time together will be special and very helpful to the three of us!!

FROM THE IMB GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY OFFICE:
--The IMB Board of Trustees will be meeting on September 13-14 in Orlando, Florida. The highlight of the meeting will be the appointment service on evening of September 14 at First Baptist Church, Orlando. May the Holy Spirit direct the trustees’ thoughts and decisions. Thank God for the 85 new missionaries who have responded to His call to share His love and message with a lost world.

With the arrival of spring so comes the snakes!! If you remember last year we had some pretty nervy incidents with snakes here on the farm that include a baby puff adder on my computer desk and a vine snake at the entrance to our gate, not to mention the sightings of mambas and other snakes in roads and ditches outside our gate. Wednesday I heard our gardener yell, “Madam, come!!” I quickly ran to the back door and saw him standing there. “Come and see this snake.” Mandla our gardener loves to show me all the snakes he kills while working in the yard. This time the snake was not dead but alive and under my clothes line. From a very safe distance we watched the snake moving along the ground wondering what it was going to do. I knew Mandla had every intention of killing the intruder so I went into the house. This was his second attempt and it was no more successful than the first attempt since he was keeping a very safe distance from the snake.   Later in the day I was in my bedroom ironing. From the corner of my eye I see Mandla running in his black gum boots (not an easy task) waving his hoe and throwing rocks. Upon closer inspection I saw the offending snake moving along the grass. After much disruption to everyone’s peace and tranquility, Mandla again failed to kill the offender. It wasn’t until he getting ready to leave for the day that he was finally able to kill the snake. Evidently the snake had returned to its original place of entry into the yard when Mandla spotted it and quickly with his hoe ended its days on earth. Wayne was at home at this time and he quickly ran to get his camera and began photographing the dying snake. We were able to identify the intruder as a Mozambique Spitting Cobra!!   There is no place like home!!

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-09-10T06:17:00.000-07:00

It is a very warm day in Tshaneni. Our winter is now fading and spring/summer are making an appearance. I must say I am quite glad that the warmth is here since our homes do not have central heating. No more extremely cold mornings, no more chllly evenings, no more three layers or more of clothing, winter has ended. With the appearance of spring comes the hope of a good season of rain so crops and gardens can be planted. The rain also refreshes the earth after months of a dry season with no significant moisture. Spring brings hope and promise. J Pray this year will be a year of abundance for all the Swazi people. Pray the rains will not be violent but will be just what is needed to produce food for everyone.

We ask that you pray for those who sustained significant damage due to Hurricane Irene last week. A friend from Washington, NC sent word of the devastation the town suffered. Homes were without power for 4-5 days and some still do not have power. Flooding was recorded. Pray as homes are repaired and a return to the routines of life. Pray for those who suffered the loss of a loved one due to Irene.

UPDATE ON LACIE ALLEN’S SURGERY:
We wanted to let you know that Lacie did great with her surgery and we are now back at the guest house in Johannesburg. Our family will be staying here until September 7. Her doctor will see her again next Tuesday afternoon. It turned out that he did not remove the bone but rather fixed a hole in her eardrum and a couple other things. Once he was inside her ear, he realized that the bone did not need to be removed. The surgery lasted about 2.5 hours and the doctor was very pleased with everything. It probably is going to be too soon to do a hearing test next week because her ear might still be swollen. If not, we will do a hearing test sometime within a month. Pray Lacie’s recovery will be quick and complete!! Pray with the surgery, she will be able to hear 100% in both ears!!

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST:
Tomorrow (Saturday) the executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets. On the agenda is the discussion of how the convention and the Swazi Team should work together. There is not a consensus among the group on how this should be accomplished. Pray those attending tomorrow’s meeting will come with an open mind and desire to have unity between the convention and the missionaries. May the Lord be glorified in all that is said and done!!

-Continue to pray for Brandi and Kim as the Lord leads them to AIDS related ministries and opportunities to present the True Love Waits message. Wednesday Brandi and Kim had the wonderful opportunity of assisting one of the rural clinics with dispensing of the antiretroviral drugs to AIDS sufferers. Scheduling True Love Waits presentations will begin when schools open for their third term on the 12th of September.

EVENTS FOR SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER:
-Todd, Deborah and Todd’s parents will spend this week at the Kruger National Game Reserve. Pray for a wonderful and enjoyable time. Pray for the Hoskins as they depart on the 9th of September for the states.
-September 27, Todd, Steve and Wayne will meet in Manzini to review the Biblical Education Program (BEP) complied by Todd to help Swazi Baptist churches disciple their people, train their people to teach Bible studies and Sunday School and to encourage spiritual growth. Pray as Todd, Steve and Wayne review the materials for this program. Pray many Swazi Baptists will be able to participate in BEP.
-The Swazi Team meeting in Mbabane is scheduled for the 28th. It has been quite a while since the Team has gathered to praise the Lord and seek His help and guidance for present and future ministries. Pray for this special time.
-October 2-12, Kym Coe True Love Waits International consultant will continue with training and follow-up from her previous ministry visit to Swaziland. Pray Kym’s time in Swaziland will be very fruitful in training True Love Waits presenters.
-October 13-15 is the annual National Swazi Baptist Women’s Retreat. Guest speaker is missionary Monica Allen. Pray for the planning of this very special event. Pray many ladies will be able to attend this time of fellowship and study. Pray for Monica as she prepares the material for her sessions.

FROM THE IMB GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY OFFICE:
-As you intercede for IMB concerns today, please lift up the 147 missionary adults and 52 missionary kids (MKs) who will be completing their eight-week pre-field departure orientation on September 21. This week they are involved in security training. This can be a very stressful time for many of the missionaries who will be moving to high-risk areas following their orientation. Please pray that God will bless them with an overwhelming sense of His presence and peace.
-The first of four “Embrace Equipping Conferences” is scheduled for September 7 at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia. Conferees will discover the barriers that have prevented the more than 3,000 unengaged unreached people groups from being engaged by the Gospel. In addition, they will learn effective strategies and methods to overcome these barriers. Ask God to bless every aspect of this conference. May the number of unengaged peoples be significantly reduced as the result of this event.

September Prayer Calendar

2011-08-26T02:54:00.001-07:00

Thursday September 1: Todd Hoskins’ parents arrived on the 29th of August for a two week visit. The first week is spent in Manzini, letting them see Todd and Deborah’s life and work in Swaziland. The second week will find them at the Kruger National Game Reserve. Pray for an enjoyable and insightful visit for Mr. and Mrs. Hoskins. They leave on the 9th of September.

Friday September 2: Lacie Allen underwent surgery the last week of August to correct 30% hearing loss due to an extra bone near the eardrum. Pray Lacie’s recovery will continue to go well. Pray for the Allen family during Lacie’s convalescence.

Saturday September 3: Today the executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets. Pray for this group as important and controversial issues continue to be discussed.

Sunday September 4: In July the pastors of the Mafucula (Mountain Baptist), Vuvulane and Luhhwahhweni Baptist Churches met with missionary Wayne Myers to discuss the organization of the North Lubumbo Baptist Association. In August representatives from these congregations met for a time of introduction and planning. Officers were elected. Pray as plans continue for the organization of this new association.

Monday September 5: Pray for those who are being ministered to throughout Swazi Baptist churches in partnership with Baptist Global Response. In-Home Care Kits minister to those who are terminally ill or unable to care for themselves. Several kits have been taken to homes to be used by the care-giver or the ill individual to help minister to their physical needs. The gospel is also being shared with each recipient. Pray those receiving kits will respond to the gospel given with a physical demonstration of the love of Christ.

Tuesday September 6: Ramadan (August 1-29) is over and those of the Muslim faith have returned to their normal routines. Pray that during the time of spiritual seeking and fasting hearts were open to hearing the voice of the Lord. Pray many will begin seeking to know the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Wednesday September 7: Nathan Allen begins another term of school today. Instead of only two days a week Nathan will now be attending every morning. He enjoys being with other children his age. Pray Nathan will adjust easily to his new school schedule.

Thursday September 8: Continue to pray for the AIDS and True Love Waits ministries of the four “Hands On” missionaries, Sienna, Kim, Heather and Brandi. Pray Swazis will be available to assist with the ministry. Pray each missionary will experience satisfying results from the work and living in Swaziland.

Friday September 9: Pray for those who recently accepted the Lord through revival services, evangelistic homestead visitation, gospel presentations at weekly Bible study groups in the Hhohho and Manzini regions. Rejoice in the many gospel seeds that were planted by the volunteer mission teams this winter. Pray these seeds will also bear spiritual harvest in the future.

Saturday September 10: Pray as the potential for beginning Sunday morning worship services in the new work area of Ngowane (Hhohho region) is contemplated. Several of those attending the weekly Bible study group have requested Sunday services. Steve Allen tries to rotate among the Baptist churches in his ministry area each Sunday particularly those without pastors. Beginning Sunday services in a new location would limit his ability to get to the other churches as often.

Sunday September 11: The pastor of the Thunzini Baptist Church (Shiselweni region) is attending a teacher training college in Manzini. He is unsure how often he will be able to return to Thunzini for Sunday worship. Pray for the Thunzini Baptist Church during this time of change. Pray leaders within the congregation will be able to lead the church in the pastor’s absence.

Monday September 12: Lacie Allen begins another term of school today. Pray Lacie will do well with her studies this year as well as make great friendships. Praise the Lord that she is able to attend a great school not far from her house in Mbabane.

Tuesday September 13: Pray for Glenda Allen (Steve Allen’s mother) today on her birthday!! J
Pray for the Bible study at MaCethuka. Weekly Bible studies for adult/youth and children were discontinued because the translators could no longer help. Pray the Lord will provide the needed workers so the study can continue.

Wednesday September 14: October 13-15, is the scheduled Swazi Baptist Ladies’ Retreat at the Manzini Baptist Church. Guest speaker is missionary Monica Allen. Pray for the planning of this very special event. Pray many ladies will be able to attend this time of fellowship and study.

Thursday September 15: Thank you for all the prayers for our 2011 National Youth Camp last month. We praise God for ALL the youth that were able to be at the camp. Pray the youth will continue to seek God first in all things and grow in their walk with Him.

Friday September 16: Continue to pray the strongholds that keep the King of Swaziland, his wives and children from accepting Jesus as Savior will be broken.

Saturday September 17: Today the Shiselweni Baptist Association meets as the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Pray for a great time of fellowship as well as discussion and planning of present and future work.

Sunday September 18: Pray Swazi Baptist pastors and laymen will see the need to start new groups/churches so many Swazis will came to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Pray barriers will be overcome and more Swazi Baptist churches will be started.

Monday September 19: Winter is over as well as the dry season in Swaziland. Swazis are beginning to look forward to the time when rain will refresh the earth and crops can be planted with the hope of a plentiful year. Pray this year will be a year of abundance.

Tuesday September 20: One Sunday in April a group from the Vuvulane Baptist Church visited a very sick girl after worship. Pray was requested for this one who had just finished her high school education and showed signs of AIDS. In August the girl died. She was so young and her life was taken away before she really had a chance to live. This is becoming the norm among our youth in Swaziland. Pray our Swazi Baptist churches will become burdened concerning the spread of AIDS in communities, schools, and among friends and families. Pray each pastor will lead in teaching the congregation the importance of remaining spiritually pure and true to the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Wednesday September 21: What are the two central objectives of IMB missionary labors? Evangelism and church development.
Without support missionaries could not be sent to reach a lost and dying world. Present day missionaries appreciate the prayer and financial support of the Southern Baptist churches. Thank you for contributing to the 2010 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Pray the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to this annual offering will continue. Pray the Lord will be glorified as planning begins and goals are set.

Thursday September 22: Pray for protection for girls living in situations that are not safe and lead to sexual abuse and possible death. Pray the Swazi government will take notice of the plight of women and children and will seek to pass laws that protect them. Pray for a safer place to live for children that will allow them to have a future.

Friday September 23: SUB-SAHAREN AFRICA PEOPLES: Many of you have been watching the devastating effects of the famine that has hit East Africa. Those more severely hit by this famine are in the northern part of the country and include innumerable migrants who are flowing into Kenya in search of food and life. Please pray for your IMB missionaries as they seek to determine where the greatest needs are and how we can reach out to those who are literally dying and not only offer them food for life physically, but also have the wisdom to know how to point them to the external life God has provided for them. Please pray for safety in travels and hearts to hear God’s will and plan for this time.

Saturday September 24: Pray the Lord will be able to draw strong spiritual leaders from the congregations of the Swazi Baptist churches. Pray many Swazis will truly understand what it means to be a Christian.

Sunday September 25: Pray for Todd Hoskins today on his birthday!! J
Pray the Lord will burden the hearts of the Swazi church leaders to develop strong prayer relationships with Him. Pray prayer will be an important ministry in every Swazi Baptist church.

Monday September 26: Towards the end of the funeral, people proceeded to walk in a single file and wash their hands in a bow set beside the coffin. When asked, “Why did you wash your hands in the bowl?” only one person could give an explanation. The practice indicates the person washing the hands is not guilty of any action of the deceased that may offend the ancestors. Most who participated in the act of washing their hands frankly said they didn’t know why they did it, except it was always done at funerals. Pray the Swazi Christians will understand the customs and traditions that are a normal part of life are not always acceptable to the Lord. Pray new Christian Swazis will give their lives in obedience to the Lord and His ways.

Tuesday September 27: Today Todd, Steve and Wayne will meet in Manzini to review the Biblical Education Program (BEP) compiled by Todd to help Swazi Baptist churches disciple their people, train their people to teach Bible studies and Sunday school and to encourage spiritual growth. Pray as Todd, Steve and Wayne review the materials for this program. Pray many Swazi Baptists will be able to participate in BEP.

Wednesday September 28: Pray for the Swazi Team meeting today in Mbabane. It has been quite a while since the Team has gathered together to praise the Lord and seek His help and guidance for present and future ministries.

Thursday September 29: True Love Waits International consultant Kym (Pennington) Coe is scheduled to minister in Swaziland September 30-October 14. Kym will continue with training and follow-up from previous ministry visits. Pray Kym’s time in Swaziland will be very fruitful in training True Love Waits presenters.

Friday September 30: September 30-October 2 Deborah (Hoskins), Sienna, Heather, and Monica (Allen) are attending a women’s missionary retreat in White River, South Africa with approximately 35 missionary ladies from various mission organizations in Swaziland. Pray for rest and rejuvenation for all these ladies during this time away from their ministry and homes. Pray God will speak in new and perfect ways for everyone.

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-08-26T02:53:00.000-07:00

As I sit at my desk typing this prayer letter, the 2011 National Youth Camp is in progress at the Mbekelweni Lutheran High School in Manzini. The retreat began last evening and will conclude after worship on Sunday.   Steve Flippo (IMB missionary in the KwaZulu Natal province) is leading the special worship times in the evening with Swazis leading sessions during the day. The theme is “Walking Righteously in Christ Through Faith” with the theme scripture from Colossians 2:6, 7. Wayne took his tent and is “roughing” it on the grounds of the school. This is a big event for many of our youth from our Swazi Baptist churches. Youth in this area (northwest Swaziland) are attending for the first time!! During this retreat pray the youth will open their hearts, minds and ears to fully understand all God has to share with each of them.

In July the pastors of the Mafucula (Mountain Baptist Church), Vuvulane and Luhhwahhweni Baptist Churches met with Wayne to discuss the organization of the North Lubumbo Baptist Association. Saturday ((20th of August) a good group of representatives from the congregations of these churches met for a time of introduction and planning. Officers were elected. Please pray as plans continue for the organization of this new association.
--On September 17 the Shiselweni Baptist Association is scheduled to meet at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Pray for a great time of fellowship as well as discussion and planning of present and future work in the Shiselweni region.

--Monday 22nd of August Wayne and I met with Bobby and JoCarol Elliott for lunch and goodbye. The Elliotts were part of the Baptist Mission of Swaziland when we arrived in 1993. In 1998 they moved to Nelspruit to work with Swazis in that area. Next week they begin their final stateside assignment before retirement in October 2012 (after 25 years with IMB). As we sat and talked it seemed so unreal that Bobby and JoCarol were preparing for their retirement. Looking back at the Baptist Mission in the mid-90’s I became quite nostalgic. With the return of the Elliotts to America, we are the only IMB missionary couple from that 1993-1997 Swazi Team still in Swaziland. Over the years couples and singles have come as ISC or journeymen that are still ministering in different parts of the world.   Monica Trice Allen (ISC in Swaziland -1998-2000) returned to Swaziland in 2003 with a husband and now two children working among the Swazis in Mbabane. So now my nostalgic thoughts look down the road to our retirement and wondering who will take us to lunch and say goodbye! Oh well, I guess that is something I don’t need to worry about at least for a few years!! Please remember Bobby and JoCarol as they say their final goodbyes and leave Africa (their home for 24 years).

SPECIAL SWAZI TEAM PRAYER REQUESTS:
---Todd Hoskins’ parents are scheduled to arrive on the 29th of August for a two week visit with Todd and Deborah. The first week will be spent in Manzini, letting them see Todd and Deborah’s life and work in Swaziland. The second week will find them at the Kruger National Game Reserve. Pray for an enjoyable and insightful visit for Mr. and Mrs. Hoskins. They leave on the 9th of September.
---If you could add to your prayer list our daughter, Lacie? She is having corrective ear surgery on Tuesday, August 30 in Johannesburg. Lacie was born with an extra bone near her ear drum and has at least 30% hearing loss in her left ear. She has learned to deal with it but now that she is in grade 1, we are seeing her struggle with little things in school. Praying for surgery to go well and for God to fully restore her hearing. She and I will spend one night in the pediatric ward and then stay at BIMS for at least one week. Our kids are on school break now so the timing is great for the surgery/recovery time.
Blessings,
Monica Allen
Swaziland

---October 13-15 is the scheduled Swazi Baptist Ladies’ Retreat. Guest speaker will be Monica Allen. Pray for the planning of this very special event. Pray many ladies will be able to attend this time of fellowship and study.

AIDS UPDATE:
Pray for those who are being ministered to throughout Swazi Baptist churches in partnership with the Baptist Global Response (BGR). In-Home Care Kits minister to those who are terminally ill or unable to care for themselves. Several kits have been taken to homes to be used by the care-giver or the ill individual to help minister to their physical needs. The gospel is also being shared with each recipient. Pray those receiving the kits will respond to the gospel given with a physical demonstration of the love of Christ.

[Day 26] For Friday, 26th August, Ramadan 2011. Praying in Faith, Hope and Love for the Muslim World…
Tonight in mosques all over the Muslim world millions of people will be praying asking for God’s help. The so called “Night of Power” is a special night.
Muslims come to this night with several attitudes. Some want to prove their devotion to God through their prayers, even being proud of their religious accomplishments. Others, knowing in their hearts that they are incapable of really pleasing God by their own religious activity, will feel disappointed with themselves. Finally, significant numbers will be praying in desperation and are genuinely seeking help from God.
As you pray during this time, pray for issues such as Muslim leaders and governments, Muslim families and children. Pray for increased numbers of missionaries and workers, and pray for new believers (1 Timothy 2:1).
Pray for a supernatural move of the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus to the many Muslims who will seek God tonight (Psalm 118:21, Acts 4:33)

Hoskins Update

2011-08-26T02:46:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,
This month, Deborah turned 26 years old. On her birthday, I reminded her that Southern Baptist churches print prayer lists for missionaries that are organized by birthday. It is very likely that hundreds -maybe even thousands- of people were praying for her by name that day. We are thankful that God allowed us to enjoy a special day spending time together, having a party with new friends, and visiting some family members on skype. Thank you for praying for us. Your prayers make a difference!

As you know, we love to tell a good story. Since our last update, we've had plenty! Here are some of the highlights:
In one of the Manzini region churches, a visiting American mission team drew a crowd of children for their Bible stories and crafts. They also attracted the attention of some older guys who came to watch from a distance. Todd was able to share his lunch, and more importantly, the gospel with them under the neighbor's porch. One of those boys decided to give his life to Christ. Todd has been able to talk with that group several times since that day and will continue to follow up with them.

Deborah hosted a retreat for the middle school-aged girls in her Sunday School class at our home last weekend. We learned about God being our Heavenly Father. Sharing our 2 bedroom/1 bath apartment with 17 girls was a new challenge for Todd. Personally, I think you haven’t lived until you’ve been a part of a girls’ spend-the-night party.

This month we attended our first Swazi wedding. Despite never having met the bride or groom, we had actually received an official invitation (which apparently is not a prerequisite to attending weddings here). We met up with some friends and attempted to blend into the crowd. It didn’t work. We were soon seated next to the bride’s father and mother and Todd was called forward to pray… Next time we’re going to have to learn names!

And finally, yesterday after greeting an older man at a homestead near the church we attend, we were able to share our favorite story: The story of the Bible from Creation to Christ. The entire family was gathered from the house and yard, and the children and grandchildren almost filled the living room floor. After thanking the older man for his hospitality (and for the chicken they had obviously killed and cooked for us), I asked if we could show our appreciation by telling them a Bible story. This is an example of one of the materials that we are developing to be used in local churches.

Please continue to be in prayer for us as we look for new opportunities to teach and share these materials and others like it with the Swazi people. We love and miss you all.

National Youth Camp Schedule

2011-08-26T02:40:00.001-07:00

SWAZILAND BAPTIST NATIONAL YOUTH CAMP 2011
25-28 August 2011
Venue: Mbekelweni Lutheran High School
Theme: "Walking Righteously in Christ through Faith"
Theme Verses: Colossians 2:6-7

Thursday, 27 August - MC: Ntombi Ncongwane
4:00 - Registration
5:30 - Supper
6:30 - Evening service - Pastor Steve Flippo
9:00 - Head to Bed :)

Friday, 28 August - MC: Mphilo Mamba
7:00 - Morning Devotions - Pastor Lizwe Sibandze
8:00 - Breakfast
9:00 - First Session - Pastor Wiseman Mngometula/Pastor Bakhe Dlamini
10:30 - Break
11:15 - Second Session - Make Lomcebo Dlamini
12:30 - Lunch
13:30 - Praise and Worship Time
14:00 - Third Sesson - Groups - Relationships
Group 1 - Guys - Wandile Hlajwayo
Group 2 - Girls - Aunty Winile
17:45 - Dinner
18:45 - Evening Service - Pastor Steve Flippo
20:00 - Film Show

Satruday, 29 August - MC: Sethu
7:00 - Morning Devotions - Pastor Sifiso Dlamini
8:00 - Breakfast
9:00 - Fourth Session - True Love Waits
10:00 Break
10:15 - Regional Time - Elections for new NYC - Pastor Sibandze
12:30 - Lunch
13:30 - Discussion Groups - Make Lomcebo Dlamini
15:30 - Sports Time
17:45 - Dinner
18:45 - Evening Service - Pastor Steve Flippo
20:00 - Youth Choirs?

