Monday, September 28, 2009

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter - September 28

THE MYERS ARE NOW STATESIDE!!
After approximately 25 hours in transit, we finally arrived in Louisville, Kentucky at 1:15pm Friday. We were so glad to be on the ground instead of the air and have enjoyed getting adjusted to stateside again. The weather has been wonderful and I personally look forward to the beginning of fall weather and temperatures as well as the changing color of the leaves.

Stateside address:
Wayne and Barbara Myers
977 Hebron Road
Shelbyville, Ky. 40065
Phone: (502) 633-2936

We attended worship service this morning with my mom at the Dover Baptist Church (in Shelby Country, Ky). Dover has a special place in our hearts since Wayne was music and youth director in the late 70s. We have enjoyed a strong support and affirmation from the congregation especially since we arrived in Swaziland.

--Tonight we have the special honor of attending and sharing with the church my brother began in the Louisville area, Rodeo Cowboy Church. This church is trying to reach out to those involved in the “horse” community. My brother has a special prayer request:
The Rodeo Cowboy Church got off to a great start Sunday, September 20th. We had 21 people gathered to worship and celebrate what God is doing among the rodeo/horse community. Most are planning to return this Sunday (27th). Continue to pray for the churches considering being sponsor churches. I have talked with one church in the Long Run Association and one church in the Nelson Association. Pray that those attending will see Rodeo Cowboy Church as a body of believers and not just a worship service. Pray also for the membership development process. Continue to pray that men and women will turn their lives over to Jesus Christ. Thank you for your willingness to pray for the Rodeo Cowboy Church.

A WONDERFUL ANSWER TO PRAYER!! J
We asked you to pray for a vehicle for us to drive while stateside and I am very happy to share that prayer request has been answered. We received an email from a couple who were involved in the Orchard Drive Baptist Church (Hammond, Indiana) while Wayne was the pastor. They have since been transferred to the St. Louis, Missouri area and offered us the use of one of their vehicles. St. Louis is about 5 ½ hours from our home and after our return from our Stateside Conference next week, we (along with my mom) will travel to St. Louis and spend a couple of days with our friends. Thank you for your faithfulness to pray for this need. The Lord has truly blessed us.

--Please pray for Lisiwe Sibandze (pastor of the Velebantfu Baptist Church) and Phumzile Dlamini (Phuzmoya Baptist Church) scheduled to be united in marriage on the 10th of October at the Phuzumoya Baptist Church. Pray this couple will be a wonderful Christian witness for others who are planning to marry. Pray many Swazis will understand God’s plan for marriage.

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
-September 29-October 16, Monica and Lacie Allen will be in the states attending Monica’s cousin’s wedding and sharing a time of fellowship with family. Lacie is one of the flower girls in the wedding. Pray Monica and Lacie will have a wonderful visit to the states and visit with family. Pray for Steve and Nathan who will remain in Swaziland.

- Please continue to pray for Steven Allens’ complete recovery from the removal of a kidney stone on the 16th of September. Steve has four kidney stones detected so please pray he will be able to pass these without difficulty.

--Please continue to pray for Sarah Warren as she deals with blurry vision in her right eye. She is scheduled for a follow-up on the 12th of October.

Please continue to pray for direction on employment/ministry opportunities for Bert and Lisa Warren. Pray for Lisa’s parents as they adjust to moving into the Warren’s home and for her father’s continued improvement and rehabilitation.

MEDICAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
-For my niece’s husband’s mother who has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. A feeding tube has been placed. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage during this difficult time.
-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 especially on days when he feels depressed.

SPECIAL MYERS FAMILY GATHERING:
In May Wayne’s brother Larry, passed away from a massive heart attack. In June his oldest sister JoAnn died after a battle with lung cancer. On the 10th of October the family has a scheduled a memorial service for these two siblings. Please pray for the family as they gather for a time of remembering Larry and JoAnn. Pray there will be a sense of closure.

--Pray also for Terry Myers who has been dealing with stage 4 cancer since September 2008. Pray the cancer will continue to be in remission.

