We hope each of you had a most wonderful Christmas season!!
Now that Christmas is behind us we now anticipate the beginning of a new year. The first day of 2010 will find us arriving in Jo’burg. We leave Wednesday to return the vehicle our friends (Brodericks) loaned us while we were stateside. Rob and Susan live outside St. Louis. Therefore we are boarding our plan to Washington, D.C. in St. Louis instead of Louisville.
With the recent attempt to blow up a plane to Detroit from Amsterdam, security again will be very tight. We probably will be body searched and our luggage giving a good “going over.” Please pray for us as we make this arduous trip back to South Africa/Swaziland. We need to be at the airport no later than 6:00am on Thursday. Our day will be spent at the airport until our departure at 5:40pm. There will be no chance for clean up or rest before we begin our 18 hour flight to Jo’burg. Pray also we will not become too stressed or agitated as we go through the various check points. Pray our flight will be quiet and totally uneventful!!
YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE!!
Upon our return to Swaziland we will have a new address as well as change in emailing addresses. Please note and make adjustments:
New address:
Wayne and Barbara Myers
Box 190
Tshaneni
Swaziland
Phone: (268) 323-2311 ext. 240
Email addresses are also changing:
**We will no longer be able to use the africaonline address. Please delete from your computer.
New Email addresses:
Wayne: swaziwayne@gmail.com
wmyers@shelbywireless.net
Barbara: swazitalk@gmail.com
swazibam@shelbywireless.net
Also upon our return to Swaziland I will be busy unpacking boxes and organizing our house in Tshaneni. We moved a week before our departure for the states in September. Our furniture is in the house but now we need to unpack the many remaining boxes and make it our “Home Sweet Home.” Please pray for us as we make the adjustment to a new move and being back in Swaziland. Pray I will be able to get the house in some sort of order before our first volunteer team arrives the 12rd of January.
--2010 begins with the arrival of a volunteer team (January 12-21) to the Shiselweni region from the Atlantic Association in North Carolina. The team will minister through revivals, children camp, youth retreat and homestead visitation. Pray Hartford, Etles, Lucy, Kim, Melissa, Wes and Mike (team leader) will enjoy their work and ministry with the Swazi people. Pray many blessings will occur.
--The printer signed off on the printing of the Swazi people prayer booklet on the 9th of December but later emailed to say the wrong paper had been used. We don’t know what that means, so please pray the booklets will soon be printed, sent to our Baptist office in Jo’burg so they can be in the hands of the many prayer warriors for the Swazi people.
MEDICAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
--On the 29th of December, Wayne’s brother Terry will have his 3-month cancer (stage 4) check. This usually involves a number of tests.
Pray for Terry and his wife Darlene as they go through a time of uncertainty regarding these tests. Pray his reports will be good!!
--My brother-in-law is still recovering from undergoing back surgery the week of Thanksgiving. Progress is slow. Please pray for Pete’s (Rutledge) complete recovery.
-Pray for my niece’s husband’s mother (Debbie Miracle) diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage during this difficult time. Pray for the family as they continue to deal with Debbie’s illness.
AIDS UPDATE:
In November the Myers met with Don Brown from College Acres Baptist Church in Wilmington, NC to discuss the church possibly partnering with the Swazi Team to help spread the True Love Waits message throughout Swaziland. Pray this possible partnership will establish a strong True Love Waits program in Swaziland.
PRAYER FOR AMERICA: Father God, while we struggle with many hard pressing issues in this country, we pray that you will continue to hold us close to you. During the trials of a struggling economy with so many without jobs, we ask that all people would find your love and let it change their lives from within their hearts. Watch over those who would lead this country and guide their paths and their words in order to glorify you. Amen www.presidentialprayerteam.org
Thank you for contributing to the 2009 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions. Pray 175 million LMCO goal will be met so all the peoples of the world will have a chance to hear the Gospel message.
February 16-March 2, the First Baptist Church, Washington, NC is scheduled to send a volunteer team to the northeast section of the country. Pray for Jimmy, Joyce, Caren, Roger and Jimmy (team leader) as they spiritually prepare for the work the Lord has given them in Swaziland. Pray the soil will be prepared for rich blessings.
May the love of the Lord Jesus
draw us to Himself.
May the power of the Lord Jesus
strengthen us in His service.
May the joy of the Lord Jesus
fill our souls.
May the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
-William Temple
WE WISH EACH OF YOU A MOST WONDERFUL AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas from the Allen Family
Allen Family before church at Peace Baptist Church
Hanging with the Poe family after a fantastic week with their family!Greetings from Swaziland, Africa! We pray extra blessings on each of you during this special season of celebrating our Savior’s birth, Jesus Christ.
As we look back on the year of 2009, we have much to thank the Lord for in our family. Ministry has been challenging, exciting, fun, and busy all at the same time! J God has done many great things this past year with the Swazi people and it is only a privilege to serve with such amazing people. We are thankful for all the volunteers that have come to Swaziland this past year to work among the Swazi people. Our mission team reduced as three units returned to the USA and we miss them all greatly. We are blessed with many prayer partners that faithfully pray for our family, team, ministry and the Swazi people. Without you, we could not continue the work God has for us to accomplish in His timing.
As we look back on the year of 2009, we have much to thank the Lord for in our family. Ministry has been challenging, exciting, fun, and busy all at the same time! J God has done many great things this past year with the Swazi people and it is only a privilege to serve with such amazing people. We are thankful for all the volunteers that have come to Swaziland this past year to work among the Swazi people. Our mission team reduced as three units returned to the USA and we miss them all greatly. We are blessed with many prayer partners that faithfully pray for our family, team, ministry and the Swazi people. Without you, we could not continue the work God has for us to accomplish in His timing.
Our family is doing well and staying quite busy balancing family and ministry each day. Lacie is now five years old and will start kindergarten/grade 0 in January 2010 at The Little Brown Hen Preschool. She has attended half days there for the past two years. The school year here is from January – December, with three school term breaks. She started ballet, gymnastics and swim lessons this year. She loves them all and even placed first in her age group for the Swaziland gymnastics competition in November. Lacie asks many questions about “asking Jesus into her heart”. We know God is working on her tender heart.
Nathan turned one this year and is quite an active little boy! :) He loves cars, trucks, trains and balls. He loves anything that moves or he can throw. The kids play well together and one of Nathan’s favorite words is “Sisi” (siSwati for sister)! We are blessed with two, amazing kids…thank, you, Lord!
Steve took the trip of a lifetime to Israel this year with Southwestern Seminary to assist with their Tel Gezer project, an archeological dig. He thoroughly loved his trip and one he hopes to do again someday in the future. Monica’s mom, Gogo Polly, came for a visit on her summer break and our family enjoyed having family visit us in our African world. Lacie and Monica made a quick trip to the USA in October as Lacie was one of the flower girls in Monica’s cousin’s wedding in Florida. It was a fun trip for mother/daughter and the “boys” had their male bonding time back in Swaziland.
Our family is looking forward to our stateside time in 2010 as we will be in North Carolina from end of March – end of June and in West Palm Beach, Florida, from end of June – end of September. We want to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We are sending you hugs and love from Swaziland to your family! May God richly bless each of your lives in a special way in 2010!
Swazi Team Prayer Calendar - January 2010
Friday January 1: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Pray for the Swazi people steeped deep in bondage to their traditional beliefs. Praise God for the many prayer partners and volunteer teams that give of themselves and their time to intercede on behalf of and who minister to, our team and the people of Swaziland. Also, pray that many more will join in His work here this year! The fields are white and ready for the harvest!!
Saturday January 2: After spending 3 months in the states (stateside assignment) Wayne and Barbara Myers return to Swaziland today. Pray for the Myers’ quick adjustment to being back in Swaziland. In September Wayne and Barbara moved from Nhlangano to Tshaneni and still have boxes to unpack and a house to organize.
Sunday January 3: Thank you for contributing to the 2009 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions. Pray 175 million LMCO goal will be met so all the peoples of the world will have a chance to hear the Gospel message.
Monday January 4: Pray the members of the Swazi Team will seek the Lord’s guidance as they look to 2010 with joy, love and desire to make their lives count for Christ.
Tuesday January 5: Praise the Lord for the awesome Women’s Retreat last month (December 17-19). What a blessed time with the Swazi ladies and Hannah Poe did an amazing time teaching the woman about the “Power of the Journey”! Pray for the new women representatives on the National Women’s Committee as they lead and guide the woman’s ministry in our Swazi Baptist churches.
Wednesday January 6: Sarah Warren continues to have trouble seeing through the center of her right eye. Pray this problem will improve. She has been wearing a patch on her left eye to strengthen her right eye.
Thursday January 7: In November the Myers met with Don Brown from College Acres Baptist Church, Wilmington, NC to discuss the church possibly partnering with the Swazi Team to help spread the True Love Waits message throughout Swaziland. Pray this possible partnership will establish a strong True Love Waits program in Swaziland.
Friday January 8: January 8-9 is the scheduled Hhohho region youth retreat. Pray the logistics will come together and for unity among the youth in the Hhohho region. May God’s presence fill them in a special way throughout the weekend.
Saturday January 9: Pray for today’s meeting of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland. The group will discuss plans for the Easter services (for all Swazi Baptist churches) April 1-4. Pray for unity in decisions about location, speakers, schedule and logistic items. Pray this will be a great and exciting year of ministry for the Swaziland Baptist Convention. Pray for a spirit of unity during discussions and planning.
Sunday January 10: Continue to pray for all our Baptist churches without pastoral leadership. Pray for these churches to remain one body and faithful in serving one another as they patiently wait on the Lord to provide the right person to lead these churches.
Monday January 11: Tomorrow (12th) the volunteer team from the Atlantic Association (North Carolina) arrives in the Shiselweni region of Swaziland. The team will minister through revivals, children camp, youth retreat and homestead visitation. Pray Hartford, Etles, Lucy, Kim, Melissa, Wes and Mike will enjoy their work and ministry with the Swazi people. Pray many blessings will occur.
Tuesday January 12: Pray for Steve and Monica Allen today on the 8th wedding anniversary!! J
Pray for the Allen family as they continue to make plans for their stateside assignment March 26-end of September. Their plans include a time in northwestern North Carolina the first three months and south Florida for their last three months.
Wednesday January 13: In December the Manzini region youth retreat was conducted. Even though the numbers were small, the group did all the planning, shopping and organizing. We praise the Lord for their leadership attitude! Pray more and more the Swazis will take the lead in organizing and leading special events.
Thursday January 14: Pray for the many Swazis being misled and confused by the Muslim faith. Promises are made and granted if those interested will convert to this religion. Pray for a change of attitudes of the Swazis converting for gain. Pray Christians will see the urgency of witnessing to their lost friends and neighbors.
Friday January 15: The Swazi Team is excited to learn Al and Belinda Jordan will return to Swaziland to cover for the Allens while they are on stateside assignment. The Jordans have served previously in Swaziland and South Africa. Pray for Al and Belinda as they make preparations to fill in for the Allens for six months. They are scheduled to arrive around the 20th of March.
Saturday January 16: Pray 2010 will be the year the King of Swaziland, his wives and children will hear the true Gospel message. Pray for a change in beliefs and lifestyles in the royal family.
Sunday January 17: Praise the Lord, Lesibovu has officially been granted their own plot of land by the chief and elders of the community! Pray for this new church of believers as they begin to raise their own funds to start building their own church structure. In recent months, the World Vision organization has allowed the church to use their “feeding station” building to meet for Bible studies and worship each week. Prior to this, the church met under the trees outside after being “kicked” out of the building used by the Zionist groups.
Monday January 18: Please continue praying for the Myers’ family members dealing with medical issues. Barbara’s brother-in-law is recovering from surgery; Wayne’s brother in remission from stage 4 cancer and Barbara’s nephew-in-law’s mother diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Tuesday January 19: Today Lacie Allen starts her Kindergarten O school year. Pray for her to do well in school and be a light of Jesus in her class. She will attend the Little Brown Hen Preschool for kindergarten most of the term. After the family returns from stateside assignment (March 26 until the end of September), she will continue with the final term of kindergarten at the Little Brown Hen Preschool.
Wednesday January 20: She is a tiny and short little girl. It is easy to lift her because she weighs so little but then her parents are short in stature and very thin. Her parents as well as her older sister are also HIV positive for the virus that will eventually lead to AIDS. Statistics continue to tell us that many in Swaziland are HIV positive and many are dying with AIDS. The country of Swaziland contains less than 1 million Swazis and the population continues to decline due to the AIDS pandemic. Pray the AIDS pandemic will begin to lose its grip on the Swazi people. Pray for a spiritual revival in the hearts of Christians that will lead to godly lifestyles and salvation for the many living in spiritual darkness.
Thursday January 21: Continue to pray the personnel job request for the Manzini region of Swaziland will soon be filled. Manzini is the largest city in Swaziland and presently very few attends a Baptist church.
Friday January 22: The Africa Support Center teams provide personnel, logistics, finance and communication support of local ministries including personal evangelism, cell groups, are also involved in local churches and chronological Bible storying training, youth and young adults outreach, and caring for widows, orphans and the homeless. Pray for team members to find a godly balance between support center responsibilities and ministry outside their offices.
Saturday January 23: PRAY FOR AMERICA:
Father God, while we struggle with many hard pressing issues in this country, we pray that you will continue to hold us close to you. During the trials of a struggling economy with so many without jobs, we ask that all people would find your love and let it change their lives from within their hearts. Watch over those who would lead this country and guide their paths and their words in order to glorify. Amen. www.presidentialprayerteam.org
Sunday January 24: 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 January 25: Each year the Swazi Baptist churches have the opportunity to send their youth to the National Youth Camp in August. The First Baptist Church, Belton, Texas is praying concerning possibly leading the 2010 camp. Pray as this church seeks the Lord’s guidance in their decision. Begin now praying for the planning of this very special yearly event.
Tuesday January 26: Sarah Warren continues to have problems with tingling in her feet/toes. Blood tests have come back perfect. Today she has an appointment with her neurologist. Pray for wisdom for the doctors as they try to determine the cause of the tingling.
Wednesday January 27: Please join us in praying for co-laborers to come and join the Lord’s work in Swaziland through short-term volunteer teams, dedicated prayer warriors or full-time service.
Thursday January 28: 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 will protect them. Pray for a safer place to live for children that will allow them to have a future.
Friday January 29: Pray for revival, holy living, clear evangelical message proclaimed and great unity among Christian leaders. Pray also the stronghold of witchcraft and ancestor worship as well as immorality will be broken within the Swazi churches and nation.
Saturday January 30: February 16-March 2, the First Baptist Church, Washington, NC is scheduled to send a volunteer team to the northeast section of the country. Pray for Jimmy, Joyce, Caren, Roger and Jimmy (team leader) as they spiritually prepare for the work the Lord has given them in Swaziland. Pray the soil will be prepared for rich blessings.
Sunday January 31: Pray Swazi Baptist pastors and laymen will see the need to start new groups/churches so many Swazis will come to know Jesus as their Savior. Pray barriers will be overcome and a church planting movement will start among the Swazi Baptist churches in Swaziland.
****************************
Thy Word is like a garden, Lord,
With flowers bright and fair;
And everyone who seeks may pluck
A lovely cluster there.
They Word is a like a deep, deep mine;
And jewels rich and rare
And hidden in its mighty depths
For every searcher there.
The Word is like a starry host;
A thousand rays of light
Are seen to guide the traveler,
And make His pathway bright.
Thy Word is like an armory,
Where soldiers may repair,
And find, for life’s long battle-day,
All needful weapons there.
O may I love Thy precious Word,
May I explore the mine,
May I its fragrant flowers glean,
May light upon me shine.
O may I find our armor there,
Thy Word my trusty sword;
I’ll learn to fight with every foe
The battle of the Lord.
(Edwin Hodder 1837-1904)
Pray for the Swazi people steeped deep in bondage to their traditional beliefs. Praise God for the many prayer partners and volunteer teams that give of themselves and their time to intercede on behalf of and who minister to, our team and the people of Swaziland. Also, pray that many more will join in His work here this year! The fields are white and ready for the harvest!!
Saturday January 2: After spending 3 months in the states (stateside assignment) Wayne and Barbara Myers return to Swaziland today. Pray for the Myers’ quick adjustment to being back in Swaziland. In September Wayne and Barbara moved from Nhlangano to Tshaneni and still have boxes to unpack and a house to organize.
Sunday January 3: Thank you for contributing to the 2009 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions. Pray 175 million LMCO goal will be met so all the peoples of the world will have a chance to hear the Gospel message.
Monday January 4: Pray the members of the Swazi Team will seek the Lord’s guidance as they look to 2010 with joy, love and desire to make their lives count for Christ.
Tuesday January 5: Praise the Lord for the awesome Women’s Retreat last month (December 17-19). What a blessed time with the Swazi ladies and Hannah Poe did an amazing time teaching the woman about the “Power of the Journey”! Pray for the new women representatives on the National Women’s Committee as they lead and guide the woman’s ministry in our Swazi Baptist churches.
Wednesday January 6: Sarah Warren continues to have trouble seeing through the center of her right eye. Pray this problem will improve. She has been wearing a patch on her left eye to strengthen her right eye.
