Thursday, April 30, 2009

Update on Lisa Warren's Dad

Good morning prayer warriors,
I would like to thank each of you for continuing to lift up my family and especially my Dad during his surgery yesterday. I did hear from my Aunt yesterday, she emailed to let me know the surgery was done, and that there were some complications. Mom just called this morning and she was able to share more about how Dad was doing, and also that she was on her way back to the hospital this morning. He did undergo surgery for the carotid artery, and then had to be taken back into a 2nd surgery due to not responding well after the first one. They took him back in to make sure there were no blood clots causing this response. Another two hours later, they came back and said that there were NO blood clots, and that they believe he may have had a slight stroke. After talking with Mom, I decided to contact Rex Hospital this morning through SKYPE, and was able to talk with the nurse to get some more clarity on how things went yesterday. The nurse told me that he is still very weak on his left side, both arm and leg. He does have sensation in them, and can squeeze with his hand, which is a good sign. She said that he was awake but groggy this morning. They say his symptoms suggest a stroke, and that he will be staying for at least another couple of days to see how much of this resolves, and that they expect he will need physical therapy. I was not able to talk with Dad himself but was able to talk through the nurse before losing my SKYPE connection. I tried back later, but was not able to reach anyone.

I am asking that you continue to pray for my Dad, and Mom too, and for guidance and direction for the physicians.
Please know how deeply I appreciate all of your prayers today, and every day!

Love,
lisa ;)


Thank you for all your love, support and prayers!


Serving Him together,

~ The Warren Family

~bert, lisa, jessie, matthew & sarah

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Lacie's Surgery Postponed

Thank you for all your prayers for our little Lacie but her surgery has been postponed until next Tuesday, May 5. Lacie's cold has gotten worse and the doctor was not comfortable in proceeding with the tonsillectomy surgery today. Pray for her to have a speedy recovery from her cold and for our family to have a few days of REST as we are waiting in South Africa. We do not always understand God's timing but we are trusting Him during this time. We will keep you updated as we are able to to so. Again, thank you for your faithful prayer support for our family!

Blessings,
Steven, Monica, Lacie and Nathan Allen

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter - April 28, 2009

It is a very beautiful day in Nhlangano. The morning was quite chilly but the day is sunny and warm. I love the fall time of the year!!

Yesterday we said goodbye to Kimber Ringler who completes her 2-year journeyman term and returns to the States on the 30th. Kimber leaves Mbabane today for Jo’burg. The Swazi Team is blessed and thankful for the ministry Kimber did in Swaziland. Lives were definitely touched in many ways. Pray for Kimber as she leaves on Thursday. Pray she will be able to make all her connecting flights to Florida. Please pray for Kimber during the month of May as she adjusts living in the US and experiencing reverse culture shock.
-Also pray for Kimber and Julia Tarr as they attend their debriefing conference at the International Learning Center May 5-9.

-Wayne, Kelly Woody and I were able to attend the baptism service at the Big Bend Baptist Church, Sunday 26th of April. Amidst off and on rain showers, two youth committed to being obedient through the act of baptism. We rejoiced with this church!! Please pray for the two new baptized believers as they walk with Christ. Pray for strength to overcome pressure to continue in the way of Swazi traditions and cultures.
-Also pray for the church as they conduct revival services this week. Pray many lives will be touched.

OTHER REVIVALS:
-Because of the unavailability of our revival tent, the Ntuthwakazi Baptist Church’s revival services were postponed until after Maloma’s revival.
-The Maloma Baptist Church will hold revival services May 4-9. Pray both of these congregations will prepare for the Lord’s blessings.

Thank you for praying God to open doors of ministry in the Siteki area and prepare the hearts of the Swazi people. The three-member volunteer team from the South Roanoke Association (NC) has been ministering in the Siteki area since the 22nd of April. Revival services have been conducted. (The team will leave Swaziland on the 30th of April.) Pray for safe travels and good health for the entire team. Pray for the Lord’s blessings on Chris, Janice and Ron as they finish their time in the northeast section of Swaziland.
-Revival services will continue in the Siteki area until Sunday (May 3) under the leadership of the Phuzumoya Baptist Church. Pray the Lord will continue to bless hearts and touch lives through the preaching of God’s Word during these services.

PLEASE PRAY FOR:
-Lisa Warren’s father is having surgery today (28th of April) in Raleigh, NC to correct a carotid artery blockage. Please continue to pray for strength and comfort for him, as he is still very nervous about the procedure. Also pray that he will not suffer any complications or stroke before the surgery can be performed.
As with any blockages, risks are present, and they have been warned about that also.

Tomorrow, (29th of April) Lacie Allen will have a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in Jo’burg. Pray for her speedy recovery. The Allens leave today and will be in Jo’burg until around the 10th of May.

OTHER MEDICAL PRAYER CONCERNS:
-Please pray for Wayne’s brother Terry as he struggles with stage 4 cancer. Pray also for his youngest brother Larry experiencing circulation problems in his left leg due to diabetes.
- Also pray for my niece’ husband’s, mom who has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage during this difficult time.
-Pray also for Kerry Harp who continues to recover from a motorcycle accident last year. Pray the Lord will wrap his loving arms around him and Kerry will feel His presence.

