Warren Family Update - May 2009

Warren Family News - May 2009

Interested in following our day-to-day life here in Swaziland,
visit our blog for NEW updates:
www.warrensinswaziland.blogspot.com

“The one who plants and the one who waters work as a team with the same purpose …
we work together as partners who belong to God.” 1 Corinthians 3:8-9

Greetings from Tshaneni, and Happy Mother's Day!

I'm sure that each of you are excited to have warmer weather in your forecast, and are getting geared up for Summer and all the fun that brings! We are excited too as we have been feeling the coolness of Fall, and looking forward to Winter :) Fall is my absolute most favorite season and I didn't think I would experience much of that here. God has been so gracious to let me see falling leaves and feel the cool breezes here in the beautiful mountains of Swaziland. He is truly concerned about the "little" things in life that bring us pleasure.

April was quite a busy month for our entire team here in Swaziland, and I apologize for this update being a little behind. In the midst of this past month, we did have the privilege to travel to Johannesburg for a time of rejuvenation with our mission families from throughout Southern Africa. We praise the Lord for providing this time and for the volunteer teams that came to encourage us and teach our children through VBS. Our blog has been updated and you can "see" some of the blessings.

Several months ago, Pastor Sigwane from Phuzamoya Baptist Church met with our Strategy Leader, Wayne Myers, and shared his passion for reaching the people of Maphungwane. At the end of March, Bert was able to meet with Pastor Sigwane and accompany him to this village and meet the induna to ask for permission to have revival services. The induna had questions about this, and wanted to know what the intentions of these services would be. The joy on his face was clear as Pastor Sigwane shared that we would like to eventually see a church come to this village. The induna, who is of the traditional Zionist religion, then said ... "We have been praying for a church to come here for a long time."

Prayers were answered, and on April 22nd, we welcomed Chris, Janice, and Ron from the South Roanoke Baptist Association in North Carolina. COUNTLESS prayer partners, THREE volunteers, TWO tents, a pastor's vision and ONE Mighty God! The team spent several days in Maphungwane serving alongside Pastor Sigwane and his home church as they held tent revivals, bible studies, children's ministry, homestead visitations and the showing of the Jesus film. Pastor Sigwane had predicted that there would be large crowds each day due to the local schools being closed for 1st term break. Each night there were more people than the night before. So many that TWO revival tents erected together could NOT hold them. Each night the walls of the tents would be taken down in order that those who could not get inside would be able to see and hear. On one particular night over 400 people were present ... praise the Lord!

We were all overwhelmed to see how the Lord was working in this village, and how prayers were being answered ... there were many professions of faith made each night, so many that we found ourselves to be ill prepared to even record all the names. Only Jesus knows for sure the number of souls that He now calls His own. As the week ended, the people were saddened to realize that the revival was ending and the tents were going to come down. Due to this, the revivals continued for FIVE more days after the team departed back to the States. During the last day of services, there were 81 people who signed their names stating that they wanted to take steps towards becoming a Baptist church ... WOW!

During this same morning service, many of the new believers came forward and gave their testimonies of how the Lord was now working in their lives. We were all very moved as we sat and listened to each one ...

"Now that I have accepted the Lord, I can understand now."

"I have never heard preaching like this before, now I know the TRUTH."

"One day as I was working to build my house, these people came and shared the truth with me, and now I have been accepted by God."

"I did not think I was worthy of coming to services, because I did not have proper cloths, but I was accepted just as I am, and now I know God."

Please continue to pray for these new believers, that they will grow each day in the Lord and become strong in their faith. Pray that THEY will lead many more to Christ, and that this community will see and understand the Mighty hand of God. We praise God for all the many prayers that were lifted long before services began, and for Chris, Ron and Janice giving of themselves to be His hands and feet here in Swaziland!

On a personal note, many of you know that Lisa's Dad, Lloyd Claiborne, underwent carotid artery surgery last week, and suffered a stroke. Words cannot express enough how much YOU have meant to our family here in Africa, and to her parents in the States. Thank you for continuing to remember us in your prayers and for the many different ways you are ministering to us all. Her Dad has now been transferred from Rex Hospital to the Bryant T. Aldridge Rehab Center in Rocky Mount, NC, Room 818. Praise the Lord, it has been just a little over a week since his surgery and stroke. Please continue to pray for patience and strength for Lloyd as he begins this road to recovery, and also for her Mom, Catherine, and his doctors and nurses. Another answer to prayer is that the staff as graciously agreed to communicate with us through email so that we will be able to receive regular updates on his progress. Thank you Karen, Joni and the entire staff that will be guiding and encouraging him in his recovery!

Being so far away has been difficult, but we have been reminded this week exactly how much God cares for us, and how He provides for our needs. Many of you have shared this verse, and it has been of great encouragement, thank you. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 I believe this sums it up pretty well, don't you? Know that we can feel your prayers so strongly, and God is continuing to grant us peace each and every day as we trust in His plan.

Also during this past week, we lost a wonderful Christian lady who will be missed dearly, Granny Harrell (Mrs. Ella Harrell). She has been a special part of Bert's family for many, many years, and we all love her like a grandmother. Before leaving the States, we were able to spend time with her and are so thankful how the Lord granted this time to say our goodbyes in person. Please remember her family in your prayers also, especially this Sunday on Mother's Day.

Thank you for all your love, support and prayers!Serving Him together,

~ The Warren Family
~bert, lisa, jessie, matthew & sarahwarrensinafrica@gmail.com

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 see you in Swaziland!

Is He calling you to join the front lines of battle in intercessory prayer for the people of Swaziland, and the Swazi Team?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.

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!!

--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!