Swazi Team December Prayer Calendar

Tuesday December 1: WORLD AIDS DAY!!
The country of Swaziland contains less than 1 million people and the population continues to decline due to the AIDS pandemic. Pray the AIDS pandemic will begin to lose its grip on the Swazi people. Pray for a spiritual revival in the hearts of Christians that will lead to Godly lifestyles and salvation for the many living in spiritual darkness.

Wednesday December 2: Last month Swaziland experienced a period of cool temperatures with quite a bit of rain. Thank you for praying for rain throughout the entire country. Please pray the rains will continue and the Swazis will have enough food and water to meet the people’s needs.

Thursday December 3: Lacie Allen finishes her school year today and will be on summer break until the end of January. Pray for rest and special family times during Lacie’s school break and the Christmas holidays. With school in break and folks coming and going, ministry tends to slow down. Pray the Allens will be able to be refreshed during these down times of ministry.

Friday December 4: Continue to pray for the Warren family. Bert recently began a new job. Please pray for Bert as he learns what his job requires of him. Pray also for Sarah as she continues to wear an eye patch to help control the blurry vision in her right eye. Her next appointment is the 28th of December.

Saturday December 5: LOTTIE MOON @ WORK…
Many of the world’s people missing from God’s family live in concentrated pockets of lostness. The pockets being focused in 2009: About 40 nations and 700 languages; 34% Muslim; 32% Hindu; 13.5% Animist; 6% Buddhist; 6% Unknown religion and 4% Nonreligious/other. Please pray the 175 million Lottie Moon Christmas Offering goal will be reached so more missionaries can be sent to reach the world’s people missing from God’s family.

Sunday December 6: Today Wayne and Barbara Myers are sharing with the Pleasant Heights Baptist Church (Tennessee). A medical volunteer team from this church ministered in the Shiselweni region last March. Pray for the Myers as they share their story with this congregation.

Monday December 7: The Allens rejoice in the recent development at Lesibovu Baptist Church. The church recently held their first Sunday School, celebrated their first communion together and were granted a plot of land for a church structure. Pray for the leaders of this young congregation to remain enthusiastic and faithful.

Tuesday December 8: Pray for workers to help disciple all new believers that are professing their faith in Christ. Pray they would mature spiritually and not be led astray by incorrect doctrine.

Wednesday December 9: Wayne Myers’ brother, Terry’s cancer is currently in remission but he has been told the cancer will return and must have follow-up tests every three months. He is scheduled to have his next series of tests before Christmas. Pray for Terry and his wife Darlene as they continue to deal with the effects of the cancer and the general prognosis. Pray Terry will continue to be in remission.

Thursday December 10: Please pray for the Poe Family (Greg, Hannah, Joshua and Elijah) volunteer team as they fly to South Africa today and arrive tomorrow in Jo’burg and drive to Swaziland on the 12th for a time of ministry with friends. Hannah is the main speaker for the National Women’s Retreat (Dec. 17-19).

Friday December 11: My own conversion is the result of prayer, long, affectionate, earnest, importune. Parents prayed for me; God heard their cries, and here I am to preach the Gospel.” (Charles Haddon Spurgeon, 1834-92) Pray the Lord will be able to draw strong spiritual leaders from the congregations of the Swazi Baptist churches. Pray many Swazis will truly understand what it means to be a Christian.

Saturday December 12: The Myers are scheduled to return to Swaziland at the end of the year. Pray they will soon receive clearance to return to Swaziland. They hope to be able to leave the states on the 30th of December.

Sunday December 13: One of the biggest problems facing many of the Swazi Baptist churches continues to be the lack of pastors. Many of the churches continue to meet under lay leadership (often the women) who get discouraged that God has not provided them with pastoral leadership. Please pray God will develop leaders for these congregations.

Monday December 14: Please pray for the Swazi nationals who are working on the True Love Waits planning committee as they seek to train individuals to teach the TLW abstinence education materials. Pray the Swazi youth will take seriously the commitment to remain to pure before marriage.

Tuesday December 15: Please pray for Lisa Warren’s father as he continues to recover from a stroke. Pray his time in rehab will be very helpful and he will be able to function more normally.