Lifestyle That Leads to an Early Death
How does one help others understand the lifestyle they have chosen to live may lead to an early death? How does one explain the teachings of their (Swazi) homes may help a whole generation die young? How can it be explained that God’s way is for one man and one woman in marriage each faithful to the other before and after marriage when the Swazi way is for a man to have many wives and girlfriends throughout adolescent and adult life? To have sex is to be a man!! What can be done to help alleviate rape and abuse of Swazi children that also lead to early deaths? What will lead Swazis to understand the devastation of AIDS an impure lifestyle? Pray the Swazis will come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and will have eternal life. Pray for true revival to take place in their hearts enabling them to experience life not death.

A price was given for the printing of the prayer booklet, “So That Christ Might Dwell in Their Hears.” We are waiting to hear concerning possible funding of this project. Please pray an affirmative answer will soon be given and the printing of this booklet can take place. Pray also the prayer booklet will be in the hands of many prayer warriors for the Swazi people.

IMB OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
This week the final Stateside Assignment Conference uniting 255 adults and 143 children, September 28-October 3 takes place. Pray that this will be a restful and refreshing time for them. Ask the Lord to remind His servants of His ever-present love and care. Pray that those struggling with decisions or direction will know much peace and comfort. Thank our Father for our brothers and sisters as they minister around the world.
--Wayne and I leave tomorrow to attend this Stateside Conference and would appreciate your prayers as we fellowship with other IMB missionaries around the world.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter - September 21

WE HAVE FINALLY MOVED!!!
Last week was a tough week for the Myers. Monday the movers phoned to say they could not come on Tuesday because of a problem with the truck. So, Wayne phones another mover who felt he could move us but would call “later” to confirm. He did confirm that we could be moved on Tuesday but did not give us a time. Later (3:00pm) we received a call to say the mover (yes, just one mover) would be at our house at 5:00pm (Tuesday) to load up. He arrived at 4:30pm and 5 hours later left for Matsapha with plans to meet us at 8:00am at Tshaneni on Wednesday. We arrived at Tshaneni at 7:45 and the mover arrived at 9:30am and unloaded the contents of his truck. We did have two young men from Nhlangano help us load and unload. A smaller truck was also needed to get all our belongings that the big truck could not get and this truck arrived on Thursday morning at 9:30pm. The rest of the week was sorting, unpacking and organizing a few of the rooms of the house. We now call it home and are glad the move is behind us!! Thank you for praying for us.


Our new address:
Wayne and Barbara Myers
P.O. Box 4480
Manzini
Swaziland
Phone: (268) 323-2311 ext. 240
**Please discontinue the use of the Nhlangano address.


--The Shiselweni Youth Rally (18th-19th of September) had to be postpone due to Wayne’s need to deal with the move and other particulars. It will be rescheduled sometime in January!! Pray a satisfactory time can be found for the rescheduling of this youth rally.

-Yesterday (Sunday September 20) the Nhlangano and Thunzini Baptist Churches’ hosted a big farewell “DO” for the Myers. The tent was placed in the Nhlangano mission yard and representatives from most of the Shiselweni Swazi Baptist churches joined for a time of worship, fellowship and saying our farewells. We appreciated the great effort in getting chairs, food, dishes and other essentials to the meeting place. Many ladies helped cook the meal and they were still washing dishes and cleaning the area when we left.

PRAYER UPDATE:
--Steven Allen did have surgery on Wednesday (last week) to remove the kidney stone and returned home on Friday. He is recuperating nicely. Please continue to pray for his complete recovery.

--Sarah Warren’s MRI (because of blurry vision in the right eye) on Friday 11th of September was normal!! Thank you for praying. Please pray the blurry vision in her right eye will go away!! She is scheduled for a follow-up on the 12th of October.

Please continue to pray for direction on employment/ministry opportunities for Bert and Lisa Warren. Pray for Lisa’s parents as they adjust to moving into the Warren’s home and for her father’s continued improvement and rehabilitation.

MEDICAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
-For Terry Myers whose cancer is in remission. Pray for his full recovery.
-For my niece’s husband’s mother who has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. A feeding tube has been placed. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage during this difficult time.
-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 especially on days when he feels depressed.