Sunday, 30 August - MC: Mphilo Mamba
7:00 - Morning Devotions - Pastor Dube
8:00 - Breakfast
9:00 - Praise/Testimony/Word of God - Pastor Steve Flippo
11:00 - Clean-Up
11:30 - Lunch
12:00 - Heading Home

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-08-26T02:38:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful week of ministry with the 16-member volunteer team from the Euto Baptist Church in Marshville, NC. (The group left last night for the states.) Much of the team’s time was spent in hut-to-hut visitation and ministries as well as visits to the Good Shepherd Hospital in Siteki, a ladies and youth retreat, an all-day children’s Bible study (with over 100 children) and Sunday worship. The group experienced different emotions as they visited Swazi homes with children barely clothed and without shoes in very cool temperatures, children in a children’s ward at the hospital, some homes with much while others had very little with the look of extreme poverty. We appreciate the team’s willingness to do whatever no matter how uncomfortable it may have been. Pray for follow-up in some of the areas with no evangelical witness. May the Lord provide the Swazi workers for this harvest field.

The team brought 1700 scripture dolls made by individuals and churches throughout the USA. These were distributed to homes visited, the hospital, children attending the children’s Bible study, during the youth and ladies’ retreats, and Sunday worship. The dolls represented a touch of caring and giving in a Christ like spirit to many hurting and needy people. This ministry will continue since the team left the remaining dolls with us. Pray for this ministry as it touches the lives of many Swazis.

One little girl caught my attention during the ladies’ retreat. She stayed with her mother, sleeping most of the time. She was very small in stature and when held was very light, almost weightless. She had the look of an adult in a child’s body. I had seen that look before when a mother brought her baby to my house after visiting the Nhlangano clinic. The mother admitted to me that there was nothing that could be done for her baby since she was HIV positive. She died a few weeks later. In my heart I hope this is not the case of this one with the big eyes that looked sad and lonely. There are many like her in Swaziland.   Pray for the children in Swaziland touched by the AIDS pandemic. Many will live short lives due to the illness attacking their bodies. I pray this one will be able to live a long and fruitful life.

--Last month the pastors of the Mountain (Mafucula), Vuvulane and Luhhwahhweni Baptist Churches met with Wayne to discuss the organization of the North Lubumbo Baptist Association. Tomorrow (20th of August) congregations from these three churches are invited for a time of introduction and planning. Pray for a good representation from the Swazi Baptist churches in the North Lubumbo areas for this meeting. Pray as plans continue for the organization of this new association.
***The Lubumbo region is divided into two groups, North Lubumbo and South Lubumbo due to the distant between the churches in the northern and southern sections of the region. There is a South Lubumbo Association.

---August 25-28 is the National Youth Camp at the Mbekelweni Lutheran High School. The theme is “Walking Righteously in Christ Through Faith” with the scripture from Colossians 2:6, 7. Camp speaker is missionary Steve Flippo. This is a big event for many of our Swazi Baptist youth. Pray the youth will come with open hearts, minds and ears to fully understand all God has to share with each of them.

Life is full of mysteries…..   For the past two years Wayne and I have been perplexed by the correct spelling of one of our churches. Since there are no signs in the community to show us the correct spelling we have had to seek information from other sources. Unfortunately, those sources have all given us different spellings. It has truly been a trial to find the correct spelling of this small church with a very big name but I think we have finally done it!!!   So here it is….Luhhwahhweni!!!   Now, if I can only learn to say it!!!

SWAZI TEAM PRAYER REQUESTS:
--The last week of August (after the youth camp), Lacie Allen is scheduled for corrective ear surgery in Jo’burg. Lacie was born with 30% hearing loss due to an extra bone near her eardrum. Pray the surgery will not be too difficult for Lacie and her recovery will be quick. Pray for the Allen Family during Lacie’s convalescence.
---August 29 Todd Hoskins’ parents arrive for a two week visit. The first week will be spent in Manzini letting them see Todd and Deborah’s life and work in Swaziland. The second week will find them at the Kruger National Game Reserve.   Pray for an enjoyable and insightful visit for Mr. and Mrs. Hoskins. They leave for the states on the 9th of September.

RAMADAN AUGUST 1-29: As the time of Ramadan comes to an end, pray that ordinary daily events will be used of God to point Muslims to Him. With a belief in an active spirit world, Muslims are susceptible to impressions through ordinary events during the day and through dreams at night. Pray many Muslims in Swaziland will experience a new awakening and their hearts will be aware of Jesus as the Savior of the world.

Dear Family and Friends,
            This month of August I would like to ask you to be in prayer about a few specific things:
1- The famine that has hit Eastern Africa. Pray for the Lord to be glorified through this struggle. Pray for the Baptist Global Response teams as they seek to help.
2- Pray for Believers in this area to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and to share the love of Christ in all they say and do.
3- Pray for those who don't have a relationship with the Lord. May they hunger for Him.
3- Pray for the Baptist Global Response World Hunger Fund as the funding is in a red alert state. Please go to http://www.gobgr.org/ to read more and/or to contribute.
Thank you for your prayers!
Krisann Pease

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-08-26T02:35:00.000-07:00

The 16-member volunteer team arrived (an hour late) in Jo’burg Tuesday night, enjoyed eating pizza (a break from airline food) and after a good night’s rest and breakfast made their way to Swaziland on Wednesday. They were delayed in leaving Jo’burg and therefore were later in arriving to Swaziland than anticipated. We were not able to make the scheduled worship service but did enjoy a wonderful time of getting to know one another and food at the Myers. J Thursday (after dividing into three sub-groups) the team spent the afternoon joining the Luhhwhawheni , Vuvulane and Mountain Baptist Churches in hut-to-hut visitation. Pray for this team as they continue ministering in Swaziland. Pray each will stay healthy and happy serving the Lord in a strange country and a different culture.

·          Today the volunteer team will prepare to lead the overnight women’s and youth retreats at Mafucula. Registration begins at 4:00 and the retreat ends tomorrow at lunch. Pray for good attendance for these retreats and those cooking. Pray also all who participate will experience the presence of the Lord.

·          Sunday the three teams will lead worship with the Luhhwhawheni, Vuvulane and Mountain Baptist Churches. Pray for a wonderful day of worship!!

·          Monday one of the three teams will visit a children’s ward at the Good Shepherd Hospital in Siteki and the other two teams will continue hut-to-hut visitation especially focusing on ministering to AIDS orphans.

·          Tuesday evangelistic ministries will continue for two teams with the third team conducting an all day children’s Bible study at Mafucula for Vuvulane/MaCethuka, Mountain and Luhhwhawheni Baptist Churches.

·          Tuesday will be a day at the Mkhaya Game Reserve.

·          Wednesday we say good-bye to these wonderful missionaries and servants of the Lord. Pray for wonderful relationships and blessings during this week’s ministry.

--Last month the pastors of the Mountain (Mafucula), Vuvulane and Luhhwhawheni Baptist Churches met with Wayne to discuss the organization of a North Lubumbo Baptist Association. On the 20th of August congregations from these three churches are invited for a time of introduction and planning. Pray for a good representation from the Swazi Baptist churches in the North Lubumbo area for today’s meeting. Pray as plans continue for the organization of this new association.
***The Lubumbo region is divided into two groups, North Lubumbo and South Lubumbo due to the distant between the churches in the northern and the churches in the southern part of the region. There is a South Lubumbo Association.

---August 25-28 is the National Youth Camp at the Mbekelweni Lutheran High School. The theme is “Walking Righteously in Christ Through Faith with the camp scripture from Colossians 2:6 7. Camp speaker/leader is missionary Steve Flippo. This is a big event for many of our Swazi Baptist youth. Pray the youth will come with open hearts, minds and ears to fully understand all God has to share with each of them.

RAMADAN AUGUST 1-29: Over the past few years there has been a surge of interest in the Muslim faith among Swazis. Three new mosques (Nhlangano, Manzini and Mbabane) were built as well as new businesses run by those who practice the Muslim faith. During the season of Ramadan when people are spiritually attuned, pray Muslims in Swaziland will hear the voice of the one true Savior. Pray Swazis will turn from the darkness and follow the Light of the World.

fam·ine   –noun
1.extreme and general scarcity of food, as in a country or a large geographical area.
2.extreme hunger; starvation.
—Synonyms
2. dearth, paucity, poverty, meagerness, scantness

Dear Family and Friends,
            This month of August I would like to ask you to be in prayer about a few specific things:
1- The famine that has hit Eastern Africa. Pray for the Lord to be glorified through this struggle. Pray for the Baptist Global Response teams as they seek to help.
2- Pray for Believers in this area to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and to share the love of Christ in all they say and do.
3- Pray for those who don't have a relationship with the Lord. May they hunger for Him.
3- Pray for the Baptist Global Response World Hunger Fund as the funding is in a red alert state. Please go to http://www.gobgr.org/ to read more and/or to contribute.
Thank you for your prayers!
Krisann Pease

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-08-26T02:33:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day for Nkosingiphile’s DO last Sunday at the Thunzini Baptist Church. There was plenty of singing and testifying. What a wonderful testimony from the church to Nkosingiphile. He served as pastor of the Thunzini Baptist Church for eleven years and now the church will be led by those he has trained. Pray for the Thunzini Baptist Church during this time of change and transition. Pray leaders within the church will be able to lead the church in the pastor’s absence.

Wayne is helping Nkosingiphile today get all his belongings from Nhlangnano to his new “digs” in Manzini. School starts Monday!! Pray for Nkosingiphile as he prepares to begin classes and adjust to living in Manzini. Pray this will be a good school year for him.
Nkosingiphile Trivia; Nkosingiphile worked as a gardener for us for many years. A few years ago he was helping another young pastor paint the inside of our house. Throughout the day conversation between the two continued until I literally thought I would scream. Finally, I asked both of them what in the world did they have to talk about all day long? They both just laughed and said lots. I almost drew the line though when towards the end of the day, conversation turned to what is the difference between sleep and rest. Finally, after hearing the debate for an hour I was so relieved when it was time for them to go home!!

This is a big week for us with the arrival of the 16-member volunteer team from the Euto Baptist Church. The team led by Bert and Lisa Warren arrive in Swaziland on Wednesday the 10th of August. Thursday, after orientation the team will have lunch with hut-to-hut visitation scheduled for the afternoon. Friday and Sunday are the Ladies and Youth retreats at the Mafucula primary school. The group will divide and attend worship at Vuvulane, Mafucula or Luwahhwhheni Baptist Churches on Sunday. Monday the group will concentrate on AIDS orphan ministry opportunities and Tuesday besides continuation of the visitation ministries a group will also lead an all day children’s Bible study for children of Vuvulane, Mafucula, Luwhhawhheni and MaCethuka. Pray for Bert, Lisa, Matthew, Zach, Keith, Jen, Nathan, Lisa, Harley, Kimberly, Brooke, Kathy, Kara, Amanda and Jenna as they prepare to work with the Swazi people. May each stay happy and healthy.
Brandi and Kim will also be part of the team with special interest in the AIDS orphan ministries. Pray new ministry opportunities will be present for Kim and Brandi after the volunteer team returns to the states.

AIDS UPDATE:
One Sunday in April a group from the Vuvulane Baptist Church visited a very sick lady after worship. Prayer was requested for this one who had just finished her high school education and showed symptoms of AIDS. I am sorry to say she passed away. She was so young and her life was taken away before she really had a chance to live. This is becoming the norm for our youth in Swaziland. Sunday while attending the Thunzini Baptist Church, I couldn’t believe the number of unwed young girls with babies and small children. Some of these girls had attended the children’s Bible study we conducted before and after Thunzini became a church. They are regular church goers but also they are part of a culture that does not promote Christian lifestyles and where unwed motherhood is not uncommon. It looks as though our young people are not even thinking about the dangers of AIDS. The word seldom is mentioned when speaking of relationships and by the outward look of the group Sunday it is seldom mentioned in the pulpit. Pray our Swazi Baptist churches will become burdened concerning the spread of AIDS in communities, schools, friends and families. Pray each pastor will lead in teaching the congregation the importance of remaining spiritually pure and true to the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.

August 25-28 is the National Youth Camp. Theme: “Walking Righteously in Christ Through Faith” with camp scripture from Colossians 2:6, 7. Camp speaker/leader is missionary Steve Flippo. Pray the youth will come with open hearts, minds and ears to fully understand all God has to share with each of them.

OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
--Sixty-seven rising freshmen are attending an annual MK (missionary kids) Re-entry Retreat in Illinois on August 6-8. This retreat is to help rising college freshmen with the adjustment from life on the field to life in the United States without mom or dad. Pray for staff to be wise counselors and for students to be blessed by the experience.
--Short-term missionaries--journeyman and International Service Corps workers--will be at ILC on August 10-13 for a debriefing conference. Lift up the staff as they prepare for this event. Pray for the returning short-termers not only as they attend this conference, but also as they transition back to life in the U.S.A.

RAMADAN AUGUST 1-29: For about four weeks, faithful followers of Islam do not eat or drink anything during the daylight hours, only breaking their fast after sundown. Many people are more attuned spiritually at this time and hope to hear from God. Pray during this time of fasting and listening for God, many Muslims will hear the voice of the Lord Jesus as He bids them to come and dine with Him.

SPECIAL PRAISE: It looks as though our computer woes are almost over!! Thank you for praying for us during this very trying time.

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-08-01T23:11:00.000-07:00

We were given a wonderful experience last week (July 19-26) during our time in the Kruger National Game Reserve. No matter how many times we visit the park (and there have been many) we always see something different or experience a new sense of awe of the Lord’s creation. On this trip we saw a baby yellow-bill hornbill. These birds remind you of the bird on the Fruit Loops box except they are black and white with a yellow bill. The babies look identical to their parents except are smaller and are so cute!! We also saw two eagles with their kills, two cheetahs with a kill (one had eaten and was resting while the other enjoyed its meal), lions, a leopard in a tree, black-backed jackals just to name a few of the animals and many many birds!! My camera lens had a problem so I wasn’t able to take pictures but was able to identify many varieties of birds using my binoculars and bird books and recorded all the animals and birds seen.

We especially enjoyed our fellowship with Jimmy and Karen Moore. We met Jimmy in 1996 when he came with a survey team from the South Roanoke and Atlantic Associations in NC. From 1996-2001 the Swazi Team enjoyed a partnership with these two associations. Volunteer teams from these areas continue to come and minister to the Swazi people.
Thank you for praying for our time of relaxation and fellowship.

Friday morning the six summer missionaries boarded their plane at Matsapha (Swaziland) to begin their return journey to the states. We traveled to Manzini yesterday with Brandi and Kim to say thank you and goodbye. They were in great spirits from their experiences in this country and excited to be returning home to family, friends and beginning of a new school year. This group shared the True Love Waits message many times, visited homesteads, scheduled Bible studies with all age groups and were used of the Lord. Pray Tiffany, Jonathon, Elizabeth, Adam, Tori and REH will remember their time in Swaziland as one full of wonderful blessings, new relationships and a sense of accomplishing the task the Lord set before them. Pray the message of True Love Waits and God’s plan for the Swazis will continue to spread throughout the country.

The Swazi children’s school break begins on the 8th of August and will resume on the 12th of September. Unfortunately, government schools say they will not open until the government pays what is owed the schools. This is quite serious since the government does not have any money. It also affects the four Hands On missionaries that have come to Swaziland to share the True Love Waits message with the schools and churches. Pray for Brandi, Kim, Heather and Sienna as they begin to plan for the beginning of the 3rd term of school. If schools do not open, pray they will sense the Lord’s direction and guidance to the types of ministries He has for them in Swaziland.

SUNDAY (31ST OF JULY) IS THE “SPECIAL DO” FOR NKOSINGIPHILE DLAMINI HOSTED BY THE THUNZINI BAPTIST CHURCH!!
Swazi Baptist churches have been invited to join in saying “Thank You” and “Best Wishes” to Pastor Dlamini who has been accepted to study at a teacher’s college in Manzini. Wayne, Brandi, Kim and I will leave early Sunday morning for Thunzini. Pray for this special event in the life of the Thunzini Baptist Church, Shiselweni Baptist churches and Nkosingiphile Dlamini. Pray for the Thunzini Baptist Church during this time of change and transition. Pray leaders within the church will be able to lead the church in the pastor’s absence.
Nkosingiphile Triva: A few years ago a medical volunteer team with a dentist came to Swaziland to lead medical clinics for the Swazi Baptist churches in the Shiselweni region. Nkosingiphile was the translator for the dentist. It was so exciting for Nkosingiphile who stayed with the dentist the entire time as he saw patients and pulled teeth. In fact, after much observing and under the supervision of the dentist, Nkosingiphile pulled a tooth!!

---In a little less than two weeks, the 16-member volunteer team from the Euto Baptist Church will be in Swaziland ministering in the northeast section (August 10-18). Planning continues for a woman’s retreat Aug. 12-13, children’s Bible study Aug. 16, homestead visitation, AIDS orphan ministry, and other spirit led ministries. Pray for Bert, Lisa, Matthew, Zach, Keith, Jen, Nathan, Lisa, Harley, Kimberly, Brooke, Kathy, Kara, Amanda and Jenna as they prepare to work with the Swazi people.

PRAY FOR THESE IMPORTANT EVENTS:
--July 31st the Camp Worldlight staff mission teams arrives in Swaziland to minister with the Allens in the Hhohho region. Pray for Jill, Mindy, Ashley, Rachel, Aarika, Brooklyn, Laura and Anne as they minister to the Swazi Baptist children in the Hhohho region.
--Saturday August 6, the executive committee of the Swaziland Baptist Convention meets in Manzini. Pray for the group as important issues need to be discussed. Pray for a good time of discussion and unity.
--August 25-28 is the National Youth Camp. Theme: “Walking Righteously in Christ Through Faith” with camp scripture from Colossians 2:6,7. Camp speaker/leader missionary Steve Flippo. Pray the youth will come with open hearts, minds and ears to fully understand all God has to share with each of them.

---RAMADAN-August 1-29: During this time Muslims throughout the world fast and pray for themselves. Christians do not join them in celebrating Ramadan but lift up their voices in prayer during the time when Muslim hearts are especially tender to spiritual things. Pray during Ramadan Muslims in Swaziland will sense the presence of the true Savior of the World.

August Prayer Calendar

2011-07-28T15:41:00.000-07:00

Monday August 1: August 1-10, Heather and Sienna (Hands On missionaries in the Mbabane) will be staying and working with the Hoskins. Pray Sienna and Heather will be able to make the most of their time in Manzini with True Love Waits presentations.

Tuesday August 2: Pray for clear direction on when to start Sunday services at Ngowane, newest outreach group in the Hhohho region. God is moving in amazing ways and the Allens want to follow God’s timing when to move forward to becoming a church.

Wednesday August 3: Ramadan (August 1-29) is a time when Muslims all over the world fast and pray for themselves. Christians do not join them in celebrating Ramadan, but lift up their voices in prayer during this time when Muslim hearts are especially tender to spiritual things. Pray during Ramadan Muslims in Swaziland will sense the presence of the true Savior of the World.

Thursday August 4: According to Time Magazine 60,000 is the approximate number of people who may die in Swaziland when hospitals run out of antiretroviral drugs in the next month. Pray this crucial development in Swaziland will be solved before many people die. Pray the ARVs will be available to those dying of AIDS.

Friday August 5: Last month the six summer missionaries that ministered to the Swazis sharing the True Love Waits message (June –July) returned to the states. Pray for Elizabeth, Tiffany, Tori, Adam, REH and Jonathon as they return college this month. Pray each will remember their time in Swaziland and be blessed.

Saturday August 6: Today the executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets. Pray for this group as important issues will continue to be discussed. Pray for a good time of discussion and unity in today’s meeting.

Sunday August 7: Pray for the Thunzini Baptist Church during this time of change and transition. Last month the church held a special service for their pastor who was accepted to a teacher training college. Pray leaders within the congregation will be able to lead the church in the pastor’s absence. Pray for Nkosingiphile Dlamini as he begins a new chapter in his life.

Monday August 8: Pray the Swazi Baptist Women’s National Committee will find a date and time to meet to begin planning the 2011 National Women’s Retreat October 13-15. The venue is the Manzini Baptist Church. Pray for good attendance at this year’s retreat.

Tuesday August 9: Camp Worldlight staff mission team heads back to the USA today after serving in the Hhohho region since July 31. Praise God for their willingness to come to Swaziland and all the lives they impacted during their time in Swaziland. Pray for safe travels as they return to the USA and their families.

Wednesday August 10: Today the 16-member volunteer team from the Euto Baptist Church (Marshville, NC) arrives in Swaziland to minister in the northeast section of the country. Ministries include prayer walking, hut-to-hut visitation, ladies and youth retreats, children’s Bible study, AIDS orphan ministry and other spirit led ministries. Pray for Bert, Lisa, Matthew, Zach, Landon, Keith, Jen, Nathan, Lisa, Harley, Kimberly, Brooke, Kathy, Kara, Amanda and Jenna as they prepare to work with the Swazi people. Pray for good health and wonderful blessings.

Thursday August 11: Schools close for end of term 2 on August 12. Pray for a restful, relaxing and safe holidays for all the students in Swaziland. Schools resume on September 12 to begin term 3 and end of the school year.

Friday August 12: The Mafucula Secondary School is the venue for the North Lubumbo Swazi Baptist Women and Youth retreats (August 12-13) led by the volunteer team from the Euto Baptist Church. Pray many of our youth and women will attend. Pray blessings will be received by those attending and those leading. Pray youth ministry/programs will begin in the Mafucula, Vuvulane and Luwhawhaweni Baptist Churches.

Saturday August 13: Pray for the Swazi Team as they prepare to train members of the Swazi Baptist churches on the use of the In-Home Health Care Kits that arrived in the country in June. Each kit is packed in a 5-gallon bucket filled with items such as multivitamins, sheets, a towel and wash cloths, soap for sensitive skin, gloves for caregivers and much more. Pray many Swazis will be touched by the giving and sharing of these kits.

Sunday August 14: Pray for all the Swazi Baptist churches as many are without strong leadership. May God raise up godly men and women to faithfully serve Him every day.

Monday August 15: Pray for Deborah Hoskins today on her birthday!!

As the Hoskins continue to develop friendships and working relationships with the pastors/leaders in the Manzini region, pray blessings will occur and much will be accomplished for the Lord’s Kingdom.

Tuesday August 16: During a Bible study at Luwhawhaweni, an older lady of the group shared that the man she lived with for 35 years was not her husband since they had not been legally married. His family was concerned that the ancestors would be very angry with her and the family if she tried to be buried in her “husband’s” plot and not have his surname. The family was encouraging her to marry her son so she would have the family surname and the ancestors would be happy. She asked the leader of the Bible study if this would be okay. Being a new Christian and unsure of so many things concerning her faith, this lady (like so many Swazis) struggles to do what is right in a society that is controlled by appeasing the ancestors and adhering to many cultural practices that are un-Christian. Pray Swazi Christians will understand the customs and traditions that are normal part of life are not always acceptable to the Lord. Pray they will study more and learn about the Lord and His ways.

Wednesday August 17: Continue to pray for the True Love Waits ministry of the four Hands On missionaries, Sienna, Heather, Brandi and Kim. Pray Swazis will be available to assist with the training as well as overall ministry. Pray each will experience satisfying results from this work and ministry.

Thursday August 18: For many years missionary Barbara Myers and several Swazis have worked to translate from English to siSwati adult, youth, older children, children and beginner Sunday School materials. In 2005 siSwati children and beginner’s Sunday School books were printed and are currently being used in our Swazi Baptist churches. Pray for Barbara as she strives to bring this big project to a satisfying end. Pray these materials will also be printed in book form that will be easily accessable to the Swazi Baptist churches.

Friday August 19: Pray the King, his wives and children will have a chance to hear the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Pray many will believe and lives will be changed.

