Saturday January 1: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!Pray 2011 will be a wonderful year for members of the Swazi Team as they minister to the Swazi people. Pray many Swazis will accept Jesus and put aside culture and traditions that conflict with the Christian way of life.
Sunday January 2: The Allens plan to start a new outreach group in the Hhohho region sometime this month. The “Jesus” film will be shown. Pray Steve and Monica will have a clear direction where to begin this Bible study. Pray many will desire to study God’s Word regularly and grow in their knowledge of the Lord and His ways.
Monday January 3: Todd and Deborah Hoskins are scheduled to move to an apartment (owned by TransWorld Radio) in Manzini this month. Pray as they make this move and pray for a continued desire to follow the Lord’s will in Swaziland. The Hoskins are 2-year church planters and will help develop the rural training schools.
Tuesday January 4: A few years ago a missionary was given a couple of pineapple tops to plant. After planting the tops he waited for about three years until finally he began to see evidence of a pineapple growing on one of the plants. It was another six months before the pineapple was ready to pick. What a joy it was to pick that first pineapple. Using this example of the growing pineapple one can see the growing of leaders and workers for the harvest field in Swaziland takes a long time. Working with youth and young adults in a culture that promotes an unchristian lifestyle can be emotionally trying but the reward can be so sweet. As missionaries on the Swazi Team struggle with disappointments, pray in 2011 they will look to the Lord for guidance, His wisdom and assurance that the outcome will be worth the wait.
Wednesday January 5: Last month Wayne Myers lost his oldest brother, Rusty due to complications of diabetes. In the last three years Wayne has lost four of his siblings. Pray for Terry currently in remission from stage 4 cancer, Patsy suffering with COPD and Lynda dealing with various health issues as well as Patsy’s husband, Jim. Pray the Lord will wrap His healing arms around this family.
Thursday January 6: Pray the Allens will soon receive the crate they packed prior to leaving the states in October. The crate was expected to arrive in Swaziland in December but the Allens received word last month that the crate had not left the states. Friday January 7: Today is Carroll Yawn’s birthday (Deborah Hoskins’ father). Pray Carroll will enjoy a special day with the family.
Saturday January 8: The executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets today in Manzini. Planning has begun for the 2011 National Easter Services. Pray for the committee as they plan for this very important event.
Sunday January 9: In December two from the Bethel Baptist Church accepted the Lord as their Savior and are waiting to be baptized. There are others in the Hhohho and Manzini regions also waiting to be baptized including Lacie Allen. Pray Steve Allen will soon be able to schedule baptism services. Baptisms are held outside and rain has been on the forecast for most Sundays.
Monday January 10: Mary Alice and Susanna Yawn (Deborah Hoskins’ sisters) begin their spring semester today at Georgia Southern. Please pray their classes will go well. This is Mary Alice’s last semester before graduation. Tuesday January 11: The Allen family will take a holiday January 11-12 to the Kruger National Game Reserve. Pray this will be a fun time for Lacie and Nathan. Pray they will see many animals and other interesting things.
Wednesday January 12: Pray for the Allens today on their anniversary!! Steve and Monica asked you to pray for the family as they worship with their Swazi brothers and sisters in the different Baptist churches. It is hard for Nathan to sit still very long. Thank you for praying. Monica reports that Nathan is beginning to sit still throughout an entire service. Please continue to pray for the Allen family as they try to set an example of family worshipping together to the Swazis in which they work. Swazis tend not to worship together as a family.
Thursday January 13: For the last few years the development of rural training schools for male pastors and leaders has been a prayer concern for the Swazi Team. So many of our pastors and leaders desire to be trained in the work in which the Lord has called them and have asked the missionaries to provide this training. It is a big undertaking that will help strengthen our Swazi Baptist pastors/leaders and churches. The first school in 2011 is scheduled for May 10-13 and the second school is September 20-23. Pray for Todd as he works out the logistics of the school and Steve and Wayne as they outline the curriculum. Pray the participants will come with a heart to learn and be trained. Pray wonderful blessings will touch the heart of each participant.
Friday January 14: The rains have been good throughout Swaziland thus far. Pray the rains will not stop just when crops and gardens need it the most as usually is the case. Pray the rains will continue until April and May and there will be enough water to fill the streams and rivers and provide food for all Swazis.
Saturday January 15: True Love Waits International consultant, Kym Pennington is scheduled to be in Swaziland January 15-27. While in the country she will meet with trained True Love Waits presenters, different pastors and discuss plans for TLW ministry in Swaziland. With the AIDS pandemic continuing to devastate the country of Swaziland, pray leaders will rise up and stand strong in sharing the message of purity. Pray for Kym as she begins her time of ministry with the Swazis and Swazi Team.
Sunday January 16: Pray for the new church, Jikwene Baptist (Lubumbo region) and Pastor Musa Mamba. This church began in May 2010. Pray the Lord will be glorified in this new work.
Monday January 17: Today Lacie Allen begins 1st grade at the Sifundzani Primary School in Mbabane. Pray for Lacie as she begins a new experience. Pray she will adjust well. Nathan Allen will attend preschool two mornings a week (Monday and Wednesday) beginning the 19th of January. Pray Nathan will do well and adjust to the structure of school.
Tuesday January 18: Please continue praying for the IMB Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead our organization.
Wednesday January 19: The Ntuthwakazi and Velebantfu Baptist Churches conducted revival services in the last few weeks. The services were well attended. Pray the seeds of salvation were sown in the hearts of those who attended the services and do not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Pray soon the seeds will be able to take root and many new believers will bloom!!
Thursday January 20: 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 who get discouraged that God has not provided them with pastoral leadership. Pray for godly and strong fruitful leaders for every Swazi Baptist church that will commit to faithfulness to the church and its members.
Friday January 21: Pray 2011 will be the year the King of Swaziland, his wives and children will hear the true Gospel message. Pray for a change in beliefs and lifestyles in the royal family.
Saturday January 22: Recently the Myers were asked to pray for a young lady of the Mafucula Baptist Church who was very sick. They were told she had TB or possibly pneumonia. Usually when missionaries hear the word TB they automatically think of HIV/AIDS since TB is a symptom of the disease. When they arrived they found the young lady struggling to breath and were told she had started coughing up blood earlier in the day. She was scheduled to see her doctor the next day in Siteki. The Myers and other church members prayed with this young lady. We are happy to say she has recovered enough to return to work, but we do ask you to pray if this one is HIV positive she will soon be able to receive the ARVs (anti-retro viral drugs) that will prolong her life. Pray she and others like her will know what the Lord expects of His children and may they be comforted to know He is walking beside them.
Sunday January 23: Pray for the controversy and conflict in the Victory Baptist Church due to leadership by one person. People are leaving the church. Pray for the Allens as they seek the Lord’s direction in dealing with this sticky situation.
Monday January 24: Many in Swaziland do not have the promise of eternal life. For some their belief in Islam keeps them from knowing the true Son of God. The poverty of Swazis leave them open to promises of jobs, money, security if they convert to the Muslim faith. Pray Swazis will not be led by a false sense of security outside the Christian faith. Pray for Christian renewal throughout the country.
Tuesday January 25: A testimony from a Swazi: “I accepted the Lord in October 1994. Before I was a Christian I didn’t know I was a sinner. I thought I was perfect. I didn’t fight with others or drink. I saw other people going to church but I didn’t know why they were going. The Baptist missionaries who came to Swaziland helped me change. Through their teaching I came to know I needed Jesus in my life. I learned I was a sinner and I needed Jesus to change me. I asked Him for forgiveness of my sins. Before the Baptists, I never had a person talk to me about Jesus or ask me if I was a Christian.” Because of your giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering we are able to share the Gospel with many Swazis such as this one. Pray giving to the 2010 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering will be enable the missionary force on the field to continue with the work of evangelizing the many lost people of the world.
Wednesday January 26: Pray Swazi Baptist pastors and laymen will see the need to start new groups/churches so many Swazis will come to know Jesus as their Savior. Pray barriers will be overcome and more Swazi Baptist churches will be started.
Thursday January 27: Sub-Saharan African Unengaged Peoples: The baboon is one of the larger apes found across sub-Saharan Africa. Baboons are not only very clever, but also dangerous, able to hunt small antelope with their speed and powerful jaws. The baboon is also the totem chosen by the Bahananwa Pedi people. The Bahananwa live in the northwestern part of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. There is currently no missionary sharing the Gospel with the Bahananwa. Pray that they will know of God’s love for them and His plan or their salvation through Jesus Christ. Pray that their eyes will be opened to the danger of rejecting God for false gods. Pray their hearts will be penetrated by the Gospel, resulting in the Bahananwa bowing before His Throne.
Friday January 28: February 26-March 3 a volunteer team from the Atlantic Association (NC) will minister in Swaziland in the Shiselweni region. Plans include an overnight ladies’ retreat as well as a weekend youth retreat. We are thankful for this group of volunteers giving of their time and money to help evangelize and disciple Swazis. Pray for this team as planning continues for their trip to Swaziland. Pray for the Myers as they prepare for the team’s arrival and ministry.
Saturday January 29: March 30-April 4, 2011 is the scheduled Cluster Strategy Meeting. Those attending will stay at the Birchwood Conference Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. The First Baptist Church of Orlando will provide the volunteers to work with the missionary children (MK-missionary kids) program and lead in the worship services. Your missionaries on the Swazi Team will attend this meeting. Pray for the continued preparations/logistics for this meeting. Pray for spiritual preparedness for the missionaries attending, volunteers ministering and leadership that is leading.
Sunday January 30: “Pastor, here are my tithes which I have been owing my Jesus Christ. Please pray for me for doing that, the situation was too bad. From now I swear I won’t owe him.” These words were spoken by a member of the Vuvulane Baptist Church who realized she was sinning against her Lord by not giving him a tenth of her earnings. Pray the Swazi Baptist churches will teach their members the importance of tithing to the Lord. Pray for great spiritual fruits from these teachings.
Monday January 31: The Allens are hosting a volunteer team from the Clear Creek Bible School (Pineville, Ky.) March 13-19. Ministries include revivals, studies with children, youth and adults as well as homestead visitation. Pray for this team as preparations continue for their ministry in Swaziland. Pray for the Allens as they work with this team.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Merry Christmas from the Hoskins!
Thank you for your prayers! We will be moving into an apartment on the top floor of the TransWorld Radio building in Manzini, Swaziland in a couple of weeks. We are excited that we will be closer to our areas of ministry and that our rent will be supporting another Christian ministry here in Swaziland.
