Monday, June 22, 2009

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter - June 22, 2009

In the last few months, we have been blessed by Swazi ladies attending our Swazi Baptist churches who requested to have a Christian wedding ceremony. These ladies were either living with the father of their children or had been married in a Swazi traditional ceremony (neither man attended a Swazi Baptist church but did consent to a Christian wedding). As a sign of their faithfulness to follow the Lord, they wanted to raise their children in a “Christian home.” Tuesday, we had another such visit by a former student of Wayne (when he taught Religious Education at Eric Rosenberg in the 90s). He arrived at the house at 12:30 and for over an hour plans were made for his Christian marriage. Both he and his wife say they are Christians but because of pressure from his family, they were married traditionally a couple of years ago. Now, they want to make it right. When the planning dust settled, a date and venue for the wedding were made: September 5th at the Regional Education Office in Nhlangano. (They wanted to have the wedding in my yard, but I had to say NO!! Can you imagine over 100 Swazis congregated in my yard and going in and out of my house to use the bathroom or whatever? Please pray for Duma (duma is the siSwati word for thunder) Dlamini and his wife as they commit their lives and home to the Lord. Pray their Christian wedding will be a witness to others in their community and family members.
-Please pray for many other homes that need to follow this example and have a Christian wedding. Pray also for the Swazi youth to say no to tradition and say to yes to Christ and live as he would have his children live.

Thank you for praying for the second week of revival services at the Mhlambi Baptist Church. Attendance was great even though some of the community youth tried to disrupt the nightly services with loud talking and unruly behavior. (This is so typical of revivals in the rural churches). Several individuals made decisions to follow the Lord!! Overall, the revival was a wonderful boast for the Mhlambi Baptist Church.
- Continue to pray the Mhlambi Baptist Church under the leadership of Imphilo Mamba will grow spiritually and reach its community for the Lord.
-There is a great need to develop leaders for the children and youth ministries. Pray these leaders will develop from the Mhlambi Baptist Church congregation.

Hunter and Brinkley Johnson (sisters) had a wonderful week working in the Manzini and Hhohho regions. Today they join the Warrens at Tshaneni and will minister with the Warrens until the 26th of June. Pray for Hunter and Brinkley this week as they minister in the Lubumbo region of Swaziland. Pray for continued good health and the joy of serving the Lord in Swaziland!!

Steve Allen left yesterday (Sunday June 21) to participate in the planned archeological dig in Israel with the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Pray for his safety as he travels and a wonderful time of holiday of being refreshed doing something that is a passion of his heart. Pray for Monica and the children during Steve’s absence.

We enjoyed a time of fun and fellowship with the Swazi Team, Polly Trice and several little girls who attended Lacie Allen’s birthday party on Saturday in Mbabane. The weather was beautiful and it was good to be able to sit down and chat with everyone.
This evening I will be meeting with Annah Thwala to plan the 2009 Shiselweni Children’s Camp. We were scheduled to have the camp the week of August 31-September 5, but will have to make adjustments because of the September 5th Dlamini wedding. Theme of the camp is “Learning About the Bible.” Pray we will be able to find a good time to have the two camps. Pray also as we decide on the two camp venues.

June 26-27 is the National Youth Leader’s Retreat (this weekend). Pray for this important retreat for all youth leaders of the Swazi Baptist churches. Hunter Johnson will be the main speaker. Pray God will move in a mighty way among the hearts of our youth leaders.

Because of the concern of charismatic tendencies and practices displayed at the National Easter Services, teaching was scheduled by the Baptist Convention of Swaziland on the 22nd-23rd of May. Steven Allen taught about the “Biblical Response to the Prosperity Gospel” and Wayne taught on a “Biblical Response to Speaking in Tongues.” There was a good response and attendance from leaders from the Swazi Baptist churches and a desire for additional teaching was voiced. On July 18th and 19th, a follow-up time of teaching is scheduled. Please pray for Wayne and Steve as they prepare for a time of additional information sharing and a question and answer time. Pray for a better understanding of those attending concerning Baptist beliefs. Pray members of our Baptist churches will commit to making their churches stronger in Baptist beliefs as well as Christian beliefs.

We want to say thank you to everyone who prayed and sent their sympathies on the death of Wayne’s sister JoAnn last week. We so appreciated your thoughtfulness. Please continue to pray for the family as they deal with their loss. Continue to pray for Terry who is doing well, but is still considered to have stage 4 cancer.