Wednesday December 16: Trying to start and sustain homestead churches continue to be difficult. Challenges include not wanting to be identified as Zionists (African Traditional Religion), feeling the church is not “theirs” but belongs to the homestead family and feeling the church imposes on the family by meeting each week. Pray Christian Swazis will understand the need to reach their neighbors for Jesus. Pray these challenges will not keep them from organizing and meeting on a regular basis.

Thursday December 17: The Swaziland National Women’s Retreat for women of the Swazi Baptist churches begins today at the Manzini Baptist Church. The theme is “Power for the Journey” based on II Cor. 3:5. Hannah Poe is guest speaker. Please pray for a wonderful time of fellowship and spiritual learning. Pray for Hannah as she leads this retreat.

Friday December 18: This Christmas season, pray the King of Swaziland, his wives and children will hear the true Christmas story and will realize trusting in Jesus is the most precious gift of all.

Saturday December 19: The Hawane Baptist Church is still waiting for the community officials to mark their plot of land approved more than a year ago. There is an unresolved issue between the rival chiefs of the area preventing any action being taken concerning the plot. The church is anxious to begin building and is discouraged by this long delay. Pray this situation will soon be resolved and the church will be able to begin their building project.

Sunday December 20: PRAY FOR WAYNE MYERS TODAY ON HIS BIRTHDAY!! J
It is becoming more apparent the Muslim influence is becoming greater in Swaziland. Please pray during this Christmas season, Christians will see the urgency to witness to their lost friends, neighbors and those of the Muslim faith.

Monday December 21: PRAY FOR WAYNE AND BARBARA MYERS TODAY ON THIS ANNIVERSARY!! J
Pray the ministry of prayer walking will continue to be used to reach many lost Swazis. Pray more and more Swazis will desire to have a personal prayer life and will include prayer walking as part of their churches’ ministries.

Tuesday December 22: For many years the Manzini region of Swaziland has not had a continued missionary presence. Manzini is the largest city in Swaziland and presently very few Swazis attend a Baptist church within the city limits. Pray the job request for missionary personnel in the Manzini region will be filled.

Wednesday December 23: Dear Lord, You offer a peace that is perfect and eternal. Let me turn the cares and burdens of my life over to You, and let me feel the spiritual abundance that You offer through the person of Your Son, the Prince of Peace. Today, I also pray for peace among nations, Father, and for brotherly love among Your children throughout the world. I pray for your safety and comfort for those soldiers fighting for the freedoms of our great nation. You are the source of peace, Dear Lord; let us find it in You. www.presidentialprayerteam.org

Thursday December 24: Please join the Swazi Team in praying for co-laborers to come and join the Lord’s work in Swaziland through short-term volunteer teams, dedicated prayer warriors or full-time service. The fields are white for harvest and doors for ministry wide open!!

Friday December 25: CHRISTMAS DAY!!
God made us aware that in Thy name
The Holy Christ Child humbly came
To live on earth and leave behind
New faith and hope for all mankind.
–Helen Steiner Rice
Pray all Swazis will come to know what it truly means to celebrate Christ’s birth.

Saturday December 26: She is a tiny and short little girl. She is easy to lift because she weighs so little, but then her parents are short in stature and very thin. Her parents as well as older sister are also HIV positive and it is suspected she too is positive for the virus that will eventually lead to AIDS. Statistics continue to tell us that many in Swaziland are HIV positive and many are dying of AIDS. Pray for this family and many others that find themselves in like situations. Pray for the caregivers as they do what they know to do while watching as their loved one slowly dies. Pray the unsaved will have a chance to accept Jesus as their Savior before death come.

Sunday December 27: Pray Christian Swazis will teach their children and grandchildren the ways of the Lord. Pray the Christian way of living will touch lives in the Swazi Baptist churches and communities.

Monday December 28: Please pray for the volunteer team from the Atlantic Association in North Carolina scheduled to minister in the Shiselweni region of Swaziland January 11-22, 2010. Pray for Hartford, Etles, Lucy, Kim, Melissa, Wes and Mike (team leader) as they prepare to and with the Swazis.