Saturday August 20: Last month the pastors of the Mafucula, Vuvulane and Luwhawhaweni Baptist Churches met with missionary Wayne Myers to discuss the organization of a North Lubumbo Baptist Association. Today (20^th) congregations from these three churches are invited for a time of introduction and planning. Pray for a good representation from the Swazi Baptist churches in the North Lubumbo area for today’s meeting. Pray as plans continue for the organization of this new association.

Sunday August 21: Pray for the Bible study at MaCethuka. Weekly Bible studies for adults/youth and children were discontinued because the translators could no longer help. Pray the Lord will provide the needed workers so the study can continue.

Monday August 22: SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA UNENGAGED PEOPLES:

The Republic of Togo, a small tropical nation of 6.1 million people, edges the Atlantic Ocean along the famed “Slave Coast,” which derived its name from the 16^th to 18^th century slave traders raiding Togo’s capital region for slaves. Togo has approximately 48 people groups with many unevangelized peoples scattered over Togo. Among them are the Bago, Bijobi, Bisa, Dompago, Fulfulde, Hausa, Lama, Mamprusi, Mossi, Ntrubo, Toussian, and Waama. Pray God will endow the leaders of the Togo Baptist Convention with faith, wisdom, direction, godly character, and His Spirit in fullness and power and enable them to “cast a vision” for all the pastors and church leaders in evangelism, discipleship and holistic ministries.

Tuesday August 23: What was the Southern Baptist Convention’s first foreign mission field and who was the first foreign missionary? China; S.C. Clopton was appointed to that country in 1845). Missionary Clopton’s ministry was before the establishment of the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering in 1888. Present day missionaries appreciate the financial support of the Southern Baptist churches. Thank you for contributing to the 2010 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Pray the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to this annual offering will continue. Pray the Lord will be glorified as planning begins and goals are set!

Wednesday August 24: Pray for Polly Trice (Monica Allen’s mother) today on her birthday. Pray her special day is fun and enjoyable. J

The Swazi Team praises the Lord for ALL the people He has sent to serve in Swaziland in few months. God has moved all over the country in various ministries and lives are being changed for God. Please pray God will continue to send His chosen to work among the Swazis of Swaziland.

Thursday August 25: The theme of this year’s National Youth Camp August 25-28 is “Walking Righteously in Christ Through Faith.” The theme scripture is found in Colossians 2:6,7. The youth are very fortunate to have missionary Steve Flippo (KwaZulu Natal Evangelism Team) as camp leader/speaker. Every year youth from the Swazi Baptist churches come for an enjoyable time of Bible study, worship and fellowship. Pray for the youth to come with open hearts, minds and ears to fully understand all God has to share with each of them.

Friday August 26: As the time of Ramadan (August 1-29) comes to an end, pray that ordinary daily events will be used of God to point Muslims to Him. With a belief in an active spirit world, Muslims are susceptible to impressions through ordinary events during the day and through dreams at night. Pray many Muslims in Swaziland will experience a new awakening and their hearts will be aware of Jesus as the Savior of the world.

Saturday August 27: There are several churches that have been given land for building their church structures. Some are in the midst of planning and building while others are waiting to begin. Pray as these congregations plan towards their building projects. Through the use of their tithes and offerings may these new structures be completed.

Sunday August 28: The last week of August, Lacie Allen is scheduled for her corrective ear surgery in Jo’burg. Lacie was born with 30% hearing loss due to an extra bone near her eardrum. Pray the surgery will not be too difficult for Lacie and her recovery will be quick. Pray for the Allen family during Lacie’s convalescence.

Monday August 29: Today Todd Hoskins’ parents arrive for a two week visit. The first week will be spent in Manzini letting them see Todd and Deborah’s life and work in Swaziland. The second week will find them at the Kruger Game Reserve. J Pray for an enjoyable and insightful visit for Mr. and Mrs. Hoskins. They leave for the states on the 9^th of September.

Tuesday August 30: True Love Waits consultant, Kym (Pennington) Coe is scheduled to return to Swaziland October 16-30 for training and follow-up. Pray for Kym as she prepares to come and for the Swazi Team as they prepare for her time of ministry.

Wednesday August 31: I never knew I could pray in a shop or on the bus. I never knew I didn’t have to close my eyes or bow my head. I didn’t know I could pray for people I never knew. These are just a few of the statements heard by a volunteer team that came to teach the Swazis the importance of a personal prayer life and prayer walking. So many Swazis do not know what it means to pray outside the church and have a personal prayer life. While prayer walking one afternoon, a group of ladies asked the prayer walkers who visited them if they had to stop working in their gardens and go inside for prayer. The prayer walkers told then, “No, we can pray for you right here.” Pray the Swazi people will understand the true meaning of prayer and the need for a personal prayer life. Pray each Swazi Baptist church will make prayer walking a part of the church’s ministry

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-07-28T15:38:00.000-07:00

We are sending our weekly prayer letter very early this week because we leave early tomorrow for a wonderful week in the Kruger National Game Reserve. We are joining Jimmy and Karen Moore (pastor of the First Baptist Church, Washington, NC) for a week of relaxation, enjoying God’s wonderful creation and fellowshipping together. We will return to Swaziland next Tuesday the 26^th of July. Pray we will have a most wonderful week admiring and seeing animals, birds and anything else of interest!!

Saturday night we celebrated with the Masukus (pastor of Mafucula Baptist), Brandi, Kim, Corine, Jimmy and Karen Moore on Kim and Brandi’s completed stay on the homestead. The Masukus were such wonderful host and hostess to Kim and Brandi and we wanted to say “thank you” in a very special way. They were dedicated to their task and were quite impressed with the girls playing with the children, leading Bible studies, sharing the True Love Waits message and even taking care of the little shop that is income for the Masukus. During this special dinner they remarked, “We will miss our children.”

It is a custom in Swaziland for non-Swazis to take the name of the first homestead in which they stay or were fed. Our first homestead meal was hosted by our language teacher and she gave us Swazi names and surnames. Unfortunately, I don’t remember my first name but our surname is Nyawo. Brandi’s Swazi name is Phili (p-lee) Masuku and Kim’s is Nomsa Masuku.

Pray for Kim (Nomsa) and Brandi (Phili) as they continue with the ministry of sharing the True Love Waits message in schools and churches. Pray for a change of attitudes and lifestyles among our Swazi youth.

---July 27-28 the Swazi team will meet with the six summer missionaries for a time of debriefing on their two months of True Love Waits ministry in Swaziland. This group has shared the True Love Waits presentation many times, visited homesteads, scheduled Bible studies with all age groups and have been used of the Lord. Pray Tiffany, Jonathon, Elizabeth, Adam, Tori and REH will remember their time in Swaziland as one full of wonderful blessings, new relationships and a sense of accomplishing the task the Lord set before them. Pray the message of True Love Waits and God’s plan for students’ lives will continue to spread even after these missionaries have left.

---July 31^st is the scheduled date for the “SPECIAL DO” for Nkosingiphile Dlamini at the Thunzini Baptist Church. Swazi Baptist churches have been invited to join in saying thank you and best wishes to Pastor Dlamini who has been accepted to study at a teacher’s college in Manzini. Pray for this very special event in the life of the Thunzini Baptist Church as well as Nkosingiphile Dlamini. Pray for the Thunzini Baptist Church during this time of change and transition. Pray leaders within the church will be able to lead the church in the pastor’s absence. Wayne and I will spend the night at the Phumula Guesthouse in Nhlangano on Saturday (30^th) and attend this special service for Nkosingiphile. We will return to Tshaneni Sunday afternoon.

Nkosingiphile Trivia: (I debated on whether to share this story but decided I would. J) When helping with a revival service at the Mgamudze Baptist Church led by a volunteer team, Nkosingiphile and a few other youth helpers were staying at the church. There are no indoor toilets in Swazi churches and in some cases no outdoor toilets. During the night Nkosingiphile needed to relieve himself so he went outside (in the dark). He wasn’t gone very long and upon return to the church told one of the guys rather excitedly that he thought he had met the Lord when he almost sat down on a Puff Adder (very poisonous) snake!! (Ouch!!) We are so glad he didn’t and was able to continue serving the Lord for many years throughout Swaziland!!

---Please pray for Steve Allen as he has his gallbladder removed today. Pray the surgery will not be too painful and Steve will have a very speedy recovery. The Allens are scheduled to return to Mbabane tomorrow (Tuesday).

---Deborah Hoskins will have minor foot surgery in Johannesburg Wednesday (20^th). The Hoskins will leave tomorrow for Jo’burg. Please pray for safe travel and the operation will go well.

---Continue to pray for Simphiwe Mavuso, recovering from a C-section and the birth of her daughter.

--August 10-18 a 16-member volunteer team from the Euto Baptist Church (Marshville, NC) lead by Bert and Lisa Warren will minister in the northeast section of Swaziland. The Warrens were part of the Swazi Team in 2008-2009. Ministries include prayer walking, hut-to-hut visitation, ladies and youth retreats, children’s Bible study, AIDS orphan ministry and other spirit-led ministries. Pray for Bert, Lisa, Matthew, Zach, Landon, Keith, Jen, Nathan, Lisa, Harley, Kimberly, Brooke, Kathy, Kara, Amanda and Jenna as they prepare to work with the Swazi people.

AUGUST 1-29 IS RAMADAN a time when Muslims all over the world fast and pray for themselves. Christians do not join in celebrating Ramadan, but lift up their voices in prayer during this time when Muslim hearts are especially tender to spiritual things. Pray during Ramadan Muslims in Swaziland will sense the presence of the true Savior of the World.

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-07-28T15:35:00.000-07:00

The weather was scheduled to be cool and rainy on Tuesday but the Lord had other plans. When the summer missionaries and the Hoskins arrived to visit us on the farm for their scheduled cook-out, it was sunny and very warm. It was a beautiful day for a very nice and festive time. On Monday we were quite concerned when Todd sent an SMS to Wayne that the brakes on his truck needed urgent repair. The plan was for him to be the first in line at the mechanics on Tuesday morning and hopefully in two hours the truck would be fixed and the group could travel to Tshaneni. BUT, that was a dream and not reality!! After getting an assessment, Todd was told to come back at 4:00pm and his truck should be finished. L Being the most resourceful missionary ever, Todd just decided to hop on a bus to Mbabane, make his way to the mission house and procure the mission truck stored there. By 2:00pm everyone had arrived and ready to dig into the grilled chicken, rice, baked beans, vegetable casserole and red velvet cake! Oh, and plenty of sweet tea!!! J

The summer missionaries are in their last two weeks of their time in Swaziland. They have shared the True Love Waits presentation many times with many signing the commitment cards to stay pure until marriage. They have visited in the homesteads, scheduled Bible studies with all age groups in the churches and have been used of the Lord. We pray when they return to the states on the 29^th of July, they would have experienced the mighty presence of the Lord in their lives. Please continue to pray for REH, Jonathon, Adam, Tiffany, Elizabeth and Tori as they complete their time in Swaziland. Pray they will continue to be blessed with each encounter that comes their way.

We are very happy to hear many Swazi youth have signed the commitment cards. The group experienced a warm reception at most of the schools in which they shared the message. Many teachers agreed with their message and were glad they had come to share. Living in a culture that promotes a non-Christian way of living, how will our youth be able to live in a way that is pleasing to the Lord and will prolong their lives? Please pray for a change in attitudes and lifestyles among our Swazi youth. Pray the True Love Waits message will continue to be shared and accepted by many throughout Swaziland.

Brandi and Kim (Hands On missionaries) will finish their homestead stay this weekend and will move back to stay with Corine (our American friend and fellow missionary) in Tshaneni. It has been an experience for the duo and one they probably won’t forget for a while. We are very thankful for the Masuku family that hosted Kim and Brandi and gave them their Swazi names. Pray for Kim and Brandi as they return to Tshaneni to begin their ministry of spreading the True Love Waits message. The girls will continue to meet once a week with their language/culture tutor.

July 31^ST is the scheduled date for the “SPECIAL DO” for Nkosingiphile Dlamini at the Thunzini Baptist Church. Swazi Baptist churches have been invited to join in saying thank you and best wishes to Pastor Dlamini who has been accepted to study at a teacher’s college in Manzini. Pray for this very special event in the life of the Thunzini Baptist Church as well as Nkosingiphile Dlamini.

Pray for the Thunzini Baptist Church during this time of change and transition. Pray leaders within the church will be able to lead the church in the pastor’s absence.

Nkosingiphile Trivia: Several years ago a partial eclipse of the sun was scheduled for 3:00 pm one afternoon. Everyone was talking about it but when it was mentioned to Nkosingphile his response was, “I don’t believe that will happen.” We assured him it would even though he continued to disagree. Right before the special event the local newspapers included 3-D sunglasses in the paper. We all took turns using the glasses to view the eclipse. At first Nkosingiphile did not want to do so but soon joined in and took his turn. Suddenly, he was able to see the partial eclipse and had to admit, “Hey this really does happen.” He enjoyed a VERY LONG TIME of looking through the glasses at the sun. After all, seeing is believing!!

--Thank you for praying for Simphiwe Mavuso. Simphiwe was released from the Good Shepherd Hospital (Stiteki) yesterday. Simphiwe says “I am healing everyday. The baby is doing fine.” Continue to pray for her recovery from the C-section and the birth of her daughter.

--Monday July 18^th, Steve Allen is scheduled to have his gallbladder removed in Nelspruit, South Africa. He will stay overnight and be discharged on Tuesday. Pray the surgery will not be too painful and Steve will have a speedy recovery.

--Deborah Hoskins is having minor foot surgery in Johannesburg on the 20^th of July. Please pray the operation will go well.

COMPUTER UPDATE:

Oh well, what can I say???? Wayne spoke to a very frustrated owner of the computer store yesterday. Yes, he does have the computer but is frustrated because at first he thought there were just a few screws missing, but after close inspection there seems to be parts missing as well. Evidently the technician took the computer apart but couldn’t put it back together again!! Can you believe that? At the writing of this prayer letter, the owner is searching throughout Swaziland for parts to replace the missing ones in the computer. Pray the parts will soon be found and I will be reunited with my long lost computer. It is has been so long I almost forget what my computer looks like. L

--July 19-26 we will be vacationing at the Kruger Game Reserve!! Pray for a very fun, relaxing and restful time as we look for birds, animals and anything else we can see!!

IMB OFFICE OF PRAYER STRATEGY invites you to pray for these events:

--National Acteens Convention, July 13-16 in Orlando, Fla.

--Mission Expo, July 14-16 in Memphis, Tenn.

--REAP South Training, July 19-22, East Point, GA

--Field Personnel Orientation 3, July 25-September 21, Rockville, Va.

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-07-12T11:01:00.000-07:00

The Swazi Team enjoyed a wonderful 4th of July celebration at the home of the Allens in Mbabane. The weather was in no way agreeable but all the guests enjoyed a time of food, fellowship and fun inside instead of a traditional American outdoor gathering. Heather, Sienna, Kim and Brandi (Hands On missionaries) were able to join us as well as Jimmy and Karen Moore. Jimmy, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Washington, NC is taking a Sabbatical in Swaziland until the end of this month. The Moores have also been volunteers to Swaziland on more than one occasion and are great friends to us and the Swazi Team. We praise the Lord for such a wonderful time with friends on this special day.

Winter has definitely arrived in Swaziland. Living in Tshaneni affords us warmer and nicer temperatures than in Nhlangano or Mbabane but, our homes are still hard to keep warm even when the temps outside are very pleasant. The upcoming weekly forecasts calls for even cooler temperatures than we are now experiencing. This means digging around for more layers of clothing and more blankets on the beds!! But, the promise of spring is just around the corner!! This week I have seen more variety of birds and some are in pairs!!

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS:
--(July 9th) the Shiselweni Association meets at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Continue to pray for this association that strives to meet together for encouragement and unity.
Major planning will take place for the “SPECIAL DO” (July 30-31) for Nkosingiphile Dlamini. Pastor Dlamine was recently accepted to a teacher training college in Manzini. He has been a strong committed Christian leader in the Shiselweni region and pastor of the Thunzini Baptist Church. Pray for the planning of this special event for Nkosingiphile and the churches of the Shiselweni region.
Nkosingiphile Trivia: Nkosingiphile came to Nhlangano in 1997 and began working with us. One of the new things taught to him was the American way of eating hot dogs. After showing and explaining how we eat them, Nkosingiphile absorbed and adjusted this knowledge to fit his lifestyle. In one hand he held his mustard sandwich and in the other hand his hotdog, taking turns biting from the sandwich and then the hotdog. We thought this was rather funny and so did the other Swazis eating with us!!

--July 11-12 is the third “Get Away” for the six summer missionaries hosted by Todd and Deborah Hoskins. These scheduled “Get Aways” allow a touch of civilization to the missionaries who are currently staying in areas where such luxuries as electricity and clean flowing drinking water are limited. Tuesday (the 12th) the group is scheduled to come to the Myers’ home for lunch. We may not be doing the scheduled cook-out but we will have plenty of food to eat and fellowship to enjoy. Pray each will have a great time of fun and fellowship during this “Get Away”. Please pray they will be energized and able to have a strong finish to their ministry in Swaziland. July 27-28 will be a time of debriefing for their two month True Love Waits ministry in Swaziland.

--This week Brandi and Kim will begin their last week of their homestead stay in Mafucula. Last week their host family (the Masukus) gave them an assignment of catching a chicken and killing it for supper. Well, most of us would have trouble with such an assignment and so did Kim and Brandi. With the help of Bheki, their language tutor who had no trouble procuring the chicken and killing it, the assignment was completed. Pray for Brandi and Kim as learning continues for the next week.

-August 10-18 a 16-member volunteer team from the Euto Baptist Church (Marshville, NC) lead by Bert and Lisa Warren will minister in the northeast section of Swaziland. The Warrens were part of the Swazi Team in 2008-2009. Ministries include prayer walking, hut-to-hut visitation, ladies and youth retreats, children’s Bible study, AIDS orphan ministery and other spirit led ministries. Pray for Bert, Lisa, Matthew, Zach, Landon, Keith, Jen, Nathan, Lisa, Harley, Kimberly, Brooke, Kathy, Kara, Amanda and Jenna as they prepare to work with the Swazi people.

--Please pray for Simphiwe Mavuso. Simphiwe is expecting her third child (sometime in July) and experiencing serious problems with her blood pressure. She is scheduled to return to the hospital in Siteki Tuesday (12th of July). Pray for a healthy delivery for baby daughter and mother.

AIDS UPDATE:
According to the Time Magazine: 60,000 is the approximate number of people who may die when hospitals run out of antiretroviral AIDS drugs in two months. Pray this crucial development in Swaziland will be solved before many people die. Pray the ARVs will be available to those dying of AIDS.

IMB OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
--A group of statesiding missionaries will be at the International Learning Center July 11-16 for the second Stateside Assignment Conference of the summer. Please lift up this conference and its participants in prayer.

--IMB’s Overseas Global Strategists will be convening July 11-15 for an extremely important global strategy meeting: “Seize the Day Conference.” This gathering of global strategists has been prompted by recent events in the Middle East and Northern Africa, as well as in Japan. Please ask God to direct their thoughts and discussions so that the nations concerned will be dramatically impacted by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I think there was a death here on the farm last week. I am not sure because there was no night vigil or sadness around me. There was no way for me to know except the one who died has not been to see me since Monday. I saw her on Sunday and Monday and she did not look well. I continued to put her food out as I always did but she has not come to eat it. I guess you know by now, I am talking about my neighbor, Sadie (a little dog). She was not mine so I couldn’t do much to help and even though there doesn’t seem many who are saddened by her absence, I am. She was my friend and I will miss her.

Hoskins July Update

2011-07-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!
Last month was very eventful for our team here in Swaziland. Todd and I started out by attending the National Youth Leaders Retreat. Along with the missionaries, Swazi youth leaders from the Baptist churches around the country get together for a weekend of fellowship, worship, and planning for the year’s big youth camp in August.

The next week, Todd attended the first-ever South Coast Bible School event that was held in Swaziland. The school, established as a partnership between an institution in South Africa and the largest Baptist Church we work with in the country, marks a great step for theological education in Swaziland! Todd continues to work on materials that will support this school and other initiatives like it.

For the months of June and July, we have ten short-term missionaries in the country (University students from the US), who are here with the specific task of sharing the message of True Love Waits in schools. Eight of these students spent several nights at our home in Manzini this month, and enjoyed Deborah’s cooking and Todd’s secret obsession of being a Tourist Guide. The founder of True Love Waits International was in Swaziland for a few days during this time to see firsthand the work these summer missionaries are doing. We organized a get-together for those who are involved in True Love Waits across the country and about forty people attended: representing all four regions of the country. It was wonderful to hear testimonies of the impact of the message of True Love Waits on peoples’ lives. Please pray for the summer missionaries’ endurance and that lives will be changed with the Truth found in God’s Word.

To finish off the month, 650 donated home care kits arrived in the country. These are specifically designed to comfort and care for HIV/AIDS patients, and they were donated through programs within the Southern Baptist Churches. We are so thankful to the people who donated the items for these kits. Please pray that the churches will be wise in the distribution process and will use these as a ministry tool to those who are hurting in their communities.

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-07-12T10:51:00.000-07:00

PRAISE THE LORD THE 648 IN-HOME HEALTH CARE KITS FINALLY ARRIVED IN MBABANE ON MONDAY!! If you remember from our last week’s prayer letter, the kits were to arrive on Friday but that did not happen. Then they were to arrive on Saturday (Wayne and I making a trip up to Mbabane in anticipation of the historic event) but that did not happen. Finally, after much prodding and pushing, the kits arrived on Monday. The volunteer team from the First Baptist Church, Washington, North Carolina helped unload the truck (THANK YOU TEAM!!). Because of space not all the kits arrived and are to be delivered on Tuesday. Please pray this will happen!!!

Now that the kits have arrived, the real work begins for the Swazi Team. Training the members of our Swazi Baptist churches on the use of these kits is needed. Pray for the Swazi Team as we seek to train our church members on the use of these kits. Pray many Swazis will be touched by the giving and sharing of these gifts. Each kit is packed in a 5-gallon bucket filled with items such as multivitamins, sheets, a towel and wash cloths, soap for sensitive skin, gloves for caregivers and much more. If your church is interested in helping to “pack a kit/bucket” please contact bgrbuckets@gobgr.org. For more details you can also visit their website www.baptistglobalresponse.com/main/.

Since we made the special trip to Mbabane on Saturday, Wayne had to postpone his meeting with Nkosingiphile Dlamini, pastor of the Thunzini Baptist Church. Nkosingiphile was recently accepted to a teacher training college in Manzini. This is great news for Nkosingiphile who has been a strong committed Christian pastor as well as leader of the Shiselweni Baptist Association. Pray for the Thunzini Baptist Church during this time of change. Pray leaders within the congregation will be able to lead the church in the pastor’s absence. Pray for Nkosingiphile as he begins a new chapter in his life.

The Shiselweni Baptist Association is scheduled to meet on the 9th of July. One big item of business is the planning of a “SPECIAL DO” for Nkosingiphile July 30-31. Nkhosingiphile is well respected by all our Swazi Baptist churches and this will be a special time to say thank you and congratulations!! Pray this Association meeting on the 9th will be well attended. Pray for the planning of Nkosingiphile’s Special Do!!
Nkhosingiphile Trivia: Nkhosingiphile is called “Titus” by many of the younger leaders of our Swazi Baptist churches. What is the reason for this? A few years ago when Nkosingiphile was saying the books of the Bible as part of his TEE (Theological Education by Extension) he left out the book of Titus.