Yesterday as I walked back to the house from attending worship services at the Nhlangano Baptist Church, one of the ladies of the church joined me. We talked about different subjects but as we approached my gate, I mentioned that I thought the plot on the left side of our house had been sold (the Nhlangano Baptist had used the lot for revival services in December). It had been freshly mowed and a couple of months ago the owners asked Wayne if the Nhlangano Baptist Church was interested in purchasing the plot. The owners had been offered 450,000 emalangeni (1 dollar to 8 emalangeni) but, they would let the church have it for E415,000. (Needless to say on behalf of the church, Wayne had to decline their offer.) My friend commented that the Muslims probably purchased the land since they were ones in town that could afford to pay E450,000 for the plot. I voiced my concern of all the businesses that were now being operated by Indian Muslims. She said it was because the King now allowed them to come into the county and operate businesses. His father King Mabusa (died in 1982) refused to allow Muslims to operate businesses in Swaziland. Please pray the Muslim faith will not become stronger and Swazi Christians will take a stand for their faith and their country. Pray the King will see the harm that can come from allowing those that follow the way of Islam to work and settle in Swaziland.

Time is fast approaching when we will be taking our 4th stateside assignment, September 24-December 30.
Pray we will receive all the information needed to schedule appointments in time to have our physicals completed by the middle of August. The timing of these exams will not affect our departure for the states but might our departure from the states.
-There always is a need for prayer in obtaining a vehicle to drive while stateside. Please pray a vehicle will be secured for traveling while in the states.
-Pray for peace concerning leaving our home and Wolf for three months.

Allen's June Prayer Update

Dear Prayer Partners,

We wanted to send out another prayer update for the month of June to touch base with our prayer supporters about several different items. It has been a busy month but a great one, too.

Highlights:
- Four people were baptized at Hawane Baptist Church on June 14. One of the youth guys, Kuseni in the photo, told Monica after the service that "he had just had a funeral. He was now dead to self and alive in Christ". He said this with the biggest smile on his face! Praise the Lord! Another one of the folks that was baptized was an elderly lady, Make Dlamini. She has been wanting to be baptized for a long time but has been too sick. She was thrilled she was able to do so this time. Pray for these four people as they seek to grow each day in the Lord.

- The new work area of Lesibovu is going to grow each week. Today, there was about 140 people at the study, the highest attendance thus far. Hunter and Brinkley both taught with the children as there were over 100 kids ready and eager to hear about God. The people were all waiting for Steven, Hunter, Brinkley, Jane and Maria when they arrived....wow, talk about being ready and hungry to hear the word of God! Continue to pray for this Bible study and for God's direction in starting a Sunday morning service time in July.

- After waiting for many, many months, Hawane Baptist Church is finally having their plot of land marked so they can begin to build their own building. It has been a long process with the community council and local chiefs to reach this point. Pray for tomorrow, June 21, as the church receives their piece of land to start their own church building. It is an exciting time for this church. Attached is a photo of the women of Hawane Baptist Church.

- Gogo Polly (Monica's mom) arrived in Swaziland on June 13 and will be with us until July 17. The kids are way excited that Gogo Polly is here with them and we all are enjoying our visit with her. Continue to pray for this special time with family and opportunities to join in on various ministries around Swaziland.

- Hunter and Brinkley Johnson (sisters) arrived in Swaziland on June 10 and will be in the country until July 8. They have been serving with our family in our ministry area and doing a fantastic job. They will be serving with the Warren family in the upcoming week and then joining the Myers family the following week. Hunter has been with our family for the past two summers so we feel like we have welcomed family back to be with us. Continue to pray for their time with our mission team and all God has planned for their lives while faithfully serving Him in Swaziland.

- Lacie turned five years old on June 17. It is hard to believe she is already five years old...whew! Today, we celebrated with Dora the Explorer party (thanks to Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Tennessee for sending us the supplies for the party) and had a blast! Attached are photos of Lacie with Gogo Polly and mission family taken at Lacie's birthday party.

- Tomorrow, June 21, Steven leaves for his archeology trip to Israel. Pray for safety as he travels, great times of digging with folks with the same passion, renewed strength by being away from ministry and special times with the Lord. We will miss him greatly but very happy for this unique opportunity for him. Also, we want to say, Happy Father's Day to Steven - you are truly a blessing in our lives and an amazing father to Lacie and Nathan!!!

- Next weekend is our National Youth Leader's Retreat at Manzini Baptist Church. The main speaker is Hunter Johnson and the theme is "The Leader God Uses....". Pray all our youth leaders are able to attend this important retreat especially for them. Pray for all the logistics to go smoothly behind the scenes.

- Continue to pray for Wayne Myers and his family. Wayne's brother, Larry, passed away in late May and this past week, he lost his sister, JoAnn, to cancer. It is difficult to be away from family during difficult times. Wayne and Barbara Myers are getting ready for their stateside time starting in September - December 2009.

We will keep you updated on other needs and events as we are able to do so. We covet your prayers for our family and ministry in Swaziland. God is moving and we are joining in HIS work and in HIS time!

***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!
Skype - allensinafrica
Monica is part of Facebook so if you are on, let her know.