We had a wonderful meeting this month with the rest of our team discussing the plans for the upcoming year. It was very helpful for us to be able to get the big picture of the work that has been done, is being done, and is to be done. We now have a much better idea of our role in the team's work. We hope to organize a rural Bible training school for pastors and church leaders for our local churches. Ideally, this will give the church leaders the training that they crave without having the extensive time and expense of formal seminary training that is largely inaccessible. Please pray for wisdom and direction as Todd works on the logistics for this venture.
We were able to get a short video clip from our stays in Ghana. You can view it by clicking on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHFkn7-l-oc Or search "Entry 001_Nalerigu, Ghana" on YouTube.
Thank you for your support!
Merry Christmas!
We had a wonderful meeting this month with the rest of our team discussing the plans for the upcoming year. It was very helpful for us to be able to get the big picture of the work that has been done, is being done, and is to be done. We now have a much better idea of our role in the team's work. We hope to organize a rural Bible training school for pastors and church leaders for our local churches. Ideally, this will give the church leaders the training that they crave without having the extensive time and expense of formal seminary training that is largely inaccessible. Please pray for wisdom and direction as Todd works on the logistics for this venture.
We were able to get a short video clip from our stays in Ghana. You can view it by clicking on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHFkn7-l-oc Or search "Entry 001_Nalerigu, Ghana" on YouTube.
Thank you for your support!
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas from the Allen Family!!!
Sanibonani! Greetings from Swaziland, Africa! We cannot believe that it is almost time for Christmas and the year 2010 is drawing to a close. Where did this year go as it passed by quite fast? As we look back over the past year, it is the first time our family spent half the year in one country and the other half in another. This year was our time to be in the USA for our stateside time and we were all over the southeastern part of the USA for six months. It was tons of fun to be in the USA again with family and friends, mostly in North Carolina and Florida. It was a great time to share with churches and folks how God is working in Swaziland and giving our family many opportunities to tell others about Christ. We did our best to not overwhelm ourselves with speaking engagements and have some special family times as well. Not always an easy balance but we managed to accomplish seeing much and doing several different fun things, too.
Some of our big highlights this year were: Lacie asking Jesus Christ into her life on Father’s Day in June, spending time with all of Steven’s siblings and their families as we honored his parent’s 50th wedding anniversary, special trips to Sea World, Florida Keys, Disney World, Georgia Aquarium, the zoo and sharing many memories with family and friends for several months. Steven also spent much of his stateside time writing and recording an archeological dig he did in Eastern North Carolina back in the mid-1990’s.
At the end of September, we boarded the plane once again to return to Swaziland to continue serving our Lord together as a family. We hit the ground running with ministry and getting back into the swing of life in Africa again. It was good to be back with our Swazi brothers and sisters in Christ. Lacie returned to school again, Bible studies continued, our women’s camp was a wonderful time for our Swazi women, new personnel arrived to join our mission family and Steve had his appendix removed. Yes, it has been a roller coaster ride in many ways! J
The kids are growing and growing. Lacie is now 6 years old, graduated from kindergarten on December 1, starting grade 1 in January, looking forward to her summer break and placed 2nd at gymnastics national competition. Nathan is 2.5 years old, energetic, full of life and keeps us going. He is all boy and we love to see him learning new things all the time.
Our prayer is that you will seek and find the real meaning of Christmas wherever you are this year and to remember - Jesus IS the Reason for the Season!
Some of our big highlights this year were: Lacie asking Jesus Christ into her life on Father’s Day in June, spending time with all of Steven’s siblings and their families as we honored his parent’s 50th wedding anniversary, special trips to Sea World, Florida Keys, Disney World, Georgia Aquarium, the zoo and sharing many memories with family and friends for several months. Steven also spent much of his stateside time writing and recording an archeological dig he did in Eastern North Carolina back in the mid-1990’s.
At the end of September, we boarded the plane once again to return to Swaziland to continue serving our Lord together as a family. We hit the ground running with ministry and getting back into the swing of life in Africa again. It was good to be back with our Swazi brothers and sisters in Christ. Lacie returned to school again, Bible studies continued, our women’s camp was a wonderful time for our Swazi women, new personnel arrived to join our mission family and Steve had his appendix removed. Yes, it has been a roller coaster ride in many ways! J
The kids are growing and growing. Lacie is now 6 years old, graduated from kindergarten on December 1, starting grade 1 in January, looking forward to her summer break and placed 2nd at gymnastics national competition. Nathan is 2.5 years old, energetic, full of life and keeps us going. He is all boy and we love to see him learning new things all the time.
Our prayer is that you will seek and find the real meaning of Christmas wherever you are this year and to remember - Jesus IS the Reason for the Season!
Merry Christmas from the Myers
This ageless story has always been the source of inspiration, and Joseph Mohr (1792-1848) found that it was to him. In 1818, when he was assistant pastor of Oberdorf, near Arnsdorf, he attended a Christmas Eve meeting at the Arnsdorf schoolhouse. He was greeted by Franz Gruber, the schoolmaster, organist, songwriter, and intimate friend. As the Christmas celebration progressed, Mohr withdrew from the room. Later when recalled to participate in the service, he brought with him a folded paper, a gift to Franze Gruber. Gruber opened it and read aloud, “Silent Night, Holy Night,” the poem which has become the best-loved of all the Christmas hymns.So touched was he by this beautiful poetic gift that a sudden inspiration seemed to come to him. A short time later after Mr. Mohr had retired that evening he heard his poem being sung to the beautiful tune, “Stille Nacht.” Mr. Gruber had composed the melody!! Thus, on that memorable eve in 1818, the richness of the Christmas thought and spirit found its impression in:Silent night, holy night, All is calm, all is bright, Round yon Virgin Mother and Child, Holy Infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.Silent night, holy night, Wondrous stars, lend thy light; With the angels let us sing Alleluia to our King! Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born. –Joseph Mohr, 1818 (Christ and the Fine Arts; by Cynthia Pearl Maus, 1938, 1959, Harper & Brothers Publishers, New York).
May the peace of Christmas fill us with the joy and laughter. The joy of this season does not hinder the sadness that may come to our lives. Wayne’s oldest brother, Rusty had been dealing with some very serious health issues due to diabetes. Yesterday when undergoing his daily dialysis he passed away. Rusty was 74 years old and lived in Lexington, Ky. We do not have any details concerning funeral arrangements. We ask that you pray for the family as they deal with this loss. Pray for his wife, children and grandchildren as they grieve the loss of a husband, father and grandfather.
--Next week (December 27-January 2) the Velebantfu Baptist Church will conduct revival services. Pray these services will reach many people for the Lord. May the members of the church truly experience revival.
NAMES OF GOD THE SON: BABE And they (shepherds) came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph and the babe lying in a manger. Luke 2:16
The wonder of Christmas is that Jesus was born in a stable that included straw for a bed with animals for night time companions. It is natural for us to wonder why God would choose this way to send His Son into the world. He could have arrived as a king to the blast of trumpets. He could have dazzled the crowds by riding into town as a triumphant general at the head of a massive army. But perhaps God wanted His Son to experience the helplessness of a little baby so He could sympathize with us in our sins and weakness. Going through the stages of life like all the people do, He could participate fully in the humanity of those He came to serve. (From the book The Names of God by George W. Knight 2009)
We want to wish each of you a most Merry Christmas!
Thank you for your faithful support in prayer of the work with the Swazi people.
May the peace of Christmas fill us with the joy and laughter. The joy of this season does not hinder the sadness that may come to our lives. Wayne’s oldest brother, Rusty had been dealing with some very serious health issues due to diabetes. Yesterday when undergoing his daily dialysis he passed away. Rusty was 74 years old and lived in Lexington, Ky. We do not have any details concerning funeral arrangements. We ask that you pray for the family as they deal with this loss. Pray for his wife, children and grandchildren as they grieve the loss of a husband, father and grandfather.
--Next week (December 27-January 2) the Velebantfu Baptist Church will conduct revival services. Pray these services will reach many people for the Lord. May the members of the church truly experience revival.
NAMES OF GOD THE SON: BABE And they (shepherds) came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph and the babe lying in a manger. Luke 2:16
The wonder of Christmas is that Jesus was born in a stable that included straw for a bed with animals for night time companions. It is natural for us to wonder why God would choose this way to send His Son into the world. He could have arrived as a king to the blast of trumpets. He could have dazzled the crowds by riding into town as a triumphant general at the head of a massive army. But perhaps God wanted His Son to experience the helplessness of a little baby so He could sympathize with us in our sins and weakness. Going through the stages of life like all the people do, He could participate fully in the humanity of those He came to serve. (From the book The Names of God by George W. Knight 2009)
We want to wish each of you a most Merry Christmas!
Thank you for your faithful support in prayer of the work with the Swazi people.
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the new-born King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.”
Joyful all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies;
With th’ angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!
”Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the new-born King!”
--Charles Wesley, 1739
It is difficult to speak of the works of Charles Wesley without coupling his efforts with those of his brothers, John and Samuel. Four thousand hymns were published in the lifetime of the Wesleys and about twenty-five hundred were left in manuscript form.Although Charles Wesley was considered the greatest hymn-writer ever produced by the Church of England, only one of his hymns---“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”---was admitted to their Book of Common Prayer for many years.More than a century passed before the poem became associated with any fixed tune. Dr. Cummings, principal of the Guild Hall School of Music discovered this tune in Mendelssohn’s “Festgesang.”(Christ and the Fine Arts, by Cynthia Pearl Maus, 1938, 1959, Harper & Brothers Publishers, New York)May the peace of Christmas fill each of our hearts with joy.
--It is understood by everyone that Swazi weddings never start on time!! Usually I pass on the pleasure of attending an event that starts at least two hours late and lasts all day!! But, since Chris Msibi was getting married I felt my presence was necessary and so I prepared myself for a day of misery. Annah Thwala (Chris’ mother) told Wayne that the wedding was to start at 9:30 but we didn’t need to be there until 10:30(she knows my feelings concerning Swazi weddings L). We left Tshaneni at 7:30am and felt we had enough time to make the trip as well as a side stop by Ntuthwakazi (it wasn’t on our way) to collect Nkosingiphile Dlamini and few other guys that were helping with the Ntuthwakazi revival. This stop put us in the position of being terribly late for a Swazi wedding, which is not easy to do. Finally almost nearing our destination, Chris phoned and asked “Where are you?” I assured him we were within 10 minutes of our destination. We arrived at 11:30!! After we were seated we had to wait another 30-45 minutes before the wedding officially started. Since Wayne was the preacher, I think Chris was waiting until we arrived (oops!!) before his wedding party left Mgamudze for the Florence Academy (20 minute drive). When the wedding did finally start everything moved rather quickly and by 3:30pm the food was brought out for everyone to enjoy. We were able to see many of our Shiselweni friends and I must admit I rather enjoyed myself!! Pray for Chris and S’phesihle as they start their lives together. Pray they will be witnesses to others desiring Christian weddings and lifestyles.