Tuesday December 29: Pray Christians in Swaziland will continue to have the freedom to share their faith with others and enjoy the freedom to worship the Lord.

Wednesday December 30: February 16-March 2, the First Baptist Church, Washington, North Carolina is scheduled to send a volunteer team to the northeast section of Swaziland. Pray for Jimmy, Joyce, Caren, Roger and Jimmy (team leader) as they spiritually prepare for the work the Lord has given them in Swaziland.

Thursday December 31: Pray the members of the Swazi Team will seek the Lord’s guidance as they look to 2010 with joy, love and desire to make their lives count for Christ.

HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King: Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” Joyful all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies; With angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!” Amen

Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the Everlasting Lord! Late in time behold Him come, off-spring of the Virgins womb: Veiled in flesh the God-head see; Hail the’ Incarnate Deity, pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel. Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King.” Amen

Wishing each of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! ~The Swazi Team

Myers' Weekly Prayer Letter

George Mueller kept a record of his praying… whether it was a little request or a big one he entered it and when the answer came he wrote down the answer and the date. At the time of his death his friends went through these records and counted more than fifty thousand definite answers to specific petitions offered by this man. –“Preacher” E. F. Hallock (1888-1978), pastor of First Baptist Church; Norman, Oklahoma.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
We want to wish each of you a wonderful Thanksgiving Day and holiday season. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It is such a special time of thanking the Lord for His daily blessings and provisions.
This time of remembrance was first celebrated in 1621 when the Plymouth Colony appointed a day for thanksgiving after their first harvest. The practice of setting apart one day every year as a national harvest festival or day of thanksgiving soon became general. Its observance as a national festival is said to have been suggested by the American writer, Sarah Josepha Hale (1790-1879). Since 1864 with few exceptions, the last Thursday of November has been proclaimed. In 1941, Congress set the 4th Thursday in November. (Groiler Encyclopedia-1958).

COME YE, THANKFUL PEOPLE COME
Come ye thankful people come, raise the song of harvest-home! All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin. God our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied. Come to God’s own temple, come, raise the song of harvest –home.
All the world is God’s own field, fruit unto His praise to yield; Wheat and tares together sown, unto joy or sorrows grown; First the blade, and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear; Lord of harvest grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be.
(Thanksgiving Hymn)
Take time to express your thanks to our Heavenly Father. May we never forget the gift He gave to us when He died on the cross for our sins.

SPECIAL PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Lord, we give You thanks in all circumstances. And, when we face the inevitable challenges and difficulties of life such as we are with unemployment and financial hardship, we turn to You. When we encounter situations that we cannot understand, we trust in You. You are the Creator and the sovereign God. And we give the glory and the thanksgiving to You, God, for the ultimate victory that You have promised Your faithful children. Amen
www.presidentialprayerteam.org

--We arrived home (Kentucky) on Thursday the 19th after spending almost a week in North Carolina. We spoke in churches that we had not visited before and were glad to have had the opportunity to make new friends and prayer warriors!! It was also good to meet Bert and Lisa Warren’s parents, spend time with the Andersons and visit with Zeb and Evelyn Moss (retired IMB missionaries). We appreciated the hospitality that was shown to us.
Sunday we spoke during the morning worship at the Dover Baptist in Shelbyville. We have fond memories of our time (1978-1981) when Wayne served as youth/music minister. I also attended this church as a child and my mother is a member. J Sunday evening our time was spent with the HIllview Baptist Church in Louisville. Currently, we have no speaking engagements until the 6th of December. We plan to enjoy the holiday season as well as begin packing and sorting in preparation for our return trip to Swaziland at the end of the year.

Our Thanksgiving plans include time with family and friends. We have a full weekend and are looking forward to this fun-filled time. It has been seven years since we have been “home” for the holidays!!

--Swaziland has experienced quite a bit of rain the last week. Even so more rain is needed!! Please pray the rains will continue to replenish the earth throughout the entire country of Swaziland. Pray Swazis will be able to plant crops and gardens and there will be enough food and water to meet the people’s needs.