--A price was given for the printing of the prayer booklet, “So That Christ Might Dwell in Their Hears.” The process of securing funding for the project is in place. Please pray the printing of the booklet will take place within the next few weeks. Pray also the prayer booklet will be in the hands of many prayer warriors for the Swazi people.

IMB OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
-Ramadan is based on a lunar calendar and runs approximately August 21-September 19.
Though the Quran instructs Muslims to ready the books of God from before (that is, the Bible), many Muslims refuse to read it. Some fear the spiritual power of the Bible and are afraid that they will be cursed. Others fear that their reading will raise questions they cannot answer or that they will be persecuted for reading the Christian Holy Book. In addition, many believe that holy books must be read in formal Arabic—like the Arabic used in the Quran—despite the fact that most people do not speak or understand formal Arabic. Ask God to make His Word available and understandable to Arab-speakers both in printed forms and in oral forms (radio broadcasts, cassettes or CDs or recorded Scripture, the “JESUS” DVD). Ask God to create a hunger in the hearts of Muslims to know more about Jesus Christ and to grant them courage and boldness. Pray that millions of Muslims will hear or read God’s Word this year. Pray that it will bear eternal fruit in their lives.

The BIG NEWS this week is we leave on Thursday for our stateside assignment.
Our Itinerary: SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS 24SEP JOHANNESBURG WASHINGTON DC 600P 600ASA 207 THURSDAY O.R. TAMBO INT DULLES INTL 25SEPL ECONOMY AIRCRAFT: AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A340-600 UNITED AIRLINES 25SEP WASHINGTON DC CHICAGO IL 835A 935AUA 141 FRIDAY DULLES INTL O'HARE INTLS ECONOMY AIRCRAFT: AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A320-100/200 UNITED AIRLINES 25SEP CHICAGO IL LOUISVILLE KY 1059A 116PUA 6760 FRIDAY O'HARE INTL INTLS ECONOMY AIRCRAFT: CANADAIR REGIONAL JET

Stateside address:
Wayne and Barbara Myers
977 Hebron Road
Shelbyville, Ky. 40065
Phone: (502) 633-2936
Email addresses:
Wayne:
cwmyers@shelbywireless.net
Barbara: swazibam@shelbywireless.net

VERY SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST:
We ask you to continue to pray a vehicle will be provided for this special time (September 24-December 30). Our flight is Thursday and we still do not have a vehicle lined up for our use stateside.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Updates on Requests....already!

First, Steve just phoned me from Johannesburg and surgery is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, our time. He will go to the hospital (Linksfield Hospital) around 12pm, our time, and then spend the night for observation. I know he is so ready for this kidney stone to be removed. The doctor says the cysts found are insignificant and does not see them as a problem at all. Praise the Lord! Not sure if Steve will be coming home Thursday or Friday. All depends on when he is released and if he is on medication and cannot drive home yet. Thanks for all your prayers!

Second, Barbara Myers also just phoned me and the movers just arrived at their house. The movers are packing up everything now and then meeting the Myers in Tshaneni at 8:00am to unload their stuff in their new house. Pray everything goes smoothly and no problems with the mover's trucks (reason for delay with movers today) until all their stuff is safely in their new house. The Myers will not have much internet service until they start their stateside time in a couple weeks. I know they appreciate all your prayers as well.

Third, Lisa Warren sent an email to me this afternoon to let us know that Sarah Warren's MRI results show that there is NO tumor...praise the Lord!

Allen's African Adventures - September 2009

"I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection!
But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be."
Philippians 3:12 (New Living Translation)

PRAISES & PRAYER REQUESTS:
Thank you for praying for the National Youth Camp last month. We had about 175 youth from our Baptist churches all over Swaziland. The theme was "God Chooses Me!" based Eph. 1:4-5. The speakers did a fantastic job and the national youth committee led the camp in unity and focus together. All in all, we know that many chose to return to their first love, Jesus Christ, and pray for all the youth as they press on in their personal walks with the Lord. The National Youth Committee met in Mbabane this past weekend to evaluate youth camp, turning over of new old to new committee members, and sharing new ideas and vision for the coming year. The NYC desires to host at least three leadership retreats for our youth leaders in the coming year for further training and learning more about our Heavenly Father. Pray for direction, unity and logistical planning for these upcoming leadership retreats as well as planning for national youth camp 2010. Attached are a couple photos from youth camp. One is the national youth committee (a few former reps included) and one of a morning teaching time.