The Swazi Team is happy to share with you some exciting news!! To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to pray for the many prayer needs of the Swazi Team and Swazi people, options are being offered for your selection.
-For all you “internet surfers” check out the Swazi Team website at www.swazimissions.org. We appreciate Mike Huffman’s (volunteer team member to Swaziland) efforts in keeping the website updated and ready for you to view and pray!! J
-For the younger generation and professional bloggers, the Swazi Team now has a blog!!
Check: www.swaziprayerbytes.blogspot.com We appreciate Swazi Team member Monica Allen for setting this up and keeping it updated!!
-The weekly prayer letters and monthly team prayer calendar will continue to arrive via email as before. J

AIDS UPDATE:
We were blessed to have Kelly Woody, True Love Waits International consultant from the US with us Thursday-Sunday. Kelly also visited other team members earlier in the month and was able to connect with some of the True Love Wait presenters. In our area we hosted a dinner/meeting on Friday evening to give Kelly a chance to meet, talk, share and pray with True Love Wait presenters as well as a couple of our pastors. This definitely was an “eye-opener” as attendees were encouraged to ask questions about their role as TLW presenters and as well as needed information. It was quickly apparent, some who were trained did not quite understand the message they were to present to churches and schools concerning God’s plan for marriage and abstinence. Our youth have little if any examples of Christian marriages as role models. They know only of the Swazi way of marriage that includes polygamy and various relationships outside the marriage. Even though they may want to believe what the Bible says concerning marriage, it is still hard for them to truly understand abstinence before marriage. It is not a part of their culture or teachings. Please pray that with the help of God’s Word, our youth will be able to understand the TLW’s message and the impact it could have on the entire country, especially in view of the AIDS pandemic. Pray for Kelly as she plans to return in August to continue working with TLW presenters.

PRAYING FOR OUR TROOPS:
Pray for the brave men and women of our nation’s military as they work to protect us around the world—particularly for those in dangerous or compromised situations, that they will have God’s powerful protection and covering.
www.presidentialprayerteam.org

Wayne and Barbara Myers Stateside Assignment September 25-December 30, 2009
-Begin praying all preparations for departure from Swaziland and arrival in Kentucky will go smoothly.
-Pray a vehicle will be secured for traveling in the states.
-Pray for peace concerning leaving our home and Wolf for three months.

To receive a daily list of prayer needs of IMB missionaries around the world subscribe to www.subscribe.org or imb@imb.org. The month of May will bring new changes to the Today’s Prayer. Instead of receiving 20 or more prayer requests per day, you will receive two top priority requests, with a hyperlink to the remaining 20 or so strategic prayer items.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Prayer for Lisa Warren's Dad

I want to thank each of you for continuing to remember my Dad, Lloyd Claiborne, and his health situation, during these past months. It means so much to know that there are many on their knees remembering us. Also, thank you for all the cards and emails encouraging us through these days. Your prayers are being answered in so many ways ... it is hard to be away from home when things are happening with your family, but know that God has given me an unexplainable peace about this situation and I know that He is in control!

My Dad has now received approval from the heart doctor, and his carotid artery surgery has been rescheduled for April 28th in Raleigh, with pre-op on April 22nd. Please continue to pray for strength and comfort for him, as he is still very nervous about the procedure. Also pray that he will not suffer any complications or stroke before the surgery can be performed. As with any blockages, risks are present, and they have been warned about that also.