SWAZILAND BAPTIST NATIONAL WOMEN’S RETREAT is scheduled for December 17-19, 2009 at the Manzini Baptist Church. Hannah Poe, former missionary with the Swazi Team is the guest speaker. Please pray for a wonderful time of fellowship and spiritual learning. Pray for Hannah’s spiritual preparation as she comes to lead this retreat.

MEDICAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
-Pray for my niece’s husband’s mother (Debbie Miracle) diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage during this difficult time. Pray for the family as they continue to deal with Debbie’s illness.
--Wayne’s brother, Terry is currently in remission but has been told the cancer will return and must have follow-up tests every three months. The Myers family will gather at Terry and Darlene’s Saturday after Thanksgiving. Pray for this special Myers gathering.Please also pray for Terry and his wife Darlene as they continue to deal with the effects of the cancer and the general prognosis. Pray Terry will continue to be in remission.

LOTTIE MOON @WORK…

2009 WEEK OF PRAYER FOR INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS
Nov. 29-Dec. 6
False religions, political oppression, multiple languages, harsh living conditions and religious persecution are some of the barriers to sharing Christ with unreached people groups. Still that doesn’t override the Great Commission that Scripture gives to all to follow Him.
It is a challenge that compels Southern Baptists to go into difficult places and preach the Gospel.
Pray during the Week of Prayer 2009 for these pockets of lostness:
Day 1: Peoples of Northern India
Day 2: Peoples of Ethiopia
Day 3: Lezghi people of the Caucasuses
Day 4: Berber people of North Africa
Day 5: Vietnamese of Cambodia
Day 6: Peoples of Iran
Day 7: Lost cities of China
Day 8: Peoples of the Canary Islands
Check www.imb.org for more information concerning Lottie Moon giving and how your church can help!!
Please pray the 175 million LMCO goal will be met this year so all the peoples of the world will have a chance to hear the gospel message.

In the morning, O Lord, Thou will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to Thee and eagerly watch. Psalm 5:3

Allen's African Adventures - November

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

2 Timothy 2:1-2 (NASB)

Thank you for your continued prayers on behalf of our family and ministry in Swaziland. The work is greatly enhanced and empowered by your prayers on our behalf.
Since we last wrote we have had some encouraging developments in the work in the Lesibovu community. This is an area about an hour and a half southeast of Mbabane. Last month we had our second baptism service and baptized nineteen new believers. We have continued holding weekly chronological Bible story lessons every Saturday. This week we had over one hundred adults, youth and children present. The church has begun conducting Sunday morning worship services on their own, with different members taking turns leading. I have reduced my preaching there to once per month. Last Sunday the church held its first Sunday school, with assistance from members from Hawane Baptist Church. We also celebrated our first Lord's Supper together as a church family. On Thursday I met with church members and local elders concerning a plot of land for the church. The location which the church had requested was granted and a down payment made. The only thing left is to have an official celebration with the putting in the boundary stakes by the local authorities. Please pray that nothing would create division among this enthusiastic group of believers. Pray that strong internal leadership would continue to develop.

We are the only IMB personnel in Swaziland at the moment, as Wayne and Barbara Myers are in the US for their stateside assignment. They will be returning in January. Please pray that the Myers would have a time of refreshing in the states as they visit with family and friends. Pray also for their safety as they travel to different churches to speak about the ministry work in Swaziland.

Please continue to pray for various churches that are seeking plots of land on which to build. The plot for Hawane Baptist Church has still not been officially marked due to an unresolved issue between two competing chiefs for the area. Mpembekati is also seeking a plot as their church is being relocated due to the construction of a school on land which they had previously been granted. Other churches currently have buildings under construction. Please pray that the churches would be able to see these projects through to completion (Ntsintsa and Victory Baptist Church).

Please pray for the upcoming National Baptist Women's Retreat, which will be held December 17-19. The theme is, "Power of the Journey" based on II Corinthians 3:5. Hannah Poe will be the keynote speaker for the event. You may recall that Greg and Hannah Poe, and their two sons, Joshua and Elijah, served on the Swazi team for two years in 2005-2007. The whole family will be coming to minister December 10 (leaving the USA) - December 25 (arriving back in the USA). Please pray that they would have traveling safety and a wonderful time of ministry and reconnecting with old friends in Swaziland.