Blessings and love,
Steven, Monica, Lacie and Nathan Allen
IMB missionaries to Swaziland

Lacie with Hunter and Brinkley Johnson on her birthday
Lacie with her Gogo Polly (Gogo is siSwati for grandmother) visiting from the USA...yum, yum, enjoying her cake!

Baptism service at Hawane Baptist Church - Steven baptizing Kuseni Jele


The Baptist Mission of Swaziland mission family - Wayne and Barbara Myers, Bert, Lisa, Jessie, Matthew, and Sarah Warren and Steven, Monica, Lacie and Nathan Allen

Monday, June 15, 2009

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter - June 15, 2009

Rainy and cold conditions began the revival services at Mhlambi on Monday. With the weather being so disagreeable it was felt perhaps there would be few people to come to worship. But, to everyone amazement approximately 60 people sat within the tent and listened as God’s Word was preached. The wintery weather continued until Thursday evening and each service was blessed with the attendance of many brave souls dressed in many layers prepared for the cold and dampness of the night. Thank you for praying.
Revival services will continue this week at Mhlambi and end on Saturday. Please pray for the two men preaching this week. Pray the Lord will prepare them spiritually and physically for another week of evangelistic services for the people of the Mhlambi community.
- Continue to pray for the Mhlambi Baptist Church under the leadership of Imphilo Mamba will grow spiritually and reach its community for the Lord.
-There is a great need to develop leaders for the children and youth ministries. Pray these leaders will develop from the Mhlambi Baptist Church congregation.

Pray for Lacie Allen on Wednesday as she celebrates her birthday!!

Hunter and Brinkley Johnson (sisters) arrived in Mbabane on the 10th (Wednesday). The girls will minister with the Allens until the 22nd of June leading children and youth Bible studies; working with Great Commission Groups and teaching Sunday School at a couple of churches. Pray for Hunter and Brinkley this week as they minister in the Hhohho and Manzini regions. Pray for continued good health and the joy of serving the Lord in Swaziland!!

Remember Sunday the 21st of June is Father’s Day!! Give your Dad a big hug or a big phone call!!

On the 21st of June, Steve Allen will leave on an archeological dig in Israel with the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Pray for his safety as he travels and a wonderful time of holiday of being refreshed doing something that is a passion of his heart.

June 26-27 is the National Youth Leader’s Retreat. Pray for this important retreat for all youth leaders of the Swazi Baptist churches. Hunter Johnson will be the main speaker. Pray God will move in a mighty way among the hearts of our youth leaders.

We received this email this morning from Patsy, Wayne’s sister:
JoAnn (Wayne’s sister) passed away this morning at 3:30 (Sunday 14, 2009 ) She grinned when I told her that you had called and the girls were pleased. She will be cremated with a small memorial for neighbors and friends and then brought home (from Indiana) to Ky. She ended up going peacefully so don't worry about that. Please pray for the family during this time of another loss. It has been less than a month since Larry (Wayne’s brother) passed away. Please pray for Wayne’s brother, Terry as he continues to battle stage 4 cancer.

The Warren family would like to thank you
for continuing to remember Lisa’s parents in your prayers as her Dad recovers from a recent stroke. There has been a change in his rehab facility. He has now been moved to Autumn Care in Nashville, NC. This past week he was able to pass his swallowing test which will allow him to eat food by himself. Please continue to pray for Lloyd Claiborne as he continues to recuperate from his stroke.

Because of the concern of charismatic tendencies and practices displayed at the National Easter Services, teaching was scheduled by the Baptist Convention of Swaziland on the 22nd-23rd of May. Steven Allen taught about the “Biblical Response to the Prosperity Gospel” and Wayne taught on a “Biblical Response to Speaking in Tongues.” There was a good response and attendance from leaders from the Swazi Baptist churches and a desire for additional teaching was voiced. On July 1lth and 12th, a follow-up time of teaching is scheduled. Please pray for Wayne and Steve as they prepare for a time of additional information sharing and a question and answer time. Pray for a better understanding of those attending concerning Baptist beliefs. Pray members of our Baptist churches will commit to making their churches stronger in Baptist beliefs as well as Christian beliefs.