--The Swazi Team end-of-the-year retreat in White River, South Africa (December 13-15) was also enjoyable. We stayed at a lovely location (Mercy Air Guesthouse) and were within minutes of Nelspriut where we could shop and eat when our business was completed!! I personally felt this was one of our better retreats and much was accomplished. Thank you for praying for this special event.
---One of the items of business discussed was the Rural Training School that has been a prayer concern for the Swazi Team for the last few years. So many of our pastors and church leaders desire to be trained in the work in which the Lord has called them and have asked the missionaries to help provide this training. It is a big undertaking that will help strengthen our Swazi Baptist pastors/leaders and churches. We are excited to say the first Rural Training School will be in May 2011 and the second school in September 2011. Todd (Hoskins) will work on the logistics of the school and Wayne and Steve (Allen) will outline the curriculum. Please pray for the organization of the Swazi Rural Training Schools that hopefully will meet three times a year. Pray the Lord will direct all the planning and logistical work that needs to be done and pray the participants will come with a heart to learn and be trained. Pray wonderful blessings will touch the heart of each participant.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO WAYNE ON THE 20TH OF DECEMBER!!
The Swazi Team is celebrating Wayne’s birthday Monday here at Tshaneni!! Pray for a great time of fun and fellowship. Pray Wayne’s special day will indeed be special. (You can send your birthday wishes to Wayne at wmyers@shelbywireless.net or swaziwayne@gmail.com). We will also celebrate our wedding anniversary on the 21st of December. Pray we will have many more anniversaries to celebrate!!
AIDS UPDATE:Thank you for praying for the prayer request sent last week concerning the young lady of the Mafucula Baptist Church (see below). Pastor Masuku phoned on Tuesday to say she was much better and had gone back to work. He did not tell us what the doctor said was her diagnosis or any other particulars. Pray she will continue to stay well and able to work. Pray she will also know what the Lord expects of her as His child and may she be comforted to know He is walking beside her.
--Sunday we were invited to attend the Mafacula Baptist Church’s children’s Christmas party. The children were in charge of the worship and food was provided following the service. After we had eaten we were asked to go to a home and pray for a young lady of the church who was very sick. We were told she had TB or possibly pneumonia. When we hear this we always think of HIV/AIDS since TB is one of the main symptoms of the disease. When we arrived we found this young lady had been my interpreter for Luwhhawhhaweni when I was leading a weekly children’s Bible study. She had lost weight and was clearly struggling to breath. The group prayed for her. The mother reported her daughter had started coughing up blood and they were returning to Siteki on Monday to get he reports from previous x-rays and to see the doctor. Pray for this one to receive medical help that is needed. If she is HIV/AIDS pray she will be able to soon begin taking the ARVs that will prolong her life.
When was the first Southern Baptist career missionary appointed specifically to work with the deaf? December 1988. Appointed to Colombia, the missionary had to learn not only Spanish but also Colombian sign language.
LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING: Goal $175 millionThe Christmas season is a time of giving!! Throughout her career, Lottie Moon wrote numerous letters home, urging Southern Baptists to greater missions involvement and support. One of these letters triggered Southern Baptists’ first Christmas offering for international missions—enough to send three new missionaries to China. Please give to the 2010 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering so many lost people will have a chance to hear the salvation story and believe.
During this holiday season, please pray the Swazis of Swaziland will truly understand who Jesus is and follow Him completely putting aside traditions that conflict with the Christian way of life.
Christmas is more than a day at the end of the year,
More than a season of joy and good cheer,
Christmas is really God’s pattern for living
To be followed all year by unselfish giving.
-Helen Steiner Rice
Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.”
Joyful all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies;
With th’ angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!
”Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the new-born King!”
--Charles Wesley, 1739
It is difficult to speak of the works of Charles Wesley without coupling his efforts with those of his brothers, John and Samuel. Four thousand hymns were published in the lifetime of the Wesleys and about twenty-five hundred were left in manuscript form.Although Charles Wesley was considered the greatest hymn-writer ever produced by the Church of England, only one of his hymns---“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”---was admitted to their Book of Common Prayer for many years.More than a century passed before the poem became associated with any fixed tune. Dr. Cummings, principal of the Guild Hall School of Music discovered this tune in Mendelssohn’s “Festgesang.”(Christ and the Fine Arts, by Cynthia Pearl Maus, 1938, 1959, Harper & Brothers Publishers, New York)May the peace of Christmas fill each of our hearts with joy.
--It is understood by everyone that Swazi weddings never start on time!! Usually I pass on the pleasure of attending an event that starts at least two hours late and lasts all day!! But, since Chris Msibi was getting married I felt my presence was necessary and so I prepared myself for a day of misery. Annah Thwala (Chris’ mother) told Wayne that the wedding was to start at 9:30 but we didn’t need to be there until 10:30(she knows my feelings concerning Swazi weddings L). We left Tshaneni at 7:30am and felt we had enough time to make the trip as well as a side stop by Ntuthwakazi (it wasn’t on our way) to collect Nkosingiphile Dlamini and few other guys that were helping with the Ntuthwakazi revival. This stop put us in the position of being terribly late for a Swazi wedding, which is not easy to do. Finally almost nearing our destination, Chris phoned and asked “Where are you?” I assured him we were within 10 minutes of our destination. We arrived at 11:30!! After we were seated we had to wait another 30-45 minutes before the wedding officially started. Since Wayne was the preacher, I think Chris was waiting until we arrived (oops!!) before his wedding party left Mgamudze for the Florence Academy (20 minute drive). When the wedding did finally start everything moved rather quickly and by 3:30pm the food was brought out for everyone to enjoy. We were able to see many of our Shiselweni friends and I must admit I rather enjoyed myself!! Pray for Chris and S’phesihle as they start their lives together. Pray they will be witnesses to others desiring Christian weddings and lifestyles.
--The Swazi Team end-of-the-year retreat in White River, South Africa (December 13-15) was also enjoyable. We stayed at a lovely location (Mercy Air Guesthouse) and were within minutes of Nelspriut where we could shop and eat when our business was completed!! I personally felt this was one of our better retreats and much was accomplished. Thank you for praying for this special event.
---One of the items of business discussed was the Rural Training School that has been a prayer concern for the Swazi Team for the last few years. So many of our pastors and church leaders desire to be trained in the work in which the Lord has called them and have asked the missionaries to help provide this training. It is a big undertaking that will help strengthen our Swazi Baptist pastors/leaders and churches. We are excited to say the first Rural Training School will be in May 2011 and the second school in September 2011. Todd (Hoskins) will work on the logistics of the school and Wayne and Steve (Allen) will outline the curriculum. Please pray for the organization of the Swazi Rural Training Schools that hopefully will meet three times a year. Pray the Lord will direct all the planning and logistical work that needs to be done and pray the participants will come with a heart to learn and be trained. Pray wonderful blessings will touch the heart of each participant.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO WAYNE ON THE 20TH OF DECEMBER!!
The Swazi Team is celebrating Wayne’s birthday Monday here at Tshaneni!! Pray for a great time of fun and fellowship. Pray Wayne’s special day will indeed be special. (You can send your birthday wishes to Wayne at wmyers@shelbywireless.net or swaziwayne@gmail.com). We will also celebrate our wedding anniversary on the 21st of December. Pray we will have many more anniversaries to celebrate!!
AIDS UPDATE:Thank you for praying for the prayer request sent last week concerning the young lady of the Mafucula Baptist Church (see below). Pastor Masuku phoned on Tuesday to say she was much better and had gone back to work. He did not tell us what the doctor said was her diagnosis or any other particulars. Pray she will continue to stay well and able to work. Pray she will also know what the Lord expects of her as His child and may she be comforted to know He is walking beside her.
--Sunday we were invited to attend the Mafacula Baptist Church’s children’s Christmas party. The children were in charge of the worship and food was provided following the service. After we had eaten we were asked to go to a home and pray for a young lady of the church who was very sick. We were told she had TB or possibly pneumonia. When we hear this we always think of HIV/AIDS since TB is one of the main symptoms of the disease. When we arrived we found this young lady had been my interpreter for Luwhhawhhaweni when I was leading a weekly children’s Bible study. She had lost weight and was clearly struggling to breath. The group prayed for her. The mother reported her daughter had started coughing up blood and they were returning to Siteki on Monday to get he reports from previous x-rays and to see the doctor. Pray for this one to receive medical help that is needed. If she is HIV/AIDS pray she will be able to soon begin taking the ARVs that will prolong her life.
When was the first Southern Baptist career missionary appointed specifically to work with the deaf? December 1988. Appointed to Colombia, the missionary had to learn not only Spanish but also Colombian sign language.
LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING: Goal $175 millionThe Christmas season is a time of giving!! Throughout her career, Lottie Moon wrote numerous letters home, urging Southern Baptists to greater missions involvement and support. One of these letters triggered Southern Baptists’ first Christmas offering for international missions—enough to send three new missionaries to China. Please give to the 2010 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering so many lost people will have a chance to hear the salvation story and believe.
During this holiday season, please pray the Swazis of Swaziland will truly understand who Jesus is and follow Him completely putting aside traditions that conflict with the Christian way of life.
Christmas is more than a day at the end of the year,
More than a season of joy and good cheer,
Christmas is really God’s pattern for living
To be followed all year by unselfish giving.
-Helen Steiner Rice
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Updated Photos of Swaziland Baptist Mission Family
Updated individual family photos taken during our Thanksgiving time together...enjoy! Hope to get an updated group photo at our annual end of the year retreat this coming week.
Wayne and Barbara Myers
Todd and Deborah Hoskins
Steve, Monica, Lacie and Nathan Allen
Wayne and Barbara Myers
Todd and Deborah Hoskins
Steve, Monica, Lacie and Nathan AllenMyers Weekly Prayer Letter
I heard the bells on Christmas day their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, good-will to men.
And thought of how, as the day had come, the belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song of peace on earth, good-will to men.
Till, ringing, singing on its way, the world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime, of peace on earth good-will to men.
(Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1807-1892)
The hymn “I Heard the Bells” was written at Christmas time in 1863. The time at which the hymn was penned found the United States in the midst of bloody turmoil. The Civil War was at its climax. This beloved American poet (Wadsworth) must have been much concerned for in every stanza there is an emphasis on “peace on earth, good-will to men.”
(Christ and the Fine Arts, by Cynthia Pearl Maus, 1938, 1959, Harper & Brothers Publishers, New York)
May the peace of Christmas fill each of our hearts with joy.