Thank you for your prayers for Monica and Lacie as they took a short trip to the states for a cousin's wedding last month. They had an enjoyable time visiting with family and friends, and Lacie had an opportunity to serve as a flower girl in the wedding. Their trip was an enjoyable and safe one. While they were away, Steve and Nathan stayed behind to continue ministry. Nathan was a real trooper, and he and daddy had some good male bonding time. It is good, however, to have the family all back together again.

Please pray for Monica and Nathan as they will be traveling to Johannesburg on Sunday, November 15th. On Monday, Monica will be having a medical consultation in Johannesburg for possible Lasik eye surgery. If all looks well she is slated to have surgery on Tuesday. She is really looking forward to seeing normally again without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Steve and Lacie will be staying in Swaziland in order to continue ministry and schooling. Please pray that Monica will be able to proceed with her surgery and have a good outcome.

As the holiday season approaches, please remember to give to the annual Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. This year, more than ever, the International Mission Board is in need of everyone's financial support if the work of missionaries, such as ourselves, is to continue around the world. God is at work and this is your opportunity to join in HIS activity and plans! The goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is $175 million.

***Remember, we live in Africa and there is no guarantee that our e-mails are received or even sent out correctly. If you have written and not heard from us, please write again. We would rather receive e-mails two times than not at all.***

Family Blog - www.allensinafrica.blogspot.com - leave us a comment so we know you stopped by to visit! - Be looking for new stories shortly....
Skype - allensinafrica
Monica and Steve are both on Facebook so look them up!
Team prayer blog: www.swaziprayerbytes.blogspot.com

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

Preparing to share in the "Lord's Supper"

Steve, Monica, Lacie and Nathan hanging out after church at Lesibovu

Church under the trees

Showing the JESUS film to a primary school

Sweet children at Ntsintsa Baptist Church

Baptizing a new believer at Peace Baptist Church

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

Prayer is not simply getting things from God, that is a most initial form of prayer; prayer is getting into perfect communion with God.
-Oswald Chambers

We enjoyed our time with the congregation of the Orchard Drive Baptist Church this past weekend, being with friends and sharing of the Lord’s work in Swaziland. This church recently called a new pastor. Please pray the Orchard Drive Baptist Church will spiritually grow under the leadership of Pastor Starkey.
Giving thanks always for all things in God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20

We take our second trip to North Carolina tomorrow. Currently the state is expecting heavy rainfall due to Hurricane Ida and we plan to drive. Please pray for our safety. Pray the weather will not hinder what the Lord desires to accomplish.
--Sunday morning we will share with the First Baptist Church, Scotland Neck and Sunday evening with the Community Center Baptist Church, Halifax.
--Monday and Tuesday we will be with former IMB missionaries, Zeb and Evelyn Moss.
--Wednesday we make our way to Marshville to spend time with the Warrens and speak at the Euto Baptist Church.
We will return to Kentucky on Thursday!! Please pray for us as we tell “our story.

November 22nd we will be sharing with the Dover Baptist Church (Shelbyville, Ky) in the am and HIllview Baptist Church (Louisville) in the pm. Pray for a spirit of interest in those hearing how the Lord is working in Swaziland. Pray for a desire to commit to praying and supporting IMB missionaries and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.

Continue to pray the rains will be plentiful throughout Swaziland. Pray for a year of abundance.

SWAZILAND BAPTIST NATIONAL WOMEN’S RETREAT is scheduled for December 17-19, 2009 at the Manzini Baptist Church. Hannah Poe, former missionary with the Swazi Team is the guest speaker. Please pray for a wonderful time of fellowship and spiritual learning. Pray for Hannah’s spiritual preparation as she comes to lead this retreat.

PRAYER REQUESTS UPDATES:
-Please continue to pray Sarah Warren’s blurry vision in her right eye will go away!! Pray for Sarah as she continues to wear the eye patch.

Thank you for praying for Bert Warren to find employment. We are happy to say he has!! This week he will be attending a time of training in Dallas, Texas. Pray for Bert as he receives the needed training for his new job
Continue to pray for Lisa’s parents as they adjust to moving into the Warren’s home and for her father’s continued improvement and rehabilitation.

MEDICAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
-Pray for my niece’s husband’s mother (Debbie Miracle) diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage during this difficult time. Pray for the family as they continue to deal with Debbie’s illness.
--Wayne’s brother, Terry is currently in remission but has been told the cancer will return and must have follow-up tests every three months. Please pray for Terry and his wife Darlene as they continue to deal with the effects of the cancer and the general prognosis. Pray Terry will continue to be in remission.

PRAY FOR THESE VOLUNTEER TEAMS:
--Please pray for the volunteer team (Hartford, Etles, Lucy, Kim, Melissa, Wes and Mike-Team Leader) from the Atlantic Association in North Carolina planning to minister in the Shiselweni region of Swaziland January 11-22, 2010.

--In February 16-March 2, The First Baptist Church, Washington (North Carolina) is scheduled to send a volunteer team to the northeast section of the country. Pray for Jimmy, Joyce, Caren, Roger and Jimmy (Team Leader) as they spiritually prepare for the work the Lord has given them in Swaziland.

--Please pray for the group from the Integrity Baptist Church (Greenville, North Carolina) planning to come to Swaziland in May. Pray for a sense of peace and commitment in finalizing details.

AIDS UPDATE:
In recent months True Love Waits International consultant Kelly Woody has been in Swaziland meeting with leaders and teaching /leading True Love Waits presentations and trainings. The Swazi Team wishes to develop a strong True Love Waits program in Swaziland. Monday Wayne and I have a scheduled meeting with the missions pastor of a church interested in working and helping the Team develop TLW ministry in Swaziland. Please pray as we meet and discuss future plans concerning this church’s involvement in the True Love Waits program in Swaziland.

PRAYER FOR AMERICA: Dear Lord, You offer a peace that is perfect and eternal. Let me turn the cares and burdens of my life over to You, and let me feel the spiritual abundance that You offer through the person of Your Son, the Prince of Peace. Today, I also pray for peace among nations, Father, and for brotherly love among Your children throughout the world. I pray for your safety and comfort for those soldiers fighting, for the freedoms of our great nation. You are the source of peace, Dear Lord; let us find it in You. Amen.
www.presidentialprayerteam.org

LOTTIE MOON @WORK…
It’s the season of learning about and giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Check out this website that will help teach about missionaries in Africa and their work. Share these stories with your churches, family and friends. Website: www.africastories.org
Please seek the Lord’s will concerning your contribution to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. 2009 Goal: $175 million

UPDATE FROM THE COWBOY RODEO CHURCH (Taylorsville, Ky.)
We had some great services the last couple of weeks. A week ago we had our first fellowship event. We had hot dogs, hamburger and the fixings. People brought their horse and road in the arena. We also had 82 in our worship service. Our next step is developing a small group Bible study ministry. Pray that this can be worked out soon. Pray we will continue to get the word out.
Jim Carpenter, pastor

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

Oh the beauty of fall is everywhere. The leaves are turning to colors of red, orange and yellow. Flocks of geese can be seen flying in the V-shape. Mums, pumpkins, apples, and corn stalk displays can be seen in front yards and store windows. The beauty of the Lord is everywhere!!

We praise the Lord for His continued provisions!! The Swazi people prayer booklet, “So That Christ May Dwell In Their Hearts” has the funding to be printed. What a blessing!! Thank you for praying for this prayer project. Please pray the printing of the booklet will begin this week!!
I will wash my hands in innocence; so I will go about Your altar, O Lord, that I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, and
tell of Your wondrous works. Psalms 26: 6, 7

We returned today after spending two weeks in North Carolina--South Roanoke and Atlantic Associations. Many opportunities were given us to speak and share about the work the Lord has given us in Swaziland. It was also a time to reconnect with those who had come to Swaziland on volunteer teams and give updates on Swazis friends and co-workers. We also were introduced to new churches and made new friends. Thank you for praying for this very special time.

Tomorrow (Saturday November 7th) we travel to Hammond (northwest Indiana). Saturday night we will ministry share with the Orchard Drive Baptist Church. (Wayne was pastor 1989-1993) and Wayne will preach in the Sunday morning service. Sunday evening we will share with the Valparaiso Baptist Church and return to Kentucky on Monday the 9th of November. Please pray as we travel to the northwest section of Indiana. Pray the Lord will be glorified in everything said and done this weekend.