Thursday January 7: In November the Myers met with Don Brown from College Acres Baptist Church, Wilmington, NC to discuss the church possibly partnering with the Swazi Team to help spread the True Love Waits message throughout Swaziland. Pray this possible partnership will establish a strong True Love Waits program in Swaziland.
Friday January 8: January 8-9 is the scheduled Hhohho region youth retreat. Pray the logistics will come together and for unity among the youth in the Hhohho region. May God’s presence fill them in a special way throughout the weekend.
Saturday January 9: Pray for today’s meeting of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland. The group will discuss plans for the Easter services (for all Swazi Baptist churches) April 1-4. Pray for unity in decisions about location, speakers, schedule and logistic items. Pray this will be a great and exciting year of ministry for the Swaziland Baptist Convention. Pray for a spirit of unity during discussions and planning.
Sunday January 10: Continue to pray for all our Baptist churches without pastoral leadership. Pray for these churches to remain one body and faithful in serving one another as they patiently wait on the Lord to provide the right person to lead these churches.
Monday January 11: Tomorrow (12th) the volunteer team from the Atlantic Association (North Carolina) arrives in the Shiselweni region of Swaziland. The team will minister through revivals, children camp, youth retreat and homestead visitation. Pray Hartford, Etles, Lucy, Kim, Melissa, Wes and Mike will enjoy their work and ministry with the Swazi people. Pray many blessings will occur.
Tuesday January 12: Pray for Steve and Monica Allen today on the 8th wedding anniversary!! J
Pray for the Allen family as they continue to make plans for their stateside assignment March 26-end of September. Their plans include a time in northwestern North Carolina the first three months and south Florida for their last three months.
Wednesday January 13: In December the Manzini region youth retreat was conducted. Even though the numbers were small, the group did all the planning, shopping and organizing. We praise the Lord for their leadership attitude! Pray more and more the Swazis will take the lead in organizing and leading special events.
Thursday January 14: Pray for the many Swazis being misled and confused by the Muslim faith. Promises are made and granted if those interested will convert to this religion. Pray for a change of attitudes of the Swazis converting for gain. Pray Christians will see the urgency of witnessing to their lost friends and neighbors.
Friday January 15: The Swazi Team is excited to learn Al and Belinda Jordan will return to Swaziland to cover for the Allens while they are on stateside assignment. The Jordans have served previously in Swaziland and South Africa. Pray for Al and Belinda as they make preparations to fill in for the Allens for six months. They are scheduled to arrive around the 20th of March.
Saturday January 16: Pray 2010 will be the year the King of Swaziland, his wives and children will hear the true Gospel message. Pray for a change in beliefs and lifestyles in the royal family.
Sunday January 17: Praise the Lord, Lesibovu has officially been granted their own plot of land by the chief and elders of the community! Pray for this new church of believers as they begin to raise their own funds to start building their own church structure. In recent months, the World Vision organization has allowed the church to use their “feeding station” building to meet for Bible studies and worship each week. Prior to this, the church met under the trees outside after being “kicked” out of the building used by the Zionist groups.
Monday January 18: Please continue praying for the Myers’ family members dealing with medical issues. Barbara’s brother-in-law is recovering from surgery; Wayne’s brother in remission from stage 4 cancer and Barbara’s nephew-in-law’s mother diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Tuesday January 19: Today Lacie Allen starts her Kindergarten O school year. Pray for her to do well in school and be a light of Jesus in her class. She will attend the Little Brown Hen Preschool for kindergarten most of the term. After the family returns from stateside assignment (March 26 until the end of September), she will continue with the final term of kindergarten at the Little Brown Hen Preschool.
Wednesday January 20: She is a tiny and short little girl. It is easy to lift her because she weighs so little but then her parents are short in stature and very thin. Her parents as well as her older sister are also HIV positive for the virus that will eventually lead to AIDS. Statistics continue to tell us that many in Swaziland are HIV positive and many are dying with AIDS. The country of Swaziland contains less than 1 million Swazis and the population continues to decline due to the AIDS pandemic. Pray the AIDS pandemic will begin to lose its grip on the Swazi people. Pray for a spiritual revival in the hearts of Christians that will lead to godly lifestyles and salvation for the many living in spiritual darkness.
Thursday January 21: Continue to pray the personnel job request for the Manzini region of Swaziland will soon be filled. Manzini is the largest city in Swaziland and presently very few attends a Baptist church.
Friday January 22: The Africa Support Center teams provide personnel, logistics, finance and communication support of local ministries including personal evangelism, cell groups, are also involved in local churches and chronological Bible storying training, youth and young adults outreach, and caring for widows, orphans and the homeless. Pray for team members to find a godly balance between support center responsibilities and ministry outside their offices.
Saturday January 23: PRAY FOR AMERICA:
Father God, while we struggle with many hard pressing issues in this country, we pray that you will continue to hold us close to you. During the trials of a struggling economy with so many without jobs, we ask that all people would find your love and let it change their lives from within their hearts. Watch over those who would lead this country and guide their paths and their words in order to glorify. Amen. www.presidentialprayerteam.org
Sunday January 24: 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 January 25: Each year the Swazi Baptist churches have the opportunity to send their youth to the National Youth Camp in August. The First Baptist Church, Belton, Texas is praying concerning possibly leading the 2010 camp. Pray as this church seeks the Lord’s guidance in their decision. Begin now praying for the planning of this very special yearly event.
Tuesday January 26: Sarah Warren continues to have problems with tingling in her feet/toes. Blood tests have come back perfect. Today she has an appointment with her neurologist. Pray for wisdom for the doctors as they try to determine the cause of the tingling.
Wednesday January 27: Please join us in praying for co-laborers to come and join the Lord’s work in Swaziland through short-term volunteer teams, dedicated prayer warriors or full-time service.
Thursday January 28: 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 will protect them. Pray for a safer place to live for children that will allow them to have a future.
Friday January 29: Pray for revival, holy living, clear evangelical message proclaimed and great unity among Christian leaders. Pray also the stronghold of witchcraft and ancestor worship as well as immorality will be broken within the Swazi churches and nation.
Saturday January 30: February 16-March 2, the First Baptist Church, Washington, NC is scheduled to send a volunteer team to the northeast section of the country. Pray for Jimmy, Joyce, Caren, Roger and Jimmy (team leader) as they spiritually prepare for the work the Lord has given them in Swaziland. Pray the soil will be prepared for rich blessings.
Sunday January 31: Pray Swazi Baptist pastors and laymen will see the need to start new groups/churches so many Swazis will come to know Jesus as their Savior. Pray barriers will be overcome and a church planting movement will start among the Swazi Baptist churches in Swaziland.
****************************
Thy Word is like a garden, Lord,
With flowers bright and fair;
And everyone who seeks may pluck
A lovely cluster there.
They Word is a like a deep, deep mine;
And jewels rich and rare
And hidden in its mighty depths
For every searcher there.
The Word is like a starry host;
A thousand rays of light
Are seen to guide the traveler,
And make His pathway bright.
Thy Word is like an armory,
Where soldiers may repair,
And find, for life’s long battle-day,
All needful weapons there.
O may I love Thy precious Word,
May I explore the mine,
May I its fragrant flowers glean,
May light upon me shine.
O may I find our armor there,
Thy Word my trusty sword;
I’ll learn to fight with every foe
The battle of the Lord.
(Edwin Hodder 1837-1904)
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
Looking at Christmas…
www.presidentialprayerteam.org
(Reprinted with permission from the Associated Content)
In the early days of Christianity, Christmas was called the Feast of the Nativity. Pope Julius I chose December 25th in order to adopt and absorb other pagan festivals occurring during this time of year. By holding Christmas at the same time as Winter Solstice Festivals, church leaders increased the chances that the holiday would be more widely embraced. By the middle ages, Christianity had replaced most pagan practices. On Christmas, believers attended church, then celebrated in a drunken, carnival-like atmosphere.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that Americans began to embrace Christmas. Americans re-invented Christmas, and changed it from a raucous carnival holiday into a family-centered day of peace and nostalgia.
By the 1840s, newspapers were including special Christmas shopping sections during the holiday season. In 1841, the first step toward the full commercialization of Christmas began. In a Philadelphia department store, thousands of children and their parents lined up to see a life size replica of Santa Claus. The resulting boom in store sales sealed Christmas fate. In the early 1890s, the Salvation Army needed money to pay for the free Christmas meals they provided to needy families. They began dressing up unemployed men in Santa Clause suits and sending them into the streets of New York to solicit donations. Those familiar Salvation Army Santas have been ringing bells on the street corners of America ever since.
Santa Claus became synonymous with Christmas in the 1800s and the Christmas tree practice came to the US in the 1800s with the first German settlers in Pennsylvania.
With all the hype and tradition that encompasses Christmas in America, let us not forget why the holiday was created in the first place. It is a time of giving selflessly, and not necessarily material gifts. It is time to remember the birth of Jesus Christ and the ultimate gift that was given to humanity. Let us all focus on what is important this holiday season.
God make us aware that in Thy name
The Holy Christ Child humbly came
To live on earth and leave behind
New faith and hope for all mankind.
-Helen Steiner Rice
A gifted young teacher from Virginia by the name of Charlotte Diggs "Lottie" Moon came to Cartersville as the co-principal of the Cartersville Female Academy in June, 1871. At Cartersville Baptist Church (now First Baptist Church), Lottie assisted her pastor, Rev. R.B. Headden, with visits to those in need in the community. In February 1873, pastors and deacons from around the area met at the Oothcalooga Baptist Church near Adairsville to pray about sending missionaries. Rev. Headden prayed that at least one person from his congregation would answer the call. Lottie Moon sat on her usual front row pew the following Sunday. Through the sermon of Rev. Headden, she heard her call to go to China.For the next 39 years the people in Cartersville prayed and faithfully gave their money for Lottie Moon's work in China. On Christmas Day of 1881, families from Cartersville came together and left a special offering for her work, the first Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. In 1892 Lottie returned to Cartersville to greet old friends and former pupils, who called her "our own Miss Lottie Moon."Please pray the 175 million LMCO goal will be met this year so all the peoples of the world will have a chance to hear the gospel message. Please pray concerning how you will give to the 2009 Lottie Christmas Offering.
BLESSINGS !!
--We have just been given our clearance to return to Swaziland. Pray our tickets will be issued before the IMB takes their Christmas break.
--The printer signed off on the printing of the Swazi people prayer booklet on the 9th of December and the booklets were to be sent to our Baptist office in Jo’burg. What a wonderful Christmas present!! Pray the booklets will soon be in the hands of many prayer warriors for the Swazi people.
Christmas in Swaziland is not the elaborate affair we know in America. Christmas decorations may be seen in many of the shops but in most Swazi homes little is done to celebrate the Christmas season. There are no decorated Christmas trees and very little Christmas shopping is done. Since it is summer the weather is warm/hot and therefore we can’t anticipate a white Christmas. One thing that is done especially in the rural areas on Christmas Day is going from homestead to homestead to say “where’s my Christmas?” In response they are given a plate of food to eat. Christmas for many Swazis is the eating of special food they do not always have during the year. Sadder still is the fact that many in Swaziland do not know or understand the true meaning of Christmas.
This Christmas season, pray many Swazis will have a chance to understand the significance of the Christmas season. Pray also 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.
SPECIAL CHRISTMAS WEEK PRAYER REQUESTS:
This week as you remember the “reason for the season” please pray for this special prayer requests:
-Please continue praying for our family members who are dealing with medical issues:
· My brother-in-law is slowly on the mend from his surgery.
· Wayne’s brother Terry as he continues to be in remission from his cancer.
· My nephew-in-law’s mother diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
-2010 begins with the arrival of a volunteer team (January 12-21) in the Shiselweni region from the Atlantic Association in North Carolina. Pray each team member will be prepared for his or her work in Swaziland. Pray the Lord will continue to lead volunteers to Swaziland and pray for continued harvest from their efforts.
-Pray for Steve, Monica, Lacie and Nathan Allen away from family this Christmas. May the they feel the Lord’s constant presence during the holiday season.
PRAYER FOR AMERICA: Father God, while we struggle with many hard pressing issues in this country, we pray that you will continue to hold us close to you. During the trials of a struggling economy with so many without jobs, we ask that all people would find your love and let it change their lives from within their hearts. Watch over those who would lead this country and guide their paths and their words in order to glorify you. Amen www.presidentialprayerteam.org
**Please Note: Upon our return to Swaziland we will not able to use the africaonline email address. Please discontinue the use of this address and send emails to swazibam@shelbywireless.net or wmyers@shelbywireless.net. Thank You!
www.presidentialprayerteam.org
(Reprinted with permission from the Associated Content)
In the early days of Christianity, Christmas was called the Feast of the Nativity. Pope Julius I chose December 25th in order to adopt and absorb other pagan festivals occurring during this time of year. By holding Christmas at the same time as Winter Solstice Festivals, church leaders increased the chances that the holiday would be more widely embraced. By the middle ages, Christianity had replaced most pagan practices. On Christmas, believers attended church, then celebrated in a drunken, carnival-like atmosphere.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that Americans began to embrace Christmas. Americans re-invented Christmas, and changed it from a raucous carnival holiday into a family-centered day of peace and nostalgia.
By the 1840s, newspapers were including special Christmas shopping sections during the holiday season. In 1841, the first step toward the full commercialization of Christmas began. In a Philadelphia department store, thousands of children and their parents lined up to see a life size replica of Santa Claus. The resulting boom in store sales sealed Christmas fate. In the early 1890s, the Salvation Army needed money to pay for the free Christmas meals they provided to needy families. They began dressing up unemployed men in Santa Clause suits and sending them into the streets of New York to solicit donations. Those familiar Salvation Army Santas have been ringing bells on the street corners of America ever since.
Santa Claus became synonymous with Christmas in the 1800s and the Christmas tree practice came to the US in the 1800s with the first German settlers in Pennsylvania.
With all the hype and tradition that encompasses Christmas in America, let us not forget why the holiday was created in the first place. It is a time of giving selflessly, and not necessarily material gifts. It is time to remember the birth of Jesus Christ and the ultimate gift that was given to humanity. Let us all focus on what is important this holiday season.
God make us aware that in Thy name
The Holy Christ Child humbly came
To live on earth and leave behind
New faith and hope for all mankind.
-Helen Steiner Rice
A gifted young teacher from Virginia by the name of Charlotte Diggs "Lottie" Moon came to Cartersville as the co-principal of the Cartersville Female Academy in June, 1871. At Cartersville Baptist Church (now First Baptist Church), Lottie assisted her pastor, Rev. R.B. Headden, with visits to those in need in the community. In February 1873, pastors and deacons from around the area met at the Oothcalooga Baptist Church near Adairsville to pray about sending missionaries. Rev. Headden prayed that at least one person from his congregation would answer the call. Lottie Moon sat on her usual front row pew the following Sunday. Through the sermon of Rev. Headden, she heard her call to go to China.For the next 39 years the people in Cartersville prayed and faithfully gave their money for Lottie Moon's work in China. On Christmas Day of 1881, families from Cartersville came together and left a special offering for her work, the first Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. In 1892 Lottie returned to Cartersville to greet old friends and former pupils, who called her "our own Miss Lottie Moon."Please pray the 175 million LMCO goal will be met this year so all the peoples of the world will have a chance to hear the gospel message. Please pray concerning how you will give to the 2009 Lottie Christmas Offering.
BLESSINGS !!
--We have just been given our clearance to return to Swaziland. Pray our tickets will be issued before the IMB takes their Christmas break.
--The printer signed off on the printing of the Swazi people prayer booklet on the 9th of December and the booklets were to be sent to our Baptist office in Jo’burg. What a wonderful Christmas present!! Pray the booklets will soon be in the hands of many prayer warriors for the Swazi people.
Christmas in Swaziland is not the elaborate affair we know in America. Christmas decorations may be seen in many of the shops but in most Swazi homes little is done to celebrate the Christmas season. There are no decorated Christmas trees and very little Christmas shopping is done. Since it is summer the weather is warm/hot and therefore we can’t anticipate a white Christmas. One thing that is done especially in the rural areas on Christmas Day is going from homestead to homestead to say “where’s my Christmas?” In response they are given a plate of food to eat. Christmas for many Swazis is the eating of special food they do not always have during the year. Sadder still is the fact that many in Swaziland do not know or understand the true meaning of Christmas.
This Christmas season, pray many Swazis will have a chance to understand the significance of the Christmas season. Pray also 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.
SPECIAL CHRISTMAS WEEK PRAYER REQUESTS:
This week as you remember the “reason for the season” please pray for this special prayer requests:
-Please continue praying for our family members who are dealing with medical issues:
· My brother-in-law is slowly on the mend from his surgery.
· Wayne’s brother Terry as he continues to be in remission from his cancer.
· My nephew-in-law’s mother diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
-2010 begins with the arrival of a volunteer team (January 12-21) in the Shiselweni region from the Atlantic Association in North Carolina. Pray each team member will be prepared for his or her work in Swaziland. Pray the Lord will continue to lead volunteers to Swaziland and pray for continued harvest from their efforts.
-Pray for Steve, Monica, Lacie and Nathan Allen away from family this Christmas. May the they feel the Lord’s constant presence during the holiday season.