PRAYING FOR OUR TROOPS:
Expanded Troop Presence in Afghanistan: Ten thousand U.S. Marines have poured into Afghanistan in the last month and a half, seeking to transform their tiny base located in the center of that nation’s most violent province, Helmand, into a veritable fortress. They are part of the additional 21,000 troops ordered into the area by President Obama to combat the Taliban.
www.presidentialprayerteam.org

If you loved the courageous stories of faith from God’s servants in the best-selling book Voices of the Faithful, you won’t want to miss continuing stories of triumph and perseverance. Voices of the Faithful Book Two is coming in September.
--In Book Two of this uplifting series, you will read stories of answered prayer, sacrifice, amazing conversions and miracles, adversity, encouragement, just to name a few.
--Because of your love for the first book, the IMB will give you a free copy of Book One with your advanced purchase of Book Two. Use Book One as a gift for someone to start them on the grand adventure of world missions.
This offer will expire on August 7th, so order soon.
Click here or call the IMB at 800-866-3621 to pre-order the VOICES ONE/TWO ADVANCE PACKAGE for $11.95 plus tax. Quantity discounts are available.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THIS IMB EVENT:
Candidate Interview Conference June 15-19: Approximately 100 new missionary candidates—short-term and long-term—will be in Richmond for this exciting conference. Ask God to bless them with a clear understanding of His call on their lives. Pray that staff will have a special Spirit-led sensitivity to their individual needs and will be able counselors for them.

Time is fast approaching when we will be taking our 4th stateside assignment, September 24-December 30.
Pray we will receive all the information needed to schedule appointments in time to have our physicals completed by the middle of August. The timing of these exams will not affect our departure for the states but might our departure from the states.
-There always is a need for prayer in obtaining a vehicle to drive while stateside. Please pray a vehicle will be secured for traveling while in the states.
-Pray for peace concerning leaving our home and Wolf for three months.

Check these special Swazi sites:
www.swaziprayerbytes.blogspot.com
www.swazimissions.org

“Man,” said one Christian Scotsman to another, “I got a wonderful text in my reading lesson today.” “Oh,” said his friend, “let me hear it.” “Well,” responded the other enthusiastically, “the text is Psalm 56:3, and it says, ‘What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.’” “Very good,” agreed his friend, smiling, “but I got a better text in my reading lesson, for in Isaiah 12:2, I read, ‘I will trust, and not be afraid.’”
-Moody Monthly

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Warren Family Update - June 2009

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

A "wintery hello" to each of you from all the Warrens here in Tshaneni! As you trade out your jeans for shorts and flip-flops, Winter is beginning to make itself known here in our little corner of Swaziland. Although our winter will be nothing like a North Carolina winter, it is a nice change in temperatures!
Change is truly in the air everywhere ... when July 1st rolls around our region as we know it, CESA ~ Central, Eastern and Southern Africa ~ will no longer exist. Beginning July, the new restructuring of the IMB will be put into place, and you will now come to know our region of the world as "Sub-Saharan Africa Affinity Group". Please join us in continuing to pray for wisdom and guidance for IMB leadership as they implement and lead us through these changes.

Ministry Update

"Whoever speaks let him speak, as it were, the very utterances of God;
whoever serves, let him serve by the strength which God supplies;
so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ,
to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever."

1 Peter 4:11

When our family moved to Tshaneni back in mid-January of this year we began praying for direction and guidance as to what and where God would have us focus our efforts. Our team members are each assigned to different areas of Swaziland, all of which are large, with many communities that are rural and spread apart. When Bert began to study the map of our region he found himself consistently being drawn to one particular area. In the Lubombo region, the main industry is the production of sugar cane, and the majority of the Swazi people here work in this industry. We have found that if you are not employed with this industry there is little to no sustainable support. These are the people that are mainly overlooked and forgotten. God began directing our path to His people in this forgotten area, which we now know as Mafacula. It is located at the base of a mountain just beyond the many, many sugar cane fields off of our main road. We began asking you to join us in praying for this area specifically and it's people that we call "the people beyond the sugar cane". As we started to ask and learn more about this area, Bert found only a few people that knew exactly how to get there. One morning as he was with a member of Vuvulane Baptist Church, God led them to someone that knew this area very well. They were taken in and introduced to a local pastor, Masuku. He was saved through reading the Word of God in the Bible his father left to him. As an answer to your prayers, God led Bert to this pastor and their relationship has grown over these last four months. Pastor Masuku shares the desire to reach this/his whole community with the message of Christ. So far, we have seen two revivals and the showing of the Jesus Film in this area all with amazing response. Pastor Masuku has also been able to travel with Bert to several Baptist related functions and training sessions, which has given him the opportunity to connect with other pastors in the area. Just recently, he and his church, Mountain Church, have requested to join the Baptist Convention of Swaziland, seeking to join their brothers and sisters in Christ to evangelize their country. There has been great interest to learn more about the Bible, and Bert has begun teaching weekly classes on Thursdays in this community. Through your prayers, God has also opened doors that we could not open. We have been introduced to several community groups that work directly with the oppressed peoples of HIV/AIDS here, and many have come forward to reveal their sickness and need for help. Please join us as we pray for this new opportunity and that much will be accomplished for the Kingdom of Christ, both spiritually and physically.