Serving Him together,

~ The Warren Family

~bert, lisa, jessie, matthew & sarah

Allen's African Adventures - April 2009

Allen's African Adventures
April 2009
"I thank my God in all remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now."
Philippians 1:3-5
Dear Prayer Partners,
The month of April was one busy month for our family, mission team and ministry but God did some great things. As always, we treasure and cherish your prayers and support for our family, ministry, team and the Swazi people.
Praises/Prayer Requests:
- Steven is faithfully teaching at a new outreach area called Lesibovu each Saturday afternoon. The group is averaging around 50 people, including children, youth and adults. A couple weeks ago, nine people made the decision to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Praise the Lord! Continue to pray for this new outreach group and God's direction in reaching the Swazis for Jesus.
- Our team is sad to report that we are losing another team member this week. Kimber Ringler is finishing her two-year term with us and flying back to the USA on Thursday, April 30. Pray for Kimber's final days of saying good-bye and bringing closure to her ministry in Swaziland. She will be greatly missed and know that she has impacted many lives for the kingdom of God. Kimber did share with us this morning that three youth guys accepted Christ yesterday when she was out leading her final Bible studies and saying some good-byes. Praise the Lord for these youth that chose to believe in Jesus!
- Our Baptist churches all gathered together in Big Bend for Easter services, April 9-12. We were pleasantly surprised that many folks made the effort to attend the services despite the distance and high costs of transportation. It is always good to be with our churches worshipping together. There were some doctrinal issues that arose among the leadership that was addressed by the missionaries. Pray for wisdom and discernment as we seek to teach the truth of Jesus Christ. There is false teaching that is easily influencing people all over Swaziland.
- Our True Love Waits International consultant, Kelly Woody, was in our area at the beginning of the month to meet several of our trained TLW leaders. We were able to discuss ideas and share vision on how we can continue to partner with TLW in our ministries in Swaziland. Pray for our leaders to be bold in sharing the message of TLW and for Swazis to really understand the meaning of the word, love. Kelly plans to return to Swaziland in August and we will be making plans for some new ideas. Pray for God's plans to be shown and not just our own plans. - Thank you for praying for our family holiday to Cape Town. It was an amazing time for our family and a great getaway from life and ministry in Swaziland. We wish we could have stayed longer! :) Thank you also for all your birthday wishes to Steven. He had a great birthday on April 20, even though we did celebrate the following day as we were traveling back from our mission meeting on his birthday.
- "For Such A Time As This" was the theme for our annual missionary meeting in Johannesburg last week. It was a great time of being able to worship in our heart language (English!), hear others preach the Word of God, fellowship with other missionaries, learn about how our company is going to be moving into a restructuring time starting July 1, and having wonderful volunteers watch and teach our children in their own classes each day. As we said, lots of changes will be happening in coming months for our company. Pray for how all these changes will be affecting folks in several different ways. The bottom line though is that we still seek and desire for ALL nations to know Jesus Christ. We are blessed to be part of a mission organization that cares about seeking the lost, taking care of their missionaries and working with other mission organizations all over the world.
- We do have updated prayer cards available and many of you have already received them. A huge thanks to First Baptist Church, Washington, North Carolina and specifically Elinor Hunter for sending out our prayer cards to everyone back in the USA. We still have some and if you want one or some to pass out to your churches, groups or Bible studies, please let us know by sending your name and mailing address, and we will get them to you.
- A few months ago, the Attorney General of Swaziland was in a severe accident not far from the Nkhaba Bible study area. He was critically injured as his legs were crushed, broke ribs and had a collapsed lung. Steven was one of the first vehicles on the scene and stopped to help where needed. It turned out that we were one of the few that had a first aid kit in our truck so Steven started helping him with basic aid care while they waited for the ambulance. Because of the distance, it was decided that another vehicle took the AG to the hospital as they did not want to wait for the ambulance. Steven was asked to go collect his family to take to the hospital as well. The AG is now doing much better and is almost ready to return to work after months of healing and rest. Throughout this time, Steven and some of the ladies from Hawane Baptist Church have been going by to visit with the AG and pray with him and his family. He has a Bible but we are not clear if he knows the Lord personally. Steven was able to lead the AG's gardener to the Lord recently. We do not always know why God gives us divine appointments by Him but continue to pray for opportunities to share with the AG, his family and perhaps other government officials in the future.
- This coming week, our family will be traveling back to Johannesburg for medical reasons. Our daughter, Lacie, will be having her tonsils and adenoids out on Wednesday, April 29 in the early afternoon, African time. She will also be having a scan done on her left ear at some point while we are there, too, for the ENT doctor to see if the bone structure is the reason for her hearing loss. Pray for these medical appointments to go well and for speedy recovery and healing. We praise God her hearing loss has not gotten worse and she is doing very well in her preschool!
- Another huge praise is that the Lord gave Monica, Kimber and two other friends much protection on Wednesday morning. They were on their way down to the weekly international Bible study they attend in Ezulwini and the weather was rainy. Monica was driving our truck and going slower than normal because of the weather down the mountain highway. When they came around the curve, cows were coming up the highway and Monica put on the brakes to avoid the cows. While doing this, the truck started hydroplaning because of the rains. They went off the road and straight into a ditch. Praise the Lord that no one was hurt, the truck is fine, Monica stayed calm while driving and what could have turned out not good ended up to be all OK. The tow truck was there to get them out in less than 30 minutes, very rare for African time and several folks stopped to try and help them. It shook Monica up a bit but the group in the truck were all laughing by the time Steven came to check on them.
- We have a new team prayer blog that Monica has created and maintaining for our mission team. We are thankful for the folks that upkeep our team's website and partnership prayer website. We wanted to build another avenue for folks to pray for our team, family and ministries as well as share stories and photos.
Check out the new blog and leave a comment!
***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 - http://www.allensinafrica.blogspot.com/ - leave us a comment!
Skype - allensinafrica
IM - MoMissions
Monica is part of Facebook so if you are on, let her know.
Thank you for your faithful prayer support!!! Steven, Monica, Lacie and Nathan Allen
IMB missionaries serving in Swaziland

Lacie with Aunt Kimber

Easter services 2009

How many people can we get into the back of the truck for church?

Lacie singing with the children's choir at a homestead church (Mabeleni Baptist)

Julia Tarr Back in the USA

Julia Tarr
Julia Tarr served with our Swazi Mission Team for the past two years and recently returned to the USA in February. She served in the Hhohho and Manzini regions working with children and youth ministries. We all miss her greatly and are praying for her new adventures in the USA. Julia is now serving as a children's ministry assistant at First Baptist Church, Tifton, Georgia. Keep praying for Julia! We know that her time in Swaziland left a mark on many lives. If you want to keep up with Julia personally and we know she would appreciate all prayers, check out her blog site at: http://brave2faithful.wordpress.com

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Swazi Team Prayer Calendar - May 2009

Swaziland Mission Team Prayer Calendar
May 2009

Friday May 1: Pray for Kimber Ringler today as she continues her flight to the States. Pray she will be able to make her final domestic flight with ease. Pray also for Kimber during the entire month of May as she adjusts living in the US and experiencing reverse culture shock.

Saturday May 2: Today the executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland is scheduled to meet. On the agenda will be the evaluation of the National Easter services. Pray those attending will prayerfully evaluate the services at Easter as well as other business. Pray for a spirit of unity.

Sunday May 3: Pray for the new outreach group in Lesibovu, south of Manzini where Steve Allen in February started a new Bible study. He is averaging about 50 people each Saturday afternoon and the group is already asking about when they can start meeting on Sunday mornings. Plans are being discussed to start once a month in May on Sunday mornings. Pray for God’s wisdom in guiding each step for this new group. Even now, pray for leaders that would rise within the group to be trained. Recently, nine people accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior…praise God!