Lesibovu, the new outreach group that was started back in February, has had three Sunday afternoon services. It is better for the people to meet in the afternoon vs. morning at this time. We had been allowed to use the community building for Bible studies each Saturday afternoon until last month. Steve had talked to the community elders way back and permission was granted. However, the Zionist group in the area is not happy about an evangelical group coming in to share with "their" people. They are quite surprised that we keep coming each week and now are doing Sunday services at least once a month. We are meeting under the trees, which is no problem on most days but the rainy season is starting. Pray we are able to find a building or home to meet in for Bible studies and services. The enemy is NOT winning as we have seen over 60 people pray to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This past Sunday, we had their FIRST baptism service and it was an exciting time for everyone. We had eight people follow the Lord in believer's baptism. We know that many more are desiring baptism but was curious about the whole process. In a Zionist baptism, folks are dunked repeatedly and not just one time. We sense that several people were hesitant and probably a bit scared, too, to choose something going against their cultural beliefs. Pray for the ones that have accepted Jesus in recent months that they would grow each day following Him. Pray for the folks that followed in baptism this past Sunday as they share with their families and communities how Jesus has changed their lives. Pray, too, for leaders to rise within this new group for training to lead this new group as they grow into a church. Attached are a few photos of the recent baptism service.

Pray for Steve and I as we are prayerfully seeking the Lord about a new work area in the Hhohho region. We plan to do a prayer drive in the next month or so. Pray for God to guide us and for open doors and receptive hearts as we pray and talk with Swazis in different rural areas.

Pray for several churches that are currently trying to obtain plots for building new churches or shifting existing churches. Hawane Baptist is STILL waiting to have their plot of land marked by the community council. They will get ready to start building their church very soon. Victory Baptist and Ntsintsa Baptist were recently approved for new plots for their churches and both have begun building their new churches. Victory plans to move a bit closer to the main road and use most of the existing church materials. Ntsintsa Baptist has met in a Red Cross building since it was started in the 1990's and desires to have their own church. 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.

SWAZI MISSION TEAM NEWS:
Pray for Wayne and Barbara Myers as they are moving this week to their new home and ministry in Swaziland. They are moving to Tshaneni from Nhlangano, where they have lived since 1994. Pray for the move to go well and the movers to arrive on time and accomplish everything quickly. It is about a 2.5 hours distance between where they had been living and now going to be. It is in the same region that they assist but on the other side of Swaziland. Pray for this new work area and for great relationships to be established with nationals. Wayne and Barbara are also preparing for their upcoming stateside time starting September 23 - end of the year. They will be in Kentucky and the southeast part of the USA for time with family and sharing in churches. They are still in need of borrowing a vehicle for their time in the USA. Please pray they are able to find one this week!

Please continue to pray for the Warren family as they are adjusting to being back in the USA. Pray for direction on employment and ministry opportunities for Bert and Lisa as well as for the kids (Jessie, Matthew and Sarah) as they are back in school again. Pray for Lisa's parents as they adjust to living in the Warren's house and for her father's improvement and rehabilitation after his stroke this past April. During kindergarten assessment Sarah’s pediatrician notice a weakness in her right eye. She was referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist and was prescribed eyeglasses as well as a “pirate” patch. She underwent a MRI on Friday and the family is waiting to hear the results today (Tuesday). She has a follow-up appointment on the 12th of October. Please pray for God’s will in this situation and that He will be glorified.

When we were home in the USA for our last stateside time, Monica's home church helped us come up with a way to remember to pray for the Swazi people. Will you join us in praying for them daily?