We cannot say enough how much your prayers, support and involvement in the ministry here mean to us, and our entire team. Throughout the past several years there has been consistent, dedicated partnerships, prayer and mission teams dedicating their efforts and resources to reach the country of Swaziland for Christ. In our short time here on the field, we have been so blessed to see the fruits of their labor and prayers with much being accomplished for the Kingdom! Some have tilled the land, some sowed the seeds, some watered, some prayed, and some harvested ... all are ESSENTIAL! Harvest time has come to Swaziland, thank you for partnering with the One who brings the Harvest, and join us in giving Him all the Glory!


Family Update

After much prayer, another change has taken place in our lives, and it is that we have now begun homeschooling all three of the children. Before arriving in Swaziland, we felt strongly about having the kids plugged in socially, and giving them the opportunity to experience their new culture and meet friends of their own age through attending a local school. We are so thankful for the opportunity for them to have attended Thembelisha Preparatory School. The teachers and staff welcomed us with open arms, and went above and beyond to make sure the children transitioned well into their school. They have made many friends that I know we will continue to see. Fortunately, we will have the chance to see many of them when we visit church in Simunye. Now that we have "settled in" to our area of ministry, we have a better feel of our job, what it takes to host volunteer teams, and are also seeing new ministry begin to grow. We feel that this change will give us more flexibility with our schedules/ministry, allowing us to be more accommodating to our volunteer teams, AND at the same time giving the children "first hand" experience in more of the ministry while continuing their education here. It seems that our time here is beginning to quickly pass by, and we want to be good stewards of our time and of the support we so graciously receive from the IMB and our churches back home. We have such a peace about this decision, and are excited to see how the Lord is going to work through this change.

We would like to thank you for continuing to remember Lisa's parents in your prayers as her Dad recovers from a recent stroke. There has been a change in his rehab facility. He has now been moved from Bryant T. Aldridge Rehab Center to Autumn Care in Nashville, NC. We are so thankful for the staff at both locations, and their willingness to communicate with us through email. He has settled in well, and is continuing physical, speech and occupation therapy there. A praise for this week is that he was finally able to pass his swallowing test which will allow him to eat food for himself!! This will BOOST his spirits for sure :) Your prayers and love have meant so much as you have walked with us through these past months, and continue to be a blessing to us and her parents.

Praise and Prayer Requests

As you remember us in prayer, we ask that you would pray Colossians 1:9-10 for our family:

"So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you.
We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit.
All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better."

Praise the Lord that Sarah accepted the Lord has HER personal Savior and followed in believer's baptism on May 24th! Pray that she will grow in the Lord each day, and that she will follow Him all her days! (See pictures of her BIG day on our blog)
Pray for direction in future orphan and HIV/AIDS ministry, and also for partnerships with other mission organizations. Pray for direction in trying to find and meet the needs of those suffering and dying from this disease that infects so many here in Swaziland. Pray for wisdom in teaching the church how to care for these patients and their families and that they would have the opportunity to share the message of the Great Physician and that many would have open hearts to receive Him as their personal Savior.
Praise the Lord for the safe arrival of Hunter and Brinkley Johnson (sisters) this week. Pray for the Lord to use each of their talents and gifts to minister to the Swazi people and for their continued strength as they minister with our team through July 8th. Also pray for safe travel as they serve in many different areas of Swaziland.
June 12th, Polly Trice (Monica Allen's mother) arrives in Swaziland to spend several weeks with the Allen's. Pray for safe travel and a wonderful time with her family.
Pray for our next volunteer team from West Virginia, arriving June 13 - 18, as they lead discipleship training at Phuzumoya Baptist. Praise the Lord for this new partnership, and pray for the Lord to bless their time here in Swaziland and for safe travel as they return back to the States next Thursday.
The National Youth Leader’s Retreat on June 26 -27. Pray for this important retreat for all youth leaders of the Swazi Baptist churches. Hunter Johnson will be the main speaker. Pray God will move in a mighty way among the hearts of our youth leaders.
Please continue to pray for Wayne Myers' brother and sister struggling with cancer. Pray that the Lord will draw Terry and JoAnn into His healing embrace. Also continue to remember Wayne and his family in the loss of his youngest brother, Larry.
Continue to pray for Lisa's Dad, Lloyd Claiborne, as he continues to recover from his stroke. Pray for strength and patience has he seeks to regain use of his left side.

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

~ The Warren Family ~bert, lisa, jessie, matthew & sarah
warrensinafrica@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 and we will send you information on our mission trips ... 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 email us and we will be sure to forward you our Weekly Team Updates.

NEW Link:
One of our colleagues just put together an account of our Bush Camp "40/40" Training in Zambia,
along with pictures that you can visit:
http://africa4040.blogspot.com.