Monday May 4: Today Bert Warren has a meeting with Pastor Masuku and the local village caretakers in Mafucula to discuss possible HIV/AIDS ministries. Swaziland has the highest rate of HIV/AIDS. Pray for direction as ways are sought to reach and minister to the many hidden away dying from this terrible disease. The Warrens’ heart desire is to share the Gospel and lead Swazis to the One who is the Great Physician while also ministering to physical needs. Please pray the Lord will “raise up” nationals with a burden for these people. Pray each will be encouraged to step forward and take a part in ministering to the hurting with AIDS. Pray for direction with Great Commission partners ministering to the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Tuesday May 5: Kimber Ringler and Julia Tarr are attending their debriefing conference at the International Learning Center May 5-9. Pray the Lord will work greatly in Kimber and Julia during this time of debriefing. Pray both will “get a good hold” on all He taught them while ministering for two years in Swaziland.

Wednesday May 6: Please keep praying for medical follow-up for the Allen children. Lacie’s tonsillectomy surgery on April 29 went well and we are hoping to find out more information about her left ear loss. The Allens will be in Johannesburg for medical leave until around May 10. Pray for this to be a time of rest and renewal for the family.

Thursday May 7: Please join us in praying for co-laborers to come and join the Lord’s work here in Swaziland through short-term volunteer teams, dedicated prayer warriors or full-time service. The fields are white for harvest and doors for ministry are wide-open!!

Friday May 8: “For Such a Time as This” was the theme for the meeting of the Southern Section missionaries April 15-20. During this meeting the many changes at the IMB and how these changes affect the missionaries on the field were discussed and shared. Please pray your missionaries will be able to accept and adjust to the changes. Pray this will be a time of wonderful blessings.

Saturday May 9: After looking over the beautiful countryside attention was redirected to the singing of the siSwati songs and the preaching of God’s Word. As members of the congregation sit on wooden benches under the tree, it is obvious everyone is oblivious to the “homestead” activity around them. Pray the members of the Zikhoteni Baptist Church will continue to gather for worship every Sunday. Pray their excitement will spread throughout the Zikhoteni community.

Sunday May 10: MOTHER’ DAY!!
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30
Monica Allen’s mother Polly Trice, is coming to spend several weeks with the Allen family. The children are excited that “Gogo” Polly is coming for a visit. Pray for Polly’s safety and health as she travels to be with the Allens on June 12.

Monday May 11: The Myers attended an AIDS forum in Jo’burg April 13-15 and felt it was very helpful to see what missionaries in other parts of Africa are doing concerning the AIDS pandemic. Please pray that from this forum the Swazi Team will be able to begin meeting needs of AIDS victims and their families. Pray the Team will be open to being led by the Lord to develop ministries to help AIDS orphans as well as AIDS victims.

Tuesday May 12: The Warrens praise the Lord for Chris, Janice and Ron of the South Roanoke Team from North Carolina that came to serve the Lord in Siteki, April 22-30. “We praise Him for the many ways the team ministered to the people of Swaziland and to our family. We would especially like to thank their families for sharing this awesome team with us and for sacrificing their presence during some special family events that occurred while the team served the Lord.” From this team’s effort, pray those who heard the Word preached will experience a new life in Jesus Christ.

Wednesday May 13: Pray for Kimber’s future plans and for God to show her exactly where He wants her to be in the right job. The Swazi Team is blessed and thankful for the ministry Kimber did during her two years in Swaziland. Lives were definitely touched in many ways, esp. the children and youth at Peace, Ntsintsa, Sympathy, Mabelani and Hawane. We all miss her very much!!

Thursday May 14: Pray the strongholds that keep the king of Swaziland, his wives and children from accepting Jesus will be broken. Pray each will have a chance to hear and understand what it means to be a Christian.

Friday May 15: Pray for the Swazi Team as they prayerfully work on personnel job requests . Even now, pray for the people God wants to send to work with our Swazi mission team and the Swazi people to further His kingdom.

Saturday May 16: The indvuna (Chief’s assistant) contacted Steve Allen in February about doing revival services in March. Revival services were conducted March 16-21 in the community next to Lesibovu called Gundvini. Praise the Lord for the many decisions for Christ during the revival services! Pray for follow-up that need to be done in this area and for help to assist Steve. Pray for God’s clear direction with each step in this new outreach opportunity.

Sunday May 17: Pray for the Manzini and Sithwethweni Baptist Churches as they meet concerning the possibility of merging the two congregations. They are currently trying to work on a joint constitution. Please pray an agreement will soon be reached as to who will lead the church after the proposed merger. This is a major issue regarding the coming together of the two congregations.

Monday May 18: The green dome lights up when people are worshipping inside the mosque that sits on a hill overlooking Nhlangano. 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 and neighbors.

Tuesday May 19: Pray for the Warren children as they begin their 2nd term of school today. Their first term has been a transitioning one and Bert and Lisa ask for prayer for continued learning and for more friendships to develop. Praise God Jessie, Matthew and Sarah finished their first term well.

Wednesday May 20: Pray for the Allen family to have strength and wisdom as they balance family and ministry each day. Pray for their walks with the Lord to grow more and more and specifically direction for the family as they lead/teach Lacie and Nathan to love the Lord Jesus with all their hearts. Since the weekly church services are conducted in siSwati it is difficult for the children as they don’t understand what is being said. Pray Steve and Monica will continue to find ways to make weekly worship at home positive and meaningful for the children, especially Lacie.