PRAYER FOR AMERICA: Father God, while we struggle with many hard pressing issues in this country, we pray that you will continue to hold us close to you. During the trials of a struggling economy with so many without jobs, we ask that all people would find your love and let it change their lives from within their hearts. Watch over those who would lead this country and guide their paths and their words in order to glorify you. Amen www.presidentialprayerteam.org
**Please Note: Upon our return to Swaziland we will not able to use the africaonline email address. Please discontinue the use of this address and send emails to swazibam@shelbywireless.net or wmyers@shelbywireless.net. Thank You!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
This week we will continue sorting and packing and getting ready for our departure for Swaziland. Today, we had our cholesterol check (lab work) done and hopefully will soon receive our clearance to return to the field. Please pray the clearance will come before Christmas (a Christmas present).
Happy Birthday to Wayne on the 20th of December.
Also, we will celebrate our wedding anniversary on the 21st of December.
Sunday the 20th of December(pm) we will share with the Corner Stone Baptist Church, Lexington, Ky. This is our last scheduled engagement. Pray there will be a feeling of interest and joy in hearing what God is doing in Swaziland as well as the rest of the world.
The Poe family volunteer team (Greg, Hannah, Joshua-David and Elijah) arrived in Swaziland on the 12th of December and began ministering to the Swazis in the Hhohho region of Swaziland. Please pray their time in Swaziland will be a time of wonderful blessings and fellowship with Swazi friends.
SWAZILAND BAPTIST NATIONAL WOMEN’S RETREAT is scheduled for December 17-19, 2009 at the Manzini Baptist Church. Hannah Poe, former missionary with the Swazi Team is the guest speaker. Please pray for a wonderful time of fellowship and spiritual learning. Pray for Hannah’s spiritual preparation as she comes to lead this retreat.
--Continue to pray for the printing of the prayer booklet, “So That Christ Might Dwell in Their Hearts,” Swazi people prayer booklet.
MEDICAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
-My brother-in-law, Gary Rutledge (Pete) who underwent surgery (fusion of vertebra) is now home!! Thank you for praying. He still does not have complete feeling in hands and arms. Please pray for Pete’s complete recovery from his surgery. Pray he will soon recover the feeling in his hands and will be 100% improved.
-Pray for my niece’s husband’s mother (Debbie Miracle) diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage during this difficult time. Pray for the family as they continue to deal with Debbie’s illness.
--Wayne’s brother, Terry’s cancer currently is in remission but he has been told the cancer will return and must have follow-up tests every three months. He is scheduled to have his next series of tests before Christmas. Please pray for Terry and his wife Darlene as they continue to deal with the effects of the cancer and the general prognosis. Pray Terry will continue to be in remission.
In 2009 the Swazi Team praised the Lord for the many volunteer teams that ministered to the Swazi people through evangelism, youth/children ministries, medical clinics, True Love Waits and other AIDS teachings as well as the building of relationships between Swazis and Americans. 2010 begins with the arrival of a volunteer team (January 12-21) in the Shiselweni region from the Atlantic Association in North Carolina. Pray each team member will be prepared for his or her work in Swaziland. Pray the Lord will continue to lead volunteers to Swaziland and pray for continued harvest from their efforts.
PRAYER FOR AMERICA: Heavenly Father, I pray for those who lead our country. Give them wisdom, courage, compassion, and faith. Today, I lift up those to whom you entrusted the authority over this great nation. May they turn to You for guidance and for strength in all that they do. Amen www.presidentialprayerteam.org
PRAY FOR THE COWBOY RODEO CHURCH(Taylorsville, Ky.)
Pray for our Christmas Fellowship scheduled for December 20th. We will be meeting at 6pm. There will be singing Christmas Carols during worship. I would like to invite you to experience first-hand what God is doing in and through Rodeo Cowboy Church.
Pray as we contempt finding a warmer place to meet in Mt. Washington or Taylorsville.
Pray as a core group is developed. We need to begin a Bible study ministry, either Sunday School or home groups. Pray that we will be able to begin our small group Bible study with Experiencing God.
Ideas for Using Lottie Moon @ WorkBefore Lottie Moon ever saw China’s mission field, she helped its missionaries. On the condition of anonymity, Lottie and her sister Edmonia gave $45 in gold annually to support Martha Foster Crawford who taught at a school in Tengchow. People are still waiting to hear about Jesus in China and around the world. Put Lottie Moon @ Work in your church!
Quick Links (Lottiemoon@work)
Where the money goes
Cooperative Program
Lottie Moon offering
Human needs ministries
More giving opportunities
Please pray concerning how you will give to the 2009 Lottie Christmas Offering.
In the little village of Bethlehem, there lay a Child one day, and the sky was bright with a holy light o’er the place where Jesus lay. Allelula! O how the angels sang. Allelula how it rang! And the sky was bright with a holy light, ‘twas the birthday of the King.
‘Twas a humble birthplace, but O how much God gave to us that day. From the manger bed what a path has led, what a perfect, holy way. Allelula! O how the angels sang. Allelula! How it rang! And the sky was bright with a holy light, ‘twas the birthday of the King.
Happy Birthday to Wayne on the 20th of December.
Also, we will celebrate our wedding anniversary on the 21st of December.
Sunday the 20th of December(pm) we will share with the Corner Stone Baptist Church, Lexington, Ky. This is our last scheduled engagement. Pray there will be a feeling of interest and joy in hearing what God is doing in Swaziland as well as the rest of the world.
The Poe family volunteer team (Greg, Hannah, Joshua-David and Elijah) arrived in Swaziland on the 12th of December and began ministering to the Swazis in the Hhohho region of Swaziland. Please pray their time in Swaziland will be a time of wonderful blessings and fellowship with Swazi friends.
SWAZILAND BAPTIST NATIONAL WOMEN’S RETREAT is scheduled for December 17-19, 2009 at the Manzini Baptist Church. Hannah Poe, former missionary with the Swazi Team is the guest speaker. Please pray for a wonderful time of fellowship and spiritual learning. Pray for Hannah’s spiritual preparation as she comes to lead this retreat.
--Continue to pray for the printing of the prayer booklet, “So That Christ Might Dwell in Their Hearts,” Swazi people prayer booklet.
MEDICAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
-My brother-in-law, Gary Rutledge (Pete) who underwent surgery (fusion of vertebra) is now home!! Thank you for praying. He still does not have complete feeling in hands and arms. Please pray for Pete’s complete recovery from his surgery. Pray he will soon recover the feeling in his hands and will be 100% improved.
-Pray for my niece’s husband’s mother (Debbie Miracle) diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage during this difficult time. Pray for the family as they continue to deal with Debbie’s illness.
--Wayne’s brother, Terry’s cancer currently is in remission but he has been told the cancer will return and must have follow-up tests every three months. He is scheduled to have his next series of tests before Christmas. Please pray for Terry and his wife Darlene as they continue to deal with the effects of the cancer and the general prognosis. Pray Terry will continue to be in remission.
In 2009 the Swazi Team praised the Lord for the many volunteer teams that ministered to the Swazi people through evangelism, youth/children ministries, medical clinics, True Love Waits and other AIDS teachings as well as the building of relationships between Swazis and Americans. 2010 begins with the arrival of a volunteer team (January 12-21) in the Shiselweni region from the Atlantic Association in North Carolina. Pray each team member will be prepared for his or her work in Swaziland. Pray the Lord will continue to lead volunteers to Swaziland and pray for continued harvest from their efforts.
PRAYER FOR AMERICA: Heavenly Father, I pray for those who lead our country. Give them wisdom, courage, compassion, and faith. Today, I lift up those to whom you entrusted the authority over this great nation. May they turn to You for guidance and for strength in all that they do. Amen www.presidentialprayerteam.org
PRAY FOR THE COWBOY RODEO CHURCH(Taylorsville, Ky.)
Pray for our Christmas Fellowship scheduled for December 20th. We will be meeting at 6pm. There will be singing Christmas Carols during worship. I would like to invite you to experience first-hand what God is doing in and through Rodeo Cowboy Church.
Pray as we contempt finding a warmer place to meet in Mt. Washington or Taylorsville.
Pray as a core group is developed. We need to begin a Bible study ministry, either Sunday School or home groups. Pray that we will be able to begin our small group Bible study with Experiencing God.
Ideas for Using Lottie Moon @ WorkBefore Lottie Moon ever saw China’s mission field, she helped its missionaries. On the condition of anonymity, Lottie and her sister Edmonia gave $45 in gold annually to support Martha Foster Crawford who taught at a school in Tengchow. People are still waiting to hear about Jesus in China and around the world. Put Lottie Moon @ Work in your church!
Quick Links (Lottiemoon@work)
Where the money goes
Cooperative Program
Lottie Moon offering
Human needs ministries
More giving opportunities
Please pray concerning how you will give to the 2009 Lottie Christmas Offering.
In the little village of Bethlehem, there lay a Child one day, and the sky was bright with a holy light o’er the place where Jesus lay. Allelula! O how the angels sang. Allelula how it rang! And the sky was bright with a holy light, ‘twas the birthday of the King.
‘Twas a humble birthplace, but O how much God gave to us that day. From the manger bed what a path has led, what a perfect, holy way. Allelula! O how the angels sang. Allelula! How it rang! And the sky was bright with a holy light, ‘twas the birthday of the King.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
WALKING IN THE WINTER WONDERLAND!!
This morning we awoke to a dusting of snow on the ground and in the air. Winter has arrived in Kentucky.
Thank you for praying as we shared with the congregation at the Pleasant Heights Baptist Church(Columbia, Tenn.) yesterday. A medical volunteer team from this church ministered in the Shiselweni region last March. We also were acquainted with the pastor and his wife and enjoyed our time with friends old and new!!
THIS WEEK’S EVENTS:
--Wednesday we are scheduled to share with the Highlands Baptist Church (Wayne’s home church) in Lexington, Ky.
--Saturday we will participate in a Mission Celebration in Charlestown, Ind. (4:00-7:00pm).
--We will share and worship with the Ormsby Heights Baptist Church in Louisville on Sunday morning.
Pray for these special events and for us as we share concerning the work the Lord has given us in Swaziland.
The Poe family (Greg, Hannah, Joshua-David and Elijah) volunteer team arrives this week in Swaziland. The family served in Swaziland for two years (2005-2007). Pray for their flight to Swaziland will be uneventful and pray for their ministry with Swazi friends. Hannah is the main speaker for the National Women’s Retreat (December 17-19).
SWAZILAND BAPTIST NATIONAL WOMEN’S RETREAT is scheduled for December 17-19, 2009 at the Manzini Baptist Church. Hannah Poe, former missionary with the Swazi Team is the guest speaker. Please pray for a wonderful time of fellowship and spiritual learning. Pray for Hannah’s spiritual preparation as she comes to lead this retreat.
This week’s update on the prayer booklet, “So That Christ May Dwell In Their Hearts”:
Proofs were sent last week for the booklet. Corrections were made and the printing is to be completed by the 11th of December. Please pray the booklet will indeed be printed by the 11th of December. Pray the prayer booklet will soon be in the hands of many prayer warriors for the Swazi people.
MEDICAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
--Thank you for praying for my brother-in-law, Gary Rutledge (Pete) who underwent surgery (fusion of vertebra) before Thanksgiving and did not have feeling in his hands. This week some of the feeling began to return. Please pray for Pete’s complete recovery from his surgery. Pray he will soon recover the feeling in his hands and will be 100% improved.
-Pray for my niece’s husband’s mother (Debbie Miracle) diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage during this difficult time. Pray for the family as they continue to deal with Debbie’s illness.
--Wayne’s brother, Terry’s cancer currently is in remission but he has been told the cancer will return and must have follow-up tests every three months. He is scheduled to have his next series of tests before Christmas. Please pray for Terry and his wife Darlene as they continue to deal with the effects of the cancer and the general prognosis. Pray Terry will continue to be in remission.
In 2009 the Swazi Team praised the Lord for the many volunteer teams that ministered to the Swazi people through evangelism, youth/children ministries, medical clinics, True Love Waits and other AIDS teachings as well as the building of relationships between Swazis and Americans. 2010 begins with the arrival of a volunteer team (January 12-21) in the Shiselweni region from the Atlantic Association in North Carolina. Pray each team member will be prepared for his or her work in Swaziland. Pray the Lord will continue to lead volunteers to Swaziland and pray for continued harvest from their efforts.
IMB GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:-Please continue to pray for the 178 missionaries and children who are presently going through their field orientation at our learning center. They will complete their training on Dec. 11. May these closing days at the learning center be especially blessed.-Forty-nine new missionary candidates will be in Richmond for their Candidate Interview Conference, December 13-18. Thank the Lord for calling out laborers into His overseas harvest fields. Pray for Him to give clear guidance to these candidates as they interact with IMB staff during these very important days.
LOTTIE MOON @WORK…
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO SUPPORT A MISSIONARY?
$40,931.64 a year
$3,410.97 a month
$787.15 a week
$112.14 a day
$4.67 an hour
$.08 a minute
(**Reported June 2009. Support includes housing, food, children’s education, medical expenses, retirement and more.)
Every penny given to Lottie Moon is used to support Southern Baptist missionaries as they share the Gospel overseas. The offering represents 54 percent of the International Mission Board’s total income.
Find dollar examples of how your gifts are used, including stories, photos and videos at www.LottieMoon@work.
Please pray the 175 million LMCO goal will be met this year so all the peoples of the world will have a chance to hear the gospel message.
Christmas is more than a day
at the end of the year,
More than a season of joy and
good cheer.
Christmas is really God’s pattern for living
To be followed all year by unselfish giving.
--Helen Steiner Rice
This morning we awoke to a dusting of snow on the ground and in the air. Winter has arrived in Kentucky.
Thank you for praying as we shared with the congregation at the Pleasant Heights Baptist Church(Columbia, Tenn.) yesterday. A medical volunteer team from this church ministered in the Shiselweni region last March. We also were acquainted with the pastor and his wife and enjoyed our time with friends old and new!!
THIS WEEK’S EVENTS:
--Wednesday we are scheduled to share with the Highlands Baptist Church (Wayne’s home church) in Lexington, Ky.
--Saturday we will participate in a Mission Celebration in Charlestown, Ind. (4:00-7:00pm).
--We will share and worship with the Ormsby Heights Baptist Church in Louisville on Sunday morning.
Pray for these special events and for us as we share concerning the work the Lord has given us in Swaziland.
The Poe family (Greg, Hannah, Joshua-David and Elijah) volunteer team arrives this week in Swaziland. The family served in Swaziland for two years (2005-2007). Pray for their flight to Swaziland will be uneventful and pray for their ministry with Swazi friends. Hannah is the main speaker for the National Women’s Retreat (December 17-19).
SWAZILAND BAPTIST NATIONAL WOMEN’S RETREAT is scheduled for December 17-19, 2009 at the Manzini Baptist Church. Hannah Poe, former missionary with the Swazi Team is the guest speaker. Please pray for a wonderful time of fellowship and spiritual learning. Pray for Hannah’s spiritual preparation as she comes to lead this retreat.
This week’s update on the prayer booklet, “So That Christ May Dwell In Their Hearts”:
Proofs were sent last week for the booklet. Corrections were made and the printing is to be completed by the 11th of December. Please pray the booklet will indeed be printed by the 11th of December. Pray the prayer booklet will soon be in the hands of many prayer warriors for the Swazi people.
MEDICAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
--Thank you for praying for my brother-in-law, Gary Rutledge (Pete) who underwent surgery (fusion of vertebra) before Thanksgiving and did not have feeling in his hands. This week some of the feeling began to return. Please pray for Pete’s complete recovery from his surgery. Pray he will soon recover the feeling in his hands and will be 100% improved.
-Pray for my niece’s husband’s mother (Debbie Miracle) diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage during this difficult time. Pray for the family as they continue to deal with Debbie’s illness.
--Wayne’s brother, Terry’s cancer currently is in remission but he has been told the cancer will return and must have follow-up tests every three months. He is scheduled to have his next series of tests before Christmas. Please pray for Terry and his wife Darlene as they continue to deal with the effects of the cancer and the general prognosis. Pray Terry will continue to be in remission.
In 2009 the Swazi Team praised the Lord for the many volunteer teams that ministered to the Swazi people through evangelism, youth/children ministries, medical clinics, True Love Waits and other AIDS teachings as well as the building of relationships between Swazis and Americans. 2010 begins with the arrival of a volunteer team (January 12-21) in the Shiselweni region from the Atlantic Association in North Carolina. Pray each team member will be prepared for his or her work in Swaziland. Pray the Lord will continue to lead volunteers to Swaziland and pray for continued harvest from their efforts.
IMB GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:-Please continue to pray for the 178 missionaries and children who are presently going through their field orientation at our learning center. They will complete their training on Dec. 11. May these closing days at the learning center be especially blessed.-Forty-nine new missionary candidates will be in Richmond for their Candidate Interview Conference, December 13-18. Thank the Lord for calling out laborers into His overseas harvest fields. Pray for Him to give clear guidance to these candidates as they interact with IMB staff during these very important days.
LOTTIE MOON @WORK…
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO SUPPORT A MISSIONARY?