PRAY FOR THESE VOLUNTEER TEAMS:
--Please pray for the volunteer team (Hartford, Etles, Lucy, Kim, Melissa, Wes and Mike-Team Leader) from the Atlantic Association in North Carolina planning to minister in the Shiselweni region of Swaziland January 11-22, 2010.

--In February 16-March 2, The First Baptist Church, Washington is scheduled to send a volunteer team to the northeast section of the country. Pray for Jimmy, Joyce, Caren, Roger and Jimmy (Team Leader) as they spiritually prepare for the work the Lord has given them in Swaziland.

--Tuesday evening (October 26), we met with a group preparing for a May volunteer trip to Swaziland from the Integrity Baptist Church in the Greenville, NC. area. Please pray as this group continues to pray and discern the Lord’s will for their trip. Pray for a sense of peace and commitment in finalizing details.

Friday, November 13th we return to North Carolina to visit friends and again share of our work with the Swazi people (return on the 19th of Nov). Please begin praying as we make preparations to drive to Scotland Neck, North Carolina.

PRAYER REQUESTS UPDATES:
-Please continue to pray Sarah Warren’s blurry vision in her right eye will go away!! Pray for Sarah as she continues to wear the eye patch.

Please continue to pray for direction on employment/ministry opportunities for Bert Warren. The Lord has blessed Lisa with a part-time secretarial job with a Baptist church in her area. Pray for Lisa’s parents as they adjust to moving into the Warren’s home and for her father’s continued improvement and rehabilitation.

MEDICAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
-Pray for my niece’s husband’s mother (Debbie Miracle) diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage during this difficult time. Pray for the family as they continue to deal with Debbie’s illness.

--Wayne’s brother, Terry he is currently in remission but has been told the cancer will return and must have follow-up tests every three months. Please pray for Terry and his wife Darlene as they continue to deal with the effects of the cancer and the general prognosis. Pray Terry will continue to be in remission.

Continue to pray every region and area of Swaziland will have enough water to plant their crops and meet the people’s needs. Pray the rains will continue to fall and planting can begin and continue!!

AIDS UPDATE:
She is a tiny and short little girl. It is easy to lift her because she weighs so little but then her parents are short in stature and very thin. Her parents as well as her older sister are also HIV positive and it is suspected she too is positive for the virus that will eventually lead to AIDS. Statistics continue to tell us that many in Swaziland are HIV positive and many are dying with AIDS. The country of Swaziland contains less than 1 million Swazis and the population continues to decline due to the AIDS pandemic. Pray the AIDS pandemic will begin to lose its grip on the Swazi people. Pray for a spiritual revival in the hearts of Christians that will lead to Godly lifestyles and salvation for the many living in spiritual darkness.

PRAYER FOR AMERICA:
Dear Lord, You offer a peace that is perfect and eternal. Let me turn the cares and burdens of my life over to You, and let me feel the spiritual abundance that You offer through the person of Your Son, the Prince of Peace. Today, I also pray for peace among nations, Father, and for brotherly love among Your children throughout the world. I pray for your safety and comfort for those soldiers fighting for the freedoms of our great nation. You are the source of peace, Dear Lord; let us find it in You. Amen
www.presidentialprayerteam.org

LOTTIE MOON @WORK…
Every penny given to Lottie Moon is used to support Southern Baptist missionaries as they share the Gospel overseas. The offering represents 54 percent of the International Mission Board’s total income.
Find dollar examples of how your gifts are used, including stories, photos and videos, at
Lottie Moon @ work.
Please seek the Lord’s will concerning your contribution to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. 2009 Goal: $175 million

“Lord, …help me to realize the unity of the race and the universality of thy mission of redemption. Lord, help me to feel that Paradise is roomy and in my Father’s house are many mansions; that it will not crowd or jostle me if from every tribe and tongue and kindred the blood-washed may come.”
--B.H. Carroll (1843-1914), founder and first president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (taken from the book The Life-Changing Power of Prayer by T.W. Hunt)