--We enjoyed our visit with Larry and Dianne Randolph. The Randolphs arrived on Tuesday and left Wednesday for Mbabane to spend time with the Allens and Hoskins. We appreciate the ministry of Larry and Dianne and also their friendship. I have to tell you of the wonderful welcome Larry and Dianne received at the farm. After getting checked into the guesthouse they followed Wayne back to our house. Upon entering our driveway they witnessed a bird swooping down upon a snake. The snake retaliated by trying to get the bird. This happened twice. Upon closer inspection (Wayne with his camera) we identified the snake as a vine snake, white with gray/black markings. (It is one of the poisonous varieties we find here in Swaziland.) What a welcome!!
--I am sorry but I don’t have an update on the revival at Ntuthwakazi (December 6-11). Revival services do end tomorrow night. Please continue praying that many lost in the community will hear the Gospel message and respond.
--Tomorrow we will attend the wedding of Chris Msibi and S’phesihle Sithole at the Florence Christian Academy (near Hluti) in the Shiselweni region. We have known and worked with Chris for many years. He was pastor of the Nhlangano and Mgamudze Baptist Churches before attending the Ngwane Teacher College for his teaching certificate. He has been teaching primary students and is currently attending college classes to receive his Teacher’s Degree. Pray Chris and S’phesihle will understand God’s plan for marriage. Pray they will be witnesses to other Christian couples.
--Monday-Wednesday (December 13-15) is the Swazi Team’s end-of-the-year retreat!! In the past this time has enabled the Team to not only have great fellowship together but also praise the Lord for His blessings the past year and a time of planning and prayer for future work. We thank the Lord for this special time of celebration. Pray for safe travel to White River, South Africa. Pray this retreat will be a special and beneficial time for the Swazi Team. Pray in all things the Lord will be glorified.
--Friday December 17th, Wayne will have his root canal work completed that was started last month after a week of pain and discomfort. Pray everything will go well!!
AIDS UPDATE: Sunday we were invited to attend the Mafacula Baptist Church’s children’s Christmas party. The children were in charge of the worship and food was provided following the service. After we had eaten we were asked to go to a home and pray for a young lady of the church who was very sick. We were told she had TB or possibly pneumonia. When we hear this we always think of HIV/AIDS since TB is one of the main symptoms of the disease. When we arrived we found this young lady had been my interpreter for Luwhhawhhaweni when I was leading a weekly children’s Bible study. She had lost weight and was clearly struggling to breath. The group prayed for her. The mother reported her daughter had started coughing up blood and they were returning to Siteki on Monday to get he reports from previous x-rays and to see the doctor. Pray for this one to receive medical help that is needed. If she is HIV/AIDS pray she will be able to soon begin taking the ARVs that will prolong her life. Pray she will also know what the Lord expects of her as His child and may she be comforted to know He is walking beside her.
Who said, “I will venture to go down, but remember that you must hold the ropes”? William Carey, an 18th century Baptist cobbler in England who became known as the “father of modern missions” for his 1792 journey to India to preach the gospel.
LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING:Goal: 175 million
A testimony from a Swazi: “I accepted the Lord in October 1994. Before I was a Christian I didn’t know I was a sinner. I thought I was perfect. I didn’t fight with others or drink. I saw other people going to church but I didn’t know why they were going. The Baptist missionaries who came to Swaziland helped me change. Through their teaching I came to know I needed Jesus in my life. I learned I was a sinner and I needed Jesus to change me. I asked Him for forgiveness of my sins. Before the Baptists, I never had a person talk to me about Jesus or ask me if I was a Christian.”Because of your giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, we are able to share the Gospels with many Swazis such as this one. Many have come to know Jesus as their Savior. Thank you for your sacrificial giving. Please give to the 2010 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering so many lost people (such as the Swazis of Swaziland) will have a chance to hear the salvation story and believe.
And wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, good-will to men.
And thought of how, as the day had come, the belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song of peace on earth, good-will to men.
Till, ringing, singing on its way, the world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime, of peace on earth good-will to men.
(Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1807-1892)
The hymn “I Heard the Bells” was written at Christmas time in 1863. The time at which the hymn was penned found the United States in the midst of bloody turmoil. The Civil War was at its climax. This beloved American poet (Wadsworth) must have been much concerned for in every stanza there is an emphasis on “peace on earth, good-will to men.”
(Christ and the Fine Arts, by Cynthia Pearl Maus, 1938, 1959, Harper & Brothers Publishers, New York)
May the peace of Christmas fill each of our hearts with joy.
--We enjoyed our visit with Larry and Dianne Randolph. The Randolphs arrived on Tuesday and left Wednesday for Mbabane to spend time with the Allens and Hoskins. We appreciate the ministry of Larry and Dianne and also their friendship. I have to tell you of the wonderful welcome Larry and Dianne received at the farm. After getting checked into the guesthouse they followed Wayne back to our house. Upon entering our driveway they witnessed a bird swooping down upon a snake. The snake retaliated by trying to get the bird. This happened twice. Upon closer inspection (Wayne with his camera) we identified the snake as a vine snake, white with gray/black markings. (It is one of the poisonous varieties we find here in Swaziland.) What a welcome!!
--I am sorry but I don’t have an update on the revival at Ntuthwakazi (December 6-11). Revival services do end tomorrow night. Please continue praying that many lost in the community will hear the Gospel message and respond.
--Tomorrow we will attend the wedding of Chris Msibi and S’phesihle Sithole at the Florence Christian Academy (near Hluti) in the Shiselweni region. We have known and worked with Chris for many years. He was pastor of the Nhlangano and Mgamudze Baptist Churches before attending the Ngwane Teacher College for his teaching certificate. He has been teaching primary students and is currently attending college classes to receive his Teacher’s Degree. Pray Chris and S’phesihle will understand God’s plan for marriage. Pray they will be witnesses to other Christian couples.
--Monday-Wednesday (December 13-15) is the Swazi Team’s end-of-the-year retreat!! In the past this time has enabled the Team to not only have great fellowship together but also praise the Lord for His blessings the past year and a time of planning and prayer for future work. We thank the Lord for this special time of celebration. Pray for safe travel to White River, South Africa. Pray this retreat will be a special and beneficial time for the Swazi Team. Pray in all things the Lord will be glorified.
--Friday December 17th, Wayne will have his root canal work completed that was started last month after a week of pain and discomfort. Pray everything will go well!!
AIDS UPDATE: Sunday we were invited to attend the Mafacula Baptist Church’s children’s Christmas party. The children were in charge of the worship and food was provided following the service. After we had eaten we were asked to go to a home and pray for a young lady of the church who was very sick. We were told she had TB or possibly pneumonia. When we hear this we always think of HIV/AIDS since TB is one of the main symptoms of the disease. When we arrived we found this young lady had been my interpreter for Luwhhawhhaweni when I was leading a weekly children’s Bible study. She had lost weight and was clearly struggling to breath. The group prayed for her. The mother reported her daughter had started coughing up blood and they were returning to Siteki on Monday to get he reports from previous x-rays and to see the doctor. Pray for this one to receive medical help that is needed. If she is HIV/AIDS pray she will be able to soon begin taking the ARVs that will prolong her life. Pray she will also know what the Lord expects of her as His child and may she be comforted to know He is walking beside her.
Who said, “I will venture to go down, but remember that you must hold the ropes”? William Carey, an 18th century Baptist cobbler in England who became known as the “father of modern missions” for his 1792 journey to India to preach the gospel.
LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING:Goal: 175 million
A testimony from a Swazi: “I accepted the Lord in October 1994. Before I was a Christian I didn’t know I was a sinner. I thought I was perfect. I didn’t fight with others or drink. I saw other people going to church but I didn’t know why they were going. The Baptist missionaries who came to Swaziland helped me change. Through their teaching I came to know I needed Jesus in my life. I learned I was a sinner and I needed Jesus to change me. I asked Him for forgiveness of my sins. Before the Baptists, I never had a person talk to me about Jesus or ask me if I was a Christian.”Because of your giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, we are able to share the Gospels with many Swazis such as this one. Many have come to know Jesus as their Savior. Thank you for your sacrificial giving. Please give to the 2010 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering so many lost people (such as the Swazis of Swaziland) will have a chance to hear the salvation story and believe.
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
We asked you to pray for the rains to be good in Swaziland this growing season and now I want to thank you for faithfulness to pray. We have had great rain this year. In fact, some of the rains have been so strong and heavy, we have had numerous leaks in our house and last night a stream of water from the rain was heading toward our back door. But we are so thankful for the wonderful rain. Please continue to pray the rains will not stop just when the crops/gardens need it the most as usually is the case. Pray the rains will continue until April or May and there will be enough water to fill the streams and rivers and food for all the Swazis.
--Thursday night the pastors (and families) of the Vuvulane, Mafucula and Luwhhawhhaweni Baptist Churches came to our house for food, fun and fellowship. Wayne also wanted to encourage the pastors to teach their church members especially the children the true meaning of Christmas. Many of our churches do not teach or preach Christ’s birth during this special time of year. The Swazis’ song books have Christmas songs that are never sung. When asked, “Why don’t you sing the Christmas songs?” Their response is “Oh, I don’t know, I guess we just don’t think about it.” Pray this Christmas season the Swazis will truly understand the importance Christmas has on all our lives. May the joy of Christmas touch the hearts of the Swazi people.
--Friday Todd and Deborah Hoskins came to Tshaneni for an overnight visit as well as a time of orientation. We also invited an American friend who lives here and works with the AIDS orphan ministry. Corine was able to offer helpful insights to the Hoskins on the ways of the Swazi people. We enjoyed a wonderful meal and even had time to play “chicken foot” (a very fun game with dominoes). Corine leaves on the 8th of December for California to spend time with family and friends during the Christmas season. She will return to Tshaneni the first of February. Pray for a very safe journey and wonderful time in the states. Pray Todd and Deborah were able to receive helpful insights during their time in Tshaneni.Todd and Deborah began their one month culture/language study on the 30th of November. Pray for a clear understanding concerning the culture and traditions that shape the lives of the Swazi people. Pray Todd and Deborah will be able to learn a little bit of siSwati.
THIS WEEK:--The Ntuthwakazi Baptist Church will conduct revival services December 6-11. Pastor Nkosingiphile Dlamini and Wayne will be preaching. Pray the members of the church will experience true revival. Pray many lost in the community will hear the gospel message and respond.
--Larry and Dianne Randolph, member care missionaries will visit the Swazi Team, December 7-9. Pray for Larry and Diane as they touch base with the Myers, Allens and Hoskins.