$40,931.64 a year
$3,410.97 a month
$787.15 a week
$112.14 a day
$4.67 an hour
$.08 a minute
(**Reported June 2009. Support includes housing, food, children’s education, medical expenses, retirement and more.)
Every penny given to Lottie Moon is used to support Southern Baptist missionaries as they share the Gospel overseas. The offering represents 54 percent of the International Mission Board’s total income.
Find dollar examples of how your gifts are used, including stories, photos and videos at www.LottieMoon@work.
Please pray the 175 million LMCO goal will be met this year so all the peoples of the world will have a chance to hear the gospel message.
Christmas is more than a day
at the end of the year,
More than a season of joy and
good cheer.
Christmas is really God’s pattern for living
To be followed all year by unselfish giving.
--Helen Steiner Rice
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Swazi Team December Prayer Calendar
Tuesday December 1: WORLD AIDS DAY!!
The country of Swaziland contains less than 1 million people and the population continues to decline due to the AIDS pandemic. Pray the AIDS pandemic will begin to lose its grip on the Swazi people. Pray for a spiritual revival in the hearts of Christians that will lead to Godly lifestyles and salvation for the many living in spiritual darkness.
Wednesday December 2: Last month Swaziland experienced a period of cool temperatures with quite a bit of rain. Thank you for praying for rain throughout the entire country. Please pray the rains will continue and the Swazis will have enough food and water to meet the people’s needs.
Thursday December 3: Lacie Allen finishes her school year today and will be on summer break until the end of January. Pray for rest and special family times during Lacie’s school break and the Christmas holidays. With school in break and folks coming and going, ministry tends to slow down. Pray the Allens will be able to be refreshed during these down times of ministry.
Friday December 4: Continue to pray for the Warren family. Bert recently began a new job. Please pray for Bert as he learns what his job requires of him. Pray also for Sarah as she continues to wear an eye patch to help control the blurry vision in her right eye. Her next appointment is the 28th of December.
Saturday December 5: LOTTIE MOON @ WORK…
Many of the world’s people missing from God’s family live in concentrated pockets of lostness. The pockets being focused in 2009: About 40 nations and 700 languages; 34% Muslim; 32% Hindu; 13.5% Animist; 6% Buddhist; 6% Unknown religion and 4% Nonreligious/other. Please pray the 175 million Lottie Moon Christmas Offering goal will be reached so more missionaries can be sent to reach the world’s people missing from God’s family.
Sunday December 6: Today Wayne and Barbara Myers are sharing with the Pleasant Heights Baptist Church (Tennessee). A medical volunteer team from this church ministered in the Shiselweni region last March. Pray for the Myers as they share their story with this congregation.
Monday December 7: The Allens rejoice in the recent development at Lesibovu Baptist Church. The church recently held their first Sunday School, celebrated their first communion together and were granted a plot of land for a church structure. Pray for the leaders of this young congregation to remain enthusiastic and faithful.
Tuesday December 8: Pray for workers to help disciple all new believers that are professing their faith in Christ. Pray they would mature spiritually and not be led astray by incorrect doctrine.
Wednesday December 9: Wayne Myers’ brother, Terry’s cancer is currently in remission but he has been told the cancer will return and must have follow-up tests every three months. He is scheduled to have his next series of tests before Christmas. Pray for Terry and his wife Darlene as they continue to deal with the effects of the cancer and the general prognosis. Pray Terry will continue to be in remission.
Thursday December 10: Please pray for the Poe Family (Greg, Hannah, Joshua and Elijah) volunteer team as they fly to South Africa today and arrive tomorrow in Jo’burg and drive to Swaziland on the 12th for a time of ministry with friends. Hannah is the main speaker for the National Women’s Retreat (Dec. 17-19).
Friday December 11: 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.
Saturday December 12: The Myers are scheduled to return to Swaziland at the end of the year. Pray they will soon receive clearance to return to Swaziland. They hope to be able to leave the states on the 30th of December.
Sunday December 13: One of the biggest problems facing many of the Swazi Baptist churches continues to be the lack of pastors. 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 December 14: Please pray for the Swazi nationals who are working on the True Love Waits planning committee as they seek to train individuals to teach the TLW abstinence education materials. Pray the Swazi youth will take seriously the commitment to remain to pure before marriage.
Tuesday December 15: Please pray for Lisa Warren’s father as he continues to recover from a stroke. Pray his time in rehab will be very helpful and he will be able to function more normally.
Wednesday December 16: Trying to start and sustain homestead churches continue to be difficult. Challenges include not wanting to be identified as Zionists (African Traditional Religion), feeling the church is not “theirs” but belongs to the homestead family and feeling the church imposes on the family by meeting each week. Pray Christian Swazis will understand the need to reach their neighbors for Jesus. Pray these challenges will not keep them from organizing and meeting on a regular basis.
Thursday December 17: The Swaziland National Women’s Retreat for women of the Swazi Baptist churches begins today at the Manzini Baptist Church. The theme is “Power for the Journey” based on II Cor. 3:5. Hannah Poe is guest speaker. Please pray for a wonderful time of fellowship and spiritual learning. Pray for Hannah as she leads this retreat.
Friday December 18: 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 19: The Hawane Baptist Church is still waiting for the community officials to mark their plot of land approved more than a year ago. There is an unresolved issue between the rival chiefs of the area preventing any action being taken concerning the plot. The church is anxious to begin building and is discouraged by this long delay. Pray this situation will soon be resolved and the church will be able to begin their building project.
Sunday December 20: PRAY FOR WAYNE MYERS TODAY ON HIS BIRTHDAY!! J
It is becoming more apparent the Muslim influence is becoming greater in Swaziland. Please pray during this Christmas season, Christians will see the urgency to witness to their lost friends, neighbors and those of the Muslim faith.
Monday December 21: PRAY FOR WAYNE AND BARBARA MYERS TODAY ON THIS ANNIVERSARY!! J
Pray the ministry of prayer walking will continue to be used to reach many lost Swazis. Pray more and more Swazis will desire to have a personal prayer life and will include prayer walking as part of their churches’ ministries.
Tuesday December 22: For many years the Manzini region of Swaziland has not had a continued missionary presence. Manzini is the largest city in Swaziland and presently very few Swazis attend a Baptist church within the city limits. Pray the job request for missionary personnel in the Manzini region will be filled.
Wednesday December 23: Dear Lord, You offer a peace that is perfect and eternal. Let me turn the cares and burdens of my life over to You, and let me feel the spiritual abundance that You offer through the person of Your Son, the Prince of Peace. Today, I also pray for peace among nations, Father, and for brotherly love among Your children throughout the world. I pray for your safety and comfort for those soldiers fighting for the freedoms of our great nation. You are the source of peace, Dear Lord; let us find it in You. www.presidentialprayerteam.org
Thursday December 24: Please join the Swazi Team in praying for co-laborers to come and join the Lord’s work in Swaziland through short-term volunteer teams, dedicated prayer warriors or full-time service. The fields are white for harvest and doors for ministry wide open!!
Friday December 25: CHRISTMAS DAY!!
God made us aware that in Thy name
The Holy Christ Child humbly came
To live on earth and leave behind
New faith and hope for all mankind.
–Helen Steiner Rice
Pray all Swazis will come to know what it truly means to celebrate Christ’s birth.
Saturday December 26: She is a tiny and short little girl. She is easy to lift because she weighs so little, but then her parents are short in stature and very thin. Her parents as well as older sister are also HIV positive and it is suspected she too is positive for the virus that will eventually lead to AIDS. Statistics continue to tell us that many in Swaziland are HIV positive and many are dying of AIDS. Pray for this family and many others that find themselves in like situations. Pray for the caregivers as they do what they know to do while watching as their loved one slowly dies. Pray the unsaved will have a chance to accept Jesus as their Savior before death come.
Sunday December 27: Pray Christian Swazis will teach their children and grandchildren the ways of the Lord. Pray the Christian way of living will touch lives in the Swazi Baptist churches and communities.
Monday December 28: Please pray for the volunteer team from the Atlantic Association in North Carolina scheduled to minister in the Shiselweni region of Swaziland January 11-22, 2010. Pray for Hartford, Etles, Lucy, Kim, Melissa, Wes and Mike (team leader) as they prepare to and with the Swazis.
Tuesday December 29: Pray Christians in Swaziland will continue to have the freedom to share their faith with others and enjoy the freedom to worship the Lord.
Wednesday December 30: February 16-March 2, the First Baptist Church, Washington, North Carolina is scheduled to send a volunteer team to the northeast section of Swaziland. Pray for Jimmy, Joyce, Caren, Roger and Jimmy (team leader) as they spiritually prepare for the work the Lord has given them in Swaziland.
Thursday December 31: Pray the members of the Swazi Team will seek the Lord’s guidance as they look to 2010 with joy, love and desire to make their lives count for Christ.
The country of Swaziland contains less than 1 million people and the population continues to decline due to the AIDS pandemic. Pray the AIDS pandemic will begin to lose its grip on the Swazi people. Pray for a spiritual revival in the hearts of Christians that will lead to Godly lifestyles and salvation for the many living in spiritual darkness.
Wednesday December 2: Last month Swaziland experienced a period of cool temperatures with quite a bit of rain. Thank you for praying for rain throughout the entire country. Please pray the rains will continue and the Swazis will have enough food and water to meet the people’s needs.
Thursday December 3: Lacie Allen finishes her school year today and will be on summer break until the end of January. Pray for rest and special family times during Lacie’s school break and the Christmas holidays. With school in break and folks coming and going, ministry tends to slow down. Pray the Allens will be able to be refreshed during these down times of ministry.
Friday December 4: Continue to pray for the Warren family. Bert recently began a new job. Please pray for Bert as he learns what his job requires of him. Pray also for Sarah as she continues to wear an eye patch to help control the blurry vision in her right eye. Her next appointment is the 28th of December.
Saturday December 5: LOTTIE MOON @ WORK…
Many of the world’s people missing from God’s family live in concentrated pockets of lostness. The pockets being focused in 2009: About 40 nations and 700 languages; 34% Muslim; 32% Hindu; 13.5% Animist; 6% Buddhist; 6% Unknown religion and 4% Nonreligious/other. Please pray the 175 million Lottie Moon Christmas Offering goal will be reached so more missionaries can be sent to reach the world’s people missing from God’s family.
Sunday December 6: Today Wayne and Barbara Myers are sharing with the Pleasant Heights Baptist Church (Tennessee). A medical volunteer team from this church ministered in the Shiselweni region last March. Pray for the Myers as they share their story with this congregation.
Monday December 7: The Allens rejoice in the recent development at Lesibovu Baptist Church. The church recently held their first Sunday School, celebrated their first communion together and were granted a plot of land for a church structure. Pray for the leaders of this young congregation to remain enthusiastic and faithful.
Tuesday December 8: Pray for workers to help disciple all new believers that are professing their faith in Christ. Pray they would mature spiritually and not be led astray by incorrect doctrine.
Wednesday December 9: Wayne Myers’ brother, Terry’s cancer is currently in remission but he has been told the cancer will return and must have follow-up tests every three months. He is scheduled to have his next series of tests before Christmas. Pray for Terry and his wife Darlene as they continue to deal with the effects of the cancer and the general prognosis. Pray Terry will continue to be in remission.
Thursday December 10: Please pray for the Poe Family (Greg, Hannah, Joshua and Elijah) volunteer team as they fly to South Africa today and arrive tomorrow in Jo’burg and drive to Swaziland on the 12th for a time of ministry with friends. Hannah is the main speaker for the National Women’s Retreat (Dec. 17-19).
Friday December 11: 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.
Saturday December 12: The Myers are scheduled to return to Swaziland at the end of the year. Pray they will soon receive clearance to return to Swaziland. They hope to be able to leave the states on the 30th of December.
Sunday December 13: One of the biggest problems facing many of the Swazi Baptist churches continues to be the lack of pastors. 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 December 14: Please pray for the Swazi nationals who are working on the True Love Waits planning committee as they seek to train individuals to teach the TLW abstinence education materials. Pray the Swazi youth will take seriously the commitment to remain to pure before marriage.
Tuesday December 15: Please pray for Lisa Warren’s father as he continues to recover from a stroke. Pray his time in rehab will be very helpful and he will be able to function more normally.
Wednesday December 16: Trying to start and sustain homestead churches continue to be difficult. Challenges include not wanting to be identified as Zionists (African Traditional Religion), feeling the church is not “theirs” but belongs to the homestead family and feeling the church imposes on the family by meeting each week. Pray Christian Swazis will understand the need to reach their neighbors for Jesus. Pray these challenges will not keep them from organizing and meeting on a regular basis.
Thursday December 17: The Swaziland National Women’s Retreat for women of the Swazi Baptist churches begins today at the Manzini Baptist Church. The theme is “Power for the Journey” based on II Cor. 3:5. Hannah Poe is guest speaker. Please pray for a wonderful time of fellowship and spiritual learning. Pray for Hannah as she leads this retreat.
Friday December 18: 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 19: The Hawane Baptist Church is still waiting for the community officials to mark their plot of land approved more than a year ago. There is an unresolved issue between the rival chiefs of the area preventing any action being taken concerning the plot. The church is anxious to begin building and is discouraged by this long delay. Pray this situation will soon be resolved and the church will be able to begin their building project.
Sunday December 20: PRAY FOR WAYNE MYERS TODAY ON HIS BIRTHDAY!! J
It is becoming more apparent the Muslim influence is becoming greater in Swaziland. Please pray during this Christmas season, Christians will see the urgency to witness to their lost friends, neighbors and those of the Muslim faith.
Monday December 21: PRAY FOR WAYNE AND BARBARA MYERS TODAY ON THIS ANNIVERSARY!! J
Pray the ministry of prayer walking will continue to be used to reach many lost Swazis. Pray more and more Swazis will desire to have a personal prayer life and will include prayer walking as part of their churches’ ministries.
Tuesday December 22: For many years the Manzini region of Swaziland has not had a continued missionary presence. Manzini is the largest city in Swaziland and presently very few Swazis attend a Baptist church within the city limits. Pray the job request for missionary personnel in the Manzini region will be filled.
Wednesday December 23: Dear Lord, You offer a peace that is perfect and eternal. Let me turn the cares and burdens of my life over to You, and let me feel the spiritual abundance that You offer through the person of Your Son, the Prince of Peace. Today, I also pray for peace among nations, Father, and for brotherly love among Your children throughout the world. I pray for your safety and comfort for those soldiers fighting for the freedoms of our great nation. You are the source of peace, Dear Lord; let us find it in You. www.presidentialprayerteam.org
Thursday December 24: Please join the Swazi Team in praying for co-laborers to come and join the Lord’s work in Swaziland through short-term volunteer teams, dedicated prayer warriors or full-time service. The fields are white for harvest and doors for ministry wide open!!
Friday December 25: CHRISTMAS DAY!!
God made us aware that in Thy name
The Holy Christ Child humbly came
To live on earth and leave behind
New faith and hope for all mankind.
–Helen Steiner Rice
Pray all Swazis will come to know what it truly means to celebrate Christ’s birth.
Saturday December 26: She is a tiny and short little girl. She is easy to lift because she weighs so little, but then her parents are short in stature and very thin. Her parents as well as older sister are also HIV positive and it is suspected she too is positive for the virus that will eventually lead to AIDS. Statistics continue to tell us that many in Swaziland are HIV positive and many are dying of AIDS. Pray for this family and many others that find themselves in like situations. Pray for the caregivers as they do what they know to do while watching as their loved one slowly dies. Pray the unsaved will have a chance to accept Jesus as their Savior before death come.
Sunday December 27: Pray Christian Swazis will teach their children and grandchildren the ways of the Lord. Pray the Christian way of living will touch lives in the Swazi Baptist churches and communities.
Monday December 28: Please pray for the volunteer team from the Atlantic Association in North Carolina scheduled to minister in the Shiselweni region of Swaziland January 11-22, 2010. Pray for Hartford, Etles, Lucy, Kim, Melissa, Wes and Mike (team leader) as they prepare to and with the Swazis.
Tuesday December 29: Pray Christians in Swaziland will continue to have the freedom to share their faith with others and enjoy the freedom to worship the Lord.
Wednesday December 30: February 16-March 2, the First Baptist Church, Washington, North Carolina is scheduled to send a volunteer team to the northeast section of Swaziland. Pray for Jimmy, Joyce, Caren, Roger and Jimmy (team leader) as they spiritually prepare for the work the Lord has given them in Swaziland.
Thursday December 31: Pray the members of the Swazi Team will seek the Lord’s guidance as they look to 2010 with joy, love and desire to make their lives count for Christ.
HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King: Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” Joyful all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies; With angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!” Amen
Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the Everlasting Lord! Late in time behold Him come, off-spring of the Virgins womb: Veiled in flesh the God-head see; Hail the’ Incarnate Deity, pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel. Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King.” Amen
Wishing each of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! ~The Swazi Team
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King: Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” Joyful all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies; With angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!” Amen
Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the Everlasting Lord! Late in time behold Him come, off-spring of the Virgins womb: Veiled in flesh the God-head see; Hail the’ Incarnate Deity, pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel. Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King.” Amen
Wishing each of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! ~The Swazi Team
Myers' Weekly Prayer Letter
George Mueller kept a record of his praying… whether it was a little request or a big one he entered it and when the answer came he wrote down the answer and the date. At the time of his death his friends went through these records and counted more than fifty thousand definite answers to specific petitions offered by this man. –“Preacher” E. F. Hallock (1888-1978), pastor of First Baptist Church; Norman, Oklahoma.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
We want to wish each of you a wonderful Thanksgiving Day and holiday season. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It is such a special time of thanking the Lord for His daily blessings and provisions.