Pray for the Swazi people:
S-salvation please pray for the salvation of the people of Swaziland.
W-workers please pray God will provide workers (leaders) to lead Swazi Baptist churches.
A-AIDS please pray the Swazi people will understand how to stop the spread of AIDS.
Z- Zionism pray the Swazis will turn from Zionism (African Traditional Religion) to follow Christ.
I-increase pray the number of Swazi Baptist churches will increase.

FAMILY NEWS:
Thank you for all the prayers for Steve recently concerning his latest kidney stone attack. Steve is on his way to Johannesburg today (Tuesday) to see his urologist and more than likely, he is looking at having surgery this week to have it removed. He has not been in constant pain the last three weeks though so that is a huge praise. He did have a CT scan done recently and it was discovered that he has four more kidney stones "waiting" to come some day as well as cysts on his left kidney stone and liver. Pray for the doctors to have wisdom in everything this week and for Steve to have complete healing to his body. He has still been pressing on with ministry and life in general but know he is not quite himself. The kids and I stayed in Swaziland this time so pray as we are apart from one another. We will keep everyone updated as we are able to do so.

On September 29 - October 16, Lacie and I will be taking a short holiday to West Palm Beach, Florida, to visit with family and be there for Monica's cousin's (Tarrah and Jesse) wedding on October 10. Lacie is going to be one of their flower girls. She is way excited! Steve and Nathan will be staying in Swaziland as Steve already took part of his holiday time this year with his trip to Israel. Pray for all of us as we are separated from one another. Friends will be helping Steve with Nathan while I am gone. Plus, he is a great daddy anyway! :) Pray for safe travels for Lacie and I to the USA and back to Africa and special times with family and friends.

Pray for our family to have strength and wisdom as we balance family and ministry each day. Pray for our walks with the Lord to grow more and more and specifically direction for our family as we 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 that we would continue to find ways to make weekly worship at home positive and meaningful for the children, especially Lacie.

During the third school term, we need to get Lacie's name on a list for grade 1 at one of the two private schools in our area. We hope to visit both schools in the month of September to make the final decision. Although Lacie is only starting kindergarten in January 2010, we will be gone for our Stateside for six months next year. We need to have Lacie on a list for school before the school year ends this year. We are leaning towards one school but we want her to be in the right school environment that will be best for Lacie.

As of now, the plan for our USA time next year is that we will be leaving South Africa around March 26 or 27, 2010, and landing in Charlotte, North Carolina. We have to be at a conference at home office April 5-10 in Richmond, VA. We will be in North Carolina for the first three months and Florida the last three months. We will return to the mission field around September 26 or 27, 2010, for another three years or so at this point. If anyone has contacts on a way we can borrow a vehicle for either our three months in North Carolina or three months in Florida or the whole six months, let us know. Also, Florida family and friends, we are also looking for a place to stay (house sit or rent) for our time in the West Palm Beach area as there really is not enough room for our whole family with anyone for quite that long. Probably will be in Florida around mid-late June - end of September. Pray for all the logistical planning and speaking schedule to be finalized in the coming months.

Steve and Sandile baptizing at Lesibovu

Folks waiting for church services to start at Lesibovu

Two adorable children hanging in the rural area

National Youth Camp 2009 - morning session

National Youth Committee 2009-2010 (some former reps, too!)

Monday, September 14, 2009

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter - September 14

IT’S MOVING DAY FOR THE MYERS (15th of September)!!
Tomorrow (Tuesday) the movers are scheduled to arrive at the Myers’ home in Nhlangano to help their move to Tshaneni. The packing is finally completed and we are more than ready to put this move behind us. It is a 2 ½ hour drive between the two points. I anticipate it will be a very long day!! Pray for the movers to arrive early and for the moving experience to end satisfactorily.


Our new address:
Wayne and Barbara Myers
P.O. Box 4480
Manzini
Swaziland
Phone: (268) 323-2311 ext. 240
**Please discontinue the use of the Nhlangano address.
**Since we are not sure whether we will be able to send emails from our new home, I may not be able to send the weekly prayer letter until we arrive stateside.