Saturday July 2 is the scheduled EC meeting of the Swaziland Baptist Convention. Important issues need to be discussed that include understanding of the convention’s relationship with the Council of Churches and the need to make decisions as a group (not just a few individuals). Pray for a good time of discussion and hopefully understanding. Pray there will be unity in tomorrow’s meeting. Election of new officers was held in May. Pray for these new officers as they begin serving as leaders of the convention.

Wednesday Wayne and I were able to help the Hoskins with transporting the six summer missionaries back to their “rural/bush” home. The group finished their second “Get-Away” on Wednesday. I had met only two of the missionaries and it was a treat to be able to meet the other four. The group also needed to cross the border into South Africa since their 30-days had expired. We enjoyed lunch at Pongola, South Africa and the missionaries were able to have another 30 days stamped in their passports. Continue to pray for Tiffany, Elizabeth, Tori, REH, Jonathon and Adam as they begin their second month sharing the True Love Waits message. Pray the Lord will bless each remaining day in Swaziland. Their third “Get-Away” is scheduled July 11-13 and will have a cook-out at the Myers on the 12th (hopefully the weather will cooperate!).

Pray also for the four Hands On missionaries (two in Mbabane and two in Tshaneni). Brandi and Kim are currently on a homestead in Mafucula and involved in language/culture study four days a week. Sienna and Heather are beginning to have opportunities to share the True Love Waits message in the Manzini region. Pray for these four missionaries as they minister in Swaziland. Pray Brandi and Kim’s experiences on the homestead will be a time of learning and developing relationships with the Swazi people.

JULY 4TH-HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!! Pray for the Swazi Team and Hands On missionaries celebrating this special holiday in Mbabane. Advance weather forecasts say it is going to cool/cold. Instead of celebrating at the beach or pool, the Swazi Team will celebrate around the fire place!!

Thank you for praying for our computer woes as mentioned in last week’s prayer letter. The Lord has provided and our woes are not quite as woeful. But, we still are dealing with my computer and whether it has “gone missing.” Please pray this situation will reach a very friendly and adequate solution. The owner of the shop where the computer was taken (many months ago) contacted Wayne to say he should have the computer this weekend. But, we have heard that many times and still do not have the computer.

FROM THE IMB OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
--Please pray for the 174 missionary adults and 141 missionary kids (MKs) winding down their week of worship, fellowship, equipping conferences at IMB’s International Learning Center. Please pray for them that these days together will feed these statesiding missionaries’ souls, stimulate their minds, comfort their hearts, and impact the nations. Pray also for safe travel as they return to their stateside temporary residences.

July Prayer Calendar

2011-06-30T02:36:00.001-07:00

Friday July 1: Last month the shipment off 648 In-Home Health Care Kits (BGR buckets) arrived in Swaziland!! The Swazi Team praises the Lord for allowing these kits to come into the country customs free. Each kit is packed in a 5-gallon bucket filled with items such as multivitamins, sheets, a towel and wash cloths, soap for sensitive skin, gloves for caregivers and much more. Pray many Swazis will be touched by the giving and sharing of these kits.

Saturday July 2: Today the EC committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets. Important issues need to be discussed that include understanding the convention’s relationship with the Council of Churches and the need to make decisions as a group. Pray for a good time of discussion and hopefully understanding. Pray there will be unity in today’s meeting. Election of new officers was held in May. Pray for these new officers as they begin serving as leaders of the convention.

Sunday July 3: The pastor of the Thunzini Baptist Church has recently been accepted to a teacher training college in Manzini. This is great news for Nkosingiphile Dlamini who has been a strong committed Christian pastor as well as leader of the Shiselweni Baptist Association. It is unsure how often Pastor Dlamini will be able to return to Thunzini for Sunday worship. Pray for the Thunzini Baptist Church during this time of change. Pray leaders within the congregation will able to lead the church in the pastor’s absence. Pray for Nkosingiphile as he begins a new chapter in his life.

Monday July 4: HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!
THANK GOD, FOR AMERICA
We thank you God, for America,
For the freedom and peace we know;
And we pay for your continued blessings
On this land that we love so.

We salute our flag, we honor those
Who fought to make us free;
For all the good things we enjoy;
We give the praise to Thee.
--Janice Mizelle Taylor
Pray for the Swazi Team and Hands On missionaries celebrating this special holiday in Mbabane.

Tuesday July 5: Praise God for the First Baptist Church, Washington, NC youth team that served in the Hhohho region with the Allen family in June. They were able to serve through homestead visitations, Bible studies and revival services. Pray all the seeds planted will grow and produce much fruit.

Wednesday July 6: Four “Hands On” missionaries, Sienna, Heather, Brandi and Kim arrived in Swaziland June 15th. Sienna and Heather are staying in Mbabane and Brandi and Kim in Tshaneni. Due to college classroom requirements, Brandi and Kim have begun a month’s stay on a Swazi homestead (Mafacula). They will also be involved in culture and language study. Pray for these four missionaries as they begin their stay and ministry in Swaziland. Pray Brandi and Kim’s experience on the homestead will a time of learning and developing relationships with the Swazi people.

Thursday July 7: Pray for Deborah Hoskins’ mother today on her birthday. Pray she has a fun time of celebrating her special day with her family.

Friday July 8: His Name Means Gift
Sipho’s name means gift but Sipho feels anything but a gift. Sipho is 17 years old and lives on the streets. He sleeps in the roadside market and baths behind the grocery store. At one time a man from Australia was helping Sipho attend school but the man moved on. Sipho had to leave school because he could not pay the school fees. He has learned to do wood working and desperately wants to be a carpenter. Sipho says, “My life is not good.” The unemployment rate in Swaziland is 40 percent and it is very hard for Swazis such as Sipho to find a job. Please pray the homeless and jobless in Swaziland will have hope for their future. Pray Sipho and others like him will know that life is a gift from the Heavenly Father who can supply all their needs.

Saturday July 9: The Shiselweni Association meets today at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Continue to pray for this association that strives to meet together for encouragement and unity.

Sunday July 10: The lack of pastors continues to be one of the biggest problems facing our Swazi Baptist churches. Many of the churches continue to meet under lay leadership (often the women) who get discouraged that God has not provided them with pastoral leadership. Please pray God will develop leaders for these congregations.

Monday July 11: July 11-13 is the third “Get Away” for the six summer missionaries hosted by Todd and Deborah Hoskins. These scheduled Get Aways allow a touch of civilization to the missionaries staying in areas where such luxuries as electricity and clean flowing drinking water are limited. Pray each will have a great time of fun and fellowship during this “Get Away”. Please pray they will be energized and able to have a strong finish to their ministry in Swaziland.

Tuesday July 12: The Muslim call to prayer sounds five times a day from the mosques in Swaziland. Ritual cleansing—washing arms, face, legs and feet three times—must precede prayer. Ask the Savior of the World to open the blinded eyes of the Muslims in Swaziland to see Jesus, the Light of the World.

Wednesday July 13: The theme of this year’s National Youth Camp August 25-28 is “Walking Righteously In Christ Through Faith”. (Theme scripture is Colossians 2:6, 7.) The youth are very fortunate to have missionary Steve Flippo (KwaZulu Natal Evangelism Team) as camp leader/speaker. Every year youth from the Swazi Baptist churches come for an enjoyable time of Bible study, worship and fellowship. For many it is the highlight of their year. Pray the planning of the camp will continue to go well. Pray a venue will also be secured.

Thursday July 14: After worship services the adults of the Vuvulane Baptist Church visited a very sick lady in the community. As the group entered the room the emaciated body of the lady was almost overlooked. Perhaps it will be a matter of time before she succumbs to her illness (AIDS). The sign of loss is everywhere. Homesteads are either caring for a sick loved one or burying a family member. The only occupants of some homesteads are children with no one to care for them. What is there hope? Pray those dying from AIDS will have a chance to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior before it is too late. Pray the victims and families of victims will not be abandoned but will have someone to care for them.

Friday July 15: The Swazi Team praises the Lord for ALL the people He has sent to serve in Swaziland in the last couple of months. God has moved all over the country in various ministries and lives are being changed for God. Please pray God will continue to send His chosen to work among the Swazis of Swaziland!

Saturday July 16: She was the smallest of the children that assembled in a group. She kept her eyes on the white teacher reading the Biblical story with so many colorful pictures that held the attention of all the children. Questions were asked but she was too young to really understand or know the answers. After the story the children enjoyed coloring and working on activity sheets given them. Everyone was busy working (even the most rowdy were involved in their task). The little one took her crayon and quickly made marks on her paper. When class time was over she left with the other children to return to their homes. Pray the Swazi Baptist churches will see the need to teach and train Swazi Baptist children. Pray these children one day will be strong committed leaders of Swazi Baptist churches.

Sunday July 17: There are several churches that have been given land for building their church structures. Some are in the midst of planning and building while others are waiting to begin. Pray as these congregations plan towards their building projects. Through tithes and offerings may these new structures be completed.

Monday July 18: Sharing God’s Word on a Wednesday night in semi-darkness and shoeless, the volunteer missionary can only begin to wander what her friends would think if they could see her now. With lanterns, small flash lights and one candle to light the room, she can not see faces, only images as she shares from the book of Joshua. Everyone listens and flash lights bob up and down as pages are flipped in the Bible. There is always exciting and new experiences for volunteers coming to Swaziland such as Hunter and Katy who ministered with the Swazi Team in June. Pray Hunger and Katy will remember their time in Swaziland with fondness and the thrill of knowing the Lord used their gifts and talents to enhance His Kingdom.

Tuesday July 19: July 19-26 the Myers will enjoy a holiday/vacation at the Kruger National Game Reserve. Pray for a restful and enjoyable time for the Myers!

Wednesday July 20: Today Deborah Hoskins is having minor foot surgery in Johannesburg, South Africa. Please pray for safe travel and for the operation to go well.

Thursday July 21: When the True Love Waits International film crew came to Swaziland June 12-14, they were able to hear the True Love Waits presentation by the six summer missionaries, first at Velebantfu and in the afternoon at the Oslo Primary School in Mgamudze. The crew also conducted interviews with a few who heard the presentations as well as host a “Tea” on the 14th for Swazi Baptist TLW leaders. It was a good time of fellowship and discussion concerning the importance of spreading the TLW message throughout Swaziland. Pray for strong TLW presenters that believe the True Love Waits message and live their lives as God expects.

Friday July 22: Pray the King of Swaziland, his wives and children will be set free from cultural bondage by the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Saturday July 23: SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA UNENGAGED PEOPLES:
The church is alive and growing in many parts of the Zambezi Cluster. However, there remain large areas where the Gospel has had little to no influence on the people. This is mainly due to extremely isolated areas within these countries, a lack of laborers, and the strong influence of Islam. Please pray God will put it on the hearts of choice servants to come and live and serve among the Muslims of these countries. Pray especially for the few Muslim-background believers who struggle to live out their faith among their own people. Pray for the Koti, the Mwani and the Nahara coastal peoples as well as the Makonde, the Yao and Makhwua-Meeto who are mainly inland agriculturalists influenced by Islam.

Sunday July 24: August 10-18 a 16-member volunteer team from the Euto Baptist Church (Marshville NC) led by Bert and Lisa Warren will minister in the northeast section of Swaziland. The volunteer team’s ministries will include prayer walking, hut-to-hut visitation, ladies and youth retreats, children’s Bible study, AIDS orphan ministry and other spirit led ministries. Pray for Bert, Lisa, Matthew, Zach, Landon, Keith, Jen, Nathan, Lisa, Harley, Kimberly, Brooke, Kathy, Kara, Amanda and Jenna as they prepare to work with the Swazi people. Pray for the Myers as they prepare for the team’s arrival.

Monday July 25: Pray for Deborah Hoskins’ sister on her birthday today. Pray she has an enjoyable day with family and friends.

Tuesday July 26: July 26-28 the Swazi Team will meet with the six summer missionaries for a time of debriefing on their two months of True Love Waits ministry in Swaziland. Pray Tiffany, Jonathon, Elizabeth, Adam, Tori and REH will remember their time in Swaziland as one full of wonderful blessings, new relationships and a sense of accomplishing the task the Lord set before them. Pray the message of True Love Waits and God’s plan for student’s lives will continue to spread even after these missionaries leave.

Wednesday July 27: After enjoying good and substantial rains in the spring and early summer, some areas of the country did not receive the continued rains and are now facing a possible famine situation. Just when the crops needed rain the most, the rains stopped. Many will suffer when their food supplies run out before next year’s crops are ready to harvest. Pray those facing a hunger situation will be able to find assistance in feeding their families. Pray the next growing season will be one of plenty.

Thursday July 28: Begin praying for the planning of the 2011 Swazi Baptist Women’s Retreat October 13-15 at the Manzini Baptist Church. Pray for the National Women’s Committee to begin making preparations for this annual event.

Friday July 29: What missionary worked for 40 years in China literally giving her life to her work? Lottie Moon is famous for her desperate appeal in 1888 for more missionaries (resulting in the annual Lottie Moon Christmas Offering). Funds were so scarce Lottie once spent 14 continuous years on the mission field. Thank you for giving to the 2010 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Last year’s giving was one of the largest on record. As plans begin for the promotion of the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, pray the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to this annual offering will continue. Pray the Lord will be glorified as planning begins and goals are set!!

Saturday July 30: Pray for the Camp Worldlight camp staff mission team arriving today (July 30-August 10) to serve in the Hhohho region ministering to Swazi Baptist children. Pray for Jill, Mindy, Ashley, Rachel, Aarika, Brooklyn, Laura and Anne as they work and serve in Swaziland.

Sunday July 31: Pray the Lord will provide pastors for the New Hope and Peace Baptist Churches (without pastors for several years). Pray the faithful will continue to be fruitful and the adults will strive to teach the youth and children the ways of the Lord.

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-06-23T12:28:00.000-07:00

Our weekly prayer letter is a little early this week due to the scheduled arrival of the BGR In-Home Health Care Kits tomorrow at the Mbabane mission house. This will be such a momentous occasion we all want to be there for the shipment’s arrival. After weeks (or maybe months) of getting the container released from South Africa, Wayne has been involved in getting all the paper work completed. Just when he thought everything was okay, there was another form needed. But, everything NOW looks to be in order and the shipment should arrive!! Please pray with the Swazi Team that the shipment will arrive tomorrow at the mission house in Mbabane as scheduled.

Today Brandi and Kim (Hands On missionaries) will begin their month long homestead visit with Pastor and Mrs. Musuku (Mafacula Baptist Church) in Mafacula. Due to college/classroom requirements, Brandi and Kim will also spend one month in language and culture study. Tuesday night the Musukus and Bheki, their language/culture tutor (pastor of Luwhawhaweni Baptist Church) came to the house for a time of food, fun and fellowship. We have been getting all the things together they will need for their stay. Pray Brandi and Kim’s experience on the homestead will be a time of learning and developing relationships with the Swazi people. Pray also for Sienna and Heather who are staying and ministering in the Hhohho/Manzini regions.

Saturday (June 26) Wayne will meet with Nkosingiphile Dlamini (pastor of the Thunzini Baptist Church) for a time of discussion and planning. Nkosingiphile has been accepted to a teacher training college in Manzini. This is great news for Nkosingiphile who has been a strong committed Christian pastor as well as leader of the Shiselweni Baptist Association. It is unsure how often Pastor Dlamini will be able to return to Thunzini for Sunday worship. Pray for the Thunzini Baptist Church during this time of change. Pray leaders within the congregation will be able to lead the church in the pastor’s absence. Pray for Nkosingiphile as he begins a new chapter in his life.

--June 27-29 is the second scheduled “Get-Away” for the six summer missionaries, hosted by Todd and Deborah Hoskins. The group will not be taking a trip to Kruger but will go to the Mkhaya Game Reserve instead. Please continue to pray for Tiffany, Tori, Elizabeth, REH, Adam and Jonathon as they share the True Love Wait message in schools and church. Pray their second “Get Away will be a time of re-energizing in preparation for their continued work in the rural area of Swaziland.

--The Shiselweni Association scheduled for Saturday has been postponed until July 9th. Pray for this special meeting and for a good representation from the Swazi Baptist churches in the Shiselweni region.

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST:
Wayne and I have a special prayer request. In the past several months we have experienced computer difficulties. In September of last year my computer was taken to a shop and found to have a damaged graphics card (caused by strong power surges). This was fixed and the computer brought home only to have the same problem again with the computer being returned to the shop in October. I have not seen my computer since. Since the owner of the shop cannot get the computer from the technician because he always in Mozambique or he doesn’t bring the computer when he says he will, I fear my computer has been sold. Wayne’s computer also suffered a damaged graphics card that had worked itself into the mother board. So we are currently using one old Dell laptop computer, which we are certainly glad to have but find it difficult to do all we need to do on the computer. Please pray we can find a suitable solution to our computer woes soon.

Sunday morning while enjoying my quiet time, I heard what I thought was a noise at the gate. Wondering “who in the world would be at the gate at 7:00am” I looked out my bedroom window. I didn’t see anyone and I was about to turn away from the window when I caught something moving from the corner of my eye. As I turned to look, I realized it was a big wart hog. I was so surprised I yelled “There is a wart hog in the yard.” By the time Wayne went out to see if he could help the frightened animal find a way out, the wart hog quickly dove under the fence (doesn’t say much for our fence L). After the excitement died down, I tried to regain my sense of serenity with the Lord. The joys of living on a farm in Africa!!

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-06-19T23:35:00.000-07:00

The shipment of 648 Home Health Care Kits (BGR buckets) has arrived in Swaziland!!! The kits are now waiting for all the paper work to be completed (always more paper work) so customs can release the shipment to be delivered to the mission house in Mbabane. Even though we were disappointed that the kits could not be delivered to the mission on Tuesday (14th) as first indicated, we are so thankful they are in Swaziland. Pray for the Swazi Team as we continue to wait for the kits to arrive at the mission house in Mbabane. Pray there will be PLENTY of help to unload the shipment. Pray for the Swazi Team as we seek to train our church members on the use of these kits. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song. Psalm 28:7

Accompanying the True Love Waits International film crew to the scheduled True Love Waits presentations (in the Shiselweni region) on Monday provided a full and exciting day for Wayne. He was blessed to hear the presentation twice, first at Velebantfu (REH, Jonathon and Adam) and in the afternoon at the Oslo School (Mgamudze) presented by Tori, Elizabeth and Tiffany. Wayne felt things went well and the summer missionaries were excited to be involved in their first TLW presentations. Sharon, Cindi and Roxie were also able to interview those who heard the TLW message and host a “Tea” on the 14th for Swazi Baptist TLW leaders. Thank you for praying for this special time. Continue to pray for Adam, REH, Jonathon, Tori, Elizabeth and Tiffany as they seek to share the TLW message with more schools and churches.
The summer missionaries had their first “Get-Away” June 14-16. These scheduled Get-Aways are helpful to the missionaries in that they allow a touch of civilization to their lives. These missionaries are living in areas where such luxuries as electricity and clean flowing drinking water are limited. The group seems to be doing well living the “rural life” and we want to help them continue to do so. Pray Tori, Elizabeth, Tiffany, REH, Jonathon and Adam will continue to adjust to the many changes in their lives.   The next Get-Away is scheduled for June 27-29. The Myers and Hoskins will accompany the group to the Kruger National Game Reserve!! YEAH!!

The four Hands On missionaries, Sienna, Heather, Brandi and Kim arrived in Swaziland on Wednesday and are currently involved in orientation in Mbabane. Sienna and Heather will stay in Mbabane but Wayne will return to Tshaneni tomorrow with Brandi and Kim. Due to college/classroom requirements Brandi and Kim will stay on a homestead (Mafucula) for one month. They will also be involved in culture and language study. Pray for these four missionaries as they begin their stay and ministry in Swaziland. These missionaries will also spread the True Love Waits message throughout the country. Pray for Brandi and Kim as they begin their homestead stay this week as well as culture and language learning. Pray they will adjust well to living in “rural” Swaziland.

Today is Lacie Allen’s 7th birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY LACIE!!

Last Saturday Lacie participated in an international gymnastics competition in Benoni, South Africa and came in second!!! Congratulations Lacie!

SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEKEND:
--Kym Pennington (True Love Waits International consultant) and Adam Coe will unite in marriage tomorrow June 18th in Conway, Arkansas. The Swazi Team appreciates Kym’s work in training TLW presenters and promoting TLW ministry in Swaziland. Pray for Kym and Adam as they begin their lives together.

--HAPPY FATHER’S DAY –Sunday June 19th
BEST WISHES TO A “MODEL” DAD ON FATHER’S DAY
Father’s Day is one of those days
When Dads like you deserve some praise,
And this is coming just to say
You’re wished a happy Father’s Day,
And you’re so dear and thoughtful, too,
More Dads should be “modeled” after you.
                               --Helen Steiner Rice
Take time to talk and spend time with your father today!! Pray this day will indeed be special for fathers everywhere and each will feel the presence of the Lord throughout their special day!

--A volunteer youth team from the First Baptist Church, Washington, North Carolina will minister with the Allen family from June 21-June 30. This will be the first mission trip for many of these youth. Please pray for the team members and leaders as they minister and for the Swazis with whom they will be sharing.

--Saturday June 26 the Shiselweni Association will meet at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Pray for this special meeting and for a good representation from the Swazi Baptist churches in the Shiselweni region.

Pray for Lisa Warren’s father:
I ask for prayer today (June 15) because I just received a call from Mom that Dad is being admitted to the hospital again. His blood pressure and heart rate are dropping. Heart rate is in the 40's and he is jaundicing some.   He has been on quite a ride this year, and you just never know what will happen ... God has shown such great mercy, and allowed us more time with him. I am thankful for that!

--Absalom Mkhonta, a stronger leader in the Thunzini Baptist Church underwent hernia surgery on Tuesday. He was doing well and sent home on Thursday. Mr. Mkhonta is 73 years old and the father of Simphiwe Mavuso, wife of the pastor of the Vuvulane Baptist Church (Douglas Mavuso). Pray Mr. Mkhonta will continue to do without any problems.

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-06-10T02:58:00.000-07:00

Sharing God’s Word on a Wednesday night in semi darkness and shoeless (but with socks), the volunteer missionary can only begin to wonder what her friends would think if they saw her now. With lanterns, small flash lights and one candle to light the room, she can not see faces only images as she shares from the book of Joshua. Everyone listened and flash lights bobbed up and down as pages were flipped in Bibles.
There are always exciting and new experiences for volunteers when coming to Swaziland. We pray Hunter and Katy will continue to enjoy their time and receive wonderful blessings. As they finish their time with us this week pray the Lord will continue to show them His will for their lives as well as blessings he has for them. Each received wonderful news since being in Swaziland. Hunter has been accepted for Medical School in the fall and Katy has accepted a position as a minister of youth in a church in North Carolina.  Hunter and Katy will finish their time ministering in the Hhohho region. They return to the states on the 30th of June.