This time of remembrance was first celebrated in 1621 when the Plymouth Colony appointed a day for thanksgiving after their first harvest. The practice of setting apart one day every year as a national harvest festival or day of thanksgiving soon became general. Its observance as a national festival is said to have been suggested by the American writer, Sarah Josepha Hale (1790-1879). Since 1864 with few exceptions, the last Thursday of November has been proclaimed. In 1941, Congress set the 4th Thursday in November. (Groiler Encyclopedia-1958).
COME YE, THANKFUL PEOPLE COME
Come ye thankful people come, raise the song of harvest-home! All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin. God our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied. Come to God’s own temple, come, raise the song of harvest –home.
All the world is God’s own field, fruit unto His praise to yield; Wheat and tares together sown, unto joy or sorrows grown; First the blade, and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear; Lord of harvest grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be.
(Thanksgiving Hymn)
Take time to express your thanks to our Heavenly Father. May we never forget the gift He gave to us when He died on the cross for our sins.
SPECIAL PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Lord, we give You thanks in all circumstances. And, when we face the inevitable challenges and difficulties of life such as we are with unemployment and financial hardship, we turn to You. When we encounter situations that we cannot understand, we trust in You. You are the Creator and the sovereign God. And we give the glory and the thanksgiving to You, God, for the ultimate victory that You have promised Your faithful children. Amen
www.presidentialprayerteam.org
--We arrived home (Kentucky) on Thursday the 19th after spending almost a week in North Carolina. We spoke in churches that we had not visited before and were glad to have had the opportunity to make new friends and prayer warriors!! It was also good to meet Bert and Lisa Warren’s parents, spend time with the Andersons and visit with Zeb and Evelyn Moss (retired IMB missionaries). We appreciated the hospitality that was shown to us.
Sunday we spoke during the morning worship at the Dover Baptist in Shelbyville. We have fond memories of our time (1978-1981) when Wayne served as youth/music minister. I also attended this church as a child and my mother is a member. J Sunday evening our time was spent with the HIllview Baptist Church in Louisville. Currently, we have no speaking engagements until the 6th of December. We plan to enjoy the holiday season as well as begin packing and sorting in preparation for our return trip to Swaziland at the end of the year.
Our Thanksgiving plans include time with family and friends. We have a full weekend and are looking forward to this fun-filled time. It has been seven years since we have been “home” for the holidays!!
--Swaziland has experienced quite a bit of rain the last week. Even so more rain is needed!! Please pray the rains will continue to replenish the earth throughout the entire country of Swaziland. Pray Swazis will be able to plant crops and gardens and there will be enough food and water to meet the people’s needs.
SWAZILAND BAPTIST NATIONAL WOMEN’S RETREAT is scheduled for December 17-19, 2009 at the Manzini Baptist Church. Hannah Poe, former missionary with the Swazi Team is the guest speaker. Please pray for a wonderful time of fellowship and spiritual learning. Pray for Hannah’s spiritual preparation as she comes to lead this retreat.
MEDICAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
-Pray for my niece’s husband’s mother (Debbie Miracle) diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage during this difficult time. Pray for the family as they continue to deal with Debbie’s illness.
--Wayne’s brother, Terry is currently in remission but has been told the cancer will return and must have follow-up tests every three months. The Myers family will gather at Terry and Darlene’s Saturday after Thanksgiving. Pray for this special Myers gathering.Please also pray for Terry and his wife Darlene as they continue to deal with the effects of the cancer and the general prognosis. Pray Terry will continue to be in remission.
LOTTIE MOON @WORK…
2009 WEEK OF PRAYER FOR INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS
Nov. 29-Dec. 6
False religions, political oppression, multiple languages, harsh living conditions and religious persecution are some of the barriers to sharing Christ with unreached people groups. Still that doesn’t override the Great Commission that Scripture gives to all to follow Him.
It is a challenge that compels Southern Baptists to go into difficult places and preach the Gospel.
Pray during the Week of Prayer 2009 for these pockets of lostness:
Day 1: Peoples of Northern India
Day 2: Peoples of Ethiopia
Day 3: Lezghi people of the Caucasuses
Day 4: Berber people of North Africa
Day 5: Vietnamese of Cambodia
Day 6: Peoples of Iran
Day 7: Lost cities of China
Day 8: Peoples of the Canary Islands
Check www.imb.org for more information concerning Lottie Moon giving and how your church can help!!
Please pray the 175 million LMCO goal will be met this year so all the peoples of the world will have a chance to hear the gospel message.
In the morning, O Lord, Thou will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to Thee and eagerly watch. Psalm 5:3
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
We want to wish each of you a wonderful Thanksgiving Day and holiday season. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It is such a special time of thanking the Lord for His daily blessings and provisions.
This time of remembrance was first celebrated in 1621 when the Plymouth Colony appointed a day for thanksgiving after their first harvest. The practice of setting apart one day every year as a national harvest festival or day of thanksgiving soon became general. Its observance as a national festival is said to have been suggested by the American writer, Sarah Josepha Hale (1790-1879). Since 1864 with few exceptions, the last Thursday of November has been proclaimed. In 1941, Congress set the 4th Thursday in November. (Groiler Encyclopedia-1958).
COME YE, THANKFUL PEOPLE COME
Come ye thankful people come, raise the song of harvest-home! All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin. God our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied. Come to God’s own temple, come, raise the song of harvest –home.
All the world is God’s own field, fruit unto His praise to yield; Wheat and tares together sown, unto joy or sorrows grown; First the blade, and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear; Lord of harvest grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be.
(Thanksgiving Hymn)
Take time to express your thanks to our Heavenly Father. May we never forget the gift He gave to us when He died on the cross for our sins.
SPECIAL PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Lord, we give You thanks in all circumstances. And, when we face the inevitable challenges and difficulties of life such as we are with unemployment and financial hardship, we turn to You. When we encounter situations that we cannot understand, we trust in You. You are the Creator and the sovereign God. And we give the glory and the thanksgiving to You, God, for the ultimate victory that You have promised Your faithful children. Amen
www.presidentialprayerteam.org
--We arrived home (Kentucky) on Thursday the 19th after spending almost a week in North Carolina. We spoke in churches that we had not visited before and were glad to have had the opportunity to make new friends and prayer warriors!! It was also good to meet Bert and Lisa Warren’s parents, spend time with the Andersons and visit with Zeb and Evelyn Moss (retired IMB missionaries). We appreciated the hospitality that was shown to us.
Sunday we spoke during the morning worship at the Dover Baptist in Shelbyville. We have fond memories of our time (1978-1981) when Wayne served as youth/music minister. I also attended this church as a child and my mother is a member. J Sunday evening our time was spent with the HIllview Baptist Church in Louisville. Currently, we have no speaking engagements until the 6th of December. We plan to enjoy the holiday season as well as begin packing and sorting in preparation for our return trip to Swaziland at the end of the year.
Our Thanksgiving plans include time with family and friends. We have a full weekend and are looking forward to this fun-filled time. It has been seven years since we have been “home” for the holidays!!
--Swaziland has experienced quite a bit of rain the last week. Even so more rain is needed!! Please pray the rains will continue to replenish the earth throughout the entire country of Swaziland. Pray Swazis will be able to plant crops and gardens and there will be enough food and water to meet the people’s needs.
SWAZILAND BAPTIST NATIONAL WOMEN’S RETREAT is scheduled for December 17-19, 2009 at the Manzini Baptist Church. Hannah Poe, former missionary with the Swazi Team is the guest speaker. Please pray for a wonderful time of fellowship and spiritual learning. Pray for Hannah’s spiritual preparation as she comes to lead this retreat.
MEDICAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
-Pray for my niece’s husband’s mother (Debbie Miracle) diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage during this difficult time. Pray for the family as they continue to deal with Debbie’s illness.
--Wayne’s brother, Terry is currently in remission but has been told the cancer will return and must have follow-up tests every three months. The Myers family will gather at Terry and Darlene’s Saturday after Thanksgiving. Pray for this special Myers gathering.Please also pray for Terry and his wife Darlene as they continue to deal with the effects of the cancer and the general prognosis. Pray Terry will continue to be in remission.
LOTTIE MOON @WORK…
2009 WEEK OF PRAYER FOR INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS
Nov. 29-Dec. 6
False religions, political oppression, multiple languages, harsh living conditions and religious persecution are some of the barriers to sharing Christ with unreached people groups. Still that doesn’t override the Great Commission that Scripture gives to all to follow Him.
It is a challenge that compels Southern Baptists to go into difficult places and preach the Gospel.
Pray during the Week of Prayer 2009 for these pockets of lostness:
Day 1: Peoples of Northern India
Day 2: Peoples of Ethiopia
Day 3: Lezghi people of the Caucasuses
Day 4: Berber people of North Africa
Day 5: Vietnamese of Cambodia
Day 6: Peoples of Iran
Day 7: Lost cities of China
Day 8: Peoples of the Canary Islands
Check www.imb.org for more information concerning Lottie Moon giving and how your church can help!!
Please pray the 175 million LMCO goal will be met this year so all the peoples of the world will have a chance to hear the gospel message.
In the morning, O Lord, Thou will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to Thee and eagerly watch. Psalm 5:3
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Allen's African Adventures - November
You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.
2 Timothy 2:1-2 (NASB)
Thank you for your continued prayers on behalf of our family and ministry in Swaziland. The work is greatly enhanced and empowered by your prayers on our behalf.
Since we last wrote we have had some encouraging developments in the work in the Lesibovu community. This is an area about an hour and a half southeast of Mbabane. Last month we had our second baptism service and baptized nineteen new believers. We have continued holding weekly chronological Bible story lessons every Saturday. This week we had over one hundred adults, youth and children present. The church has begun conducting Sunday morning worship services on their own, with different members taking turns leading. I have reduced my preaching there to once per month. Last Sunday the church held its first Sunday school, with assistance from members from Hawane Baptist Church. We also celebrated our first Lord's Supper together as a church family. On Thursday I met with church members and local elders concerning a plot of land for the church. The location which the church had requested was granted and a down payment made. The only thing left is to have an official celebration with the putting in the boundary stakes by the local authorities. Please pray that nothing would create division among this enthusiastic group of believers. Pray that strong internal leadership would continue to develop.
We are the only IMB personnel in Swaziland at the moment, as Wayne and Barbara Myers are in the US for their stateside assignment. They will be returning in January. Please pray that the Myers would have a time of refreshing in the states as they visit with family and friends. Pray also for their safety as they travel to different churches to speak about the ministry work in Swaziland.
Please continue to pray for various churches that are seeking plots of land on which to build. The plot for Hawane Baptist Church has still not been officially marked due to an unresolved issue between two competing chiefs for the area. Mpembekati is also seeking a plot as their church is being relocated due to the construction of a school on land which they had previously been granted. Other churches currently have buildings under construction. Please pray that the churches would be able to see these projects through to completion (Ntsintsa and Victory Baptist Church).
Please pray for the upcoming National Baptist Women's Retreat, which will be held December 17-19. The theme is, "Power of the Journey" based on II Corinthians 3:5. Hannah Poe will be the keynote speaker for the event. You may recall that Greg and Hannah Poe, and their two sons, Joshua and Elijah, served on the Swazi team for two years in 2005-2007. The whole family will be coming to minister December 10 (leaving the USA) - December 25 (arriving back in the USA). Please pray that they would have traveling safety and a wonderful time of ministry and reconnecting with old friends in Swaziland.
Thank you for your prayers for Monica and Lacie as they took a short trip to the states for a cousin's wedding last month. They had an enjoyable time visiting with family and friends, and Lacie had an opportunity to serve as a flower girl in the wedding. Their trip was an enjoyable and safe one. While they were away, Steve and Nathan stayed behind to continue ministry. Nathan was a real trooper, and he and daddy had some good male bonding time. It is good, however, to have the family all back together again.
Please pray for Monica and Nathan as they will be traveling to Johannesburg on Sunday, November 15th. On Monday, Monica will be having a medical consultation in Johannesburg for possible Lasik eye surgery. If all looks well she is slated to have surgery on Tuesday. She is really looking forward to seeing normally again without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Steve and Lacie will be staying in Swaziland in order to continue ministry and schooling. Please pray that Monica will be able to proceed with her surgery and have a good outcome.
As the holiday season approaches, please remember to give to the annual Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. This year, more than ever, the International Mission Board is in need of everyone's financial support if the work of missionaries, such as ourselves, is to continue around the world. God is at work and this is your opportunity to join in HIS activity and plans! The goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is $175 million.
***Remember, we live in Africa and there is no guarantee that our e-mails are received or even sent out correctly. If you have written and not heard from us, please write again. We would rather receive e-mails two times than not at all.***
Family Blog - www.allensinafrica.blogspot.com - leave us a comment so we know you stopped by to visit! - Be looking for new stories shortly....
Skype - allensinafrica
Monica and Steve are both on Facebook so look them up!
Team prayer blog: www.swaziprayerbytes.blogspot.com
Blessings and love,
Steven, Monica, Lacie and Nathan Allen
IMB missionaries to Swaziland
Thank you for your continued prayers on behalf of our family and ministry in Swaziland. The work is greatly enhanced and empowered by your prayers on our behalf.
Since we last wrote we have had some encouraging developments in the work in the Lesibovu community. This is an area about an hour and a half southeast of Mbabane. Last month we had our second baptism service and baptized nineteen new believers. We have continued holding weekly chronological Bible story lessons every Saturday. This week we had over one hundred adults, youth and children present. The church has begun conducting Sunday morning worship services on their own, with different members taking turns leading. I have reduced my preaching there to once per month. Last Sunday the church held its first Sunday school, with assistance from members from Hawane Baptist Church. We also celebrated our first Lord's Supper together as a church family. On Thursday I met with church members and local elders concerning a plot of land for the church. The location which the church had requested was granted and a down payment made. The only thing left is to have an official celebration with the putting in the boundary stakes by the local authorities. Please pray that nothing would create division among this enthusiastic group of believers. Pray that strong internal leadership would continue to develop.
We are the only IMB personnel in Swaziland at the moment, as Wayne and Barbara Myers are in the US for their stateside assignment. They will be returning in January. Please pray that the Myers would have a time of refreshing in the states as they visit with family and friends. Pray also for their safety as they travel to different churches to speak about the ministry work in Swaziland.
Please continue to pray for various churches that are seeking plots of land on which to build. The plot for Hawane Baptist Church has still not been officially marked due to an unresolved issue between two competing chiefs for the area. Mpembekati is also seeking a plot as their church is being relocated due to the construction of a school on land which they had previously been granted. Other churches currently have buildings under construction. Please pray that the churches would be able to see these projects through to completion (Ntsintsa and Victory Baptist Church).
Please pray for the upcoming National Baptist Women's Retreat, which will be held December 17-19. The theme is, "Power of the Journey" based on II Corinthians 3:5. Hannah Poe will be the keynote speaker for the event. You may recall that Greg and Hannah Poe, and their two sons, Joshua and Elijah, served on the Swazi team for two years in 2005-2007. The whole family will be coming to minister December 10 (leaving the USA) - December 25 (arriving back in the USA). Please pray that they would have traveling safety and a wonderful time of ministry and reconnecting with old friends in Swaziland.
Thank you for your prayers for Monica and Lacie as they took a short trip to the states for a cousin's wedding last month. They had an enjoyable time visiting with family and friends, and Lacie had an opportunity to serve as a flower girl in the wedding. Their trip was an enjoyable and safe one. While they were away, Steve and Nathan stayed behind to continue ministry. Nathan was a real trooper, and he and daddy had some good male bonding time. It is good, however, to have the family all back together again.
Please pray for Monica and Nathan as they will be traveling to Johannesburg on Sunday, November 15th. On Monday, Monica will be having a medical consultation in Johannesburg for possible Lasik eye surgery. If all looks well she is slated to have surgery on Tuesday. She is really looking forward to seeing normally again without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Steve and Lacie will be staying in Swaziland in order to continue ministry and schooling. Please pray that Monica will be able to proceed with her surgery and have a good outcome.
As the holiday season approaches, please remember to give to the annual Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. This year, more than ever, the International Mission Board is in need of everyone's financial support if the work of missionaries, such as ourselves, is to continue around the world. God is at work and this is your opportunity to join in HIS activity and plans! The goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is $175 million.
***Remember, we live in Africa and there is no guarantee that our e-mails are received or even sent out correctly. If you have written and not heard from us, please write again. We would rather receive e-mails two times than not at all.***
Family Blog - www.allensinafrica.blogspot.com - leave us a comment so we know you stopped by to visit! - Be looking for new stories shortly....
Skype - allensinafrica
Monica and Steve are both on Facebook so look them up!