Thursday May 21: Last month a 10-member volunteer team ministered in the Shiselweni region through medical clinics. The team of doctors, nurses and other medical personnel minister in 6 different areas and saw approximately 900 patient. 20 Swazis walked away not only with physical healing but with spiritual healing as well. Pray those touched in some way by the medical team will know true healing comes through the Master Physician.

Friday May 22: Last month Kelly Woody, True Love Waits International consultant visited the Swazi Team members in their areas of work. She was able to connect with some of the True Love Wait presenters and enjoyed talking and sharing with these Swazis. She has planned to return to Swaziland in August. Pray for Kelly as she works with Swazis and missionaries to establish a strong True Love Waits program in Swaziland.

Saturday May 23: Continue to pray for all our Baptist churches that are 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 congregations.

Sunday May 24: Baptism took place on the 26th of April at the Big Bend Baptist Church. Please rejoice with the church and pray for these as they walk with Christ. Pray for strength to overcome pressure to continue in the way of Swazi traditions and cultures.

Monday May 25: MEMORIAL DAY!!
Pray for the brave men and women of our nation’s military as they work to protect us around the world-particularly for those in dangerous or compromised situations, that they will have God’s powerful protection and covering. www.presidentialprayerteam.org

Tuesday May 26: Please pray for the many in Swaziland suffering from AIDS. Pray for the caregivers as they do what they know to do while watching as their love one slowly dies. Pray the unsaved will have a chance to accept Jesus as their Savior before death comes.
Wednesday May 27: Pray for several churches currently trying to obtain plots for building new church structures or shifting existing churches. Hawane Baptist is waiting for the final decision for their plot to be marked. Victory Baptist and Ntsintsa Baptist were recently approved for new plots. Mphembekati Baptist has to move their existing church due to being too close to a school. Peniel Baptist recently lost their church meeting place so they are seeking a new one temporarily until they can begin building their own structure.

Thursday May 28: June 26-27 is the National Youth Leader’s Retreat. Please begin praying for this important event as well as our youth leaders and vice-youth leaders of the Swazi Baptist churches. Hunter Johnson will be the main speaker. Pray for all the logistics to be finalized and for God to move in a mighty way among the hearts of our youth leaders.

Friday May 29: May 29-30 is the National Youth Committee’s annual planning retreat in Mbabane. Pray for our NYC as they meet to finalize plans for the National Youth Leaders Retreat, National Youth Camp in August and other important issues for the youth of all the Swazi Baptist churches. Pray for the committee to be in unity and one mind on ALL decisions!

Saturday May 30: Wayne and Barbara Myers’ stateside assignment is Sept. 25-Dec. 30. Begin praying all preparations for departure from Swaziland and arrival in Kentucky will go smoothly. Pray a vehicle will be secured for traveling in the States. Pray for peace concerning leaving home for three months.

Sunday May 31: Hunter and Brinkley Johnson (sisters) arrive to serve with the Swazi Team June 9-July 8 leading children/youth Bible studies, National Youth Leader’s Retreat on June 26-27, partnering with other mission organizations, and other various ministry opportunities. Pray for Hunter and Brinkley as they prepare to serve with the Swazi Team and for health and safety as they travel on June 8 to Swaziland for one month.

Swazi Team: www.swazimissions.org

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter - April 20, 2009

SWAZITALK
Wayne and Barbara Myers

PRAYER
Just a little talk with Jesus,
How it smooths the rugged road;
How it cheers and helps me onward
When I faint beneath the load!

When my heart is crushed with sorrow
And my eyes with tears are dim,
There’s naught can yield me comfort
Like a little talk with Him.
-Anonymous

Wayne and I attended the AIDS Orphan Forum April 13-15. It was very helpful to see what missionaries in other parts of Africa are doing concerning the AIDS pandemic. Please pray that from this forum we will able to begin to meet needs of the AIDS victims and their families. Pray the Swazi Team will be open to being led by the Lord to develop ministries to help AIDS orphans as well as those suffering with AIDS.

“For Such A Time as This” was the theme for the meeting of missionaries in the Southern Section of Africa April 15-20.
During this meeting the many changes at the IMB and how these changes affect the missionaries on the field were discussed and shared. For most of us, absorbing all that was shared was a struggle but we left with more understanding than when we arrived. J Please pray for your missionaries as these changes begin, we will be able to accept and to adjust to the differences in our lives.

TEAM’S FAMILY PRAYER REQUESTS:
-Update on Lisa Warren’s dad: My Dad has now received approval from the heart doctor, and his carotid artery surgery has been rescheduled for April 28th in Raleigh, with pre-op on April 22nd. Please continue to pray for strength and comfort for him, as he is still very nervous about the procedure. Also pray that he will not suffer any complications or stroke before the surgery can be performed. As with any blockages, risks are present, and they have been warned about that also.
-Please pray for Wayne’s brother Terry as he struggles with stage 4 cancer. Pray also for his youngest brother Larry experiencing circulation problems in his left leg due to diabetes.
- Also pray for my niece’ husband’s, mom who has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Pray for the Lord’s loving strength and courage during this difficult time.
-Pray for Lacie Allen, Steve and Monica's daughter, as she undergoes surgery on April 29th to have her tonsils and adenoids removed.
-Pray also for Kerry Harp who continues to recover from a motorcycle accident last year. Pray the Lord will wrap his loving arms around him and Kerry will feel His presence.