--December 11 (Saturday), Chris Msibi and S’phesihle Sithole are getting married. Chris is the former pastor of the Mgamudze and Nhlangano Baptist Churches. He is also the son of Annah Thwala who we have known since arriving in Swaziland and was our first convert. Annah also helps me with children’s ministries. Pray Chris and S’phesihle will understand God’s plan for marriage. Pray they will be witnesses to other Christian couples.
--December 13-15 is the Swazi Team’s end-of-the-year retreat. Pray as each Swazi Team member prepares for this special reflecting and planning time. Pray in all things the Lord will be glorified. AIDS UPDATE:The existence of HIV is high among Swazi pregnant widows, a study by the government and other stakeholders has revealed!! Statistics show that 85.7 per cent of pregnant widows are likely to be HIV positive. Pregnant women staying with live-in lovers were found with 58.5 per cent HIV prevalence. Married pregnant women were found to have an HIV prevalence of 40.9 per cent while that of divorced women or separated pregnant women is 40 per cent. Pregnant women who have never married have the least HIV prevalence, 38 per cent. Pray the Swazi people will understand their lifestyles are causing premature deaths and by living as our Savior shows they don’t have to die.
***What was the Southern Baptist Convention’s first foreign mission field and who was the first foreign missionary? China; S. C. Clopton, appointed to that country in 1845
August 28, 1993 Wayne and I arrived in Swaziland to begin a journey of ministry with the Swazi people. Over the years our lives have been enriched not only by the fruits of labors but by the faithful prayer support and affirmation of our friends, churches, volunteers, and family members. Thank you!! Please support the giving of the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Because of your financially support through this offering and the Cooperative Program, we can spend time reaching lost people instead of raising support.
Helping. It’s a simple and noble assignment—and it reaps rich rewards! We benefit when we learn to serve as Christ Himself did. –Elizabeth George
-Please continue to pray for the IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead our organization. This week’s country focus: USA-In the last century the United States has sent out more missionaries than any other country, impacting every nation on earth. 35% of all foreign missionaries are American. Pray that these missionaries would be able to work in partnership with local churches.
-The attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11,2001 will continue to impact America—its identity as a land of ‘freedom’, its understanding of different faiths and its involvement in global politics. Pray for wise handling of issues of concern to Islam and to Muslims.
-Christianity is not impacting the nation as it should. Pray that Christians may repent of carnality, be revived and help to change rather than mimic culture.(Information from the Ultimate Goal a project of SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place during the World Cup in South Africa June and July 2010). This concludes the week’s country focus that began in April for the 32 teams participating in the World Cup in South Africa.
--Thursday night the pastors (and families) of the Vuvulane, Mafucula and Luwhhawhhaweni Baptist Churches came to our house for food, fun and fellowship. Wayne also wanted to encourage the pastors to teach their church members especially the children the true meaning of Christmas. Many of our churches do not teach or preach Christ’s birth during this special time of year. The Swazis’ song books have Christmas songs that are never sung. When asked, “Why don’t you sing the Christmas songs?” Their response is “Oh, I don’t know, I guess we just don’t think about it.” Pray this Christmas season the Swazis will truly understand the importance Christmas has on all our lives. May the joy of Christmas touch the hearts of the Swazi people.
--Friday Todd and Deborah Hoskins came to Tshaneni for an overnight visit as well as a time of orientation. We also invited an American friend who lives here and works with the AIDS orphan ministry. Corine was able to offer helpful insights to the Hoskins on the ways of the Swazi people. We enjoyed a wonderful meal and even had time to play “chicken foot” (a very fun game with dominoes). Corine leaves on the 8th of December for California to spend time with family and friends during the Christmas season. She will return to Tshaneni the first of February. Pray for a very safe journey and wonderful time in the states. Pray Todd and Deborah were able to receive helpful insights during their time in Tshaneni.Todd and Deborah began their one month culture/language study on the 30th of November. Pray for a clear understanding concerning the culture and traditions that shape the lives of the Swazi people. Pray Todd and Deborah will be able to learn a little bit of siSwati.
THIS WEEK:--The Ntuthwakazi Baptist Church will conduct revival services December 6-11. Pastor Nkosingiphile Dlamini and Wayne will be preaching. Pray the members of the church will experience true revival. Pray many lost in the community will hear the gospel message and respond.
--Larry and Dianne Randolph, member care missionaries will visit the Swazi Team, December 7-9. Pray for Larry and Diane as they touch base with the Myers, Allens and Hoskins.
--December 11 (Saturday), Chris Msibi and S’phesihle Sithole are getting married. Chris is the former pastor of the Mgamudze and Nhlangano Baptist Churches. He is also the son of Annah Thwala who we have known since arriving in Swaziland and was our first convert. Annah also helps me with children’s ministries. Pray Chris and S’phesihle will understand God’s plan for marriage. Pray they will be witnesses to other Christian couples.
--December 13-15 is the Swazi Team’s end-of-the-year retreat. Pray as each Swazi Team member prepares for this special reflecting and planning time. Pray in all things the Lord will be glorified. AIDS UPDATE:The existence of HIV is high among Swazi pregnant widows, a study by the government and other stakeholders has revealed!! Statistics show that 85.7 per cent of pregnant widows are likely to be HIV positive. Pregnant women staying with live-in lovers were found with 58.5 per cent HIV prevalence. Married pregnant women were found to have an HIV prevalence of 40.9 per cent while that of divorced women or separated pregnant women is 40 per cent. Pregnant women who have never married have the least HIV prevalence, 38 per cent. Pray the Swazi people will understand their lifestyles are causing premature deaths and by living as our Savior shows they don’t have to die.
***What was the Southern Baptist Convention’s first foreign mission field and who was the first foreign missionary? China; S. C. Clopton, appointed to that country in 1845
August 28, 1993 Wayne and I arrived in Swaziland to begin a journey of ministry with the Swazi people. Over the years our lives have been enriched not only by the fruits of labors but by the faithful prayer support and affirmation of our friends, churches, volunteers, and family members. Thank you!! Please support the giving of the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Because of your financially support through this offering and the Cooperative Program, we can spend time reaching lost people instead of raising support.
Helping. It’s a simple and noble assignment—and it reaps rich rewards! We benefit when we learn to serve as Christ Himself did. –Elizabeth George
-Please continue to pray for the IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead our organization. This week’s country focus: USA-In the last century the United States has sent out more missionaries than any other country, impacting every nation on earth. 35% of all foreign missionaries are American. Pray that these missionaries would be able to work in partnership with local churches.
-The attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11,2001 will continue to impact America—its identity as a land of ‘freedom’, its understanding of different faiths and its involvement in global politics. Pray for wise handling of issues of concern to Islam and to Muslims.
-Christianity is not impacting the nation as it should. Pray that Christians may repent of carnality, be revived and help to change rather than mimic culture.(Information from the Ultimate Goal a project of SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place during the World Cup in South Africa June and July 2010). This concludes the week’s country focus that began in April for the 32 teams participating in the World Cup in South Africa.
Monday, November 29, 2010
December Prayer Calendar
DECEMBER 2010 PRAYER CALENDAR
The Swazi Team
Wednesday December 1: WORLD AIDS DAY!! Today Lacie Allen graduates from Grade 0/kindergarten. Pray for Lacie as she finishes up one school and starts a new one in January.
Thursday December 2: Yesterday was World AIDS Day. The pandemic in Africa continues to take many lives. How can you help? Pray for a cure for HIV/AIDS that would be readily available worldwide. Pack a Home Health Care Kit-this is a hospice care kit packed in a 5-gallon bucket that gives hope and dignity to someone who is terminally ill.. and most importantly gives them the opportunity to see and hear God’s love for them. www.inhomecarekit.org
Friday December 3: WEEK OF PRAYER FOR INTERNATION MISSIONS AND LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING November 28-December 5: $3,315 was the amount in 1887 for the first Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Your church involvement in this offering provides for your IMB missionaries’ day-to-day needs. Because you give sacrificially, your missionaries can spend their time reaching lost people. The offering comprises 53 percent of the IMB’s total income and every penny goes to missionaries and their ministries. In 2006 cost of supporting a missionary: $.08 a minute, $4.66 an hour, $111.96 a day, $785.90 a week, $3,405.55 a month, $40,866.61 a year. Pray the 2010 LMCO goal will be reached so missionaries can continue to be sent to reach the world’s people missing from God’s family.
Saturday December 4: Praise the Lord that Steven Allen was able to have his appendix removed in South Africa last month. He is getting “his feet back beneath him again.” Continue to pray for his complete healing.
Sunday December 5: Pray for godly, strong and faithful leaders to take a stand for Christ and press on against deep rooted cultural beliefs as well as expectations from the family. Pray for a strong leader for every Swazi Baptist church.
Monday December 6: December 6-11 the Ntuthwakazi Baptist Church (Shiselweni region) is conducting revival services. Pray the members of the church will experience true revival. Pray many lost in the community will hear the gospel message and respond.
Tuesday December 7: Larry and Dianne Randolph, member care missionaries will visit the Swazi Team December 7-9. Pray for Larry and Dianne as they touch base with the Myers, Allens and Hoskins. Pray for good fellowship and good visits.
Wednesday December 8: Todd and Deborah Hoskins began two month culture and language study on the 30th of November. Pray for a clear understanding concerning the culture and traditions that shape the lives of the Swazi people. Pray Todd and Deborah will also be able to learn a bit of the siSwati language.
Thursday December 9: The Allens report many Swazis are waiting baptism and ask for prayer for the right weather and opportunities for different churches to have their new believers follow Christ in believer’s baptism. One special person also waiting to be baptized is their daughter, Lacie. Lacie wanted to return to Swaziland to be baptized. Pray Lacie understands the importance of baptism in her life.
Friday December 10: The Swazi Team has been blessed with good volunteer teams that have worked with within strategy to help reach Swaziland for Christ as well as teach and disciple believers. Both the Allens and Myes have volunteer teams scheduled to work and minister in 2011 in Swaziland. Pray as teams plan to come to Swaziland prayerful preparation will be part of the planning. Pray for the anticipation of wonderful blessings.
Saturday December 11: Chris Msibi and S’phesihle Sithole are getting married today. Chris is currently teaching primary students as well as attending classes to receive his degree (currently has a certificate to teach). He is the former pastor of the Mgamudze and Nhlangano Baptist Churches and the son of Annah Thwala a leader in Swazi Baptist work. Pray Chris and S’phesihle will understand God’s plan for marriage. Pray they will be witnesses to other Christian couples.
Sunday December 12: Pray for the controversy and conflicts that are happening at the Victory Baptist Church due to leadership by one person. It is causing members of the congregation to leave the church. Pray for the Allens as they seek the Lord’s direction with this sticky situation.