SPECIAL UPCOMING EVENT!!
Pray for the Shiselweni Youth Rally on the 18th and 19th of September at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Theme: “How Christian Youth Enjoy Life.” Sessions include Have a Desire…,
Youth Challenges and God’s Purpose/Plan for Your Life. Pray for those leading sessions and for the Velebantfu Baptist Church as they host this very special event. Pray the youth attending will understand what it means to follow Christ and make Him Lord of their lives.

--A price was given for the printing of the prayer booklet, “So That Christ Might Dwell in Their Hears.” The process of securing funding for the project is in place. Please pray the printing of the booklet will take place within the next few weeks. Pray also the prayer booklet will be in the hands of many prayer warriors for the Swazi people.

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
--Steven Allen has an appointment with his urologist in Jo’burg on the 15th of September concerning the kidney stone that refuses to move. It is uncertain how long he will be in Jo’burg. Monica and the children will remain in Swaziland. Please pray for Steven to be able to pass the kidney stone. Pray he will receive a “clean bill of health” from his urologist.

-During kindergarten assessment Sarah’s pediatrician notice a weakness in her right eye. She was referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist and was prescribed eyeglasses as well as a “pirate” patch. She underwent a MRI on Friday and the family is waiting to hear the results. She has a follow-up appointment on the 12th of October. Please pray for God’s will in this situation and that He will be glorified through it all.

-Pray for direction on employment/ministry opportunities for Bert and Lisa Warren. Pray for Lisa’s parents as they adjust to moving into the Warren’s home and for her father’s continued improvement and rehabilitation.

MEDICAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
-For Terry Myers whose cancer is in remission. Pray for his full recovery.
-For my niece’s husband’s mother who has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. A feeding tube has been placed. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage during this difficult time.
-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 especially on days when he feels depressed.
Winter is over as well as the dry season in Swaziland. Swazis are beginning to look forward to the time when rain will refresh the earth and crops can be planted with the hope of a plentiful year. Pray this year will be a year of abundance of rain!!

AIDS UPDATE:
Recently we learned one of our Swazi friends’ 7-year old daughter is HIV positive. The father has also been told that he is HIV positive. Fortunately, the father has not experienced any additional health problems and the young girl is on medication and doing fine. This is another family that has become part of the HIV/AIDS’ statistic. Pray this family will continue to do well in view of their HIV status. Pray many other Swazi families will be able to receive the ARV’s that will prolong their lives.

IMB OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
-Ramadan is based on a lunar calendar and runs approximately August 21-September 19.
Though the Quran instructs Muslims to ready the books of God from before (that is, the Bible), many Muslims refuse to read it. Some fear the spiritual power of the Bible and are afraid that they will be cursed. Others fear that their reading will raise questions they cannot answer or that they will be persecuted for reading the Christian Holy Book. In addition, many believe that holy books must be read in formal Arabic—like the Arabic used in the Quran—despite the fact that most people do not speak or understand formal Arabic. Ask God to make His Word available and understandable to Arab-speakers both in printed forms and in oral forms (radio broadcasts, cassettes or CDs or recorded Scripture, the “JESUS” DVD). Ask God to create a hunger in the hearts of Muslims to know more about Jesus Christ and to grant them courage and boldness. Pray that millions of Muslims will hear or read God’s Word this year. Pray that it will bear eternal fruit in their lives.

--The IMB Board of Trustees will be meeting in Jacksonville, Fla., on September 14-16. The highlight of their gathering will be the appointment of 60 new missionaries on Wednesday night, September 16. May God’s guiding hand be upon all the decisions reached by the trustees, and His Spirit’s sustaining peace in the hearts of the appointees as they prepare for the appointment service. May their testimonies be used of God to call more laborers into the harvest.