Check out the Swazi Team website:
http://www.swazimissions.org/

Pray God will open doors of ministry in the Siteki area and to prepare the hearts of the Swazi people and the South Roanoke Association (North Carolina) volunteer team coming to serve April 22-30. Pray for safe travels and good health for the entire team. Pray the Lord will bless their time in Swaziland and they will see Him at work in and through them.

SWAZI BAPTIST CHURCH REVIVALS AND BAPTISMS:
-Sunday April 27, the Big Bend Baptist Church will celebrate the Lord’s blessings and promises as the church baptizes those who made commitments to accept Jesus as Lord. Please rejoice with the church and pray for these as they walk with Christ. Pray for strength to overcome pressure to continue in the way of Swazi traditions and cultures.
-Please pray for revival services that will take place in these two Swazi Baptist churches. Pray the congregations will prepare for the Lord’s blessings.
· Maloma Baptist Church, April 27-May 2
· Ntuthwakazi Baptist Church May 4-9

On the 30th of April, Kimber Ringler will complete her term in Swaziland and return to the States. The Swazi Team is blessed and thankful for Kimber’s ministry during her two years. Lives were definitely touched in many ways. Pray for Kimber as she strives to have closure and say good-byes to the many friends she has made the last two years. Pray she will keep a balance of preparing to start life in the US and “wrap up things” in Swaziland.

AIDS UPDATE:
Kelly Woody, True Love Waits International consultant for Swaziland will be in the Shiselweni region and staying with us on the 23rd-26th of April. We hope Kelly will be able to meet and encourage the trained True Love Waits presenters in our region. Pray for Kelly as she spends time in the Shiselweni region. Pray her time with the Swazis will provide opportunities for TLW to become stronger in Swaziland.

PRAYING FOR OUR TROOPS:
Pray for every member of our military wherever they serve, whether at home or on distant shores, high in the mountains or in the vast deserts, that they will have the strength and protection of God and will be led by Him to do their jobs with excellence and diligence. Pray for those who are sacrificing without their children, parents or loved ones that they will be comforted. Pray also for those who have had great loss, whether through combat deaths or injury, that they will be encouraged by God.
http://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/

Wayne and Barbara Myers Stateside Assignment September 25-December 30, 2009
-Begin praying all preparations for departure from Swaziland and arrival in Kentucky will go smoothly.
-Pray a vehicle will be secured for traveling in the states.
-Pray for peace concerning leaving our home and Wolf for three months.
SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST:
Tomorrow (22nd of April) South Africa will hold its fourth democratic election. Please be in prayer for South Africa on this date. There has been much concern that because of a new party and pending criminal charges against the presidential front-runner, there might be riots and violence that could take place. Pray that this will not happen, and that the elections will be peaceful, orderly and legal. Begin praying for the new president who will be elected, asking that he will know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and that he will strive to lead South Africa as led by the Spirit. Pray for South Africa!!

40 Days and 40 Nights (40/40) New Missionary Orientation:
International Service Corps worker Bert Warren (Swazi Team) wrote about his experience at 40/40: “It dawned on me during this week how incredibly comfortable I was at making homestead visitations, speaking to headmasters, headmen, ‘indunas,’ local pastors, etc. Every time when faced with one of these situations, I thought that this is just like what they taught me in 40/40. The 30 days we spent in Zambia were the most challenging period of my life, but they have also proven to be the most beneficial 30 days of my life. Lisa and I both learned a tremendous amount about Africans and ourselves! I am convinced that I am years ahead of where I would have been if I had not been trained in the 40/40 orientation. I am horrified at the thought of the catastrophic mistakes I would have made without the cultural understanding that I received during 40/40.” The next session of 40’/40 will be held on April 22 through May 22. This coming group will be the largest that we have ever had, with 39 participants and 30 children. Pray that each participant will come away from 40/40 with a wealth of information that will help them once they get to their place of service.

To receive a daily list of prayer needs of IMB missionaries around the world subscribe to
http://www.subscribe.org/ or imb@imb.org. The month of May will bring new changes to the Today’s Prayer. Instead of receiving 20 or more prayer requests per day, you will receive two top priority requests, with a hyperlink to the remaining 20 or so strategic prayer items.

Warren's Family Update - April 2009

Warren Family News - April 2009
Interested in following our day-to-day life here in Swaziland,
visit our blog for updates:
www.warrensinswaziland.blogspot.com


"Every person has a soul, and the greatest thing we can do is to share with each and every one the hope that we have in Jesus Christ, the Savior of our souls. " Franklin Graham, quoted from "aWake Project, Uniting Against the African Aids Crisis, 2002".

Greetings from warm and sunny Tshaneni! It's hard to believe April is already here, and that Easter is just around the corner ... seems like yesterday we were celebrating Christmas! It's been almost 3 months since moving to our area of ministry, and God continues to keep us in awe. He has opened so many doors here in such a short time. We are now "settled in" you could say, and feel at home here, but at the same time still experiencing many "firsts" .... I'm sure we will continue to have those as long as we are here!
This past month found us taking our first trip to the US Embassy in our capital city, playing "hide and seek" with a giraffe on the way home one afternoon, Bert being invited to become part of a local businessmen's weekly bible study in Simunye, and in preparing for our next volunteer team, visiting a new area in the Lubombo region, Siteki, and meeting a wonderful man of God, Pastor Sigwane. There will be many more "firsts" to follow in April too .... we will have the opportunity to meet with Ms. Kelly Woody, Swaziland's True Love Waits International consultant (April 6-8), attend the Swazi Baptist National Easter Services (April 9-12), travel to Johannesburg for our first Southern Sectional Meeting (April 15-20), and last but not least, welcome and serve alongside new friends from the South Roanoke Baptist Association's volunteer team from North Carolina (April 22-30). We will also have to say goodbye to one of our friends and fellow teammate, Kimber Ringler, as she finishes her term here in Swaziland and returns to the States on April 30.