Blog:
www.warrensinswaziland.blogspot.com
Team Blog: www.swaziprayerbytes.blogspot.com
Team Web:
www.swazimissions.org
Photo Albums: www.photobucket.com/warrensinswaziland

Monday, June 8, 2009

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter - June 8, 2009

Revival services begin today at the Mhlambi Baptist Church (June 8-15).
-Mhlambi is a community on top of a mountain. The weather tends to be cooler in this area than Nhlangano or surrounding communities. One year during January (peak summer season) while conducting a children’s Bible study, the fog began to roll in around lunch time. The day was cooler than normal but with the appearance of the fog and mist, temperatures became much cooler. It was an experience making peanut and jelly sandwiches outside on benches and watching the fog descend. Today it is rainy and very cool in Nhlangano. Wayne is already preparing to put on extra clothing for this evening’s service. Pray the damp and cold temperatures will not keep the people of Mhlambi from attending the revival services tonight and the rest of the week.


-It has been a while since the church conducted revival services. Recently the main leader left to find employment in South Africa. Imphilo Mamba currently is leading this church and we are thankful for his commitment. Pray for the Mhlambi Baptist Church under the leadership of Imphilo Mamba to grow spiritually and reach its community for the Lord.
-There is a great need to develop leaders for the children and youth ministries. Pray these leaders will develop from the Mhlambi Baptist Church congregation.

Hunter and Brinkley Johnson (sisters) will arrive in Swaziland tomorrow (June 9-July 8) to minister with the Swazi Team. June 10-22, they will be ministering in the Hhohho and Manzini regions with the Allen family. June 22-26, Hunter and Brinkley will be with the Warren family at Tshaneni. The weekend of the 26th and 27th Hunter will lead the National Youth Leader’s Retreat and will finish their time in the Shiselweni Region June 29-July 8th. Pray for Hunter and Brinkley as they begin their time of ministry in Swaziland. Pray they will stay healthy and happy as they connect with friends and minister with the Swazi youth and children.

June 26-27 is the National Youth Leader’s Retreat. Pray for this important retreat for all youth leaders of the Swazi Baptist churches. Hunter Johnson will be the main speaker. Pray God will move in a mighty way among the hearts of our youth leaders.

For the past six months a group from the Nyamane area has been attending the Nhlangano Baptist Church. The Nyamane area is approximately 7 kilometers from the church and transportation has made it difficult for regular attendance. Johannes Tfwala and his family live in this area and has desired for the group to organize and begin meeting regularly on Sunday morning. Revival services were scheduled for the June 19-21 but because of continued maritial problems of Johannes and Lindiwe Tfwala, who were to lead this group, revival has been postponed indefinitely. There is a large number of unevangelized people living in this area. Please pray the Lord will provide His leader to meet with this group on a regular basis. Please pray Johannes and Lindwe Tfwala will not allow Satan to be the victor in their family and in their ministry.

Friday, June 12th, Polly Trice (Monica Allen’s mother) arrives to spend several weeks with the Allen Family. Lacie and Nathan are very excited that “gogo” Polly is coming for a visit. Pray for Polly’s safety and health as she makes the long trip to Swaziland.

SPECIAL FAMILY PRAYER CONCERNS:
-Continue to pray for Lisa Warren’s father as he recovers from surgery and stroke. He recently was moved to a new facility and is undergoing physical therapy.
-Please continue to pray for Wayne’s brother and sister struggling with cancer. Pray the Lord will draw Terry and JoAnn into His healing embrace.
-Please pray for my niece’s 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 for Kerry Harp who continues to recover from a motorcycle accident. Pray the Lord will wrap his loving arms around him and Kerry will feel His presence.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THIS IMB EVENT:
-Emeritus (Retired missionaries) Conference, June 10-14: A gathering of 53 retired missionaries, with a combined service of 1,576 years. Thank the Lord for victories won and the faithfulness of these humble servants.

AIDS UPDATE:
“After settling in our mission station mid-January 2009, I heard the Lord tell me that He had other plans for us than just what our job entailed. I heard the Lord tell me that there is not enough being done to fight against the HIV/AIDS virus, and there were too many of His children who were dying alone and entering into an eternity separated from Him only because no one had ever shared with them the love, grace and mercy that He has for them. With this understanding we started searching and questioning those of whom we had contact with. To my surprise we have not found anyone who has the dreaded disease or anyone that knows anyone with it. Statistics suggest that over 40 percent of the population of Swaziland is infected with the HIV/AIDS virus; representing the fact that four or five out of every ten people we meet is infected with HIV/AIDS. There is a huge stigma that suggests that it is shameful to tell anyone that you or someone in your family is suffering from such, and there is great fear that they will be ostracized by their families and communities.” (Bert Warren) Pray for the Bert and Lisa Warren as they seek the Lord’s direction in trying to find and meet the needs of those suffering and dying from AIDS. Pray for wisdom in teaching the “church” how to care for AIDS victims and their families as well as share the gospel message.