Adjusting to living in the rural area of Swaziland (Shiselweni region) the six summer missionaries are enjoying new experiences and relationships. It is winter in Swaziland and the nights and mornings can be quite chilly. Pray Tori, Elizabeth, Tiffany, REH, Jonathon and Adam will stay warm and adjust to the many changes in their lives. Pray they will be able to make contacts and present the TLW message in many schools and churches.   The first scheduled “Get-Away” for the summer missionaries is June 14-16. Todd and Deborah Hoskins are the planners for this fun time of relaxing, reconnecting with luxuries such as washing clothes in a washer and taking a shower, and fellowshipping with each other!! Pray for the Hoskins as they plan this get away!!

Monday a film crew from True Love Waits International will tape a presentation of the True Love Waits messages presented at a Swazi school by one of the group of summer missionaries. Sharon, Cindi and Roxie will also interview those attending the presentation. Pray for Cindi, Roxie and Sharon as they travel to the Shiselweni region and begin working on a documentary about the spread of the TLW message in the country. Pray their time in Swaziland will be very productive (June 12-15).    June 14th the crew (Sharon, Cindi and Roxie) will host a “Tea” for national TLW leaders (that can attend) and summer missionaries. Pray for this very special time for these TLW leaders.

-The four “Hands On” missionaries arrive in Jo’burg on Wednesday (June 15) for six months of True Love Waits ministry in Swaziland. Leaving Shiselweni (and the film crew) Wayne will travel to Jo’burg to collect Sienna, Heather, Brandi and Kim and return to Mbabane for a time of orientation. After the orientation Wayne will return to Tshaneni with Brandi and Kim and Sienna and Heather will remain in Mbabane.    After a couple days of getting adjusted, Brandi and Kim will meet their homestead host and hostess (Mafucula) where they will stay for a month (part of college class work). Pray Sienna, Brandi, Kim and Heather will adjust well to life in Swaziland. Pray hearts and lives will be touched as God’s plan for marriage and purity is shared.

A WORD OF THANK YOU…..
I would like to take this time to personally thank each member of the Swazi Team for their wonderful spirit during this very busy time. I personally (due to our location and transportation needs for the missionaries) have not been able to take part in the meeting and greeting as well as orientation but I want to say “Thank You” to Steve, Monica, Todd, Deborah and of course Wayne for jumping in and working hard to see that the summer missionaries were orientated and in their locations of work as well as preparing for the Sharon, Roxie and Cindi’s visit and the arrival of the four Hands On missionaries this week. During the last two weeks the Allens have been involved with a volunteer team from Kentucky and the National Youth Leader’s Retreat last weekend and Todd and Steve participated in the first Rural Training School (June 6-10) at Phuzumoya. It has been an overwhelming time of ministry for the Team!!   Please lift up the Swazi Team during this very busy time but also exciting time of ministry. The Allens are scheduled to host two volunteer teams in June and July.   Pray the Lord will provide the extra strength as they prepare for these two (important) volunteer teams. The Hoskins will continue to provide the scheduled “Get-Aways” for the summer missionaries (one includes a trip to Kruger with the help of the Myers). Pray every member of the Swazi Team will not tire and grow weary in the midst of all the “activity” before them.

--Tomorrow, the EC Committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets. Important issues will be discussed concerning the need for decisions to be made in an autonomous manner that allows discussion, for decisions to be made a as a group, and understanding the convention’s relationship with the Council of Churches. Pray for Wayne as he leads this time of discussion and hopefully understanding. Pray there will be unity among those attending tomorrow’s meeting.
Also, last month the Baptist Convention elected new officers. Pray for these as they begin serving as leaders of the convention.

AIDS UPDATE:
The shipment of 648 In-Home Health Kits has finally been released and should be on its way to Swaziland. We do not know when the shipment will arrive. Pray the shipment will arrive when help is available for unloading. Pray for the Swazi Team as we seek to train our church members on the use of these kits.

IMB’S OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
The Southern Baptist Convention is scheduled for June 14 and 15 and will be held in Phoenix, Arizona. Lift up IMB President Ton Elliff as he prepares to address the convention on Wednesday afternoon, June 15. Ask God to use Dr. Elliff’s message to delegates as a springboard for reaching the unengaged peoples of this world.

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-06-06T00:44:00.000-07:00

Since Hunter and Katy’s arrival in Swaziland on the 28th they have been involved in teaching Bible studies, a TEE class (Theological Education by Extension), assisting with a children’s Bible study, helping with summer missionaries’ orientation and this weekend co-leading the National Youth Leaders Retreat. This past week they also have had the opportunity to make new Swazi friends. Continue to pray for Hunter and Katy as they continue to minister in Swaziland. After the youth retreat this weekend they will return to northeast Swaziland. Thursday and Friday (June 9-10) they will minister in the Shiselweni region. The following week their ministry will begin in the Hhohho region.

All six summer missionaries arrived Wednesday June 1st in Swaziland to begin their time of ministry in Swaziland. REH, Adam, Jonathan, Tori, Tiffany and Elizabeth spent Wednesday and Thursday in orientation. On Friday, they experienced the public transport system and assist with a children’s Bible study at Sibebe. This past weekend they attended the National Youth Leaders Retreat in Manzini. Monday the troop will travel to their Swazi homes, the guys will stay in the Velebantfu area and the girls on the Thwala/Msibi homestead next to the Mgamudze Baptist Church. Thus, begins their time of adjustment to life in the rural area and the ministry of spreading the True Love message in schools and churches. Pray TLW contacts will easily be made and each will experience wonderful blessings serving in Swaziland.

Please pray for the National Swazi Baptist Youth Leaders Retreat June 3-5. Pray for Pastor Makhosi Fakudze (pastor of Vovovo Baptist Church) and Hunter and Katy as they lead. Pray for the youth leaders attending to benefit from this time of fellowship and training.
Begin also praying for the National Youth Camp August 25-28. Every year youth from the Swazi Baptist churches come for an enjoyable time of Bible study, worship and fellowship. For many it is the highlight of their year. Pray for a great group this year. Pray the planning of the camp will continue to go well.

Computer woes continue for the Myers family. L Wayne’s received the bad news that his computer will cost more to repair than to purchase a new one. Either due to extreme power surges or electrical storms, his graphics card is extremely damaged and in the process of working its way into the mother board. BIG PROBLEMS we are told!! No word from my computer but the situation will need to be dealt with in the next couple of weeks. Pray for us as we try to solve our computer woes.

PRAY FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS:
--June 12-15 a group from True Love Waits International will be in Swaziland to conduct research for a documentary on the work of the six summer missionaries spreading the True Love message throughout Swaziland. Sharon, Cindi and Roxie will observe and conduct interviews with the missionaries as well as those attending a presentation of the True Love Waits message. Pray their time in Swaziland will be very productive for Sharon, Cindi and Roxie. Pray the work of the missionaries and the completion of documentary will help educate Swazis to the causes of HIV/AIDS and how it affects their society as well as families. Pray each will understand that if we live the way the Lord ordains, we don’t have to die.
--June 16th four “Hands On” missionaries will arrive to share the True Love Waits message throughout Swaziland. Sienna and Heather will stay in Mbabane and Brandi and Kim in Tshaneni. Pray for Sienna, Heather, Brandi and Kim as they prepare for their time in Swaziland. Pray now for the hearts and lives that will be touched as God’s plan for marriage and purity is shared. Their time of service will end in December 2011.

AIDS UPDATE:
The shipment of 648 In-Home Health Kits (BGR Buckets) finally has been released by the South African government and can now make its way to Swaziland. We do not know of a time-table or date when the shipment will arrive. With this uncertainty, pray the shipment will arrive when help is available for unloading the container. Pray for the Swazi Team as we seek to train our church members on the use of these kits.

IMB’S OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
Please continue to pray for the 67 missionary adults and 39 missionary kids (MKs) who have been in field orientation at the our learning center since April 25. They will conclude this season of their lives on June 17. As the days get longer and the information in their heads reaches the point of major overload, please ask God to keep their enthusiasm and energy at high levels. Pray also that those awaiting visa approval will get a positive word very quickly. The stress of waiting can be very difficult at times.

She was the smallest of the children that assembled in a group. She kept her eyes on the white teacher reading the Biblical story with so many colorful pictures that held the attention of all the children. Questions were asked but she was too young to really understand or know the answers. After the story the children enjoyed coloring and working on activity sheets given them. Everyone was busy working (even the most rowdy were involved in their task). The little one took her crayon and quickly made marks on her paper. When class time was over she left with the other children to return to their homes. There is so much to teach these children and so much for them to learn about Jesus, the Bible, Christian living and church life. The task must begin when they are young so they can develop into strong committed Christian leaders. Pray the Swazi Baptist churches will see the need to teach and train Swazi Baptist children. May these children one day be strong committed leaders of Swazi Baptist churches.

May Update from Hoskins

2011-05-30T23:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day!
This month we started what will become a regular teaching one Saturday each month at Big Bend Baptist Church. Todd will be teaching the youth and Deborah will be teaching the ladies. Please pray that God will give us wisdom as we begin to develop relationships in the area and help teach.

We participated in a church work day for Mphembekati Baptist Church. We helped clear the church’s new land that was full of guava trees. We had a lot of fun working hard with our friends and being able to admire the progress that was made.

Kym Pennington, the True Love Waits International consultant for Swaziland and Malawi, was able to stay with us for a few days this month and do a short version of the True Love Waits training in a couple of the local high schools. We really enjoyed being able to hear and participate in her presentation. Please pray that the locals who are trained in True Love Waits will have the opportunity to go back to the schools and give the complete presentation.

This Wednesday, the six college summer missionaries will be arriving in Swaziland. We are looking forward to their arrival and the blessing that they will be to our team and the Swazi people during their time here. Todd and I were able to join a volunteer team for only about a half an hour on Saturday while they were doing home visits in Lesibovu. It is such an encouragement to have volunteers come to spur on the work that has been started here. They are truly an inspiration to us. Please continue to pray for all of our extra help these next months.

Thank you for your support.

June Prayer Calendar

2011-05-26T08:12:00.001-07:00

Wednesday June 1: Hunter and Katy Hallock arrived in Swaziland on May 27 to serve with the Myers, Allens and Hoskins throughout the month of June in various ministry opportunities. Hunter has ministered in Swaziland several times but this is Katy’s first visit to the country. Pray Hunter and Katy will enjoy their time working and serving with the Swazi people.

Thursday June 2: Six summer missionaries arrived yesterday to begin their time of sharing the True Love Waits message in schools and with the Swazi Baptist churches. REH, Adam, Jonathon will stay on a homestead in the Velebantfu community and Tori, Tiffany and Elizabeth will stay on a homestead next to the Mgamudze Baptist Church. Pray the Lord will give wisdom to these as they seek His will with the TLW ministry. Pray each will be able to adjust to a totally different lifestyle and their physical, emotional and spiritual health will not suffer. Daily gathering of water, homes without electricity and living in camp-like conditions will be the norm for their stay.

Friday June 3: Please pray for the Swazi Baptist Youth Leaders’ Retreat this weekend (June 3-5). Hunter Johnson and Katy Hallock, volunteers from North Carolina and Makhosi Fakudze (pastor of the Vovovo Baptist Church) are leading this training event. The six summer missionaries will also be attending.

Saturday June 4: May 14th the Shiselweni Baptist Association met at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Please continue to pray for this association as the nine Swazi Baptist churches strive to meet together for encouragement and unity.

Sunday June 5: Please pray for the nineteen members of Mpolonjeni Baptist Union Church baptized on May 15th.. Pray these new believers will stand strong in their faith. Each person gave a verbal testimony of their faith in Christ during their baptism. God blessed with a beautiful sunny day after a cool rainy night.

Monday June 6: A Bible training school for church leaders is scheduled this week June 6-10 at the Phuzumoya Baptist Church in partnership with the South Coast Bible School (South Africa). Please pray for this training and for Steve Allen as he teaches a class on “Isaiah.”

Tuesday June 7: 648 In-Home Care Kits (BGR buckets) are on their way to Swaziland. The Swazi Team praises the Lord for His provision but also know with these buckets is the responsibility of distributing and ministering to AIDS victims and their families. Pray for the Swazi Team as we seek to train our church members on the use of the kits. Each kit is packed in a 5-gallon bucket filled with items such as multivitamins, sheets, a towel and washcloths, soap for sensitive skin, gloves for caregivers and much more. May many Swazi lives be touched by the giving and sharing of these kits. J    For more information, go to http://www.inhomecarekit.org/ and click on the “Shopping List” page.

Wednesday June 8:   “Who wants to go to heaven?” Smiling all those attending the Bible study at the new outreach group (MaCethuka) raised their hands. Thank you for praying for this new work that met for the first time on May 11th. Pray this new work at MaCethuka will develop into a strong Bible study. Pray more adults/youth and children will attend and understand about living the Christian life.

Thursday June 9: A mission team from Clear Creek Bible College ministered in Swaziland the last week of May. Please pray for follow-up with those who made decisions for the Lord through revival services, evangelistic homestead visits and Bible studies in new outreach areas in the Hhohho region.

Friday June 10: Last month (May 7th) the Baptist Convention of Swaziland elected new officers. Pray for these as they begin serving as leaders of the convention. Pray decisions will be made in an autonomous matter that will allow discussion. Pray for a spirit of unity and fellowship among the Swazi Baptist churches and the Swaziland Baptist Convention.

Saturday June 11: Pray for Lacie Allen today as she participates in an international gymnastics competition in Benoini (South Africa). Pray she will do her best and will enjoy her of time of competing.

Sunday June 12: June 12-15 a group from True Love Waits International will be in Swaziland to conduct research for a documentary on the work of the six summer missionaries spreading the True Love Waits message throughout Swaziland. Sharon, Cindi and Roxie will observe and conduct interviews with the missionaries as well as those attending True Love Waits trainings. Pray this work will be very productive for Sharon, Cindi and Roxie. Pray the work of the missionaries and the completion of this documentary will help educate Swazis to the causes of HIV/AIDS and how it affects their society as well as families. Pray each will understand that if we live the way the Lord ordains, we don’t have to die.

Monday June 13: After enjoying good and substantial rains in the spring and early summer, some areas in the country now find themselves in a drought situation possibly facing a famine in the coming year. Just when the crops needed rain the most, the rains stopped. Many will suffer when their food supplies run out before the next crops are ready to harvest. Pray those facing a hunger situation will be able to find assistance in feeding their families. Pray the next growing season will be one of plenty.

Tuesday June 14: In March Todd Hoskins began meeting each morning with a new friend for Bible study. As the study continues pray God will give Todd wisdom in his relationship and study with his Swazi friend.

Wednesday June 15: Thank you for your consistent prayer support for the King of Swaziland and his wives and children. Please continue to pray each will experience the gift of salvation and revival will take place throughout Swaziland.

Thursday June 16: Today four “Hands On” missionaries will arrive in Swaziland to begin 6 months of ministry sharing the True Love Waits message with Swazi Baptist churches and schools throughout Swaziland. After a four day orientation Sienna and Heather will stay in Mbabane and Brandi and Kim will travel to Tshaneni. As part of their college class work, Brandi and Kim will undergo a month of language study while staying on a Swazi homestead. Pray Sienna, Brandi, Kim and Heather will adjust well to life in Swaziland. Pray hearts and lives will be touched as God’s plan for marriage and purity is shared.

Friday June 17: Pray for Lacie Allen today on her 7th birthday!!
There are five Swazi Baptist churches in the Manzini area. Most of these are experiencing problems of poor leadership or doctrinal issues. As the Hoskins continue to develop friendships and working relationships with the pastors/leaders of these churches, pray these issues can be addressed and the outcome will be healthy and spiritually vibrant churches. Pray for wisdom for the Hoskins as they seek the Lord’s help and guidance with this large task!

Saturday June 18: Kym Pennington (True Love Waits International consultant) and Adam Coe will unite in marriage in Conway, Arkansas. The Swazi Team appreciates Kym’s work in training TLW presenters and promoting TLW ministry in Swaziland. Pray for Kym and Adam as they begin their lives together. The couple will reside in Conway, Oklahoma.

Sunday June 19: FATHERS’ DAY!!
Take time to talk and spend time with your father today!! Pray this day will indeed be special for fathers everywhere and each will feel the presence of the Lord throughout their special day!

Monday June 20: With the spread of the Muslim faith throughout Swaziland increasing Swazi Christians need to become more evangelistic in winning their friends, neighbors and family to the Lord. Pray for a renewed excitement and boldness among Swazi Christians to see their friends and loved ones come to know Jesus as their Savior. Pray the spread of the Muslim faith in Swaziland will be no more!!

Tuesday June 21: A volunteer youth team from the First Baptist Church, Washington, North Carolina will minister with the Allen family from June 21-June 30. This will be the first mission trip for many of these youth. Please pray for the team members and leaders as they minister and for the Swazis with whom they will be sharing.

Wednesday June 22: For years missionary Barbara Myers and several Swazis have worked to translate from English to siSwati adult, youth, older children, children and beginner Sunday School materials. In 2005 siSwati children and beginner’s Sunday School books were printed and are currently being used in our Swazi Baptist churches. Pray for Barbara as she strives to bring this big project to a satisfying end. Pray these materials will also be printed in book form that will be easily accessible to the Swazi Baptist churches.

Thursday June 23: SUB-SAHARAN AFFRICAN UNENGAGED PEOPLES: The BangeriMe cliff dwellers on the escarpment area of Mali remain isolated from the Gospel and isolated from much of the world. Please ask the Lord to embed a desire and an interest in the heart of someone to come and be God’s tool to “chip away the stone” and be His light to these who are embedded in their own animalistic culture. Story tellers are needed who are willing to travel the distance and climb the heights necessary for God’s love to be planted and cultivated.

Friday June 24: The customs of the African culture make it difficult for women to protect themselves against AIDS. Many women are faithful to their spouse but discover they are HIV-positive since it is culturally acceptable for men to have multiple wives and many sexual partners. Women facing poverty often believe sex is the only way they can get money to feed themselves and their families. Pray that women suffering from poverty will find employment or receive government assistance instead of giving sex in exchange for food and transport. Pray these women will commit themselves to Jesus Christ and receive eternal salvation regardless of their HIV status.   (Hearing the Cries of the Hurting prayer booklet)

Saturday June 25: July 30-August 10, a volunteer team from Camp Worldlight, Florida GA/Acteens Camp is coming to serve with the Swazi children through Bible studies, games, crafts and songs in the Hhohho region. Please pray for Laura, Jill, Mindy, Ashley, Rachel, Aarika, Brooklyn and Anne.

Sunday June 26: Both the Luwhawhaweni and Vuvulane Baptist Churches have been given land to build church structures. Pray as these congregations plan towards their building projects. Through tithes and offerings may these new structures be completed. Pray also for the Mpembakati Baptist Church as the congregation moves ahead with the construction of their church building.

Monday June 27: June 27-29, the Myers, Hoskins and summer missionaries will take an enjoyable trip to the Kruger National Game Reserve. Pray Adam, REH, Jonathon, Tori, Tiffany and Elizabeth will see many animals as well as birds and will have a great experience admiring God’s creation.

Tuesday June 28: August 10-18 a 16-member volunteer team from the Euto Baptist Church (Marshville, NC) led by Bert and Lisa Warren will minister in the northeast section of Swaziland. Bert, Lisa, Jessie, Matthew and Sarah were part of the Swazi Team (2008-2009) before returning to the States due to Lisa’s father’s illness. The volunteer team’s ministries will include prayer walking, hut-to-hut visitation, ladies and youth retreats, children’s Bible studies, AIDS orphans ministry and other spirit led ministries. Pray for Bert, Lisa, Matthew, Zach, Landon, Keith, Jen, Nathan, Lisa, Harley, Kimberly, Brooke, Kathy, Kara, Amanda and Jenna as they prepare to work with the Swazi people. Pray for the Myers as they prepare for this team’s arrival.

Wednesday June 29: The National Youth Camp is scheduled for August 25-28. Every year youth from the Swazi Baptist churches come for an enjoyable time of Bible study, worship and fellowship. For many it is the highlight of their year. Pray for a great group this year. Pray the planning of the camp will continue to go well.

Thursday June 30: If one were to visit a Zionist church (traditional African religion) he or she would take their shoes off at the door. Members would be dressed in robes of white or blue or green. There probably would be a candle in the middle of the floor and as the service starts a circle of people would start jogging and chanting around in a circle for approximately 30-45 minutes. Afterwards would be a time of extended prayer with all the people praying on their knees or prostate on the ground. The praying is mournful and loud. There is quite a bit of congregational singing, an extended time of testifying and more than one sermon. Pray for the Zionists to come to a true understanding of their need for a personal relationship with Jesus and they will be able to separate themselves from the pagan practices of traditional religion. (So That Christ Might Dwell in Their Hearts Swazi People prayer booklet)

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-05-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

Jesus, my Teacher, guide me along your way and help me to piece together the jigsaw of life in your kingdom. When I make decisions, lead me to the heart of the matter, and when I face conflict, do not let my own panic drown out the still, small voice of your wisdom. (Author Unknown)

Our weekly prayer letter is early this week because of our trip to Jo’burg Thursday-Saturday (May 26-28) to collect two volunteers that will be working with the Swazi Team throughout Swaziland. Hunter Johnson and Katy Hallock will stay in Mbabane the first week of their time in the country assisting with the orientation of the six summer missionaries and co-leading the Youth Leaders Retreat June 3-5. June 6-10 they will be with the Myers.   Hunter has been in Swaziland many times but this is Katy’s first visit.   Pray Hunter and Katy’s flight will be uneventful. Pray they will enjoy their time working and serving with the Swazi people. Pray for our safe journey to and from Jo’burg.

Kym Pennington (True Love Waits International consultant) began leading her third TLW training event on Monday at Mafucula. History was made this week with 10 Swazis registering for the first TLW training in northeast Swaziland. 10 Swazis made the commitment to live lives pleasing to God and to teach others to do the same. This morning (as I type this prayer letter) the group is presenting the TLW message to the Mafucula Secondary School.
A report from Kym:
May 16-18, we had a training in Hawane (Hhohho region). We had a total of 12 ladies trained. It went excellent. The ladies were excited and planning their next meeting . We went to the Torbes Primary School and presented to 135 students from grades 5-7 and 113 signed commitment cards to stay pure.
May 19-20 we presented a portion of the presentation to a total of 10 classrooms and also share during assembly time (in Manzini). Over 300 students heard the good news and the team will be returning to present the rest of the message.
May 23-25 we are currently conducting training in the Lubumbo region. We had 10 come to for training and they are great presenters. We will present the message in a secondary school on Wednesday. I am very excited!!
Pray those trained will commit to living the “message” they will teach to others. Pray hearts will be moved through the teaching and hearing of the TLW message. Pray Kym’s flight to America (May 26th) will be uneventful.

June 18th is a special day for Kym Pennington and Adam Coe. It is their wedding day!!   Pray for Kym and Adam as they begin their lives together.

Pray for Todd and Deborah Hoskins on their 3rd wedding anniversary, May 31st.

Wednesday, June 1st, the six summer missionaries will arrive in Swaziland to begin their time of sharing the True Love Waits message in schools and churches. Wednesday-Friday the group will undergo orientation in Mbabane. June 3-5, they will attend the Swazi Baptist National Youth Leaders’ Conference. Monday (6th) the group will travel to the Shiselweni region where REH, Adam and Jonathon will stay on a homestead in the Velebantfu community and Tori, Tiffany and Elizabeth will stay next to the Mgamudze Baptist Church. Daily gathering water, homes without electricity and living in camp-like conditions will be the norm for their stay. Pray for these missionaries as they prepare for their ministries in Swaziland. Pray they will be able to adjust to a totally different lifestyle. Pray their time in Swaziland will be filled with wonderful experiences and blessings!