Monday December 13: The 2010 Swazi Team end-of-the-year retreat begins today (December 13-15) in White River, South Africa. In the past this time has enabled the Team to not only have great fellowship together but also praise the Lord for His blessings the past year and a time of planning and prayer for future work. We thank the Lord for this special time of celebration. Pray this retreat will continue to be a special and beneficial time for the Swazi Team. Pray in all things the Lord will be glorified.
Tuesday December 14: Continue to pray for good rains this growing season. Pray this will be a good year of harvest for the Swazi people.
Wednesday December 15: As Swazi Christians celebrate Christmas this month, pray they will look around and see their Muslim neighbors who are not celebrating the Lord’s birth. Pray Swazi believers’ hearts will be burdened for these and will find ways to share the salvation story with them.
Thursday December 16: Pray for the Allen family as they desire to do a prayer drive in the Hhohho region to see where God is leading them to start a new outreach group. They have a couple of leads and ideas on areas but want to go where the Lord leads.
Friday December 17: Please continue to pray for the IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as the seek God’s man to lead our organization.
Saturday December 18: “Pastor, here are my tithes which I have been owing my Jesus Christ (Aug.-Nov.). Please pray for me for doing that, the situation was too bad. From now I swear I won’t owe him.” These words come from a member of the Vuvulane Baptist Church who realized she was sinning against her Lord by not giving him a tenth of her earings. Pray the Swazi Baptist churches will teach their members the importance of tithing to the Lord. Pray for great spiritual fruits from these teachings.
Sunday December 19: A young pastor finds himself in a position that is not good. He is single and was sent by his family to stay with his sister-in-law whose husband died. In Swazi culture it is acceptable and in some instances required for a brother of a deceased husband to wed the widow. This is not the case with this couple and the young man understands he must have a good testimony inside and outside the church. He wants to do right but is in no position financially to move to another place. Pray this young pastor will find the means to make the move. Pray he will be able to lead the church as Christ would lead.
Monday December 20: Pray for Wayne Myers today on his birthday!!The Swazi Team is celebrating Wayne’s birthday today in Tshaneni. Pray for a great time of fun and fellowship. Pray Wayne’s special day will indeed be special!!
Tuesday December 21: Pray for Wayne and Barbara Myers today on this anniversary!!
The Mkhaliphi family of the Ntuthwakazi Baptist Church has been faithful leaders allowing the church to meet on their homestead and providing weekly worship services. As with most Swazis the Mkhaliphis did not understand God’s plan for marriage and were married in the Swazi traditional way. Now the Mkhaliphis desire to be married in the Christian way (after being together for many years with several children) and will do so on the 30th of April. Pray for this family as they make this big important Christian commitment. We praise the Lord for this family and their desire to be the leaders God would have them be.
Wednesday December 22: 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.
Thursday December 23: ARV (anti-retro viral) drugs basically prolongs the life of one with the AIDS virus. There is no cure for AIDS but with the help of these drugs patients will live longer and healthier lives. But they must take the ARVs on a regular basis. One Swazi feels the Lord has healed him and he no longer needs to take the ARVs. We pray that is so but the condition of his body tells us a different story. He has also convinced another friend with the AIDS virus that the Lord will heal him and he too has quit taking the drugs. Pray the Lord will truly speak to these two concerning their future treatment of the AIDS virus. May he continue to lead and guide His children that walk the troublesome path of AIDS.
Friday December 24: There is little evidence of decorations or brightly decorated trees to indicate it is Christmas in Swaziland. Most Swazis know nothing of this American tradition just as many do not know the significance of this special day in the life of every Christian. This Christmas season pray many Swazis will truly understand who Jesus is and follow Him completely putting aside traditions that conflict with the Christian way of life. May the joy of Christmas touch the hearts of the Swazis of Swaziland.
Saturday Christmas 25: MERRY CHRISTMAS!! The Swazi Team wishes each of a most Merry Christmas. Thank you for your faithful support in prayer of the work with the Swazi people. Pray as the Swazi Team meet together in Mbabane to celebrate this very special day.
Sunday December 26: Last month the Thunzini Baptist Church conducted a licensing service for their pastor, Nkosingiphile Dlamini. Pastor Dlamini has led this church for many years and is a strong leader and committed Christian. Plans for a ordination service for Pastors Dlamni and Nsibandze (Velebantfu Baptist Church) have begun. Pray planning will go well in making this special service and event possible in 2011.
Monday December 27: SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN UNENGAGED PEOPLES: In northeast Mozambique there are people groups who have had so little opportunity to hear of Jesus. The Yao, Mwani, Koti and Makhuwa-Nahara are included in those who have had little opportunity to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. The cry comes out for more laborers to come and help reach these people for Christ. Please pray God will bring more laborers to these people.
Tuesday December 28: Medical care for the Swazi people is not always available due to clinics with no doctors or adequate supply of medications, nurses diagnosing and prescribing medications, hospitals usually are over crowded and patients sleep on the floor, family must care for the patients’ needs while in the hospital, cleanliness is a concern and many still consult sangomas and witch doctors for medical attention. Please pray the government of Swaziland will see the need to provide doctors in clinics and a supply of medications will be adequate. Pray Swazis will not seek the use of traditional methods for medical care.
Wednesday December 29: October 22-24 the third children’s camp was conducted at the Maphungwane Baptist Church. Approximately 65 children attended this camp and enjoyed a time of Bible study and activities, worship, praying and organized games. Pray the members of the Mphungwane Baptist Church will support a strong discipleship program for their children.
Thursday December 30: February 26-March 4, a volunteer team from the Atlantic Association in North Carolina will minister to Swazis in the Shiselweni region. We are thankful for this group of volunteers giving of their time and money to help evangelize and disciple Swazis. Pray for this team as planning continues for their trip to Swaziland. Pray for the Myers as they prepare for the team’s arrival and ministry.
Friday December 31: Pray members of the Swazi Team will seek the Lord’s guidance as they look forward to 2011 with joy, love and desire to make their lives count for Christ.
The Swazi Team
Wednesday December 1: WORLD AIDS DAY!! Today Lacie Allen graduates from Grade 0/kindergarten. Pray for Lacie as she finishes up one school and starts a new one in January.
Thursday December 2: Yesterday was World AIDS Day. The pandemic in Africa continues to take many lives. How can you help? Pray for a cure for HIV/AIDS that would be readily available worldwide. Pack a Home Health Care Kit-this is a hospice care kit packed in a 5-gallon bucket that gives hope and dignity to someone who is terminally ill.. and most importantly gives them the opportunity to see and hear God’s love for them. www.inhomecarekit.org
Friday December 3: WEEK OF PRAYER FOR INTERNATION MISSIONS AND LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING November 28-December 5: $3,315 was the amount in 1887 for the first Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Your church involvement in this offering provides for your IMB missionaries’ day-to-day needs. Because you give sacrificially, your missionaries can spend their time reaching lost people. The offering comprises 53 percent of the IMB’s total income and every penny goes to missionaries and their ministries. In 2006 cost of supporting a missionary: $.08 a minute, $4.66 an hour, $111.96 a day, $785.90 a week, $3,405.55 a month, $40,866.61 a year. Pray the 2010 LMCO goal will be reached so missionaries can continue to be sent to reach the world’s people missing from God’s family.
Saturday December 4: Praise the Lord that Steven Allen was able to have his appendix removed in South Africa last month. He is getting “his feet back beneath him again.” Continue to pray for his complete healing.
Sunday December 5: Pray for godly, strong and faithful leaders to take a stand for Christ and press on against deep rooted cultural beliefs as well as expectations from the family. Pray for a strong leader for every Swazi Baptist church.
Monday December 6: December 6-11 the Ntuthwakazi Baptist Church (Shiselweni region) is conducting revival services. Pray the members of the church will experience true revival. Pray many lost in the community will hear the gospel message and respond.
Tuesday December 7: Larry and Dianne Randolph, member care missionaries will visit the Swazi Team December 7-9. Pray for Larry and Dianne as they touch base with the Myers, Allens and Hoskins. Pray for good fellowship and good visits.
Wednesday December 8: Todd and Deborah Hoskins began two month culture and language study on the 30th of November. Pray for a clear understanding concerning the culture and traditions that shape the lives of the Swazi people. Pray Todd and Deborah will also be able to learn a bit of the siSwati language.
Thursday December 9: The Allens report many Swazis are waiting baptism and ask for prayer for the right weather and opportunities for different churches to have their new believers follow Christ in believer’s baptism. One special person also waiting to be baptized is their daughter, Lacie. Lacie wanted to return to Swaziland to be baptized. Pray Lacie understands the importance of baptism in her life.
Friday December 10: The Swazi Team has been blessed with good volunteer teams that have worked with within strategy to help reach Swaziland for Christ as well as teach and disciple believers. Both the Allens and Myes have volunteer teams scheduled to work and minister in 2011 in Swaziland. Pray as teams plan to come to Swaziland prayerful preparation will be part of the planning. Pray for the anticipation of wonderful blessings.
Saturday December 11: Chris Msibi and S’phesihle Sithole are getting married today. Chris is currently teaching primary students as well as attending classes to receive his degree (currently has a certificate to teach). He is the former pastor of the Mgamudze and Nhlangano Baptist Churches and the son of Annah Thwala a leader in Swazi Baptist work. Pray Chris and S’phesihle will understand God’s plan for marriage. Pray they will be witnesses to other Christian couples.
Sunday December 12: Pray for the controversy and conflicts that are happening at the Victory Baptist Church due to leadership by one person. It is causing members of the congregation to leave the church. Pray for the Allens as they seek the Lord’s direction with this sticky situation.
Monday December 13: The 2010 Swazi Team end-of-the-year retreat begins today (December 13-15) in White River, South Africa. In the past this time has enabled the Team to not only have great fellowship together but also praise the Lord for His blessings the past year and a time of planning and prayer for future work. We thank the Lord for this special time of celebration. Pray this retreat will continue to be a special and beneficial time for the Swazi Team. Pray in all things the Lord will be glorified.
Tuesday December 14: Continue to pray for good rains this growing season. Pray this will be a good year of harvest for the Swazi people.
Wednesday December 15: As Swazi Christians celebrate Christmas this month, pray they will look around and see their Muslim neighbors who are not celebrating the Lord’s birth. Pray Swazi believers’ hearts will be burdened for these and will find ways to share the salvation story with them.
Thursday December 16: Pray for the Allen family as they desire to do a prayer drive in the Hhohho region to see where God is leading them to start a new outreach group. They have a couple of leads and ideas on areas but want to go where the Lord leads.
Friday December 17: Please continue to pray for the IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as the seek God’s man to lead our organization.