September 24th we leave for our stateside assignment in Kentucky. We look forward to this special time with friends and family.
Stateside address:
Wayne and Barbara Myers
977 Hebron Road
Shelbyville, Ky. 40065
Phone: (502) 633-2936
Email addresses:
Wayne:
wmyers@shelbywireless.net
Barbara: swazibam@shelbywireless.net

VERY SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST:
We ask you to continue to pray a vehicle will be provided for this special time (September 24-December 30). Our flight is next Thursday and we still do not have a vehicle lined up for our use stateside.
**********************

Pray for the Swazi people:
S-salvation please pray for the salvation of the people of Swaziland.
W-workers please pray God will provide workers (leaders) to lead Swazi Baptist churches.
A-AIDS please pray the Swazi people will understand how to stop the spread of AIDS.
Z- Zionism pray the Swazis will turn from Zionism (Africa Traditional Religion) to follow Christ.
I-increase pray the number of Swazi Baptist churches will increase.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter - September 7, 2009

Thank you for praying for the 2009 Shiselweni Children’s Camp Monday-Wednesday (31 August -2 September). 57 campers registered for a time of learning more about the Bible. Time was spent learning the books of the Bible, learning Bible verses, Bible drills and evening children’s worship with children leading the choruses and choirs. It was a very special time for everyone. The weather was nice and warm and I did quite well staying in my tent!!

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

--Two Swazi weddings took place on Saturday, one in Nhlangano and the other at New Hope Baptist in Matsanjeni. Please pray these two couples will strive to have a Christian marriage and follow the ways of the Lord instead of Swazi culture and traditions.

--A price was given for the printing of the prayer booklet, “So That Christ Might Dwell in Their Hears.” The process of securing funding for the project is in place. Please pray the printing of the booklet will take place within the next few weeks. Pray also the prayer booklet will be in the hands of many prayer warriors for the Swazi people.


SPECIAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
--Pray for Steven Allen who is continues to try and pass a kidney stone. Presently with the help of medication he is not in pain but would like this episode to become history!!

-During kindergarten assessment Sarah’s pediatrician notice a weakness in her right eye. She was referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist and was prescribed eyeglasses as well as a “pirate” patch for 6 hours a day for the next 6 weeks. Her vision is blurry when the good eye is covered. She is scheduled for a MRI Friday September 11th. Please pray for God’s will in this situation and that He will be glorified through it all.


-Pray for direction on employment/ministry opportunities for Bert and Lisa Warren. Pray for Lisa’s parents as they adjust to moving into the Warren’s home and for her father’s continued improvement and rehabilitation. Pray for smooth transition for Jessie, Matthew and Sarah who began school on August 25th.

MEDICAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
-For Terry Myers whose cancer is in remission. Pray for his full recovery.
-For my niece’s husband’s mother who has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. A feeding tube has been placed. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage during this difficult time.
-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 especially on days when he feels depressed.

SPECIAL UPCOMING EVENT!!
Pray for the Shiselweni Youth Rally on the 18th and 19th of September at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Theme: “How Christian Youth Enjoy Life.” Sessions include Have a Desire…,
Youth Challenges and God’s Purpose/Plan for Your Life
Winter is over as well as the dry season in Swaziland. Pray this year will be a year of abundance of rain!!

IMB OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
-Ramadan is based on a lunar calendar and runs approximately August 21-September 19. For Muslim people all over the world, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan, is a holy month. They believe that the first verses of the Quran were revealed this month. During Ramadan, Muslims are expected to fast from all food and drink during the daylight hours; it is also a time for inner reflection, devotion to God, and self-control. Observing the fast during Ramadan is the third of the five pillars of Islam. Although Muslims believe that no one knows whether their good works will weigh more than their bad deeds when God determines the eternal destiny of each person, they believe that observing Ramadan results in significant merit. Pray that as Muslims seek God’s favor this month, He will reveal to them the magnitude of their sin and the impossibility of winning His favor by fasting. May they begin to seek His face and the forgiveness that only He can give.

The Pan…
As I was sorting through dishes and cooking utensils in the small guest house (room with kitchen and bathroom behind our house), I came across a pan that was part of my club aluminum set given to us as a wedding present almost 35 years ago. The pan was put in the “guesthouse” several years ago when cooking pots and spoons were needed for those staying on the property while we were away. I had forgotten about the pan. As I looked at the blackened sides and bottom from years of use, thoughts began to go through my mind. I thought of Wolf and Stormie who had been part of our lives for over 15 years and would not move with us to Tshaneni. I thought of loved ones lost since our coming to Africa, my father, grandmother, uncle and cousins and Wayne’s one brother and two sisters. I thought of all the Swazi people we had come to know in the Shiselweni region, the churches and Bible studies started. It seemed as though an era was ending, a chapter was closing, and the start of a new beginning. I held the pan close to me and promised a good washing. It would have a special place just as those I had lost over the years would always have a special place in my heart.