Please pray for the National Swazi Baptist Youth Leaders Retreat June 3-5. Pray for Pastor Makhosi Fakudze (pastor of Vovovo Baptist Church) and Hunter and Katy as they lead. Pray youth leaders from all Swazi Baptist churches will attend.

Pray the members of the Swazi Team will adjust to working with the Lord’s provision of new workers for the harvest. The Team will increase from 8 members to 18 members (including the four “Hands On” girls).

--June 16th four “Hands On” missionaries will arrive to share the True Love Waits message throughout Swaziland. Sienna and Heather will stay in the Mbabane and Brandi and Kim in Tshaneni. Pray for Sienna, Heather, Brandi and Kim as they prepare for their time in Swaziland.   Pray now for the hearts and lives that will be touched as God’s plan for marriage and purity is shared. Their term of service will end in December 2011.

---May 24-May 31 a volunteer team from Clear Creek Bible School was scheduled to arrive and work with the Allens in their newest work areas. Unfortunately, the team’s flight was cancelled. They are scheduled to arrive today in Jo’burg and Steve Allen will bring them to Swaziland. Because of this delay their ministry time is reduced by two days. Pray as the team arrives and begins their work, each will not dwell on their delay but will be able to concentrate on ministry with the Swazi people. Pray special blessings for Dan and Shannon, Steve and Sheri and Dr. Lucas.

June 12-15 a group from True Love Waits International will be in Swaziland to conduct research for a documentary on the work of the six summer missionaries spreading the True Love Waits message throughout Swaziland. Sharon, Cindi and Roxie will observe and conduct interviews with the missionaries as well as those attending a presentation of the True Love Waits message. Pray their time in Swaziland will be very productive for Sharon, Cindi and Roxie. Pray the work of the missionaries and the completion of documentary will help educate Swazis to the causes of HIV/AIDS and how it affects their society as well as families. Pray each will understand that if we live the way the Lord ordains, we don’t have to die.

--Continue to pray the 648 In-Home Care Kits (BGR buckets) will soon arrive in Swaziland. Pray for the Swazi Team as we seek to train our church members on the use of these kits.

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-05-20T11:47:00.000-07:00

My neighbor has recently come to visit quite often. She comes to play, eat and for company. Sometimes she stays all day and then returns to her home about 3:30. Other times she comes only for her breakfast.   Her name is Sadie (I named her) and she is a three month old puppy. She is very rowdy and likes to jump on any unsuspecting person. She has a fondness for my arms and is constantly putting them in her mouth. I enjoy her company even though I don’t appreciate all her bad habits. Since most Swazi dogs are not fed and cared for as Americans pets, I have taken it upon myself to supplement her diet with scrapes and other goodies. She seems to appreciate my neighborly spirit!!

I also enjoyed a visit from the farm monkeys this week when they came and spent a whole afternoon. They seemed to be in a rather adventurous mood coming very close to the house, sitting on the window sills watching me as I worked. This also gave me a chance to study their faces. One little guy had very big ears and eyes and was quite funny looking.   I watched a small monkey groom a bigger monkey. Several little ones played, hitting each other and running up and down the trees. It was a rather relaxing afternoon for me as I watched my friends. How I appreciate God’s creatures, great and small!!

We enjoyed a time of worship on Wednesday night with the MaCethuka group and Vuvulane Baptist Church. We also returned yesterday to MaCethuka for Bible study. I had been asked to begin a children’s Bible study and went yesterday not really expecting many children but was quite taken back when over 30 children appeared. We praise the Lord for this group and anticipate the Lord doing wonderful things with this Bible study. Thank you for praying for this new work. Pray interest will continue from this group at MaCethuka.

--Tomorrow we will conduct adult/youth and children’s Bible study at the Mafucula Baptist Church. The members of the church desire to know more of the Lord and His ways. Pray the time with this church will be special and uplifting.

--Kym Pennington, True Love Waits International consultant arrived in Swaziland last Sunday. She led a three-day TLW training event in the Hhohho region (16-18 of May). She is leading the same type of event in the Manzini region that will end tomorrow. Sunday she will make her way to Tshaneni to lead the three-day TLW training event (23-25 of May) for the Baptist churches in northeast Swaziland. Continue to pray for Kym as she trains TLW presenters. Pray each presenter will understand the importance of living a life that is pleasing to the Lord.

--May 26-28, Wayne and I will be in Jo’burg to collect two volunteers, Hunter Johnson and Katy Hallock that will serve with the Myers, Allens and Hoskins throughout the month of June in various ministry opportunities. Hunter has ministered in Swaziland several times but this is Katy’s first visit to the country. Pray Hunter and Katy will enjoy their time of working and serving with the Swazi people.

---May 24-31 a volunteer team from Clear Creek Bible College (Pineville, Ky.) arrives to work with the Allens in the Hhohho region. Pray for Dan and Shannon, Steve and Sheri and Dr. Lucas as they come to serve in Swaziland.

--June 1, six summer missionaries will arrive in Swaziland to begin their time of sharing the True Love Waits message with Swazi Baptist churches and schools (June-July). The Swazi Team welcomes Adam, REH, Jonathon, Tori, Elizabeth and Tiffany. Pray these missionaries will be spiritually prepared for the task the Lord has given them. Pray they will have good physical, emotional and spiritual health and will receive many blessings. Tori, Elizabeth and Tiffany will stay next to the Mgamudze Baptist Church and Adam, REH and Jonathon will be situated in the Velebantfu community. Daily gathering water, homes without electricity, living in camp-like conditions will be the norm for their stay. Pray each will be able to adjust to their new lifestyle.

--In June four “Hands On” missionaries will arrive to also teach and share the True Love Waits message throughout the country of Swaziland. Sienna and Kim will stay in Mbabane and Heather and Brandi will be in Tshaneni. Their term will end in December. Pray hearts and lives will be touched as God’s plan for marriage and purity is shared.

FROM THE IMB’S OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
A missionary appointment service is planned for May 22 at Mandarin Baptist Church in Los Angeles, Louisiana. Please pray that God will use the testimonies of the appointees to call workers into the harvest.

This summer Baptist Global Response (BGR) has TWO opportunities for you and your church to get involved in “Hands On” missions around the world –
BGR In Home Care kits! There is still a huge need for these 5 gallon buckets full of items needed for hospice care in sub-Saharan Africa. God is using them in many countries as a way to share His love and hope in word and deed to those who are terminally ill, most are dying of AIDS.   Go to http://www.inhomecarekit.org/ for more information or feel free to contact usJ (Note – these kits can be packed ANY time of year.)

BGR Kits for Kids – a giant zip lock bag full of school supplies that will be used around the world.
A GREAT project for your Vacation Bible School this summer!!     (More information contact:   http://www.gobgr.org/)

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-05-16T11:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Lord God, who called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown: Give us faith to go out with a good courage, not knowing where we are going, but only that your hand is leading us, and your love supporting us; to the glory of your name. (Eric Milner White & G.W. Griggs)

Sunday (May 8th) was a beautiful day for a baptism service at the Vuvulane Baptist Church. A fierce thunderstorm Saturday night almost threatened the outdoor scheduled baptism but Sunday morning was warm and sunny. As the one individual prepared to be baptized it was most evident that he hadn’t a clue what he was to do. When he realized he was going to be in water, he looked at the pastor and asked if he should take off his trousers. This he did to my utter amazement. After giving his testimony he just stood there waiting. The pastor told him he must get in the water. Praise the Lord he did!! Please pray for this young man as he begins his spiritual journey. He knows so little of the Lord and His ways. Pray he will not become discouraged as he seeks to totally follow the Lord.

“Who wants to go to heaven?” Smiling all those attending the Bible study at the new outreach group at MaCethuka raised their hands. Thank you for praying for the beginning of this new work. Wednesday the group met for the first time. Next week we will try to involve the children in this special study. Pray the new work at MaCethuka will develop into a strong Bible study. Pray on Thursday (May 19th) more adults/youth will attend as well as children.

New officers of the Swaziland Baptist Convention were elected last Saturday May 7th. Pray for these as they begin serving as leaders in the convention. Pray decisions will be made in an autonomous matter that will allow discussion. Pray for a spirit of unity and fellowship among the Swazi Baptist churches and the Swaziland Baptist Convention.

MINISTRIES FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS:
--May 14th the Shiselweni Baptist Association meets at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Continue to pray for this association that strives to meet together for encouragement and unity. There are 9 Swazi Baptist churches in this association.

--May 21 we will conduct adult/youth and children’s Bible study at the Mafucula Baptist Church. The members of this church desire to know more of the Lord and His ways. Pray this time with this church will be special and uplifting. Plans are to meet with this church every other Thursday on a regular basis.

--May 26-28 the Myers will be in Jo’burg collecting two volunteers. Hunter and Katie will arrive in Swaziland to serve with the Myers, Allens and Hoskins throughout the month of June in various ministry opportunities. Hunter has ministered in Swaziland several times but this is Katie’s first visit to the country. Pray Hunter and Katie will enjoy their time of working and serving with the Swazi people. One ministry includes speaking/leading the National Youth Leaders Retreat in Manzini June 3-5. Pray for the Baptist youth leaders as they plan to attend this retreat. Pray Hunter and Katie’s time with these youth will be very special.

AIDS UPDATE:
--May 15, Kym Pennington, True Love Waits International consultant returns to Swaziland to lead three three-day TLW trainings: May 16-18 she will be in Mbabane; May 19-21 in Manzini and May 23-25 in northeast Swaziland. Pray for Kym as she leads three training events. Pray for the Swazi Team as they encourage attendees and prepare for these events.

--June 1, six summer missionaries will arrive in Swaziland to begin their time of sharing the True Love Waits message with Swazi Baptist churches and schools (June-July). The Swazi Team welcomes Adam, REH, Jonathon, Torie, Elizabeth and Tiffany. Pray these missionaries will be spiritually prepared for the task the Lord has given to them. Pray they will have good physical, emotional and spiritual health and will receive many blessings. Torie, Elizabeth and Tiffany will stay next to the Mgamudze Baptist Church and Adam, REH and Jonathon will be situated in the Velebantfu community. Daily gathering water, homes without electricity, living in camp-like conditions will be the norm for their stay. Pray each will be able to adjust to a new lifestyle.

--In June four “Hands On” missionaries will arrive to also teach and share the True Love Waits message through the country of Swaziland. Sienna, Kim, Brandi and Heather will stay in Tshaneni and Mbabane for six months ministering to and with the Swazi people. Their term will end in December. Pray hearts and lives will be touched as God’s plan for marriage and purity is shared.
--Update on the BGR In-Home Health Care Kits…The Kits are on the move but the Swazi Team doesn’t know when word will reach us or when they will arrive in the country. Pray we soon will receive the 648 In-Home Care Kits in Swaziland!!

Please continue to pray for our computer situation. I still do not have my computer from the shop and we have heard nothing this week from the technicians. Pray this situation will soon be resolved.

FROM THE IMB’S OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
Intercede for the IMB Board of Trustees and assigned staff who will be meeting in Richmond, Virginia on May 19-20. May the Lord direct their thoughts and actions.

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-05-07T01:34:00.000-07:00

MOTHER’S DAY
MOTHER’S DAY IS REMEMBRANCE DAY
And we pause on The Path of the Year
To pay honor and worshipful tribute
To the Mother our heart holds dear…
For, whether here or in heaven,
Her love is our haven and guide,
For always the memory of Mother
Is a beacon light shining inside…
Time cannot destroy her memory
And years can never erase
The tenderness and the beauty
Of the love in a Mother’s face…
And, when we think of our Mother,
We dray nearer to God above,
For only God in His Greatness
Could fashion a MOTHER’S LOVE.
                      -Helen Steiner Rice
Remember Sunday May 8th is Mother’s Day!!
Pray for godly mothers in the USA, Swaziland, Africa and throughout the world. May each mother’s actions and thoughts reflect the heart of the loving God and Savior.

For the last few months prayer has been requested for the start of a Bible study in the community of MaCethuka (approximately 5 kms from the Vuvulane Baptist Church). It has been difficult to meet with this group (who requested the Bible study) for various reasons. Yesterday (Thursday) Wayne went to the community to “touch base” with the interested parties. The plan is to soon begin meeting every other Wednesday and enlist the help of the Vuvulane Baptist Church. Pray this Bible study will soon begin with many attending. Pray through the teaching of God’s Word many will understand what it means to be a Christian and will allow Jesus to lead and guide their every step.

--Tomorrow May 7th, the executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets. One item on the agenda is to evaluate the National Easter Services in April. Pray for this group as they prayerfully reflect on the 2011 Easter Services. Pray for a time of unity and consensus.

--Sunday May 8th, the Vuvulane Baptist Church will conduct a baptism service. What a joy for the church to baptize those who recently came to know the Lord as their Savior. May the lives of these be a witness to the saving power of our Lord Jesus Christ!!

--Continue to pray for our computer situation. I still do not have my computer from the shop. Wayne and I are taking turns on the one working computer (2000 Dell laptop). This has been a very busy time for Wayne requiring many hours of computer work. Pray a light will soon shine on this situation!!

--Pray the 648 In-Home Health Care Kits will soon be transported to Swaziland from Durban, South Afria!!

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST:
After enjoying good and substantial rains in the spring and early summer, some areas of the country now find themselves in a drought situation possibly facing a famine in the coming year. Just when the crops needed rain the most, the rains stopped. Many will suffer this winter when they food sources run out before the next crop is ready to harvest.   Pray those facing a hunger situation will be able to find assistance in feeding their families. Pray the next growing season will be one of plenty.

FROM THE IMB’S OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
--Please lift up in prayer the 67 missionary adults and 39 missionary kids who began their eight-week pre-departure field orientation on April 25. May these weeks at IMB’s learning center be a blessing to them and ultimately to the peoples among whom they are called to serve. Pray especially that each missionary will receive their visa approval in a very timely manner.

--Thank God for the 41 retiring missionaries who will be in Richmond, Virginia, for the May 10-15 Emeritus Missionary Conference. May He bless them in extraordinary ways during the coming days of transition.

KITS FOR KIDS…Connecting Kids Who Care With Kids in Need!!
This summer Baptist Global Response is partnering with LifeWay Christian Resources in the Vacation Bible School missions project. Kids in Vacation Bible Schools all over the United States will be collecting school supplies for “Kits for Kids”. There’s even a website of resources for churches at http://www.vbskitsforkids.com/. Check it out!! Maybe this is something your VBS would like to do.

WHERE’S THE CHICKEN??? UPDATE:
Last week in our prayer letter I shared of a possible theft of 9 bags of chicken portions. Attendees were awakened just after midnight Saturday night or should I say Sunday morning to have their bags searched for the missing chicken. It was thought perhaps the cooks had cooked too much chicken on Saturday night thus accounting for the missing chicken. NOT SO!! According to one who purchased the chicken for Saturday night and Sunday lunch, extra chicken was purchased to insure there would be enough for everyone.    “We did not cook too much chicken. We cooked what we were told to cook,” according to one very offended cook. With all evidence in, it looks as though the missing chicken portions were deliberately taken from the safety of the kitchen sometime Saturday afternoon. The only part of this mystery that goes unsolved is “Who took the chicken?”   Oh well, it looks as though we will never know the answer to that question!!

Allen Family May Update

2011-05-01T04:29:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

It is hard to believe that we are in MAY now! Wow...where did almost the first half of 2011 go already??? Lots happening and we are excited for the days, weeks and months ahead.

Our recent Easters services with many of our Baptist churches was an amazing time to reflect on all God did by sending HIS ONLY Son, Jesus, for ALL of us! It is such a blessing to worship with our Swazi brothers and sisters in Christ. Many of them we do not get to see too often so it is great to catch up on how everyone is doing in their own lives. Our kids were able to participate with the kid's worship and Lacie was even in the children's play on Easter morning. She had the only English line in the play as it was in siSwati but she was the angel that said, "He is not here!". What a testimony to share with others!

God continues to bring new people to our new outreach group at Ngowane, which is about 1.5 hours away from our house. The past couple of Thursdays, we were not sure what to expect because it is school break here in Swaziland but more than 50 people are waiting to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. This past week, the indvuna (chief's assistant) and his assistant both came to the Bible study. It is HUGE for community leaders to participate in Bible studies and shows us that God is ALL over this new outreach group. Continue to pray for leaders to rise up within this new group as they are already requesting to start meeting on Sunday mornings. Pray for wisdom as we proceed to serve alongside this new group.

Pray for our Baptist convention as they meet this Saturday, May 7, to evaluate the Easters services and for the convention to serve together in unity with all decisions.

Pray for Kym Pennington, our True Love Waits International consultant, as she is with our Swazi mission team this month to lead TLW trainings in three areas. She will be with our family May 16-18 to lead a training in the Hawane area.

On May 23 - 31, we have a team of five people coming from Clear Creek Bible College in Pineville, Kentucky, coming to serve with us. They primarily will be serving in the Ngowane (Hhohho region) and Lesibovu (Manzini region), our two newest outreach group areas. Pray for this team to have MANY opportunities to share the love of Jesus with the Swazi people!

On May 26 - June 30, Katy Hallock and Hunter Johnson will be serving with our mission team throughout Swaziland working mostly with children and youth. One big event they will be co-leading with one of our Swazi pastors, Pastor Mkhosi Fakudze, is our National Youth Leader's Retreat on June 3-5 in Manzini. Pray for their time in Swaziland to bear MUCH fruit and for amazing times with the Swazi people and our mission team.

On May 31, our team is blessed with SIX summer missionaries coming to serve with us for the months of June and July. They will be mostly living out at homesteads in the Shiselweni region sharing the True Love Waits message. Pray for Reh, Tori, Elizabeth, Adam, Tiffany and Jonathon as they prepare to come serve in Swaziland and for ALL the God-size opportunities while they are here with us.

Lacie starts the second term of school on May 3 (school term will be from May 3 - August 12) and Nathan starts on May 10. Pray for the kids as we adjust back into school routines, activities and all the ministry happenings, too.

As you can see, lots happening in the coming months so pray for strength and excitment to press on with ALL God has for our family, ministry and team in the coming weeks. May His name be continually praised!!!

Let us know of ways we can be praying for you and your family as well.

Thank you for your faithful prayer support and hope to hear from you!

May Prayer Calendar

2011-04-30T04:47:00.000-07:00

Sunday May 1: Pray for different baptism services that need to occur before the weather turns too cold. (Baptism is held outside). The Allens have rescheduled some due to late rains. Pray the Victory Baptist Church will be able to conduct their baptism service today!!

Monday May 2: Thank you for praying for the strikes scheduled April 13, 14 and 15 in Swaziland. Protestors were encouraged to converge on the city of Manzini to protest the extravagant spending of the monarchy as well as their desire to elect own leaders and officials. Soldiers, policemen and protestors were gearing up for a big showdown. Thank goodness it did not occur. There were incidents of police and soldiers tangling with the protestors. The city of Manzini was tightly blocked so outsiders could not enter to join in the protesting. This displeased the unions and they have vowed that another strike will be called. Nothing was really solved and discontentment continues. Pray the political situation in Swaziland will reach a peaceful solution.

Tuesday May 3: Lacie Allen returns to school for Term 2. Pray she adjusts quickly into the school routine and continues to do well in Grade 1.

Wednesday May 4: The Swazi Team praises the Lord on word that the Minister of Finance has given the okay for the 648 In-Home Care Kits (BGR buckets) to enter the country tax free!! Presently BGR is determining the best method to get the buckets to Swaziland. Pray the buckets will be easily transported from Durban, South Africa to Swaziland as quickly as possible. Pray for the Swazi Team as they seek to train our church members on the use of the buckets with AIDS victims and their families.

Thursday May 5: Praise God for the past few months of discipleship training at Peace Baptist Church. The Allens ask prayer for this faithful group of women that have led this church mostly on their own since 2002. Pray for God to raise up a faithful man of integrity to lead this church!

Friday May 6: April 21-24 the Swazi Baptist National Easter Services met in Manzini with over 150 attending. The agenda included convention reports, Bible studies, a full-scale children’s program, worship, testimonies and wonderful music. Most attendees arrived on Thursday evening with their blankets, bags and Bibles. They found their “sleeping spot” and prepared for three nights and four days of sharing and fellowshipping with members of approximately 25 of the 30 Swazi Baptist churches. Plenty of laughter and singing could be heard throughout the “camp”!   Pray a spirit of unity among the Swazi Baptist churches and Swazi Baptist Convention will continue. Pray the ‘Spirit of Easter’ will be with us all year long!!

Saturday May 7: The executive committee of the Baptist Mission of Swaziland meets today. One item on the agenda is to evaluate the National Easter Services in April. Pray for this group as they prayerfully reflect on the 2011 Easter services. Pray for a time of unity and consensus.

Sunday May 8: Mothers’ Day!!
Dear Lord, I do not ask that thou should’st give me some high work of thine,
some noble calling or wondrous task;
Give me a little hand to hold in mine:
Give me a little child to point the way over the strange, sweet path that leads to thee.
Give me two shining eyes thy face to see.
The only crown I ask, dear Lord, to wear is this:
that I may teach my little child.
I do not ask that I may ever stand the wise, the worthy, or the great;
I only ask that softly, hand in hand, my child and I may enter at the gate. (Author Unknown)
Pray for godly mothers in the USA, Swaziland, Africa and throughout the world. May each mother’s actions and thoughts reflect the heart of the loving God and Savior.

Monday May 9: In March the Mpembakati Baptist Church was officially granted land for a church building. A knot was ceremoniously tied in the tall grass to mark the spot. Pray for this church as the congregation moves ahead with the construction of their church building.

Tuesday May 10: Nathan Allen returns to school today for Term 2. Pray he will continue to enjoy school and have great times with children his own age.

Wednesday May 11: “Although our family and mission team are excited and blessed with the various summer missionaries, volunteer teams and short-term missionaries coming to serve with us in Swaziland, pray our family (Allens) will balance family and ministry well in the months ahead. Pray for our children (Lacie and Nathan) especially during this busy season and for us (Steve and Monica) as parents to be sensitive to their needs at all times.”

Thursday May 12: The Luwhawhaweni Baptist Church recently lost one of its original members. She was HIV positive and suffered a stroke. She always had a smile and even though she walked with a slight limp (from a previous stroke) she regularly attended church and Friday Bible study. She will be missed. Pray for the family of this lady (34 years old with three children) as they deal with their loss. Pray for the Luwhawhaweni Baptist Church that continues to lose members to the AIDS pandemic.

Friday May 13: For the last few months prayer has been requested for the start of a Bible study in the community of MaCethuka (approximately 5 kms from the Vuvulane Baptist Church). It has been difficult to meet with this group (who requested the Bible study) for various reasons. Pray Satan will not succeed in keeping this Bible study from beginning. Pray the Lord will be the victor.

Saturday May 14: The Shiselweni Baptist Association meets today. Continue to pray for this association that strives to meet together for encouragement and unity. There are 9 Swazi Baptist churches in this region.