PRAYING FOR OUR TROOPS:
Give thanks for all who serve our country through military service at every level in every branch. Pray for safety and protection from God, for families who struggle with absent parents and multiple deployments and pray for all who lead our troops to have God’s wisdom and grace.
www.presidentialprayerteam.org
*******************
Time is fast approaching when we will be taking our 4th stateside assignment, September 24-December 30. Pray we will receive all the information needed to schedule appointments in time to have our physicals to be completed by the middle of August. The timing of these exams will not affect our departure for the states but might our departure from the states.
-There always is a need for prayer in obtaining a vehicle to drive while stateside. Please pray a vehicle will be secured for traveling while in the states.
-Pray for peace concerning leaving our home and Wolf for three months.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Allen's African Adventures - June 2009

Allen's African Adventures
June 2009

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that
works within us to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen."
Ephesians 3:20-21 (NASB)

The month of May 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. In recent Bible studies, 28 people one week and 11 people the next have accepted Jesus Christ 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. Plans are being discussed to start a Sunday morning service in July.

- Because of some doctrinal issues that arose among our national leadership at recent national meetings, a leadership retreat was held on May 22-23 that was addressed by the missionaries. Discussion was wonderful and very well attended. Continue to 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. Plans are being discussed for a follow-up retreat with our national leadership in July.

- Hawane Baptist Church has been "promised" a plot of land but they are having quite the time to get the community council to come and mark the property for them. They will be meeting with the community council this Sunday for a meeting and a hope for a date for them to come mark their property for them. Pray the meeting this Sunday goes well and for a date of the marking for the property to come soon. The church is quite eager to get started on building their own structure. A baptism service is planned for June 14, pending weather conditions.

- Next week, Hunter and Brinkley Johnson (sisters) will be arriving in Jo'burg on June 9 and staying until July 8. They will be serving with our mission team leading in children and youth Bible studies, leading our national youth leader's retreat, and other ministry opportunities. Pray for their safe arrival to Africa next week. We are trusting God to do mighty things during their time in Swaziland. Hunter and Brinkley have both been to Swaziland several times so we feel like we are welcoming "home" some of our own family members! :) They will be serving with our family in the Hhohho and Manzini regions from June 10 - June 22.

- Another exciting visitor coming is Monica's mom or Gogo Polly to our children. Gogo (siSwati for grandmother) Polly Trice arrives in Jo'burg on June 12 and will be with our family until July 17. Pray for her safe travels and health as she is with our family for several weeks. We are all looking forward to fun times with Gogo! :)

- On June 26-27, we will be having our National Youth Leader's Retreat at Manzini Baptist Church. Hunter and Brinkley Johnson will be leading this important event this year. The theme is "The Leader God uses...." and will be an awesome time for all our youth leaders. Pray for God to meet them in a special way and teach them new things they can learn about leading the vast amount of youth in our churches.

- It is sad to report that members of Victory Baptist Church have been threatened and beaten by youth in the community. The police have been contacted and we are praying for a speedy solution to this situation. Many of our women are fearful in attending church or getting out right now. Pray for God's comfort to these being attacked and threatened.

- Thank you for praying for our daughter, Lacie, with her surgery early this month. She is doing well and recovered from her tonsillectomy. Lacie did have a scan done on her left ear and the ENT doctor discovered that Lacie was born with a bone not in the right place. He believes this could be the reason Lacie has been experiencing some hearing loss in her left ear. We praise God for this great report! Plans are being discussed for surgery on her left ear later this year for the ENT doctor to remove the bone that is potentially obstructing her hearing. We will keep you posted. On another note, Lacie lost her first tooth and that was quite a funny story!
Nathan is walking everywhere and into everything. His favorite word is, BALL! He really keeps us on our toes right now! :) Nathan also had a minor birth defect corrected earlier this month and he is doing great, too.

- God has given Steven a fantastic opportunity to do something he has always dreamed about doing in his life. He is going to Israel for an archeology dig!!! He will be joining about 50 other participants through a program with Tel-Gezer project with Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary for two weeks this month. His trip will be from June 21 - July 8. Pray for safety and a wonderful experience for Steven. He is way excited and we are thrilled for him, too.

- 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. If you have ever been on one of our volunteer teams and would love to share stories or photos, please send them so I can add them to the blog. Personal stories add so much!
Check out the new blog and leave a comment!
www.swaziprayerbytes.blogspot.com

***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 - several stories updated recently - leave us a comment so we know you stopped by to visit!
Skype - allensinafrica
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

Monday, June 1, 2009

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter - June 1, 2009

Thank you for praying for the National Youth Committee’s planning retreat on May 29th-30th (Friday and Saturday). Plans were discussed especially for the National Youth Leader’s Retreat in June and the National Youth Camp in August. Please pray for final direction through plans for both upcoming events. Pray for a spirit of unity and one mind in all decisions.