Packing continues for the Myers as we prepare to move to Tshaneni on the 15th of September.

Our new address:
Wayne and Barbara Myers
P.O. Box 4480
ManziniSwaziland
Phone: (268) 323-2311 ext. 240

September 24th we leave for our stateside assignment in Kentucky. We look forward to this special time with friends and family.
Stateside address:
Wayne and Barbara Myers
977 Hebron Road
Shelbyville, Ky. 40065
Phone: (502) 633-2936
Email addresses:
Wayne:
wmyers@shelbywireless.net
Barbara: swazibam@shelbywireless.net

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST:
We ask you to continue to pray a vehicle will be provided for this special time (September 24-December 30).

***PLEASE DISCONTINUE SENDING MAIL TO THE NHLANGANO ADDRESS AND BEGIN USING EITHER THE MANZINI ADDRESS OR KENTUCKY ADDRESS.

Warrens Family Update - September 2009

Hello prayer partners, friends and family ...

Can you believe it's been ONE month since we landed back in Charlotte .... time is flying! It has been quite a busy month to say the least. We are moved back into our home in New Salem and would like to thank each of you personally for holding us close in your hearts and prayers, to everyone who gave of themselves and their time to help prepare our house for our arrival, and to each of you for all your love, support, and gifts! We just continue to be so overwhelmed by all of your love for our family. A simple "thank you" you just does not say enough what we feel ... Where we are TODAY, and PRAYER REQUESTS .... ~ There was a delay in moving my parents due to Dad starting his next round of rehab therapy before we could arrive and settle back in. They would like this session to be completed before him moving, so we are waiting to hear back on a specific date, but it looks as if they may be moving in the next 2 weeks (hopefully). Thank you for continuing to remember them in your prayers also! ~ Bert and I are seeking and praying through employment and ministry opportunities, please continue praying for direction and discernment as we have begun "knocking" on doors to see what God has in store. ~ Jessie, Matthew and Sarah are all enrolled back in school. Jessie has began 8th grade, Matthew moved to the Middle School to begin 6th grade, and Sarah is starting out in Kindergarten!! The kids are adjusting well to being back in the States, and are enjoying school, so far (lol!). Jessie just celebrated his 14th birthday yesterday too ... how quickly they grow up!

~ We do have a special prayer request to share concerning Sarah. During her kindergarten assessment her pediatrician noticed that there was a weakness in her right eye. She was referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist, and went for her appointment this past Tuesday. She was prescribed eyeglasses, and will be doing "pirate" patch therapy for 6 hours a day for the next 6 weeks, in hopes of strengthening her right eye. There is no history of this in our family, and her doctor showed some concern as to where this problem may be originating. She has now been scheduled to have a MRI next Friday, September 11th. They have told us it will be at least 3 days before the test results are available to her doctor, and then relayed to us. She is scheduled for a follow-up visit on October 12 in Charlotte as well. Please pray for Sarah as she begins this patch therapy. When we cover her good eye everything is so blurry and she cannot see well at all, which is proving to be very frustrating for her. Please pray for God's will in this situation, and that He will be glorified through it all.

We love you all, and thank you for continuing to remember our family in your prayers as we continue to "settle" back into life here in the States. We will continue to post updates on the family blog too ... we'd love to stay in touch and continue hearing from YOU too !!!!

Please also continue to remember our Swazi Team in your prayers as well, and be sure to check out their blog for updates and prayer requests ...
www.swaziprayerbytes.blogspot.com or www.swazimissions.org.

May you all have a beautiful Labor Day weekend!
Serving Him together,

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

US Mailing Address:
Bert & Lisa Warren6612 Pleasant Hill Church RoadMarshville, NC 28103

Family Email:
warrensinafrica@gmail.com
Family Blog:
www.warrensinswaziland.blogspot.com