Team prayer blog: www.swaziprayerbytes.blogspot.com
Blessings and love,
Steven, Monica, Lacie and Nathan Allen
IMB missionaries to Swaziland
Preparing to share in the "Lord's Supper"
Steve, Monica, Lacie and Nathan hanging out after church at Lesibovu
Church under the trees
Showing the JESUS film to a primary school
Sweet children at Ntsintsa Baptist Church
Baptizing a new believer at Peace Baptist ChurchFriday, November 13, 2009
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
Prayer is not simply getting things from God, that is a most initial form of prayer; prayer is getting into perfect communion with God.
-Oswald Chambers
We enjoyed our time with the congregation of the Orchard Drive Baptist Church this past weekend, being with friends and sharing of the Lord’s work in Swaziland. This church recently called a new pastor. Please pray the Orchard Drive Baptist Church will spiritually grow under the leadership of Pastor Starkey.
Giving thanks always for all things in God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20
We take our second trip to North Carolina tomorrow. Currently the state is expecting heavy rainfall due to Hurricane Ida and we plan to drive. Please pray for our safety. Pray the weather will not hinder what the Lord desires to accomplish.
--Sunday morning we will share with the First Baptist Church, Scotland Neck and Sunday evening with the Community Center Baptist Church, Halifax.
--Monday and Tuesday we will be with former IMB missionaries, Zeb and Evelyn Moss.
--Wednesday we make our way to Marshville to spend time with the Warrens and speak at the Euto Baptist Church.
We will return to Kentucky on Thursday!! Please pray for us as we tell “our story.
November 22nd we will be sharing with the Dover Baptist Church (Shelbyville, Ky) in the am and HIllview Baptist Church (Louisville) in the pm. Pray for a spirit of interest in those hearing how the Lord is working in Swaziland. Pray for a desire to commit to praying and supporting IMB missionaries and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.
Continue to pray the rains will be plentiful throughout Swaziland. Pray for a year of abundance.
SWAZILAND BAPTIST NATIONAL WOMEN’S RETREAT is scheduled for December 17-19, 2009 at the Manzini Baptist Church. Hannah Poe, former missionary with the Swazi Team is the guest speaker. Please pray for a wonderful time of fellowship and spiritual learning. Pray for Hannah’s spiritual preparation as she comes to lead this retreat.
PRAYER REQUESTS UPDATES:
-Please continue to pray Sarah Warren’s blurry vision in her right eye will go away!! Pray for Sarah as she continues to wear the eye patch.
Thank you for praying for Bert Warren to find employment. We are happy to say he has!! This week he will be attending a time of training in Dallas, Texas. Pray for Bert as he receives the needed training for his new job
Continue to pray for Lisa’s parents as they adjust to moving into the Warren’s home and for her father’s continued improvement and rehabilitation.
MEDICAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
-Pray for my niece’s husband’s mother (Debbie Miracle) diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage during this difficult time. Pray for the family as they continue to deal with Debbie’s illness.
--Wayne’s brother, Terry is currently in remission but has been told the cancer will return and must have follow-up tests every three months. Please pray for Terry and his wife Darlene as they continue to deal with the effects of the cancer and the general prognosis. Pray Terry will continue to be in remission.
PRAY FOR THESE VOLUNTEER TEAMS:
--Please pray for the volunteer team (Hartford, Etles, Lucy, Kim, Melissa, Wes and Mike-Team Leader) from the Atlantic Association in North Carolina planning to minister in the Shiselweni region of Swaziland January 11-22, 2010.
--In February 16-March 2, The First Baptist Church, Washington (North Carolina) is scheduled to send a volunteer team to the northeast section of the country. Pray for Jimmy, Joyce, Caren, Roger and Jimmy (Team Leader) as they spiritually prepare for the work the Lord has given them in Swaziland.
--Please pray for the group from the Integrity Baptist Church (Greenville, North Carolina) planning to come to Swaziland in May. Pray for a sense of peace and commitment in finalizing details.
AIDS UPDATE:
In recent months True Love Waits International consultant Kelly Woody has been in Swaziland meeting with leaders and teaching /leading True Love Waits presentations and trainings. The Swazi Team wishes to develop a strong True Love Waits program in Swaziland. Monday Wayne and I have a scheduled meeting with the missions pastor of a church interested in working and helping the Team develop TLW ministry in Swaziland. Please pray as we meet and discuss future plans concerning this church’s involvement in the True Love Waits program in Swaziland.
PRAYER FOR AMERICA: Dear Lord, You offer a peace that is perfect and eternal. Let me turn the cares and burdens of my life over to You, and let me feel the spiritual abundance that You offer through the person of Your Son, the Prince of Peace. Today, I also pray for peace among nations, Father, and for brotherly love among Your children throughout the world. I pray for your safety and comfort for those soldiers fighting, for the freedoms of our great nation. You are the source of peace, Dear Lord; let us find it in You. Amen.
www.presidentialprayerteam.org
LOTTIE MOON @WORK…
It’s the season of learning about and giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Check out this website that will help teach about missionaries in Africa and their work. Share these stories with your churches, family and friends. Website: www.africastories.org
Please seek the Lord’s will concerning your contribution to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. 2009 Goal: $175 million
UPDATE FROM THE COWBOY RODEO CHURCH (Taylorsville, Ky.)
We had some great services the last couple of weeks. A week ago we had our first fellowship event. We had hot dogs, hamburger and the fixings. People brought their horse and road in the arena. We also had 82 in our worship service. Our next step is developing a small group Bible study ministry. Pray that this can be worked out soon. Pray we will continue to get the word out.
Jim Carpenter, pastor
-Oswald Chambers
We enjoyed our time with the congregation of the Orchard Drive Baptist Church this past weekend, being with friends and sharing of the Lord’s work in Swaziland. This church recently called a new pastor. Please pray the Orchard Drive Baptist Church will spiritually grow under the leadership of Pastor Starkey.
Giving thanks always for all things in God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20
We take our second trip to North Carolina tomorrow. Currently the state is expecting heavy rainfall due to Hurricane Ida and we plan to drive. Please pray for our safety. Pray the weather will not hinder what the Lord desires to accomplish.
--Sunday morning we will share with the First Baptist Church, Scotland Neck and Sunday evening with the Community Center Baptist Church, Halifax.
--Monday and Tuesday we will be with former IMB missionaries, Zeb and Evelyn Moss.
--Wednesday we make our way to Marshville to spend time with the Warrens and speak at the Euto Baptist Church.
We will return to Kentucky on Thursday!! Please pray for us as we tell “our story.
November 22nd we will be sharing with the Dover Baptist Church (Shelbyville, Ky) in the am and HIllview Baptist Church (Louisville) in the pm. Pray for a spirit of interest in those hearing how the Lord is working in Swaziland. Pray for a desire to commit to praying and supporting IMB missionaries and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.
Continue to pray the rains will be plentiful throughout Swaziland. Pray for a year of abundance.
SWAZILAND BAPTIST NATIONAL WOMEN’S RETREAT is scheduled for December 17-19, 2009 at the Manzini Baptist Church. Hannah Poe, former missionary with the Swazi Team is the guest speaker. Please pray for a wonderful time of fellowship and spiritual learning. Pray for Hannah’s spiritual preparation as she comes to lead this retreat.
PRAYER REQUESTS UPDATES:
-Please continue to pray Sarah Warren’s blurry vision in her right eye will go away!! Pray for Sarah as she continues to wear the eye patch.
Thank you for praying for Bert Warren to find employment. We are happy to say he has!! This week he will be attending a time of training in Dallas, Texas. Pray for Bert as he receives the needed training for his new job
Continue to pray for Lisa’s parents as they adjust to moving into the Warren’s home and for her father’s continued improvement and rehabilitation.
MEDICAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
-Pray for my niece’s husband’s mother (Debbie Miracle) diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage during this difficult time. Pray for the family as they continue to deal with Debbie’s illness.
--Wayne’s brother, Terry is currently in remission but has been told the cancer will return and must have follow-up tests every three months. Please pray for Terry and his wife Darlene as they continue to deal with the effects of the cancer and the general prognosis. Pray Terry will continue to be in remission.
PRAY FOR THESE VOLUNTEER TEAMS:
--Please pray for the volunteer team (Hartford, Etles, Lucy, Kim, Melissa, Wes and Mike-Team Leader) from the Atlantic Association in North Carolina planning to minister in the Shiselweni region of Swaziland January 11-22, 2010.
--In February 16-March 2, The First Baptist Church, Washington (North Carolina) is scheduled to send a volunteer team to the northeast section of the country. Pray for Jimmy, Joyce, Caren, Roger and Jimmy (Team Leader) as they spiritually prepare for the work the Lord has given them in Swaziland.
--Please pray for the group from the Integrity Baptist Church (Greenville, North Carolina) planning to come to Swaziland in May. Pray for a sense of peace and commitment in finalizing details.
AIDS UPDATE:
In recent months True Love Waits International consultant Kelly Woody has been in Swaziland meeting with leaders and teaching /leading True Love Waits presentations and trainings. The Swazi Team wishes to develop a strong True Love Waits program in Swaziland. Monday Wayne and I have a scheduled meeting with the missions pastor of a church interested in working and helping the Team develop TLW ministry in Swaziland. Please pray as we meet and discuss future plans concerning this church’s involvement in the True Love Waits program in Swaziland.
PRAYER FOR AMERICA: Dear Lord, You offer a peace that is perfect and eternal. Let me turn the cares and burdens of my life over to You, and let me feel the spiritual abundance that You offer through the person of Your Son, the Prince of Peace. Today, I also pray for peace among nations, Father, and for brotherly love among Your children throughout the world. I pray for your safety and comfort for those soldiers fighting, for the freedoms of our great nation. You are the source of peace, Dear Lord; let us find it in You. Amen.
www.presidentialprayerteam.org
LOTTIE MOON @WORK…
It’s the season of learning about and giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Check out this website that will help teach about missionaries in Africa and their work. Share these stories with your churches, family and friends. Website: www.africastories.org
Please seek the Lord’s will concerning your contribution to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. 2009 Goal: $175 million
UPDATE FROM THE COWBOY RODEO CHURCH (Taylorsville, Ky.)
We had some great services the last couple of weeks. A week ago we had our first fellowship event. We had hot dogs, hamburger and the fixings. People brought their horse and road in the arena. We also had 82 in our worship service. Our next step is developing a small group Bible study ministry. Pray that this can be worked out soon. Pray we will continue to get the word out.
Jim Carpenter, pastor
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
Oh the beauty of fall is everywhere. The leaves are turning to colors of red, orange and yellow. Flocks of geese can be seen flying in the V-shape. Mums, pumpkins, apples, and corn stalk displays can be seen in front yards and store windows. The beauty of the Lord is everywhere!!
We praise the Lord for His continued provisions!! The Swazi people prayer booklet, “So That Christ May Dwell In Their Hearts” has the funding to be printed. What a blessing!! Thank you for praying for this prayer project. Please pray the printing of the booklet will begin this week!!
I will wash my hands in innocence; so I will go about Your altar, O Lord, that I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, and
tell of Your wondrous works. Psalms 26: 6, 7
We returned today after spending two weeks in North Carolina--South Roanoke and Atlantic Associations. Many opportunities were given us to speak and share about the work the Lord has given us in Swaziland. It was also a time to reconnect with those who had come to Swaziland on volunteer teams and give updates on Swazis friends and co-workers. We also were introduced to new churches and made new friends. Thank you for praying for this very special time.
Tomorrow (Saturday November 7th) we travel to Hammond (northwest Indiana). Saturday night we will ministry share with the Orchard Drive Baptist Church. (Wayne was pastor 1989-1993) and Wayne will preach in the Sunday morning service. Sunday evening we will share with the Valparaiso Baptist Church and return to Kentucky on Monday the 9th of November. Please pray as we travel to the northwest section of Indiana. Pray the Lord will be glorified in everything said and done this weekend.
PRAY FOR THESE VOLUNTEER TEAMS:
--Please pray for the volunteer team (Hartford, Etles, Lucy, Kim, Melissa, Wes and Mike-Team Leader) from the Atlantic Association in North Carolina planning to minister in the Shiselweni region of Swaziland January 11-22, 2010.
--In February 16-March 2, The First Baptist Church, Washington is scheduled to send a volunteer team to the northeast section of the country. Pray for Jimmy, Joyce, Caren, Roger and Jimmy (Team Leader) as they spiritually prepare for the work the Lord has given them in Swaziland.
--Tuesday evening (October 26), we met with a group preparing for a May volunteer trip to Swaziland from the Integrity Baptist Church in the Greenville, NC. area. Please pray as this group continues to pray and discern the Lord’s will for their trip. Pray for a sense of peace and commitment in finalizing details.
Friday, November 13th we return to North Carolina to visit friends and again share of our work with the Swazi people (return on the 19th of Nov). Please begin praying as we make preparations to drive to Scotland Neck, North Carolina.
PRAYER REQUESTS UPDATES:
-Please continue to pray Sarah Warren’s blurry vision in her right eye will go away!! Pray for Sarah as she continues to wear the eye patch.
Please continue to pray for direction on employment/ministry opportunities for Bert Warren. The Lord has blessed Lisa with a part-time secretarial job with a Baptist church in her area. Pray for Lisa’s parents as they adjust to moving into the Warren’s home and for her father’s continued improvement and rehabilitation.
MEDICAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
-Pray for my niece’s husband’s mother (Debbie Miracle) diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage during this difficult time. Pray for the family as they continue to deal with Debbie’s illness.
--Wayne’s brother, Terry he is currently in remission but has been told the cancer will return and must have follow-up tests every three months. Please pray for Terry and his wife Darlene as they continue to deal with the effects of the cancer and the general prognosis. Pray Terry will continue to be in remission.
Continue to pray every region and area of Swaziland will have enough water to plant their crops and meet the people’s needs. Pray the rains will continue to fall and planting can begin and continue!!
AIDS UPDATE:
She is a tiny and short little girl. It is easy to lift her because she weighs so little but then her parents are short in stature and very thin. Her parents as well as her older sister are also HIV positive and it is suspected she too is positive for the virus that will eventually lead to AIDS. Statistics continue to tell us that many in Swaziland are HIV positive and many are dying with AIDS. The country of Swaziland contains less than 1 million Swazis and the population continues to decline due to the AIDS pandemic. Pray the AIDS pandemic will begin to lose its grip on the Swazi people. Pray for a spiritual revival in the hearts of Christians that will lead to Godly lifestyles and salvation for the many living in spiritual darkness.
PRAYER FOR AMERICA:
Dear Lord, You offer a peace that is perfect and eternal. Let me turn the cares and burdens of my life over to You, and let me feel the spiritual abundance that You offer through the person of Your Son, the Prince of Peace. Today, I also pray for peace among nations, Father, and for brotherly love among Your children throughout the world. I pray for your safety and comfort for those soldiers fighting for the freedoms of our great nation. You are the source of peace, Dear Lord; let us find it in You. Amen
www.presidentialprayerteam.org
LOTTIE MOON @WORK…
Every penny given to Lottie Moon is used to support Southern Baptist missionaries as they share the Gospel overseas. The offering represents 54 percent of the International Mission Board’s total income.
Find dollar examples of how your gifts are used, including stories, photos and videos, at
Lottie Moon @ work.
Please seek the Lord’s will concerning your contribution to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. 2009 Goal: $175 million
“Lord, …help me to realize the unity of the race and the universality of thy mission of redemption. Lord, help me to feel that Paradise is roomy and in my Father’s house are many mansions; that it will not crowd or jostle me if from every tribe and tongue and kindred the blood-washed may come.”
--B.H. Carroll (1843-1914), founder and first president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (taken from the book The Life-Changing Power of Prayer by T.W. Hunt)
We praise the Lord for His continued provisions!! The Swazi people prayer booklet, “So That Christ May Dwell In Their Hearts” has the funding to be printed. What a blessing!! Thank you for praying for this prayer project. Please pray the printing of the booklet will begin this week!!
I will wash my hands in innocence; so I will go about Your altar, O Lord, that I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, and
tell of Your wondrous works. Psalms 26: 6, 7
We returned today after spending two weeks in North Carolina--South Roanoke and Atlantic Associations. Many opportunities were given us to speak and share about the work the Lord has given us in Swaziland. It was also a time to reconnect with those who had come to Swaziland on volunteer teams and give updates on Swazis friends and co-workers. We also were introduced to new churches and made new friends. Thank you for praying for this very special time.
Tomorrow (Saturday November 7th) we travel to Hammond (northwest Indiana). Saturday night we will ministry share with the Orchard Drive Baptist Church. (Wayne was pastor 1989-1993) and Wayne will preach in the Sunday morning service. Sunday evening we will share with the Valparaiso Baptist Church and return to Kentucky on Monday the 9th of November. Please pray as we travel to the northwest section of Indiana. Pray the Lord will be glorified in everything said and done this weekend.
PRAY FOR THESE VOLUNTEER TEAMS:
--Please pray for the volunteer team (Hartford, Etles, Lucy, Kim, Melissa, Wes and Mike-Team Leader) from the Atlantic Association in North Carolina planning to minister in the Shiselweni region of Swaziland January 11-22, 2010.
--In February 16-March 2, The First Baptist Church, Washington is scheduled to send a volunteer team to the northeast section of the country. Pray for Jimmy, Joyce, Caren, Roger and Jimmy (Team Leader) as they spiritually prepare for the work the Lord has given them in Swaziland.