Saturday December 18: “Pastor, here are my tithes which I have been owing my Jesus Christ (Aug.-Nov.). Please pray for me for doing that, the situation was too bad. From now I swear I won’t owe him.” These words come from a member of the Vuvulane Baptist Church who realized she was sinning against her Lord by not giving him a tenth of her earings. Pray the Swazi Baptist churches will teach their members the importance of tithing to the Lord. Pray for great spiritual fruits from these teachings.
Sunday December 19: A young pastor finds himself in a position that is not good. He is single and was sent by his family to stay with his sister-in-law whose husband died. In Swazi culture it is acceptable and in some instances required for a brother of a deceased husband to wed the widow. This is not the case with this couple and the young man understands he must have a good testimony inside and outside the church. He wants to do right but is in no position financially to move to another place. Pray this young pastor will find the means to make the move. Pray he will be able to lead the church as Christ would lead.
Monday December 20: Pray for Wayne Myers today on his birthday!!The Swazi Team is celebrating Wayne’s birthday today in Tshaneni. Pray for a great time of fun and fellowship. Pray Wayne’s special day will indeed be special!!
Tuesday December 21: Pray for Wayne and Barbara Myers today on this anniversary!!
The Mkhaliphi family of the Ntuthwakazi Baptist Church has been faithful leaders allowing the church to meet on their homestead and providing weekly worship services. As with most Swazis the Mkhaliphis did not understand God’s plan for marriage and were married in the Swazi traditional way. Now the Mkhaliphis desire to be married in the Christian way (after being together for many years with several children) and will do so on the 30th of April. Pray for this family as they make this big important Christian commitment. We praise the Lord for this family and their desire to be the leaders God would have them be.
Wednesday December 22: 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.
Thursday December 23: ARV (anti-retro viral) drugs basically prolongs the life of one with the AIDS virus. There is no cure for AIDS but with the help of these drugs patients will live longer and healthier lives. But they must take the ARVs on a regular basis. One Swazi feels the Lord has healed him and he no longer needs to take the ARVs. We pray that is so but the condition of his body tells us a different story. He has also convinced another friend with the AIDS virus that the Lord will heal him and he too has quit taking the drugs. Pray the Lord will truly speak to these two concerning their future treatment of the AIDS virus. May he continue to lead and guide His children that walk the troublesome path of AIDS.
Friday December 24: There is little evidence of decorations or brightly decorated trees to indicate it is Christmas in Swaziland. Most Swazis know nothing of this American tradition just as many do not know the significance of this special day in the life of every Christian. This Christmas season pray many Swazis will truly understand who Jesus is and follow Him completely putting aside traditions that conflict with the Christian way of life. May the joy of Christmas touch the hearts of the Swazis of Swaziland.
Saturday Christmas 25: MERRY CHRISTMAS!! The Swazi Team wishes each of a most Merry Christmas. Thank you for your faithful support in prayer of the work with the Swazi people. Pray as the Swazi Team meet together in Mbabane to celebrate this very special day.
Sunday December 26: Last month the Thunzini Baptist Church conducted a licensing service for their pastor, Nkosingiphile Dlamini. Pastor Dlamini has led this church for many years and is a strong leader and committed Christian. Plans for a ordination service for Pastors Dlamni and Nsibandze (Velebantfu Baptist Church) have begun. Pray planning will go well in making this special service and event possible in 2011.
Monday December 27: SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN UNENGAGED PEOPLES: In northeast Mozambique there are people groups who have had so little opportunity to hear of Jesus. The Yao, Mwani, Koti and Makhuwa-Nahara are included in those who have had little opportunity to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. The cry comes out for more laborers to come and help reach these people for Christ. Please pray God will bring more laborers to these people.
Tuesday December 28: Medical care for the Swazi people is not always available due to clinics with no doctors or adequate supply of medications, nurses diagnosing and prescribing medications, hospitals usually are over crowded and patients sleep on the floor, family must care for the patients’ needs while in the hospital, cleanliness is a concern and many still consult sangomas and witch doctors for medical attention. Please pray the government of Swaziland will see the need to provide doctors in clinics and a supply of medications will be adequate. Pray Swazis will not seek the use of traditional methods for medical care.
Wednesday December 29: October 22-24 the third children’s camp was conducted at the Maphungwane Baptist Church. Approximately 65 children attended this camp and enjoyed a time of Bible study and activities, worship, praying and organized games. Pray the members of the Mphungwane Baptist Church will support a strong discipleship program for their children.
Thursday December 30: February 26-March 4, a volunteer team from the Atlantic Association in North Carolina will minister to Swazis in the Shiselweni region. We are thankful for this group of volunteers giving of their time and money to help evangelize and disciple Swazis. Pray for this team as planning continues for their trip to Swaziland. Pray for the Myers as they prepare for the team’s arrival and ministry.
Friday December 31: Pray members of the Swazi Team will seek the Lord’s guidance as they look forward to 2011 with joy, love and desire to make their lives count for Christ.
Hoskins Update
Thank you so much for your prayers during our time of training. We are finally settling down in Swaziland after a month of training in WestAfrica. We were with about 20 other new IMB missionaries to Sub-Saharan Africa.
Our time in West Africa was wonderful! The training was broken up into two different parts. The first part focused on urban African life, so we stayed in the capital city of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The second part of the training taught us about rural African life, and we lived in the village of Nalerigu, Ghana during that time.
In both places we would spend half of the day with a cultural helper (a local Christian who our leadership had already identified) and half of the day in lecture sessions. Each day we had to complete certain assignments that would help us understand more about life and people in Africa. For example, a task would be something like: “Talk to a government official today and learn about his/her perspective on…”Our cultural helper would assist us by introducing us to people who could speak to us about the day’s topic. It was often their family, neighbors, and friends with whom we visited.
Each topic was paired with a Bible story, and we were often able to use the story to share biblical truths. More than once, people asked us, “I know since you have come all the way from America, what you have to tell me is very important. So what is your message?” Some of the people we spoke with had never heard the stories about Jesus thatwe were able to share. I (Todd) watched an old man’s excitement ashe, for the first time, heard Deborah tell him stories about Jesus. The old man was wide-eyed and amazed! He really got into the story about Jesus feeding the 5,000. He made all sorts of “oooh” and“aaahhh” sounds (that did not require translation :) . That day he said his life had changed and he would now follow Christ and be a Christian. He was our cultural helper’s uncle.
In Burkina Faso and Ghana, we were blessed to be following in the footsteps of many faithful Christians. Years of a missionary presence along with the day-in-and-day-out witness that our cultural helpers were living fostered an environment where people were eager to hear our message. Training was a blessing and our cultural helpers (Joel,Mark, Solomon, and Emiline) were so helpful.
We are currently living next door to another missionary family but will be looking into the possibility of renting an apartment inManzini, Swaziland that would place us closer to our areas of ministry. Please pray that the Lord would guide this process and continue to put us among the people He would have us serve.
Thank you for your support! Have a happy Thanksgiving!
Our time in West Africa was wonderful! The training was broken up into two different parts. The first part focused on urban African life, so we stayed in the capital city of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The second part of the training taught us about rural African life, and we lived in the village of Nalerigu, Ghana during that time.
In both places we would spend half of the day with a cultural helper (a local Christian who our leadership had already identified) and half of the day in lecture sessions. Each day we had to complete certain assignments that would help us understand more about life and people in Africa. For example, a task would be something like: “Talk to a government official today and learn about his/her perspective on…”Our cultural helper would assist us by introducing us to people who could speak to us about the day’s topic. It was often their family, neighbors, and friends with whom we visited.
Each topic was paired with a Bible story, and we were often able to use the story to share biblical truths. More than once, people asked us, “I know since you have come all the way from America, what you have to tell me is very important. So what is your message?” Some of the people we spoke with had never heard the stories about Jesus thatwe were able to share. I (Todd) watched an old man’s excitement ashe, for the first time, heard Deborah tell him stories about Jesus. The old man was wide-eyed and amazed! He really got into the story about Jesus feeding the 5,000. He made all sorts of “oooh” and“aaahhh” sounds (that did not require translation :) . That day he said his life had changed and he would now follow Christ and be a Christian. He was our cultural helper’s uncle.
In Burkina Faso and Ghana, we were blessed to be following in the footsteps of many faithful Christians. Years of a missionary presence along with the day-in-and-day-out witness that our cultural helpers were living fostered an environment where people were eager to hear our message. Training was a blessing and our cultural helpers (Joel,Mark, Solomon, and Emiline) were so helpful.
We are currently living next door to another missionary family but will be looking into the possibility of renting an apartment inManzini, Swaziland that would place us closer to our areas of ministry. Please pray that the Lord would guide this process and continue to put us among the people He would have us serve.
Thank you for your support! Have a happy Thanksgiving!
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
Thanksgiving is over and we hope each of you had a wonderful day of celebration. The Swazi Team met here in Tshaneni. After several days of rain, the sun came out and the weather was absolutely perfect. The food was great and the fellowship was tops!! We have so much in which to be thankful. The members of the Swazi Team look forward to 2011 with joy, love and desire to make our lives count for Christ. Thank you for praying for us during 2010.
SWAZI TEAM PRAYER REQUESTS:
--Steve Allen continues to recover from his appendectomy. Please pray for a good recovery and return to ministry opportunities.
--Todd and Deborah Hoskins begin their two month culture/language study on the 30th of November. Pray for a clear understanding concerning the culture and traditions that shape the lives of the Swazi people. Pray Todd and Deborah will also be able to learn a bit of the siSwati language.
--Wednesday (Dec. 1st) Lacie Allen graduates from the Little Brown Hen Preschool (Grade 0/Kindergarten). Pray for Lacie as she finishes up one school and starts a new one the end of January.
--Larry and Dianne Randolph, member care missionaries will visit the Swazi Team, December 7-9. Pray for Larry and Dianne as they touch base with the Myers, Allens and Hoskins.
--The Swazi Team’s end-of-the-year retreat begins on the 13th of December in White River, South Africa. In the past this has been a very special time of reflecting and celebrating the Lord’s blessings during the year and planning for future work. Pray this retreat will continue to be a special and beneficial time for the Swazi Team. Pray in all things the Lord will be glorified. The retreat ends on the 15th of December.
Wonders never cease here in Tshaneni. Tuesday night when I walked into the study I noticed something moving on my desk. To my horror closer inspection showed it to be a small snake. Closer inspection showed it to be a small, Puff Adder snake!! Mustering all the willpower I could to keep from screaming, I slowly backed out of the room and ran for Wayne. When we arrived back to the study the snake was still there but was moving to the back of the desk. For the next 15-20 minutes we pondered on how to get rid of the snake without endangering ourselves. With me holding the flash light on the snake (I had a great view of its eyeballs) Wayne eased the papers that held the snake into a garbage can. He quickly took the offending visitor outside.