Sunday May 15: Kym Pennington, True Love Waits International consultant returns to Swaziland today to lead three three-day True Love Waits Trainings,; 16-18 in Mbabane, 19-21 in Manzini and 23-25 in the Shiselweni or North Lubumbo region. Pray for Kym as she leads these three training events. Pray for the Swazi Team as they encourage possible attendees and prepare for these events.

Monday May 16: We never know what to expect the first time we begin a Bible study or new work but praise the Lord for over 100 people waiting to hear the truth of God’s Word from Steve Allen in the Ngowane area! Pray for God to continue opening doors in this new community and praise God that the indvuna and community leaders gave their blessings for the Bible study to begin.

Tuesday May 17: The children gathered in the room ready to sing, study and have fun. Laughter could still be heard even after the teacher began talking. There is so much to teach these children and so much for them to learn about Jesus, the Bible, Christian living and church life. The task must begin when they are young so they can develop into strong committed Swazi Christian leaders.   Pray the 30 Swazi Baptist churches will take seriously the responsibility of teaching and training their children. May each Swazi Baptist church have a strong children’s program.

Wednesday May 18: Please pray salvation will come to the house of the King of Swaziland, his wives and children. Pray true revival will take place in the country.

Thursday May 19: For years missionary Barbara Myers and several Swazis have worked to translate from English to siSwati adult, youth, older children, children and beginner Sunday School materials. In 2005 siSwati children and beginner’s Sunday School books were printed and are currently being used in our Swazi Baptist churches. Pray for Barbara as she strives to bring this big project to a satisfying end. Pray these materials will also be printed in book form that will easily be accessable to the Swazi Baptist churches.

Friday May 20: SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN UNENGAGED PEOPLES: The Subia of Namibia live in the far northeastern corner of the country, an area called the Caprivi Strip. Farming is the mainstay of their economy but they also have herds of cattle, sheep and goats. The Subia believe that their ancestral spirits will harm anyone who does not honor them or who disregards tribal tradition in some way. Fear dominates their lives. Pray that someone will take the Gospel to the Subia so they may know the freedom of Christ. Pray that many will experience new life.

Saturday May 21: A few weeks ago after worship, members of the Vuvulane Baptist Church visited a sick lady in the community. When Wayne Myers first entered the room he did not see her emaciated body and walked right past her. Perhaps it will be a matter of time before this lady succumbs to her illness. The sign of loss is everywhere. Homesteads are either caring for a sick loved one or burying a loss family member. The only occupants of some homesteads are children with no one to care for them. What is their hope? For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 Pray those dying with AIDS will have a chance to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior before it is too late.

Sunday May 22: The lack of pastors continues to be one of the biggest problems facing our Swazi Baptist churches. Many of the churches continue to meet under lay leadership (often the women) who get discouraged that God has not provided them with pastoral leadership. Please pray God will develop leaders for these congregations.

Monday May 23: The Muslim creed simply states “There is no god but Allah and Mohammed is His prophet.” When making this statement the believer announces his or her faith in all God’s messengers and the scripture they brought. Muslim is a growing faith in Swaziland. Please pray the peace of God will dwell in the heart of the Swazi people and the Muslim faith will not be allowed to gain strength. Pray that ordinary daily events will be used by God to point Muslims to Him.

Tuesday May 24: May 24-May 31 a volunteer team from Clear Creek Bible College (Pineville, Ky.) arrives to work with the Allens in the Hhohho region. Please pray for Dan and Shannon, Steve and Sheri and Dr. Lucas as they come to serve in Swaziland. The team will primarily minister in the two newest work areas in this region.

Wednesday May 25: Pray for Thomas Yawn (Deborah Hoskins’ brother) today on his birthday!!
Pray Thomas will have a very happy birthday!!
--The Hoskins enjoyed their time with friends Tia and Caleb who visited last month. Tia and Caleb were able to see the different ministries throughout Swaziland and South Africa. Todd and Deborah hope they visit again!!

Thursday May 26: Next month four “Hands On” missionaries involved with True Love Waits ministries will arrive in Swaziland. Sienna, Brandi, Kim and Heather will stay in Tshaneni and Mbabane for six months ministering to and with the Swazi people. Their term will end in December. Pray for these missionaries as they prepare for their time in Swaziland. Pray hearts and lives will be touched as God’s plan for marriage and purity is shared.

Friday May 27: Today Hunter Johnson and Katie Halllack arrive from the states (May 27-June 30). Hunter and Katie will serve with the Myers, Allens and Hoskins throughout the month of June in various ministry opportunities. Pray Hunter and Katie will enjoy their time of ministry in Swaziland.   One ministry includes speaking/leading the National Youth Leaders Retreat on June 3-5. Pray for all the Swazi Baptist Youth leaders as the plan to attend this retreat. Pray Hunter and Katie’s time with these youth will be very special.

Saturday May 28: With the new True Love Waits missionaries arriving in June, dynamics will change for the Swazi Team. Instead of 8 team members, the number will increase to 18. Pray the Myers, Allens and Hoskins will be able to adjust to working with the Lord’s provision of new workers for the harvest. Pray mighty blessings will occur.

Sunday May 29: Both the Luwhawhaweni and Vuvulane Baptist Churches (North Lubumbo) have been given land to build church structures. Pray as these congregations plan towards their building projects. Through tithes and offerings, may these new structures be completed.

Monday May 30: Medical care for the Swazi people is not always available due to clinics with no doctors or adequate supply of medications, nurses diagnosing and prescribing medications, hospitals usually are over crowded and patients sleep on the floor, family must care for the patients’ needs while in the hospital, cleanliness is a concern and many still consult sangomas and witch doctors. Pray the government of Swaziland will see the need to provide doctors in clinics and a supply of medications will be adequate. Pray Swazis will not seek the use of traditional methods for medical care.

Tuesday May 31:   Pray for Todd and Deborah Hoskins today on their 3rd Wedding Annversary!!
Today the six summer missionaries (June-July) arrive in Swaziland to begin their time of sharing the True Love Waits message with Swazi churches and schools. The Swazi Team welcomes Jonathon, Ronald, Victoria, Adam, Elizabeth and Tiffany. Pray these missionaries will be spiritually prepared for the task the Lord has given each of them. Pray they will have good physical, emotional and spiritual health and will receive many blessings.

April Update from Hoskins

2011-04-30T04:45:00.001-07:00

Thank you for your prayers for the cluster meeting in Johannesburg. We had a wonderful time with our coworkers from all over southern Africa. Todd was particularly delighted that a group from First Baptist Orlando came to lead us in worship. He attended First Baptist Orlando while he worked at Disney a few years back, so worshiping with them was like a taste of home. I think he must have paid them beforehand to play all of his favorite songs.

Easter is the largest celebration of the year here in Swaziland. Last week we had a gathering of about 200 people from all the Baptist churches in the country. The churches put together a continuous agenda of worship, teaching, and fellowship that lasted from Thursday through Easter Sunday. Some of the ladies cooked for the entire group, so we got to eat a lot of good traditional cooking, and Deborah learned a few more secrets from the Swazi kitchen. We were able to use our vehicle to transport some people from the deep rural area, who had never been able to attend an Easter service before. Todd was also able to bring his friend, Lucky Dlamini. It was the first Easter Service he had ever attended too.

Summertime in the United States will be bringing a lot of extra hands to work with us here in Swaziland. Six college summer missionaries will be in Swaziland for two months sharing the message of True Love Waits in the rural areas. Four Hands On missionaries will be here for six months beginning in June working with True Love Waits. Having these workers come with the specific mission of True Love Waits is an answer to prayer for this country that is devastated by HIV/AIDS.
Please be in prayer for the missionaries coming this summer. Please pray for opportunities for them to share God’s love. Along with those already mentioned, there will also be a several teams visiting and working in different areas all over the country. Extra hands require extra work, but we are excited about how God can use our growing team, and we are excited that we may be seeing some of you soon!

Thank you for your support.

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-04-30T04:41:00.000-07:00

The National Swazi Baptist Easter Services last Thursday-Sunday (April 21-24) are now history. The services were conducted at a school in the Manzini area and over 150 attended. The agenda included convention reports, Bible studies, a full-scale children’s program, worship, testimonies and wonderful music. Most attendees arrived on Thursday evening with their blankets, bags and Bibles. They found their “sleeping spot” and prepared for three nights and four days of sharing and fellowshipping with members of approximately 25 of the 30 Swazi Baptist churches. Plenty of laughter and singing could be heard throughout the “camp”! Pray a spirit of unity among the Swazi Baptist churches and Swazi Baptist Convention will continue. Pray the “Spirit of Easter” will be with us all year long!

I was asked to help provide a children’s program that began on Thursday evening and ended on Saturday evening. The children presented a play on the last week of Jesus’ life and resurrection during the worship on Sunday morning. I had wonderful Swazi helpers and was blessed by their commitment to our task. The children gathered in our room ready to sing, study and have fun. Laughter could be heard even after the teacher began talking. There is so much to teach these children and so much to learn about Jesus, the Bible, Christian living and church life. The task must begin when they are young so they can develop into strong committed Swazi Christian leaders. Pray the 30 Swazi Baptist churches will take seriously the responsibility of teaching and training their children. Pray each Swazi Baptist church will desire to have a strong children’s program.

WHERE’S THE CHICKEN???
Remember the commercial a couple of decades ago for a hamburger chain with the grandma that yelled “Where’s the Beef?” The participants or our Easter services found themselves looking not for the beef but for the chicken. Saturday night 9 bags of chicken portions mysteriously disappeared. Whispers of where was the chicken, who took the chicken, what happened to the chicken were being heard around the camp. It was a true mystery!! So mysterious in fact that around midnight the sleeping attendees were roused from their sleep and their bags searched for the missing bags of chicken portions!! Alias, the missing chicken continued to be missing since it was not found among the searched belongings. Instead of whispers, complete vocal comments could be heard the next day around the camp. One brave soul even condemned the search since at Saturday night’s supper there was an enormous amount of chicken. So much in fact extra pieces were being freely given. Could this be the missing chicken? Did the cook’s accidently cook all the chicken instead of Saturday night’s allotment? Oh well, I guess the mystery of the missing chicken portions will continue to be a mystery since no one is admitting to the crime. So we can say in unison “Where’s the Chicken?”

As I type this prayer letter the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton is taking place. Many people line the streets to see the participants of the wedding, the Queen, and the wedding couple. What a spectacular affair. Tomorrow (April 30), another wedding is taking place. The couple is not royalty but hard working Swazis who have been together for many years and have several children together. He is the pastor of the Ntuthwakazi Baptist Church. The Mkhiliphis desire to be obedient to the Lord and have a Christian wedding. Plans and preparations are being completed. Other Swazi Baptist pastors are part of the program and ceremony. There is excitement everywhere. Pray for this couple as they invite their friends, family, church members and community to their Christian wedding tomorrow at the Ntuthwakazi Baptist Church. May their wedding be a wonderful witness to their family and the Ntuthwakazi community.

--Saturday May 7, the executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets. One item on the agenda is to evaluate the National Easter Services in April. Pray for this group as they prayerfully reflect on the 2011 Easter Services. Pray for a time of unity and consensus.

--May 15, Kym Pennington, True Love Waits International consultant returns to Swaziland to lead three three-day TLW trainings; 16-18 in Mbabane, 19-21 in Manzini and 23-25 in the Shiselweni or North Lubumbo region. Pray for Kym as she leads these three training events. Pray for the Swazi team as they encourage possible attendees and prepare for these events.

AIDS UPDATE:
Please continue to pray the In-Home Care Kits (BGR buckets) will soon make their way to Swaziland from Durban, South Africa. Pray for the Swazi team as they seek to train our church members on the use of the buckets with AIDS victims and their families.

COMPUTER UPDATE:
We are still experiencing computer woes. After 6 months, I still do not have my computer. Wayne has talked with the “head man” of the group who has given Wayne an update on the situation, but every time they talk it is a different update. He did tell Wayne he is talking with the technician that is working on the computer but I don’t particularly trust him and still have great concerns. I don’t know who has the computer. L Please continue praying that the ending to this situation will be a friendly one.

--We will take Wayne’s computer to Jo’burg for repairs the end of May. We are both using his old but trustworthy Dell laptop and adjusting to having to take turns on the computer!!

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-04-16T02:10:00.000-07:00

The week began with quite a bit of uncertainty. A strike had been called by the labor unions and facebook participants for April 13, 14 and 15. Soldiers and policemen as well as protestors were gearing up for a big show-down. Thank goodness it did not occur. There were incidents of police and soldiers tangling with the protestors. The cities of Manzini and Mbabane were tightly blocked so outsiders could not come in to join in protesting. This displeased the unions and they have vowed that another strike will be called. The event was covered by the South African news. One clip showed King Mswati watching the protestors, dressed in Swazi traditional dress. One wonders what was going through his mind as he watched the protestors dance for political change. South Africa trade union also voiced their displeasure in the outcome of the strike. “We will not allow any goods to come into Swaziland.” We don’t when that will happen and hope it does not. Nothing was really solved and discontentment continues. Pray the political situation in Swaziland will reach a peaceful solution. Grievances include displeasure by the extravagant spending of the King, his 13 wives and numerable children and the desire to chose own leaders and officials.

Happy Birthday to Steven Allen on the 20th of April. Pray Steve will have a very special day!!

--Tuesday the Swazi Team will meet at the home of the Hoskins’ to discuss accommodations and ministry of the six summer missionaries and four “Hands On” missionaries arriving in June to share the True Love Waits message with schools and churches. The summer missionaries with be in Swaziland during June and July. The “Hands On” missionaries will arrive in June and leave the middle of December. Pray for these missionaries as they prepare to work and live in Swaziland. Pray for the Swazi Team as we prepare to host them!!

--The Swazi Team praises the Lord on word that the Minister of Finance has given the okay for the 648 In-Home Care Kits (BGR buckets) to enter Swaziland tax free!!! Presently, BGR is determining the best method to get the buckets into Swaziland. Pray the buckets will be easily transported from Durban, South Africa to Swaziland as quickly as possible. Pray for the Swazi Team as we seek to train our church members on the use of the buckets with AIDS victims and their families.

What are the In Home Care kits? It is a compilation of medical and hygiene supplies that Baptist Global Response (BGR) is asking US churches, groups or individuals to provide to assist caregivers of home-bound, terminally ill patients. An In-Home Care Kit is designed to be delivered individually to a sick person’s home to show the love of Christ in a tangible way. The Kit is packed in a 5-gallon bucket filled with items like multivitamins, sheets, a towel and washcloths, soap for sensitive skin, gloves for caregivers and much more. For more information about the kit, go to http://www.inhomecarekit.org/ and go to the “Shopping List” page. Also the “How do these items help?” page will give you some suggestions about how we use the items in the kit.

KITS FOR KIDS…Connecting Kids Who Care With Kids in Need!!
This summer Baptist Global Response is partnering with LifeWay Christian Resources in the Vacation Bible School missions project. Kids in Vacation Bible Schools all over the United States will be collecting school supplies for “Kits for Kids.” There’s even a website of resources for churches at http://www.vbskitsforkids.com/. Check it out!! Maybe this is something your VBS would like to do.

AND CHRIST WAS CRUCIFIED ANEW
Not only once, and long ago,
There on Golgotha’s rugged side,
Has Christ, the Lord been crucified
Because He loved a lost world so.
But hourly souls, sin-satisfied,Mock His great love,
flout His commands,
And drive nails deep into His hands,
And thrust the spear within His side.
--John Richard Moreland

Celebrate God’s gift to man on Good Friday April 22 and Easter Sunday April 24!!

Pray for the National Good Friday/Easter Services that begin on the 21st of April and conclude on Easter Sunday. The theme is the “Power of the Resurrection” and sessions will be provided for adult/youth and children as well as evening worship. Pray the 2011 Good Friday/Easter Services will be a blessing to those attending. May everyone understand the true meaning and purpose of the Christ’s crucifixion and His resurrection.

AIDS UPDATE:
--The Luwahhawhhweni Baptist Church lost a member this week. She was one of the original members of the small congregation and she was HIV positive. She always had a smile and even though she walked with a slight limp (from a previous stroke) she regularly attended church and Friday Bible study. She will be missed. Pray for the family of this lady (34 years old with three children) as they deal with their loss. Pray for the Luwhhawhhaweni Baptist Church that continues to loss members to the AIDS pandemic. Another member (with symptoms of AIDS) has also been sick and in the hospital. Pray she will gain strength and recover from her illness.

--Last Sunday after worship services the adults of the Vuvulane Baptist Church visited a very sick lady in the community. When Wayne first entered the room he did not see her emaciated body and walked right past her. She too showed signs of AIDS. Pray for this lady. Perhaps it will be a matter of time before she succumbs to her illness. The sign of loss is everywhere. Homesteads are either caring for a sick loved one or burying a loss family member. The only occupants of some homesteads are children with no one to care for them. What is their hope? For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 Pray those dying with AIDS will have a chance to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior before it is too late.

An Update to an Update for the Allens

2011-04-10T03:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Prayer Warriors,

Greetings from Swaziland! So much is happening right now that we wanted to update everyone on several items...

Praises/Prayer Concerns:
- Steven is leading a baptism service at Peace Baptist Church today and praising God that the weather is beautiful. Pray for those that are being baptized that they will stay strong in their new relationship with Jesus!

-Kids and I are home today as Lacie has yet another ear infection and keeping her low for the weekend to rest. She is doing much better and plans to return to school this week. Schools begin their term break after this week (schools close from April 15 - May 3 or May 10, depending on the school).

- Steven was able to visit the new work area with some of the members from Hawane Baptist Church this past Thursday. He was also able to meet the indvuna, chief's assistant, and was granted permission to proceed starting a Bible study. God keeps opening the doors! Pray for this new work to grow strong with a solid foundation of God's Word and Truth!

- Our recent missionary meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, was one of the best mission meetings we have ever attended. So many of us came to the meeting tired and worn out but left with a very refreshed heart and spirit to press on with all God has for our various ministries. We thank First Baptist Orlando for sharing with us in preaching, worship and leading our children. You all were amazing and God used you!

- Praise the Lord that we received word from the Minister of Finance that the container of 648 in-home care kits can come into the country tax free! Woo! Hoo! Pray now for the tranportation issues to get the container from Durban (nearest port to us and only one day drive) to us quickly. Pray for our team as we seek to train our churches in passing them out to the right people that needs these buckets.

- Our churches are busy planning our annual Easters services (Thursday - Sunday, April 22-25) as it is a time of them to come together for preaching, worship and fellowship. The group that met for the Convention was small but they were able to proceed with making final decisions for the services. Pray each life will be touched in a special way during the Easter services.

- Pray for our missionary team as we are looking towards a very busy American summer months with lots of volunteers and teams coming to serve with us, especially from May - August.

SPECIAL REQUEST: (sent out by our prayer advocate, Barbara Myers) In recent weeks political developments throughout the Middle East and Africa have been major headlines. As country after country struggles with inner conflict and turmoil, others watch hoping it will not happen to them. April 12, 13 and 14 the trade union in Swaziland has called for strikes in Mbabane, Manzini and Nhlangano. Although strikes and discontentment are not new to Swaziland, in view of current events there is need for concern. Political heads of our country are calling the strikes against the law and rumors of military preparedness are spreading. What will be the outcome? Please pray these strikes will not end in riots and the military/police will not be called to provide order. Chaos usually follows when the military or police get involved. Pray peace will prevail over the nation of Swaziland.

Our family is busy planning ahead with petrol for vehicles, generators, groceries, running necessary errands over the weekend and Monday. We will try to write with an update during these days if we still have electricity, phone and internet. It is all in God's hands!!!

Let us hear from you as you are able to write!
Thank you for your faithful prayer support!!!
Steven, Monica, Lacie and Nathan Allen

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-04-08T11:49:00.000-07:00

“To the Praise of His Glory” was the theme of the 2011 Two Oceans Cluster meeting in Jo’burg March 30-April 4. What a wonderful time of praise and worship led by the First Baptist Church, Orlando, Fla. I can’t begin to tell you how my life was touched by the music and sermons that were shared with us. It gave my life the spiritual boost it so much needed. Ministering and serving is not about us, but about our Lord Jesus Christ, it is about HIM. Pray I will remember these words as I rise and prepare for each day. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:11 These meetings also provided a wonderful time of fellowship and reconnecting with our missionary colleagues that serve in South Africa, Indian Ocean Islands and Namibia. Please pray the Lord will continue to provide wisdom and discernment for these missionaries. Pray blessings will fall on their ministries and their lives.

We were in the middle of a meal and conversation when one of our missionary friends brought a young girl to our table. She preceded to say, “This young girl wanted to meet missionaries on the Swazi Team. Her parents were missionaries in Swaziland and she was born in Swaziland. Her name is Sarah Michelle Howard.” Oh what a joy to be able to see Sarah Michelle. I had been thinking of the family that was part of the “Swaziland Mission” 1992-1996. I remember Sarah Michelle when she was very small. Now she is 19 years old and was part of the volunteer team from the First Baptist Church of Orlando, Florida. The Lord continues to bless! We had a nice conversation with plenty of hugs!!

--Monday-Wednesday (April 4-6), Wayne and I attended the Community Development Training led by Mark and Susan Hatfield of BGR (Baptist Global Response). Basically our training helped us to see how to begin needed projects in communities using good “missiology” with avoidance of dependency. The Swazis have so many needs but they are also quick to look to others to provide for their needs. Pray the Swazi Team will seek the Lord’s guidance as we try to meet the needs of those around us without encouraging dependency.

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST:
In recent weeks political developments throughout the Middle East and Africa have been major headlines. As country after country struggles with inner conflict and turmoil, others watch hoping it will not happen to them. April 12, 13 and 14 the trade union in Swaziland has called for strikes in Mbabane, Manzini and Nhlangano. Although strikes and discontentment are not new to Swaziland, in view of current events there is need for concern. Political heads of our country are calling the strikes against the law and rumors of military preparedness are spreading. What will be the outcome? Please pray these strikes will not end in riots and the military/police will not be called to provide order. Chaos usually follows when the military or police get involved. Pray peace will prevail over the nation of Swaziland.

--Saturday (9th of April) the Baptist Convention of Swaziland will meet to finalize plans for the National Easter Services April 21-24. Pray planning will be concluded and everyone will prepare for a time of fellowship and worship. The theme of this year’s services is “The Power of the Resurrection.” Sessions will be provided for adult/youth and children as well as evening worship. Pray the 2011 Good Friday/Easter Services will be a blessing to those attending. Pray for a wonderful time of unity and worship.

MY RISEN LORD
My risen Lord, I feel Thy strong protection;
I see Thee stand among the graves today;
“I am the Way, the Life, the Resurrection,” I hear Thee say.
And all the burdens I have carried sadly Grow light as blossoms on an April day;
My cross becomes a staff, I journey gladly This Easter day.
--Author Unknown

MEDICAL UPDATE:
Here is an update on my nephew JC Miracle who was diagnosed with pancreatitis. JC was on a feeding tube for a while but now seems to be doing okay. JC seems to be doing pretty good now. The Dr. told us not to be surprised if he has a relapse in 3-4 months. He said that with chronic pancreatitis you could expect a relapse every 3-4 months for the first couple of years afterwards. So, just keep praying that it is healed and doesn't come back. Thank You!!