--Tuesday evening (October 26), we met with a group preparing for a May volunteer trip to Swaziland from the Integrity Baptist Church in the Greenville, NC. area. Please pray as this group continues to pray and discern the Lord’s will for their trip. Pray for a sense of peace and commitment in finalizing details.
Friday, November 13th we return to North Carolina to visit friends and again share of our work with the Swazi people (return on the 19th of Nov). Please begin praying as we make preparations to drive to Scotland Neck, North Carolina.
PRAYER REQUESTS UPDATES:
-Please continue to pray Sarah Warren’s blurry vision in her right eye will go away!! Pray for Sarah as she continues to wear the eye patch.
Please continue to pray for direction on employment/ministry opportunities for Bert Warren. The Lord has blessed Lisa with a part-time secretarial job with a Baptist church in her area. Pray for Lisa’s parents as they adjust to moving into the Warren’s home and for her father’s continued improvement and rehabilitation.
MEDICAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
-Pray for my niece’s husband’s mother (Debbie Miracle) diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage during this difficult time. Pray for the family as they continue to deal with Debbie’s illness.
--Wayne’s brother, Terry he is currently in remission but has been told the cancer will return and must have follow-up tests every three months. Please pray for Terry and his wife Darlene as they continue to deal with the effects of the cancer and the general prognosis. Pray Terry will continue to be in remission.
Continue to pray every region and area of Swaziland will have enough water to plant their crops and meet the people’s needs. Pray the rains will continue to fall and planting can begin and continue!!
AIDS UPDATE:
She is a tiny and short little girl. It is easy to lift her because she weighs so little but then her parents are short in stature and very thin. Her parents as well as her older sister are also HIV positive and it is suspected she too is positive for the virus that will eventually lead to AIDS. Statistics continue to tell us that many in Swaziland are HIV positive and many are dying with AIDS. The country of Swaziland contains less than 1 million Swazis and the population continues to decline due to the AIDS pandemic. Pray the AIDS pandemic will begin to lose its grip on the Swazi people. Pray for a spiritual revival in the hearts of Christians that will lead to Godly lifestyles and salvation for the many living in spiritual darkness.
PRAYER FOR AMERICA:
Dear Lord, You offer a peace that is perfect and eternal. Let me turn the cares and burdens of my life over to You, and let me feel the spiritual abundance that You offer through the person of Your Son, the Prince of Peace. Today, I also pray for peace among nations, Father, and for brotherly love among Your children throughout the world. I pray for your safety and comfort for those soldiers fighting for the freedoms of our great nation. You are the source of peace, Dear Lord; let us find it in You. Amen
www.presidentialprayerteam.org
LOTTIE MOON @WORK…
Every penny given to Lottie Moon is used to support Southern Baptist missionaries as they share the Gospel overseas. The offering represents 54 percent of the International Mission Board’s total income.
Find dollar examples of how your gifts are used, including stories, photos and videos, at
Lottie Moon @ work.
Please seek the Lord’s will concerning your contribution to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. 2009 Goal: $175 million
“Lord, …help me to realize the unity of the race and the universality of thy mission of redemption. Lord, help me to feel that Paradise is roomy and in my Father’s house are many mansions; that it will not crowd or jostle me if from every tribe and tongue and kindred the blood-washed may come.”
--B.H. Carroll (1843-1914), founder and first president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (taken from the book The Life-Changing Power of Prayer by T.W. Hunt)
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Swazi Team Prayer Calendar - November
Sunday November 1: Continue to pray for the Swazi Baptist churches without pastoral leadership. Pray these churches will remain one body and faithful in serving one another as they patiently wait on the Lord to provide the right person to lead the congregations.
Monday November 2: Thank you for praying for Monica and Lacie last month as they took a short holiday in the USA for Monica’s cousin’s wedding. It was a great trip and Monica and Lacie are blessed to have had the opportunity for a quick visit to see family and be a part of a special family occasion. Steve and Nathan did well without their girls.
-Pray the Allen family will have strength and wisdom as Steve and Monica balance family and ministry each day. Pray their walks with the Lord will grow more and more specifically direction for family as Lacie and Nathan are taught to love the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray Steve and Monica will continue to find ways to make weekly worship at home positive and meaningful for the children especially Lacie.
Tuesday November 3: Sarah Warren’s follow-up visit to her doctor on the 12th of October for blurry vision in her right eye revealed a slight improvement. She will need to continue wearing the eye patch on her left eye in order to strengthen the right one. Her next check-up is December 28th. Continue to pray the blurry vision will go away!! Pray for Sarah as she continues to wear the eye patch.
Wednesday November 4: Continue to pray for direction on employment/ministry opportunities for Bert Warren. The Lord has blessed Lisa with a part-time secretarial job with a Baptist church in her area. Pray for Lisa’s father as his recovery continues to be slow with new developments. Pray they will be able adjust to leaving their home.
Thursday November 5: This month Swazis hope to prepare their fields for planting their yearly crop of corn (main diet staple). Planting will not take place until sufficient rain has fallen. Pray every region and area of Swaziland will have enough water to plant their crops and meet the people’s needs.
Friday November 6: The Myers return today after two weeks sharing in North Carolina about their work among the Swazi people. Tomorrow, they leave for Northwest Indiana ministry sharing with the Orchard Drive Baptist Church Saturday evening and preaching (Wayne) Sunday morning. Pray the Myers will be spiritually prepared for this weekend. Wayne was pastor of the Orchard Drive Baptist Church 1989-1993. Pray for Wayne and Barbara as they fellowship with friends and share of the work the Lord has given them with the Swazi people.
Saturday November 7: Today the Baptist Convention of Swaziland will elect a new Executive Committee. Pray committed, Christian leaders will be elected to these positions. Pray for unity in all decisions and support from all our Baptist churches.
Sunday November 8: Pray for the new outreach group in the Lesibovu area averaging about 60 people each Saturday afternoon. Pray for God’s wisdom guiding each step for Steve and Monica Allen with this group. Even now, pray for leaders that will rise within the group to be trained. 70 people have accepted Jesus Christ and 27 people have been baptized through these Bible studies. Sunday afternoon church services are now being conducted.
Monday November 9: While stateside Wayne and Barbara Myers have spent time with the Myers’ family. Wayne’s brother, Terry was found to have stage-4 cancer in 2008. More was learned of his illness and prognosis. He is currently in remission but has been told the cancer will return and must have follow-up tests every three months. Please pray for Terry and his wife Darlene as they continue to deal with the effects of the cancer and the general prognosis. Pray Terry will continue to be in remission.
Tuesday November 10: Plans are being made to form a National True Love Waits committee with reps from our Swazi Baptist churches as well as other Great Commission organizations. Continue to pray for leaders to rise up and stand strong in sharing the message of purity. A True Love Waits trainers’ weekend was held for the Hhohho and Manzini regions for those interested in teaching the message of TLW in their churches, schools and communities. Pray these newly trained leaders will share with others, be accountable to one another and keep spreading the positive message of TLW.
Wednesday November 11: Pray as the Swazi Team prayerfully works on personnel requests for workers to come and serve with the Myers and Allens in Swaziland. Even now, pray for the people God has chosen to send to work with our Swazi mission team and the Swazi people to further His kingdom.
Thursday November 12: In the last couple of months three Swazi Baptist couples were united in marriage. There are very few Christian role models for those desiring a Christian wedding and marriage. Culture allows the man to treat his wife as he chooses and have relationships outside the marriage. Pray these couples will understand what God expects of the marriage relationship. Pray for strong Swazi Christian marriages.
Friday November 13: Today the Myers leave for their second trip to North Carolina to speak in churches and groups Sunday through Wednesday. They plan to return to Kentucky on the 19th of November. Pray this time will be spiritually lifting for everyone involved. Pray the Lord will bless the fellowship with old and new friends.
Saturday November 14: Sipho is an adult Swazi that is HIV positive. Taking the ARVs (Anti-retro viral) he is able to live a somewhat normal life. Recent statistics show that 400,000 adults live in Swaziland and 44% of these adults are on the ARVs. Pray the anti-retro viral drugs will continue to be available for those suffering from HIV/AIDS. Pray for a change in behavior that causes the spread of HIV/AIDS and the need for ARVs.
Sunday November 15: Pray for wisdom and God’s direction for Steven Allen in pursuing new work. Steven and Nathan recently conducted a prayer drive around the Magugu Dam area and although Steven has been invited to show the “Jesus” film at a local primary school doors do not seem to be opening for a new work at this time. Pray for direction concerning where the Allens need to conduct another prayer drive in the Hhohho region.
Monday November 16: Pray the King of Swaziland, his wives and children will hear the true salvation story and will realize trusting in Jesus is the most precious gift of all.
Tuesday November 17: LOTTIE MOON @WORK… Want to read stories that will help your church understand how giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering supports IMB missionaries on the field—go to www.imb.org- then click on HOME—afterwards look for What’s New and click on “What can a missionary do with $1.00…following with a click on “More giving opportunities.” Please seek the Lord’s will concerning your contributions to LMCO. Pray 2009 LMCO goal of $175 million will be reached. J
Wednesday November 18: During the third school term, the Allens need to get Lacie’s name on a list for grade 1 at one of the private schools in Mbabane. Although Lacie is only starting kindergarten in January 2010, the Allens will be stateside for six months next year and Lacie’s name needs to be on a list for school before the school year ends this year. Pray the right school will be found for Lacie before the end of the year.
Thursday November 19: The green dome lights up when people are worshipping inside the mosque that sits on a hill overlooking Nhlangano. The same can be said of other mosques Manzini and Mbabane. Pray for the many Swazis being misled and confused by the Muslim faith. Pray Christians will see the urgency to witness to their lost friends, family members and neighbors.
Friday November 20: Trying to start and sustain homestead churches continues to be difficult. Challenges include not wanting to be identified with Zionists (African Traditional Religion), feeling the church is not “theirs” but belongs to the homestead family and feeling the church imposes on the family by meeting each week. Pray Christian Swazis will understand the need to reach their neighbors for Jesus. Pray these challenges will not keep them from organizing and meeting on a regular basis.
Saturday November 21: We as believers, can accept God’s peace into our lives, we are transformed. And then, because we possess he gift of peace, we can share the gift with fellow believers and with fellow citizens of all faiths. Today, as a gift to yourself , to your family, to your friends and to your nation, pray for peace in this world and for peace within your soul. www.presidentialprayerteam.org
Sunday November 22: Today the Myers are sharing with the Dover Baptist Church in the am and the Hillview Baptist Church in the pm. Pray for a spirit of interest in those hearing how the Lord is working in Swaziland. Pray for a desire to commit to praying and supporting IMB missionaries and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. J
Monday November 23: Pray for several churches that are currently trying to obtain plots for building new churches or shifting existing churches. Hawane Baptist is STILL waiting to have their plot of land marked by the community council. Victory Baptist plans to move their building closer to the road. Ntsintsa has met in a Red Cross building since it started in the 1990s and desires to have their own church. Mphembekati has to move their existing church due to being too close to a school. Peniel lost their church meeting place so they are seeking a new one temporarily until they can begin building their own structure. Lesibovu, newest outreach area, is also attempting to obtain land so they can begin building their own church structure.
Tuesday November 24: Volunteer teams are preparing for a time of work and ministry in Swaziland. Pray as these groups meet and prepare for their time working with the Allens and Myers. Begin praying for the volunteer team from the Atlantic Association in North Carolina planning to arrive the middle of January to work in the Shiselweni region.
Wednesday November 25: In the Lubumbo region more Swazis are taking the initiative to share the gospel and reach out to their people. Also, a mission team has been formed among the Swazis, going to surrounding areas to do evangelism as well as Mozambique. Pray these faithful servants will continue to commit to seeing many lost Swazis find hope and eternal life in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thursday November 26: HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY!!
The Swazi Team is thankful for all God has done in our lives and how He is working in and through the Swazi people. Pray for the Myers celebrating Thanksgiving in Kentucky and the Allens celebrating in Swaziland. The Allens are thankful for the missionary community in Mbabane with whom they will celebrate Thanksgiving. J
Friday November 27: Pray for Greg, Hannah, Joshua and Elijah Poe returning to Swaziland as a volunteer team (December 10-25). Hannah will be the main speaker for our National Women’s Retreat (December 17-19) for all our women of the Swazi Baptist churches. The Poe family will be leading and sharing with various ministries during their time in Swaziland. Pray for safety and health for their trip and ministry schedule plans to be finalized.
Saturday November 28: The Swaziland Baptist National Women’s Retreat is scheduled for December 17-19, 2009 at the Manzini Baptist Church. Hannah Poe former missionary with the Swazi Team is the guest speaker. Please pray for a wonderful time of fellowship and spiritual learning. Pray for Hannah’s spiritual preparation as she comes to lead this retreat.
Sunday November 29: Pray for the many families in Swaziland who are devastated by the AIDS pandemic. Pray for the many children without parents and grandparents without children, for the Swazi economy suffering from the loss of many skilled workers and for the possible loss of a whole generation. Pray Swazis will seek to live Christ-like lives and the AIDS pandemic will lose its grip on the Swazi people.
Monday November 30: It is the heroes and heroines who are out of sight and who labour in prayer, who make it possible for those who are in sight to do their work and win.” G. Campbell Morgan (1863-1945) pastor of the Westminster Chapel, London. Thank you faithful prayer warriors who pray for us missionaries and the Swazi people. Pray we will continue working and praying together for the many lost Swazis who do not know the Lord as their Savior.
*************
Help us remember
That the key to life and living
Is to make each prayer a
Prayer of thanks
And every day “Thanksgiving.”
-Helen Steiner Rice
I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 69:30
Monday November 2: Thank you for praying for Monica and Lacie last month as they took a short holiday in the USA for Monica’s cousin’s wedding. It was a great trip and Monica and Lacie are blessed to have had the opportunity for a quick visit to see family and be a part of a special family occasion. Steve and Nathan did well without their girls.
-Pray the Allen family will have strength and wisdom as Steve and Monica balance family and ministry each day. Pray their walks with the Lord will grow more and more specifically direction for family as Lacie and Nathan are taught to love the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray Steve and Monica will continue to find ways to make weekly worship at home positive and meaningful for the children especially Lacie.
Tuesday November 3: Sarah Warren’s follow-up visit to her doctor on the 12th of October for blurry vision in her right eye revealed a slight improvement. She will need to continue wearing the eye patch on her left eye in order to strengthen the right one. Her next check-up is December 28th. Continue to pray the blurry vision will go away!! Pray for Sarah as she continues to wear the eye patch.
Wednesday November 4: Continue to pray for direction on employment/ministry opportunities for Bert Warren. The Lord has blessed Lisa with a part-time secretarial job with a Baptist church in her area. Pray for Lisa’s father as his recovery continues to be slow with new developments. Pray they will be able adjust to leaving their home.
Thursday November 5: This month Swazis hope to prepare their fields for planting their yearly crop of corn (main diet staple). Planting will not take place until sufficient rain has fallen. Pray every region and area of Swaziland will have enough water to plant their crops and meet the people’s needs.
Friday November 6: The Myers return today after two weeks sharing in North Carolina about their work among the Swazi people. Tomorrow, they leave for Northwest Indiana ministry sharing with the Orchard Drive Baptist Church Saturday evening and preaching (Wayne) Sunday morning. Pray the Myers will be spiritually prepared for this weekend. Wayne was pastor of the Orchard Drive Baptist Church 1989-1993. Pray for Wayne and Barbara as they fellowship with friends and share of the work the Lord has given them with the Swazi people.
Saturday November 7: Today the Baptist Convention of Swaziland will elect a new Executive Committee. Pray committed, Christian leaders will be elected to these positions. Pray for unity in all decisions and support from all our Baptist churches.
Sunday November 8: Pray for the new outreach group in the Lesibovu area averaging about 60 people each Saturday afternoon. Pray for God’s wisdom guiding each step for Steve and Monica Allen with this group. Even now, pray for leaders that will rise within the group to be trained. 70 people have accepted Jesus Christ and 27 people have been baptized through these Bible studies. Sunday afternoon church services are now being conducted.
Monday November 9: While stateside Wayne and Barbara Myers have spent time with the Myers’ family. Wayne’s brother, Terry was found to have stage-4 cancer in 2008. More was learned of his illness and prognosis. He is currently in remission but has been told the cancer will return and must have follow-up tests every three months. Please pray for Terry and his wife Darlene as they continue to deal with the effects of the cancer and the general prognosis. Pray Terry will continue to be in remission.
Tuesday November 10: Plans are being made to form a National True Love Waits committee with reps from our Swazi Baptist churches as well as other Great Commission organizations. Continue to pray for leaders to rise up and stand strong in sharing the message of purity. A True Love Waits trainers’ weekend was held for the Hhohho and Manzini regions for those interested in teaching the message of TLW in their churches, schools and communities. Pray these newly trained leaders will share with others, be accountable to one another and keep spreading the positive message of TLW.
Wednesday November 11: Pray as the Swazi Team prayerfully works on personnel requests for workers to come and serve with the Myers and Allens in Swaziland. Even now, pray for the people God has chosen to send to work with our Swazi mission team and the Swazi people to further His kingdom.