Hunter and Brinkley Johnson (sisters) will arrive in Swaziland June 9-July 8 to minister with the Swazi Team leading children/youth Bible studies, partnering with other mission organizations and various ministry opportunities as well as leading the National Youth Leader’s Retreat on June 25-27. Hunter and Brinkley will be in the Shiselweni region with us June 28-July 8 to minister to children and youth. 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. Pray the Lord will use their gifts and talents to minister to the Swazi people.

June 26-27 is the National Youth Leader’s Retreat. Pray for this important retreat for all youth leaders of the Swazi Baptist churches. Hunter Johnson will be the main speaker. Pray God will move in a mighty way among the hearts of our youth leaders.

Saturday June 6 the executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets. Pray this meeting will reflect the desire to glorify the Lord in all that is said and done. Pray for good attendance of those on the executive committee.

Revival services will take place at the Mhlambi Baptist Church June 8-15. Please pray for the
church as they plan this very special event. It has been a while since the church conducted revival services. Recently the main leader left to find employment in South Africa. Imphilo Mamba currently is leading this church and we are thankful for his commitment. Pray for the Mhlambi Baptist Church under the leadership of Imphilo Mamba to grow spiritually and reach its community for the Lord. There is a great need to develop leaders for the children and youth ministries. Pray these leaders will develop from the Mhlambi Baptist Church congregation.

For the past six months a group from the Nyamane area has been attending the Nhlangano Baptist Church. The Nyamane area is approximately 7 kilometers from the church and transportation has made it difficult for regular attendance. Johannes Tfwala and his family live in this area and has desired for the group to organize and begin meeting regularly on Sunday morning. Revival services as well as the showing of the Jesus film have been scheduled for June 19-21. Please pray the revival services will open doors for more interest in a new outreach group from those living in the Nyamane area. Pray for the Lord’s encouragement as this group desires to meet together on a regular basis. The Tfwalas have experienced marital difficulty off and on for the past three years. Please pray Johannes and Lindwe Tfwala will not allow Satan to be the victor in their family and in their ministry.

Time is fast approaching when we will be taking our 4th stateside assignment. In the past we have stayed on the field for 4 years before returning to the states but have chosen to return after 2 years. Our dates are September 24-December 30.
In preparation for our departure, we both completed an intensive medical form on line to help with our stateside assignment physicals. We do need to have these physicals completed by the middle of August, so please pray we will receive all the information needed to schedule appointments in time to have our physicals completed by the middle of August. The timing of these exams will not affect our departure for the states but might our departure from the states.
-There always is a need for prayer in obtaining a vehicle to drive while stateside. Please pray a vehicle will be secured for traveling while in the states.
-Pray for peace concerning leaving our home and Wolf for three months. Our Wolf is 15 years old and because of arthritis in his hip has trouble walking and getting around. He will need special attention so please pray he will be well taken care of while we are stateside.

SPECIAL FAMILY PRAYER CONCERNS:
-Continue to pray for Lisa Warren’s father as he recovers from surgery and stroke. He recently was moved to a new facility and is undergoing physical therapy.
-Please continue to pray for Wayne’s brother and sister struggling with cancer. Pray the Lord will draw Terry and JoAnn into His healing embrace.
-Please pray for my niece’s 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 for Kerry Harp who continues to recover from a motorcycle accident. Pray the Lord will wrap his loving arms around him and Kerry will feel His presence.

AIDS UPDATE:
Culturally Practices Contributing to HIV/AIDS
-Polygamy is legal in Swaziland and many Swazis have more than one wife. It is also culturally acceptable for a man to have many girl friends outside of marriage and a rural Swazi woman dare not question her husband’s behavior.
-Many Africans believe sleeping with a virgin can cure HIV/AIDS. This has put even infants at risk. In general, the culture does not value women. Many young girls and women do not understand they can say, “NO.”
-It is acceptable for a man to be intimate with his “wife” before marriage to determine if the she is fertile. If she cannot produce children he is not obligated to marry her.
Pray for the Swazi people to see these kinds of cultural practices lead to the spread of HIV/AIDS. Pray the heart of the Swazi people will turn to the Lord.

PRAYING FOR OUR TROOPS:
Give thanks for all who serve our country through military service at every level in every branch. Pray for safety and protection from God, for families who struggle with absent parents and multiple deployments and pray for all who lead our troops to have God’s wisdom and grace.
www.presidentialprayerteam.org
*******************

A HAPPY DAY
Today will be a happy day
If, first, you find some time to pray;
If, first, alone you go apart
From worldly things, and in your heart
You make resolve to do your best
And then to God you leave the rest.
For God will take the hate and fear
Of yesterday and yesteryear
And in their place He’ll make you feel
The light and love He would reveal;
Yes, this will be a happy day
If, friend, right now you’ll stop and pray.
--Author Unknown