MINISTRY UPDATES

Swazi Baptist Convention National Easter Services Each year the National Baptist Convention of Swaziland hold special Easter Services. Services this year will be April 9 -12th, from am -10:00 pm. This is a HUGE event celebrating the salvation found through Jesus Christ and the fact that He has risen from the grave, and given victory over death. Baptist churches from throughout Swaziland will travel great distances to attend. In addition to praise, worship and sermons, they will offer children's classes, and break-out group sessions concerning marriage, divorce, and life after the death of your spouse. Please pray that all attending will experience the true meaning of Good Friday and the resurrection, and also for safe travels to and from. Join us in also praying that lost souls around the area will be drawn to this event as well, and that they will find their own personal Savior this Easter.

Pastor Sigwane and the Maphungwane Ministry Bert and Pastor Sigwane have been meeting recently in preparation for the arrival of our next volunteer team. They have traveled to the area of ministry known as Maphungwane. Maphungwane is located on the eastern side of Swaziland, 30 minutes south of Siteki, where you can see into the country of Mozambique. As they traveled through the mountains, Bert asked Pastor Sigwane to share his burden for this community. He pastors a church which is about an hour west of this area. He shared that this was his homeland, but that he had never actually lived there. His mother and father had separated when he was young and he was raised by his mother in Manzini, the largest city in Swaziland. He shared how he had left home at an early age and became a “street kid”, which led him to later becoming a thief, drug addict, alcoholic and bank robber. After he accepted Jesus into his life and later became a pastor he was given his family homestead when he married. He travels in and out of this area very often working to repair the house upon his small farm, and during this time he became burdened for the people of this area. “The people here do not have any church that they can go to, " he explained. They do not know the truth of God’s Word and are following in cultic practices”. As they drove closer and closer to this area Bert could see his excitement as he shared how he was planning to leave his church in the hands of one of the young leaders that he has been mentoring so that he can come to this churchless area to teach and preach the Truth of God’s Word.
Please pray for direction for Pastor Sigwane, and for God to open the doors of ministry in this area. Also pray for the South Roanoke Baptist Association Team from North Carolina that will be ministering here April 22-30. Pray for safe travels, good health and that the Lord would bless their time together here in Swaziland.

Mafucula Ministry Update This is the area we first felt God drawing us to when we arrived in the northeast region of Swaziland. You have come to affectionately know these people as the "people beyond the sugar cane". Thank you for praying for this area, and as a result ministry doors were opened wide! During the South Roanoke Team's ministry in this community in February, there were many to make professions of faith in Christ and now they are regularly attending church each Sunday. Pastor Mabuska is already planning to begin a new believer's Bible study class where these new brothers and sisters can learn what it means to follow Christ and how to walk daily with the Lord. He also has a strong passion about reaching the youth in his village. Please join us in praying about a youth volunteer team coming to work here alongside this pastor, and the possibility of hosting a Youth Praise Camp, where youth can minister to youth. Please continue to pray for God's direction in this new area of ministry and for strength and direction for Pastor Mabuska as he seeks to further God's kingdom.

Looking ahead into future HIV/AIDS Ministry The statistics say that 40% of the one million people living in Swaziland are infected with HIV/AIDS. This means that 4 out off every 10 people that we meet are infected with this devastating virus. Statistics also report that the average life expectancy now is 30 to 32 yrs of age, this is leaving a huge gap in the population. These are school teachers, policemen, community leaders, doctors, nurses, farmers and the like. There are many, many children left behind without a mother or a father, or both, with no choice but to try and survive without any or little help. Reaching the ones here that are infected is proving to be difficult as it is a shameful thing to reveal that one is infected. The Lord is burdening us with the fact that they are right here in our backyard, and that they are dying every day without the knowledge of His saving grace and mercy. Before arriving in Swaziland, neither of us felt this call or even equipped to minister to AIDS patients and their families. Funny how God changes and re-directs our plans, and uses us where we are the weakest. He is leading us to research ways that we can reach into this culture in a way that brings spiritual hope through Christ and physical relief from their sufferings. We have learned that in each community/village there are older ladies (makes) and grandmothers (gogos) that know these that are sick and are not physically able to get to the local clinic for help. We have learned that these ladies are already serving their neighbors and caring for the sick. Please join us in praying for avenues to be able to connect the local church with these community servants, and that together we can minister to the physical and spiritual needs of these communities through this grass roots level. Please pray for the millions of people affected by this deadly disease, and that God would direct our steps as to how He would use us here so that the Hope of Jesus Christ can be revealed and shared with those who are dying without any hope.
For more information on HIV/AIDS, and other epidemics around the world, and their relief efforts, please visit the Baptist Global Response website,
www.gobgr.org, or www.baptistglobalresponse.com.

Personal Prayer Requests:

~ Continue to pray for Lisa's Dad, Lloyd Claiborne. The carotid artery surgery scheduled for last month was postponed as you may know, and he has been awaiting test results concerning the condition of his heart. Tests revealed that he has scar tissue at the bottom of his heart as the result of an undetected heart attack sometime in the past. His heart doctor has now given approval to proceed with the neck surgery as soon as possible due to the risk of a stroke. We are waiting to hear from Raleigh as to when that will be scheduled. Thank you for continuing to remember my parents in your prayers during this time.