Thursday November 12: In the last couple of months three Swazi Baptist couples were united in marriage. There are very few Christian role models for those desiring a Christian wedding and marriage. Culture allows the man to treat his wife as he chooses and have relationships outside the marriage. Pray these couples will understand what God expects of the marriage relationship. Pray for strong Swazi Christian marriages.
Friday November 13: Today the Myers leave for their second trip to North Carolina to speak in churches and groups Sunday through Wednesday. They plan to return to Kentucky on the 19th of November. Pray this time will be spiritually lifting for everyone involved. Pray the Lord will bless the fellowship with old and new friends.
Saturday November 14: Sipho is an adult Swazi that is HIV positive. Taking the ARVs (Anti-retro viral) he is able to live a somewhat normal life. Recent statistics show that 400,000 adults live in Swaziland and 44% of these adults are on the ARVs. Pray the anti-retro viral drugs will continue to be available for those suffering from HIV/AIDS. Pray for a change in behavior that causes the spread of HIV/AIDS and the need for ARVs.
Sunday November 15: Pray for wisdom and God’s direction for Steven Allen in pursuing new work. Steven and Nathan recently conducted a prayer drive around the Magugu Dam area and although Steven has been invited to show the “Jesus” film at a local primary school doors do not seem to be opening for a new work at this time. Pray for direction concerning where the Allens need to conduct another prayer drive in the Hhohho region.
Monday November 16: Pray the King of Swaziland, his wives and children will hear the true salvation story and will realize trusting in Jesus is the most precious gift of all.
Tuesday November 17: LOTTIE MOON @WORK… Want to read stories that will help your church understand how giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering supports IMB missionaries on the field—go to www.imb.org- then click on HOME—afterwards look for What’s New and click on “What can a missionary do with $1.00…following with a click on “More giving opportunities.” Please seek the Lord’s will concerning your contributions to LMCO. Pray 2009 LMCO goal of $175 million will be reached. J
Wednesday November 18: During the third school term, the Allens need to get Lacie’s name on a list for grade 1 at one of the private schools in Mbabane. Although Lacie is only starting kindergarten in January 2010, the Allens will be stateside for six months next year and Lacie’s name needs to be on a list for school before the school year ends this year. Pray the right school will be found for Lacie before the end of the year.
Thursday November 19: The green dome lights up when people are worshipping inside the mosque that sits on a hill overlooking Nhlangano. The same can be said of other mosques Manzini and Mbabane. Pray for the many Swazis being misled and confused by the Muslim faith. Pray Christians will see the urgency to witness to their lost friends, family members and neighbors.
Friday November 20: Trying to start and sustain homestead churches continues to be difficult. Challenges include not wanting to be identified with Zionists (African Traditional Religion), feeling the church is not “theirs” but belongs to the homestead family and feeling the church imposes on the family by meeting each week. Pray Christian Swazis will understand the need to reach their neighbors for Jesus. Pray these challenges will not keep them from organizing and meeting on a regular basis.
Saturday November 21: We as believers, can accept God’s peace into our lives, we are transformed. And then, because we possess he gift of peace, we can share the gift with fellow believers and with fellow citizens of all faiths. Today, as a gift to yourself , to your family, to your friends and to your nation, pray for peace in this world and for peace within your soul. www.presidentialprayerteam.org
Sunday November 22: Today the Myers are sharing with the Dover Baptist Church in the am and the Hillview Baptist Church in the pm. Pray for a spirit of interest in those hearing how the Lord is working in Swaziland. Pray for a desire to commit to praying and supporting IMB missionaries and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. J
Monday November 23: Pray for several churches that are currently trying to obtain plots for building new churches or shifting existing churches. Hawane Baptist is STILL waiting to have their plot of land marked by the community council. Victory Baptist plans to move their building closer to the road. Ntsintsa has met in a Red Cross building since it started in the 1990s and desires to have their own church. Mphembekati has to move their existing church due to being too close to a school. Peniel lost their church meeting place so they are seeking a new one temporarily until they can begin building their own structure. Lesibovu, newest outreach area, is also attempting to obtain land so they can begin building their own church structure.
Tuesday November 24: Volunteer teams are preparing for a time of work and ministry in Swaziland. Pray as these groups meet and prepare for their time working with the Allens and Myers. Begin praying for the volunteer team from the Atlantic Association in North Carolina planning to arrive the middle of January to work in the Shiselweni region.
Wednesday November 25: In the Lubumbo region more Swazis are taking the initiative to share the gospel and reach out to their people. Also, a mission team has been formed among the Swazis, going to surrounding areas to do evangelism as well as Mozambique. Pray these faithful servants will continue to commit to seeing many lost Swazis find hope and eternal life in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thursday November 26: HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY!!
The Swazi Team is thankful for all God has done in our lives and how He is working in and through the Swazi people. Pray for the Myers celebrating Thanksgiving in Kentucky and the Allens celebrating in Swaziland. The Allens are thankful for the missionary community in Mbabane with whom they will celebrate Thanksgiving. J
Friday November 27: Pray for Greg, Hannah, Joshua and Elijah Poe returning to Swaziland as a volunteer team (December 10-25). Hannah will be the main speaker for our National Women’s Retreat (December 17-19) for all our women of the Swazi Baptist churches. The Poe family will be leading and sharing with various ministries during their time in Swaziland. Pray for safety and health for their trip and ministry schedule plans to be finalized.
Saturday November 28: The Swaziland Baptist National Women’s Retreat is scheduled for December 17-19, 2009 at the Manzini Baptist Church. Hannah Poe former missionary with the Swazi Team is the guest speaker. Please pray for a wonderful time of fellowship and spiritual learning. Pray for Hannah’s spiritual preparation as she comes to lead this retreat.
Sunday November 29: Pray for the many families in Swaziland who are devastated by the AIDS pandemic. Pray for the many children without parents and grandparents without children, for the Swazi economy suffering from the loss of many skilled workers and for the possible loss of a whole generation. Pray Swazis will seek to live Christ-like lives and the AIDS pandemic will lose its grip on the Swazi people.
Monday November 30: It is the heroes and heroines who are out of sight and who labour in prayer, who make it possible for those who are in sight to do their work and win.” G. Campbell Morgan (1863-1945) pastor of the Westminster Chapel, London. Thank you faithful prayer warriors who pray for us missionaries and the Swazi people. Pray we will continue working and praying together for the many lost Swazis who do not know the Lord as their Savior.
*************
Help us remember
That the key to life and living
Is to make each prayer a
Prayer of thanks
And every day “Thanksgiving.”
-Helen Steiner Rice
I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 69:30
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter - October 26
THE MYERS HIT THE ROAD TO NORTH CAROLINA!!
Friday, 23rd of October we caught our flight to North Carolina to spend two weeks in this beautiful state, the first week (Oct. 23-30) in South Roanoke Association and(October 31-November 6) in the Atlantic Association. Both of these associations have been faithful in their support of the Swazi Team and the work with the Swazi people. Many volunteer teams have been sent from these associations as well. We have developed wonderful relationships with many of the people and always look forward to our time of reconnecting and being together.
--Sunday (25th) we shared about our ministry in two churches in which we had never visited before (and it was quite exciting). Both pastors of these churches had been on volunteer teams to Swaziland.
--In the am service we were with the Swan Quarter Baptist Church. Their interim pastor, Jimmy Johnson has been many times to Swaziland and his daughters Hunter and Brinkley ministered with the Swazi Team in June and July. We had a wonderful time of sharing with a “potluck” meal following. Saturday night we were reunited with Brinkley and Hunter (traveling from their perspective colleges). What a fun time!!
--In the pm service we joined the Acorn Baptist Church whose pastor was in Swaziland in April 2008 in the northwest section of the country. It was a joy to meet the pastor’s mother, (89 years of age) a devoted Christian and a former volunteer to Brazil!!
---We so appreciated these two opportunities to be with congregations that support their pastors in their volunteer trips!!
Monday 26th is a special dinner and fellowship at the First Baptist Church of Washington for all those from the South Roanoke Association who have been a part of a volunteer team to Swaziland.
Please pray many blessings will continue to come from the Swazi Team-South Roanoke relationship. The South Roanoke and the Swazi Team have entered a partnership to evangelize the northeast section of the country. Pray as future volunteer teams begin planning their time of ministry in Swaziland!!
--In February 16-March 2, The First Baptist Church, Washington is scheduled to send a volunteer team to the northeast section of the country. Pray for this group, led by their pastor (Jimmy Moore) as they spiritually prepare for the work the Lord has given them in Swaziland.
--Please continue to pray for us as we share with the First Baptist Church, Washington on Wednesday as well as the New Discovery Baptist Church on Tuesday.
PRAYER REQUESTS UPDATES:
-Please continue to pray Sarah Warren’s blurry vision in her right eye will go away!! Pray for Sarah as she continues to wear the eye patch.
Please continue to pray for direction on employment/ministry opportunities for Bert Warren. The Lord has blessed Lisa with a part-time secretarial job with a Baptist church in her area. Pray for Lisa’s parents as they adjust to moving into the Warren’s home and for her father’s continued improvement and rehabilitation.
MEDICAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
-Pray for my niece’s husband’s mother (Debbie Miracle) diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage during this difficult time. Pray for the family as they continue to deal with Debbie’s illness.
--Wayne’s brother, Terry he is currently in remission but has been told the cancer will return and must have follow-up tests every three months. Please pray for Terry and his wife Darlene as they continue to deal with the effects of the cancer and the general prognosis. Pray Terry will continue to be in remission.
AIDS UPDATE:
The Swazi Team continues to deal with the issue of True Love Waits presenters allowing the Swazi culture and tradition to control their lives. Some of these individuals elected by their church to be trained to present the True Love message of abstinence and Christian living and marriage find themselves in situations that do not reflect the message they were trained to teach. Please continue to pray the Swazi Baptist youth will totally commit their lives to the Lord and His teachings. Especially pray for those trained to teach the TLW message will take this commitment seriously and desire to be a Christian witness to other Swazi youth.
This month Swazis hope to prepare their fields for planting their yearly crop of corn (main diet staple). Planting will not take place until sufficient rain has fallen. Pray every region and area of Swaziland will have enough water to plant their crops and meet the people’s needs.
PRAYER FOR AMERICA:
“As I journey through this life, Lord, help me always to consult the true road map: Your Holy Word. I know that when I turn my heart and thoughts to You, Father, You will lead me along the path that is right for me. And, when our nation’s leaders seek Your will, they will also discover the wisdom of Your Holy Word. Today, dear Lord, let me know Your will and study Your Word, and let America’s leaders fulfill Your plan for our nation. Amen.”
www.presidentialprayerteam.org
LOTTIE MOON @WORK…
Even after 2,000 years of Christian influence, more than 1.5 billion people are still missing out on the opportunity to hear the Gospel. They are hidden behind cultural, physical, and language barriers to a Gospel witness.
Please pray every person will have chance to hear the Gospel message. Please pray for the Lord’s direction on how you should give the Lottie Moon Christmas offering.
For more information check the www.imb.org website. Look for details concerning the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and the Week of Prayer theme.
Continue to pray for the Cowboy Rodeo Church (Spenser Co., Ky)…
God is doing a marvelous work in and through the Cowboy Rodeo Church. A fellowship is scheduled for the 1st of November at 6:00pm. During the service Fox 41 in the Morning newscast will visit with a film crew. This church began to reach those working in the horse industry. God is providing a sponsoring church for this ministry.
PRAYER NEEDS:
v Pray more will come to know the Lord
v Pray for the discipleship of those coming to the Lord.
v Pray for the planning of Small Groups.
v Pray for the planning of VBS this summer.
A price was given for the printing of the prayer booklet, “So That Christ Might Dwell in Their Hears.” We are waiting to hear concerning possible funding of this project. Please pray an affirmative answer will soon be given and the printing of this booklet can take place. Pray also the prayer booklet will be in the hands of many prayer warriors for the Swazi people.
www.swazimissions.org
Friday, 23rd of October we caught our flight to North Carolina to spend two weeks in this beautiful state, the first week (Oct. 23-30) in South Roanoke Association and(October 31-November 6) in the Atlantic Association. Both of these associations have been faithful in their support of the Swazi Team and the work with the Swazi people. Many volunteer teams have been sent from these associations as well. We have developed wonderful relationships with many of the people and always look forward to our time of reconnecting and being together.
--Sunday (25th) we shared about our ministry in two churches in which we had never visited before (and it was quite exciting). Both pastors of these churches had been on volunteer teams to Swaziland.
--In the am service we were with the Swan Quarter Baptist Church. Their interim pastor, Jimmy Johnson has been many times to Swaziland and his daughters Hunter and Brinkley ministered with the Swazi Team in June and July. We had a wonderful time of sharing with a “potluck” meal following. Saturday night we were reunited with Brinkley and Hunter (traveling from their perspective colleges). What a fun time!!
--In the pm service we joined the Acorn Baptist Church whose pastor was in Swaziland in April 2008 in the northwest section of the country. It was a joy to meet the pastor’s mother, (89 years of age) a devoted Christian and a former volunteer to Brazil!!
---We so appreciated these two opportunities to be with congregations that support their pastors in their volunteer trips!!
Monday 26th is a special dinner and fellowship at the First Baptist Church of Washington for all those from the South Roanoke Association who have been a part of a volunteer team to Swaziland.
Please pray many blessings will continue to come from the Swazi Team-South Roanoke relationship. The South Roanoke and the Swazi Team have entered a partnership to evangelize the northeast section of the country. Pray as future volunteer teams begin planning their time of ministry in Swaziland!!
--In February 16-March 2, The First Baptist Church, Washington is scheduled to send a volunteer team to the northeast section of the country. Pray for this group, led by their pastor (Jimmy Moore) as they spiritually prepare for the work the Lord has given them in Swaziland.
--Please continue to pray for us as we share with the First Baptist Church, Washington on Wednesday as well as the New Discovery Baptist Church on Tuesday.
PRAYER REQUESTS UPDATES:
-Please continue to pray Sarah Warren’s blurry vision in her right eye will go away!! Pray for Sarah as she continues to wear the eye patch.
Please continue to pray for direction on employment/ministry opportunities for Bert Warren. The Lord has blessed Lisa with a part-time secretarial job with a Baptist church in her area. Pray for Lisa’s parents as they adjust to moving into the Warren’s home and for her father’s continued improvement and rehabilitation.
MEDICAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
-Pray for my niece’s husband’s mother (Debbie Miracle) diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage during this difficult time. Pray for the family as they continue to deal with Debbie’s illness.
--Wayne’s brother, Terry he is currently in remission but has been told the cancer will return and must have follow-up tests every three months. Please pray for Terry and his wife Darlene as they continue to deal with the effects of the cancer and the general prognosis. Pray Terry will continue to be in remission.
AIDS UPDATE:
The Swazi Team continues to deal with the issue of True Love Waits presenters allowing the Swazi culture and tradition to control their lives. Some of these individuals elected by their church to be trained to present the True Love message of abstinence and Christian living and marriage find themselves in situations that do not reflect the message they were trained to teach. Please continue to pray the Swazi Baptist youth will totally commit their lives to the Lord and His teachings. Especially pray for those trained to teach the TLW message will take this commitment seriously and desire to be a Christian witness to other Swazi youth.
This month Swazis hope to prepare their fields for planting their yearly crop of corn (main diet staple). Planting will not take place until sufficient rain has fallen. Pray every region and area of Swaziland will have enough water to plant their crops and meet the people’s needs.
PRAYER FOR AMERICA:
“As I journey through this life, Lord, help me always to consult the true road map: Your Holy Word. I know that when I turn my heart and thoughts to You, Father, You will lead me along the path that is right for me. And, when our nation’s leaders seek Your will, they will also discover the wisdom of Your Holy Word. Today, dear Lord, let me know Your will and study Your Word, and let America’s leaders fulfill Your plan for our nation. Amen.”
www.presidentialprayerteam.org
LOTTIE MOON @WORK…
Even after 2,000 years of Christian influence, more than 1.5 billion people are still missing out on the opportunity to hear the Gospel. They are hidden behind cultural, physical, and language barriers to a Gospel witness.
Please pray every person will have chance to hear the Gospel message. Please pray for the Lord’s direction on how you should give the Lottie Moon Christmas offering.
For more information check the www.imb.org website. Look for details concerning the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and the Week of Prayer theme.
Continue to pray for the Cowboy Rodeo Church (Spenser Co., Ky)…
God is doing a marvelous work in and through the Cowboy Rodeo Church. A fellowship is scheduled for the 1st of November at 6:00pm. During the service Fox 41 in the Morning newscast will visit with a film crew. This church began to reach those working in the horse industry. God is providing a sponsoring church for this ministry.
PRAYER NEEDS:
v Pray more will come to know the Lord
v Pray for the discipleship of those coming to the Lord.
v Pray for the planning of Small Groups.
v Pray for the planning of VBS this summer.
A price was given for the printing of the prayer booklet, “So That Christ Might Dwell in Their Hears.” We are waiting to hear concerning possible funding of this project. Please pray an affirmative answer will soon be given and the printing of this booklet can take place. Pray also the prayer booklet will be in the hands of many prayer warriors for the Swazi people.
www.swazimissions.org
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