AIDS UPDATE:
Continue to pray for the six summer missionaries and four “Hands On” missionaries as they prepare to minister in Swaziland sharing the True Love Waits message in churches and schools. The six summer missionaries will be in Swaziland June and July. The four “Hands On” missionaries will arrive in June and depart in December. Pray also for True Love Waits International consultant, Kym Pennington as she leads three (3-day) training events in Swaziland in May. May hearts be touched and changed and the AIDS pandemic will loosen its grip on the Swazi people.

IMB’S OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
--Please lift up IMB’s affinity group strategists and overseas leadership team as they come together on April 10 for a week of strategic planning.

--IMB’s semi-annual Personnel Support Director’s Meeting is scheduled to be held in Lima, Peru on April 11-13. Pray for wisdom as discussions take place and decisions are made regarding how better to support field personnel in the areas of medical care, member care, education of their children, and the various elements of strategic support training.

March Update from the Allen Family

2011-03-30T00:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Prayer Warriors,

Greetings from Swaziland! Life has been busy and keeping us going but wanted to share a few praises and prayer concerns with everyone.

Praises/Prayer Concerns:
- Recent baptism service at Hawane Baptist Church on March 20, we saw 9 people baptized, including our daughter, Lacie. Praise the Lord! Check out my photos and a short video on my home page on Facebook.

- After much prayer, prayer drives and seeking the Lord, God is opening a door for a possible new work outside of Piggs Peak. The contact is through one of the families that attends Hawane Baptist Church. We were scheduled to visit there last week but the family needed to postpone until next week. Pray God opens the door completely if this is HIS plan to start a new outreach group that could move into a new church.

- Lesibovu Baptist Church is now finished with the walls of their new church building. They now will work on the roof and windows. Go God!

- Mphembekati Baptist Church has been relocated to a new piece of property as their church was too close to the community school. Pray for the church to continue to be a light in their community.

- Our family, along with missionaries from all over South Africa and the Indian Ocean islands, will be gathering this week in Johannesburg for our annual mission meeting. First Baptist of Orlando has sent a team to lead us in preaching, worship, encouragement and helping take care of our children with their own VBS type classes. Pray for safety as everyone travels, good health for the whole meeting...we typically seem to catch something at these meetings! :(, God to be with us in everything, great fellowship and refreshment for all.

- We are in the waiting mode to receive a container (approx. 600 buckets) of home care kits with Baptist Global Respones (BGR) into Swaziland. Our governement has approved the container to come in but we are waiting to see how much is the cost or if any. Pray the finance office will make a decision very soon and for them to find favor with seeing how these buckets will greatly assist their country. Pray for our team as we seek to train our churches in passing them out to the right people that needs these buckets.

- Our churches are busy planning our annual Easters services (Thursday - Sunday, April 22-25) as it is a time of them to come together for preaching, worship and fellowship. Many loose ends needs to be finalized and pray for our Convention as they make final decisions at their meeting this Saturday morning.

- Pray for our missionary team as we are looking towards a very busy American summer months with lots of volunteers and teams coming to serve with us, especially from May - August.

Let us hear from you as you are able to write!

March Update from Hoskins

2011-03-29T15:01:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!
The field trip with the children from church to the radio station downstairs was so wonderful! Todd said that it was the best field trip he’s ever been on. The kids got to be on the radio and did a wonderful job reciting their memory verses and singing the songs they had practiced. I enjoyed beign at their choir practices the two weeks prior to the trip. Everyone had a great time singing together, and I was able to learn the songs myself. Thirty-four children came to the radio station and to our house for hot dogs afterwards. I think everyone enjoyed themselves immensely, with Todd and me being at the front of that list.

Our church was officially given new land by the chief’s council last Saturday. A knot was ceremoniously tied in the tall grass to mark the spot. We should soon be moving to the new land, which is currently full of guava trees. I think the moving process will involve a lot of snacking!

You may remember us mentioning Lucky, the security guard across the street. Todd and Lucky began going through a Bible study together in the mornings when he comes over after his night shift. The study is called the Life of Christ and it looks at Jesus’s life and teachings chronologically.

In other news, a partnership between the largest Baptist Church in Swaziland (Phuzumoya) and a South African Bible School has been formed to bring an extension program to Swaziland. This is a big step in the right direction for leadership and pastoral education, but it also comes with its share of new challenges. With the South African school now involved, Todd will be able to focus more of his time on different regions and those unable to attend.

We will be at a cluster meeting with other IMB missionaries serving in southern Africa from March 30th through April 3rd in Johannesburg. Please pray that this is a good time of encouragement and refreshment for us and our team.

Thank you for your support!

April Prayer Calendar

2011-03-28T01:06:00.000-07:00

APRIL 2011 PRAYER CALENDAR
The Swazi Team

Friday April 1:
March 31-April 7, Todd and Deborah Hoskins’ friend, Tia from Georgia and her son Caleb will be in Swaziland for a visit. Please pray for safe travel. Pray they will have an enjoyable and meaningful trip as they see various ministries.

Saturday April 2:
Praise the Lord the Allens’ crate arrived in March and they continue to sort through everything. Pray for the Allens as they go through the house and decide what items to give away that no longer are needed to make room for the new items from their crate.

Sunday April 3:
Pray for the new outreach Bible study in northwest Swaziland in the rural area near Piggs Peak. Individuals from this area contacted missionary Steve Allen through friends at Hawane Baptist Church pleading for a Bible study to be started. This new study group is about 40 kilometers north of any previous work. Pray many people will attend this new outreach and come to faith in the Lord.

Monday April 4:
April 4-6, the Myers are attending the Community Development Training (sponsored by Baptist Global Response-BGR) in Jo’burg, South Africa. Pray this training will be helpful in ministering to the various needs of the Swazis.

Tuesday April 5:
Susanna Yawn’s (Deborah Hoskins’ sister) appointment with her heredity specialist went well. It is fairly certain that she does have retinitis pigmentosa. Susanna and the rest of the family seem to be doing well. Pray for Susanna as she deals with this new development in her life. May the Lord walk beside her each step of the way.

Wednesday April 6:
On March 16th, the Board of Trustees of the International Mission Board (IMB) voted to accept Tom Elliff as the new President of the IMB. Please pray for the Elliffs as they begin a new chapter in their lives. Ask the Lord to provide wisdom for Tom as he leads the IMB.

Thursday April 7:
A former pastor of the Velebantfu Baptist Church was told years ago that he was HIV positive. Before his marriage both he and his wife had other sexual partners. This pastor was taking the anti-retro viral drug (prolongs the life of AIDS victims) until a few months ago when he discontinued the use of the drug because he felt the Lord had healed him. Unfortunately, his symptoms have continued and he was recently admitted to the psychiatric ward of the hospital due to irrational speech and behavior. Unless he begins his ARVs, there is nothing that can be done for him. Pray this pastor will be able to hear when the Lord speaks to Him concerning the needed treatment. Pray for this family as they deal with this situation.

Friday April 8:
Pray affordable and beneficial training will be provided for Swazi leaders and pastors to help with their leadership tasks and responsibilities. From this training pray spiritually strong Swazi Baptist churches will develop.

Saturday April 9:
Please continue to pray for Wayne Myers’ brother, Terry with stage 4 cancer in remission, sister Patsy with COPD and her husband Jim and sister Lynda with various health issues. Pray also for Barbara’s great-nephew recovering from pancreatitis.

Sunday April 10:
Five individuals from the Peace Baptist Church will be baptized today. Please pray for these new believers as they take this public step of obedience to Christ. Pray for good weather and autumn temperatures will remain warm.

Monday April 11:
Pray God will give Deborah Hoskins wisdom as she helps with the older children’s Sunday School at the Mphembekati Baptist Church. The children of the Mphembekati Baptist Church recently took a tour of the Voice of the Church (TransWorld Radio) with snacks at the Hoskins’ apartment afterwards. The trip was a huge success! Everyone had a great time and the children recited verses and sung songs on the radio!!

Tuesday April 12:
Recently missionary Wayne Myers received a phone call from a youth of the Big Bend Baptist Church. He told Wayne his grandfather and other family members were telling him to take a wife. Wayne encouraged the youth to consider the need to take a wife that is Christian and of like faith. So many Swazi youth are pressured by family members to take a wife and have children to ensure the continuation of the family name. Pray this young man will seek the Lord first before taking this big step. Pray the Lord will give him peace and comfort as they walk through this together.

Wednesday April 13:
Pray the Bible study in the community of Macethuka (approximately 5 kilometers from the Vuvulane Baptist Church) will soon begin. A group from the area requested a Bible study since it was too far for families with small children to walk to the Vuvulane Baptist Church. Pray a strong work will begin in this area that will reach the many loss Swazis for the Lord.

Thursday April 14:
Todd Hoskins meets with a friend each morning to study a basic Bible study on who is Jesus. Please pray that God will give Todd wisdom in his interactions and study with his friend.

Friday April 15:
Pray the Lord will provide a pastor for the New Hope Baptist Church (without a pastor for over three years). Pray the faithful will continue to be fruitful and the adults will strive to teach the youth and children the ways of God.

Saturday April 16:
Pray God will reveal Himself to the Swazis following the Muslim faith. Pray Swazi Christians will be a light in the darkness sharing the love of Jesus with their people.

Sunday April 17:
Five individuals from the Victory Baptist Church will be baptized today. Please pray for these new believers as they begin their walk with the Lord. Since baptisms are done outside, pray for warm autumn temperatures.

Monday April 18:
Kym Pennington, True Love Waits International consultant returns to Swaziland in May to conduct three three-day TLW trainings. The first training is scheduled for the 15th-17th; the second 19th-21st and the third training 23rd-25th. Pray for Kym as she prepares for this time of training. Pray for the Swazi Team as they encourage possible attendees and prepare for these training events.

Tuesday April 19:
Pray for King Mswati today on his birthday. Pray the strongholds that keep him, his wives and children from accepting Christ will be broken and they will commit their lives to serving Jesus.

Wednesday April 20: Pray for Steve Allen today on his birthday!!
Two men from the Peniel Baptist Church recently came to Steve to tell him they want to assist with preaching at Swazi Baptist churches (Hhohho region) currently without pastors. This is an answer to prayer and the Allens are excited for these new workers to join the ministry. Pray for a wonderful working relationship between these two committed Christian men and the Allens.

Thursday April 21:
April 21-24 the National Good Friday/Easter Services begin in Manzini. “To the Praise of His Glory” is the theme and sessions are provided or adult/youth and children as well as evening worship. Pray the 2011 Good Friday/Easter Services will be a blessing to those attending. Pray for a wonderful time of unity and rejoicing.

Friday April 22: GOOD FRIDAY!!
Swazis do not have a word for Easter. When asked what word is used when talking about Easter, Good Friday is the answer. How sad to not know that hope did not end with the crucifixion. Without celebrating the resurrection they have left Him in the grave. Pray Swazis will see their hope lies in a resurrected Savior who is not in the grave!!

Saturday April 23:
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN UNENGAGED PEOPLES: Day after day the Zengaga people of Senegal live their lives without hearing “the words of prophecy” because there is no one to tell them. There is no known Bible in their language. There are no teachers and no preachers—no one to help them hear the Good News of Jesus. Please pray God will burden one or more of His churches to be missionaries to the Zengaga people of Senegal.

Sunday April 24: EASTER SUNDAY!!
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes.
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to reign,
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah Christ arose!
(Robert Lowry)
Pray the Swazis will understand the significance of the resurrection. May they accept the victory found in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Monday April 25:
Seven True Love Waits missionaries will minister in Swaziland June and July (2011) sharing the True Love Waits message in churches and schools. Four “Hands On” missionaries will arrive in June and August to also share the True Love Waits message throughout the country. The “Hands On” missionaries will be in Swaziland until May 2012. Pray the Lord will continue preparing these missionaries for their task of sharing the TLW message in Swaziland. May hearts be touched and changed and the AIDS pandemic will lose its grip on the Swazi people.

Tuesday April 26:
With the new True Love Waits missionaries arriving in June, dynamics will change for the Swazi Team. Instead of 3 families (8 team members), the numbers will increase to 14 families (22 members). Pray the Myers, Allens and Hoskins will be able to adjust to working with the Lord’s provision of new workers for the harvest. Pray mighty blessings will occur!

Wednesday April 27:
Due to the shipment of Home Health Care Kits (assist AIDS victims) being denied entry into South Africa, the shipment was given the “OKAY” to enter Swaziland. The Swazi Team is blessed to receive these kits (BGR buckets). Pray for members of the Swazi Team as they begin preparing and training Swazi Baptist churches on the use of the buckets to help AIDS families care for their loved ones. Pray these victims will know they are loved by caring people and especially the Lord.

Thursday April 28:
Pray the Lord will be able to draw strong spiritual leaders from the congregations of the Swazi Baptist churches. Pray many Swazis will truly understand what it means to be a Christian.

Friday April 29:
The last week of May two volunteers, Hunter and Katy will arrive in Swaziland for a time of ministry and for Hunter the reuniting with many Swazi friends. Hunter as well as her sister Brinkley and father Jimmy have made many trips to Swaziland as volunteers. During their first week they will work in the Tshaneni area with the Myers and the month of June will find them ministering with the Allens in Mbabane and Hoskins in Manzini. Pray for Hunter and Katy as they prepare for their ministry in Swaziland. May this be a wonderful experience for Katy’s first trip to Swaziland and for Hunter as she returns to Swaziland.

Saturday April 30:
Pastor Mkhiliphi and his wife have been together for many years with many children. When young they were married in the Swazi traditional way but now wish to be obedient to the Lord and have a Christian wedding. Pray for this couple as they invite their friends, family, church members and community to their Christian wedding today at the Ntuthwakazi Baptist Church. May their wedding be a wonderful witness to their family and the Ntuthwakazi community.

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-03-28T01:03:00.000-07:00

The Vuvulane Baptist Church begins a weekend revival (Fri.-Sun.). Saturday (26th of March) morning from 9:00-1:00 the children and youth will meet for Bible studies. The revival will conclude at morning worship on Sunday. Pray this will be a big spiritual boost for those that attend the Vuvulane Baptist Church. Pray children and youth will attend the Bible studies offered and it will be a great weekend for everyone.

--March 30-April 4, the Swazi Team will attend the Two Oceans Cluster Strategy Meeting at the Birchwood Conference Center in Jo’burg. The First Baptist Church of Orlando, Fla., will provide volunteers to work with the missionary children and lead in worship services. Missionaries from South Africa and Swaziland will gather for a time of reconnecting with missionary colleagues, praying for missionary needs and information gathering. Pray for spiritual preparedness for the missionaries attending, volunteers ministering and leadership leading.

--April 4-6, Wayne and I will attend the Community Development Training sponsored by the Baptist Global Response (BGR) in Jo’burg, South Africa. Pray this training will be helpful to the Swazi Team as we seek ways to minister to the Swazi people.
***Because we will be in Jo’burg for a week (March 30-April 6), next week’s prayer letter will not be sent.

HIS HANDS
The hands of Christ Seem very frail,
For they were broken By a nail.
But only they Reach heaven at last Whom these frail,
broken Hands hold fast.
--John Richard Moreland

Swazis do not have a word for Easter. When asked what word is used when talking about Easter, Good Friday is the answer. How sad not to know that hope did not end with the crucifixion. Without celebrating the resurrection they have left Him in the grave. Pray Swazis will see their hope lies in a resurrected Savior who is not in the grave!!

April 21-24 is the National Good Friday/Easter Services in Manzini. “To the Praise of His Glory” is the theme and sessions are provided for adult/youth and children as well as evening worship. Pray the 2011 Good Friday/Easter Services will be a blessing to those attending. Pray for a wonderful time of unity and rejoicing!!

AIDS UPDATE:
With the threat of AIDS destroying Swaziland’s youthful generation, there is a great need for a strong True Love Waits program in the country. The Swazi Team is happy to say the Lord is providing laborers for this task. In May, True Love Waits International consultant, Kym Pennington will conduct three three-day True Love Waits training events. In June-July, seven summer missionaries will minister in Swaziland sharing the True Love Waits message in churches and schools. Four “Hands On” missionaries will also arrive in June and August to share the TLW message throughout the country. Pray the Lord will continue preparing these missionaries for their task of sharing the TLW message in Swaziland. May hearts be touches and changed and the AIDS pandemic will loosen its grip on the Swazi people. With the new True Love Waits missionaries arriving in June, dynamics will change for the Swazi Team. Instead of 3 families (8 members), the numbers will increase to 14 families (19members). Pray the Myers, Allens and Hoskins will be able to adjust to working with the Lord’s provision of new workers for the harvest. Pray mighty blessings will occur!!

IMB’S OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
-A Mission Expo to which 36 interested missions candidates have been invited is scheduled to occur in Louisville, Ky., on March 24-26. Please intercede for these men and women as they seek God’s will concerning overseas missionary service.

-IMB’s Leadership Forum Retreat will be held at Natural Bridge, Va., on March 28 through April 1. Please pray for IMB’s president, vice-presidents, associate vice-presidents, and directors during this time of spiritual enrichment and professional dialogue. -This busy month will conclude with Indabas, the Sub-Saharan African Mini Summit at South Haven Baptist Church, Springfiled, Mo. For centuries in southern Africa, Zulu chiefs have called together their people to discuss important issues at meetings called “indabas.” That’s an appropriate name for a conference that will focus attention on the lostness of Sub-Saharan Africa. Ask God to deluge this conference with blessings.

Lacie's Baptism Service

2011-03-28T00:28:00.000-07:00

As a parent, we pray for our children even before they are born and most importantly, we pray for the day they will come to know Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord. Our daughter, Lacie, made that decision last year when we were in the USA on our stateside time. What a joy in all our lives! We talked to Lacie about baptism and she said she wanted to wait until we were home in Swaziland to be baptized at one of our churches. She even knew she wanted to do it Hawane Baptist Church. We did not push it or make a big issue out of it as we wanted her to fully understand what she was doing in her young life. She was the one that kept bringing it up and asked to be baptized when she found out we were planning a baptism recently at Hawane Baptist Church.

Lacie, along with eight others, was baptized last Sunday, March 20. She was so excited and only asked her daddy if the water was going to be cold! :) We thank God for such an important and special decision in her life and continue to pray for her walk with Jesus.

The group photo of everyone that was baptized that day with their special gift, the New Testament in siSwati.

Lacie getting ready to be baptized.

Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!!! Love the expression on Lacie's face! :)

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

2011-03-19T15:15:00.000-07:00

As I prepare to type this prayer letter, we are without electricity (again!!). Wayne has left for Nhlangano to attend the Shiselweni Association meeting tomorrow and on Sunday the licensing of Velebantfu Baptist pastor, Liswe Nsbandze. Before he departed he hooked up the electrics of the house to the generator. Since a nice thunder storm (we really needed the rain) on Wednesday our electricity has come and gone. We also had a little problem with the water on Tuesday night. When the toilet was flushed it looked like a swamp (and smelled like it too!). This problem stemmed from a broken water pipe somewhere on the farm. By the time the problem was corrected, the whole house smelt like a swamp and all the facets had to be “flushed out.” Since then, our water has been cleaner than it was before the problem!! Now, if only our electricity problem can be solved then life on the farm can once again be peaceful and tranquil.

Pray for the meeting of the Shiselweni Baptist Association today (19th of March) at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Pray for a time of encouragement for the 9 Shiselweni Swazi Baptist churches. Pray also for the licensing service on Sunday (20th of March) at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Pastor Nsibandze has led this church for five years and is a strong leader and committed Christian. Pray the members of the Veleblantfu Baptist Church will continue to support their pastor as he leads the congregation.

IT IS OFFICIAL!! -- The Nhlangano mission house is rented!! A construction company employee has rented the little house and has already moved in!! Thank you for praying.

-- The International Mission Board has a new president, Tom Elliff! Please pray for the Elliffs as they begin a new chapter in their lives. Ask the Lord to provide wisdom for Tom as he leads the IMB.

--Wade and DeeAnn Coker (Cluster Strategy Leader) were able to visit with all members of the Swazi Team (March 14-16). They returned to Jo’burg yesterday and next week will be in the midst of preparing for the Two Oceans Cluster Strategy Meeting at the Birchwood Conference Center in Johannesburg, South Africa March 30-April 4. Pray for Wade and DeeAnn as they prepare for this very important meeting. The members of the Swazi Team will also attend. The First Baptist Church of Orlando, Fla., will provide volunteers to work with the missionary children’s program and lead in the worship services. Pray for spiritual preparedness for the missionaries attending, volunteers ministering and leadership leading.

HO YUM, I still do not have my computer!! We received the new graphics card from the states in February, took it to the one that is repairing the computer and we are still waiting to hear that the computer is ready to be returned to us. I must admit, it is rather frustrating!! Pray my computer will soon be returned to us in good form and ready to resume helping me with all my computer activities!

APRIL MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES:
--April 4-6, we (Myers) will attend the Community Development Training (sponsored by BGR) in Jo’burg. Pray this training will be helpful in ministering to those around us.

--April 21-24, the National Good Friday/Easter Services will be conducted in Manzini. This yearly special event begins the day before Good Friday and ends on Easter Sunday with approximately 200 people attending. Theme: “To the Praise of His Glory.” Pray this year’s services will have a spiritual foundation and will reflect the true Resurrection story. Pray those attending will seek the Lord’s direction and guidance in their thoughts and beliefs. Pray for unity in all our Swazi Baptist churches during this special time of worshipping together for four days.

AIDS UPDATE:We have so much to share with you concerning our prayer request last week for the shipment of Home Health Care Kits (buckets) that was stuck in South Africa and not being allowed to enter the country (due to vitamins in the shipment). We asked you to pray that the South Africa customs office would reconsider and allow the container to enter the country. Well, that didn’t happen but something more miraculous did, the container has been cleared to enter SWAZILAND!!!! With paper work in hand Steve visited the appropriate offices to receive the clearance. Yesterday Wayne took more paperwork and both he and Steve made visits to offices that would help the shipment enter the country tax free. The tax free issue is still undecided but we should hear something by Tuesday of this week when the committee meets to decide if the shipment can enter tax free. WOW!! There are over 600 Home Health Kits in the shipment. We had asked for 300 last year but could only be promised 25. This year we were promised 100. Now we have over 600!! THANK YOU FOR PRAYING!! Our Lord has again provided over and above our expectation. Pray for the Swazi Team as we begin preparing and training our churches on the use of these buckets to help AIDS families care for their loved ones. Pray the shipment will soon move from Durban, South Africa to Mbabane, Swaziland!! We praise the Lord that many victims of AIDS will know they are loved by caring people and especially by the Lord.
***If your church is interested in helping with filling home health care kits/buckets, contact Baptist Global Response (BGR) bgrbuckets@gobgr.org or visit their website www.baptistglobalresponse.com/main/

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST:
Pray fervently for the Japanese people as they come to grips with the death and destruction caused by the horrific9.0 earthquake and ensuing tsunami of last week. Ask that Christians will turn to God for refuge and that nonbelievers will seek to know Him. Ask for His hand of protection and provision to be upon missionaries, rescue and relief workers, and the 450,000 Japanese who are in temporary shelters. Pray for godly wisdom and protection for those who are seeking to stem the nuclear meltdown and radiation leaks. (March 17-Today’s Prayer)
As you pray consider a possible donation to the disaster relief effort in Japan. Donations can be made through the International Mission Board either by sending a check or by going on line.