~ Pray for Bert's mom, Julia Warren, as she will be visiting a specialist on April 9th concerning struggles with her diabetes. Please pray for wisdom for her doctor, and direction that will help her maintain consistent and healthy sugar levels.

~ Pray for Lisa's friend, Lisa Gordon Whitby, as she battles leukemia, and awaits test results for possible stem cell transplant. Pray for her family, and especially her son, Holt, as he struggles with missing his Mom, and understanding all of this.

~ Pray for Lacie Allen, Steve and Monica's daughter, as she undergoes surgery on April 29th to have her tonsils and adenoids removed.

~ Pray for Wayne Myers's three brothers and one sister experiencing health problems. Especially remember Terry undergoing chemo and radiation for Stage 4 Cancer.

~ Pray for Kimber Ringler as she finishes out her term this month, and returns to the States on April 30th. Pray for good closure, sweet goodbyes, safe travel and for what God has in store for her as the next chapter of her life begins.

~ Praise God for all the many ways He has provided in our housing situation. Thank you for continuing to pray for God's will in the sale of our home back in the States. We recently had some showings during the month of March, and are awaiting feedback!

In closing, I wanted to share a devotion I read from Pastor Greg Laurie this morning. "God wrote His name on you when you gave your life to Christ. He invested Himself in you. That's why YOU can make a difference. God wants to use you, and He has a place for you—a part for you to play, a seed for you to sow, a call for you to answer." Each time I think about that, it is so humbling to me ... to know that God WANTS to use such a regular, ordinary person as myself. He wants to use YOU and ME ... isn't it great to know that He has the perfect plan for each of us, no matter where we may be in this world!

Thank you for continuing to hold the rope of prayer, and how you are constantly on your knees for us ...
Wishing you and your family a beautiful Easter celebrating our victory in Jesus!


Serving Him together,

~ The Warren Family ~bert, lisa, jessie, matthew & sarah


Is God calling you to come minister in Swaziland? Is it through a vision trip, prayer walking, revival services, VBS, children/youth camps, homestead visitations, medical missions, evangelism? If you or your church are interested in learning more about short-term mission trips, please email us ... we'd love to have you!
Is He calling you to join the front lines of battle in intercessory prayer for the people of Swaziland, and the Swazi Team?Intercessory prayer is prayer for others. One study Bible defines intercession as "holy, believing, persevering prayer whereby someone pleads with God on behalf of another or others who desperately need God's intervention." If you feel led to join our prayer team, please let us know and we will be sure to forward you weekly team prayer updates and requests.

Ways to Connect ....

Email:
warrensinafrica@gmail.com (Family)motocrossboy95@gmail.com (Jessie)swazimonkeyboy@gmail.com (Matthew)

Mailing Address:
Bert & Lisa Warrenc/o Steve & Monica AllenPost Office Box 4480Manzini, Swaziland

Swazi Team Blogs/Web Pages:Allen Family Blog:
http://www.allensinafrica.blogspot.com/
Kimber Ringler's Blog:
www.kimber-swazitales.blogspot.com
Swazi Team Website:
www.swazimissions.org
Warren Family Blog:
www.warrensinswaziland.blogspot.comWarren Photo Albums: www.photobucket.com/warrensinswaziland

Pray for Kimber's Final Week!

Kimber Ringler has served with our Swazi Mission Team for the last two years and she is in her final week of her time in Swaziland. Kimber has worked with the children/youth of our Swazi Baptist churches in the Hhohho and Manzini regions. She has done a fantastic job and we will miss her greatly! Pray for Kimber as she is saying her final goodbyes to both her Swazi friends and missionary friends. Her plan is to return to her hometown of LaBelle, Florida for a couple of months to spend with family. From that point....only God knows. Pray for God's direction in her life in the future. We know many lives were impacted for God's kingdom because of Kimber's willingness to serve in Swaziland. She will be missed tons but will be remembered by many for years and years to come.

Meet our Swaziland Baptist Mission Team

Meet our Swazi Mission Family....


Wayne and Barbara Myers

Wayne and Barbara Myers have been serving in Swaziland since 1993. They live in Nhlangano, Swaziland, in the southwestern part of the country. They serve as our team leaders and team prayer advocate. Wayne is a church planter/developer for the Shiselweni and Lubombo regions of our country. We are blessed by their years of experience and a heart for the Swazi people!

Bert, Lisa, Jessie, Matthew and Sarah Warren

The Warren family joined the Swazi team in October 2008. They are from North Carolina and are here serving as volunteer coordinators for two years. They live in Tshaneni, Swaziland, which is in the northeastern part of the country. They are our first family to live in the eastern part of Swaziland, which is mostly made up of sugar cane areas. They have three children: Jessie, age 13, Matthew, age 11 and Sarah, age 5. Our team is thrilled they are with us and looking forward to all God is going to do in and through this family.

Steve, Monica, Lacie and Nathan Allen

Steve and Monica Allen have served in Swaziland since September 2003. They live in the capital city of Mbabane, which is the northwestern part of the country. Steve is a church planter/developer for the Hhohho and Manzini regions. Steve calls North Carolina home and Monica is from West Palm Beach, Florida. They have two children, Lacie, age 4 and Nathan,
age 1. Both children were born in South Africa. God is continuing to give this family opportunities to share the love of Jesus with those around them.