MINISTRY PRAYER REQUESTS:
--Yesterday Pastor Douglas Mavuso (Vuvulane Baptist Church) took himself to the Mhlume Clinic after experiencing stomach pains since Wednesday night. The clinic told him he may have appendicitis. Douglas immediately went to the Good Shepherd Clinic in Siteki to be examined. He was told at this clinic that no indications of appendicitis were seen but to watch for any recurrent symptoms. Please pray Douglas will stay healthy without recurrent pain and symptoms of appendicitis.
--The Ntuthwakazi Baptist Church will conduct revival services December 6-11. Pastor Nkosingiphile Dlamini and Wayne will be preaching. Pray the members of the church will experience true revival. Pray many lost in the community will hear the gospel message and respond.--December 11, Chris Msibi and S’phesihle Sithole are getting married. Chris is the former pastor of the Mgamudze and Nhlangano Baptist Churches. He is also the son of Annah Thwala who we have known since arriving in Swaziland and was our first convert. Annah also helps me with children’s ministries. Pray Chris and S’phesihle will understand God’s plan for marriage. Pray they will be witnesses to other Christian couples.
AIDS UPDATE:Wednesday December 1st is WORLD AIDS DAY!! As you know the pandemic in Africa continues to take many lives. How can you help? Pray for a cure for HIV/AIDS that would be readily available worldwide. Pack a Home Health Care Kit-This is a hospice care kit packed in a 5-gallon bucket that gives hope and dignity to someone who is terminally ill…and most importantly give them the opportunity to see and hear of God’s love for them. www.inhomecarekit.org
NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 5: WEEK OF PRAYER FOR INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS AND THE LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING:As your church gives, prays and goes, unreached people gain access to the life-giving Gospel of Jesus Christ. They hear and respond because your IMB missionaries go with full support and because you give generously and sacrificially. “Oh that my words could be as a trumpet call stirring the hearts of my brethren and sisters to pray, to labor, to give thanks, to give themselves to the people.” Lottie Moon Please pray the 2010 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering will be reached so missionaries can continue to be sent to reach the world’s people missing from God’s family.
This week’s country focus: SLOVENIA:-Slovenia has a strong Catholic tradition, but the Catholic and other churches all lack vitality, especially in the face of social issues which abound in Slovenia like suicide and abortion. Pray that nominal Christians in mainline churches might come to a real faith in Christ.-Church planting is a real need in Slovenia. Work amongst students is growing and very necessary. Pray for Christian ministries in this country.-Converts to Christianity sometime face opposition from their families for having abandoned their traditional way of life. Some consider evangelical churches to be cults, who take things, like Bible study, much too seriously. Pray for young believers, that they would have the courage to be bold for their faith in their families, and that they would remain steadfast in their faith. (information form The Ultimate Goal a project of SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place during the World Cup in South Africa June and July 2010).
SWAZI TEAM PRAYER REQUESTS:
--Steve Allen continues to recover from his appendectomy. Please pray for a good recovery and return to ministry opportunities.
--Todd and Deborah Hoskins begin their two month culture/language study on the 30th of November. Pray for a clear understanding concerning the culture and traditions that shape the lives of the Swazi people. Pray Todd and Deborah will also be able to learn a bit of the siSwati language.
--Wednesday (Dec. 1st) Lacie Allen graduates from the Little Brown Hen Preschool (Grade 0/Kindergarten). Pray for Lacie as she finishes up one school and starts a new one the end of January.
--Larry and Dianne Randolph, member care missionaries will visit the Swazi Team, December 7-9. Pray for Larry and Dianne as they touch base with the Myers, Allens and Hoskins.
--The Swazi Team’s end-of-the-year retreat begins on the 13th of December in White River, South Africa. In the past this has been a very special time of reflecting and celebrating the Lord’s blessings during the year and planning for future work. Pray this retreat will continue to be a special and beneficial time for the Swazi Team. Pray in all things the Lord will be glorified. The retreat ends on the 15th of December.
Wonders never cease here in Tshaneni. Tuesday night when I walked into the study I noticed something moving on my desk. To my horror closer inspection showed it to be a small snake. Closer inspection showed it to be a small, Puff Adder snake!! Mustering all the willpower I could to keep from screaming, I slowly backed out of the room and ran for Wayne. When we arrived back to the study the snake was still there but was moving to the back of the desk. For the next 15-20 minutes we pondered on how to get rid of the snake without endangering ourselves. With me holding the flash light on the snake (I had a great view of its eyeballs) Wayne eased the papers that held the snake into a garbage can. He quickly took the offending visitor outside.
MINISTRY PRAYER REQUESTS:
--Yesterday Pastor Douglas Mavuso (Vuvulane Baptist Church) took himself to the Mhlume Clinic after experiencing stomach pains since Wednesday night. The clinic told him he may have appendicitis. Douglas immediately went to the Good Shepherd Clinic in Siteki to be examined. He was told at this clinic that no indications of appendicitis were seen but to watch for any recurrent symptoms. Please pray Douglas will stay healthy without recurrent pain and symptoms of appendicitis.
--The Ntuthwakazi Baptist Church will conduct revival services December 6-11. Pastor Nkosingiphile Dlamini and Wayne will be preaching. Pray the members of the church will experience true revival. Pray many lost in the community will hear the gospel message and respond.--December 11, Chris Msibi and S’phesihle Sithole are getting married. Chris is the former pastor of the Mgamudze and Nhlangano Baptist Churches. He is also the son of Annah Thwala who we have known since arriving in Swaziland and was our first convert. Annah also helps me with children’s ministries. Pray Chris and S’phesihle will understand God’s plan for marriage. Pray they will be witnesses to other Christian couples.
AIDS UPDATE:Wednesday December 1st is WORLD AIDS DAY!! As you know the pandemic in Africa continues to take many lives. How can you help? Pray for a cure for HIV/AIDS that would be readily available worldwide. Pack a Home Health Care Kit-This is a hospice care kit packed in a 5-gallon bucket that gives hope and dignity to someone who is terminally ill…and most importantly give them the opportunity to see and hear of God’s love for them. www.inhomecarekit.org
NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 5: WEEK OF PRAYER FOR INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS AND THE LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING:As your church gives, prays and goes, unreached people gain access to the life-giving Gospel of Jesus Christ. They hear and respond because your IMB missionaries go with full support and because you give generously and sacrificially. “Oh that my words could be as a trumpet call stirring the hearts of my brethren and sisters to pray, to labor, to give thanks, to give themselves to the people.” Lottie Moon Please pray the 2010 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering will be reached so missionaries can continue to be sent to reach the world’s people missing from God’s family.
This week’s country focus: SLOVENIA:-Slovenia has a strong Catholic tradition, but the Catholic and other churches all lack vitality, especially in the face of social issues which abound in Slovenia like suicide and abortion. Pray that nominal Christians in mainline churches might come to a real faith in Christ.-Church planting is a real need in Slovenia. Work amongst students is growing and very necessary. Pray for Christian ministries in this country.-Converts to Christianity sometime face opposition from their families for having abandoned their traditional way of life. Some consider evangelical churches to be cults, who take things, like Bible study, much too seriously. Pray for young believers, that they would have the courage to be bold for their faith in their families, and that they would remain steadfast in their faith. (information form The Ultimate Goal a project of SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place during the World Cup in South Africa June and July 2010).
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
Todd and Lisa Hoskins return to Swaziland after several weeks in West Africa attending 40/40 arriving in time to celebrate Thanksgiving Day with the Swazi Team. The week after Thanksgiving Todd and Lisa will begin two months of language/culture learning. Pray for the Hoskins as they begin a time of transition to Swaziland and working with the Swazi people. Pray their time of language/culture learning will be very beneficial. Pray for the beginning of new ministries and deeper relationship with the Lord.
--After the first of the year the Hoskins will move to Manzini to begin their ministry as church planters and developing rural leadership training schools. Wednesday Wayne is meeting with the director of the TransWorld Radio ministry to view an apartment for the Hoskins. Pray the right housing situation will be found for the Hoskins.
Steven, Monica and Nathan return to Mbabane today after Steven had his appendix removed (laparoscopic) yesterday. Steven had been experiencing pain in his side off and on for a couple of months. Pray for their safe journey to Swaziland today and Steven will continue to heal and recover from his surgery.
We have experienced many days of rain in Tshaneni. Thank you for praying and we ask you to continue praying the rains will enable the harvest to be a good one for the Swazi people. Pray there will be plenty and food and water to meet the Swazis’ needs.Tuesday night during the beginning of a storm I was working on a Christmas jigsaw puzzle. It was thundering and the wind was gusting but I didn’t pay much attention and kept working on my puzzle. All of once a gust of wind blew (rather hard I might add) a middle-sized bug into my eye. Now I had never had this happen to me before (and I hope I never have it happen again) but I immediately jumped up from my puzzle and ran around the room while the bug did the jitterbug in my eye trying to get the bug out. The dancing continued until it dawned on me I needed to flush out the offending bug with water. This I did to my relief. I felt sorry for the bug (who died) but was so glad he was out of my eye and glad we didn’t do the waltz of bumble bee!!
The Swazi Team will not be going to grandfather’s house or traveling through drifting snow, but they are coming to the Myers’ house in Tshaneni for turkey, dressing and all the fixings. Our house is decorated for Thanksgiving and fun. Pray for a time of fun, fellowship and giving thanks for the blessings the Lord daily provides us.
We would also like to wish each of you a most wonderful and happy THANKSGIVING DAY!! It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praise to your name, Most High, to proclaim your kindness at dawn and your faithfulness throughout the night. Psalm 92:1,2
November 28-December 5: International Week of Prayer and Lottie Moon Christmas Offering JIn 2006 the cost of supporting a missionary:$.08 a minute, $4.66 an hour, $111.96 a day, $785.90 a week, $3,405.55 a month, $40,866.61 a year.Your church’s involvement in the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering provides for your IMB missionaries’ day-to-day needs. Because you give sacrificially, your missionaries can spend their time reaching lost people instead of raising support. The offering comprises 53 percent of the IMB’s total income, and every penny goes to missionaries and their ministries.Your IMB missionaries give their lives to the missions’ task. Your faithful support keeps them on the field doing what God has called them to do. With each soul won to Christ, each new believer’s baptism and each church-planting movement started, you are a faithful partner in the harvest.
What missionary worked for 40 years in China, literally giving her life to her work? Lottie Moon, who is famous for her desperate appeal in 1888 for more missionaries (resulting in the annual Lottie Moon Christmas Offering). Funds were so scarce that Lottie once spent 14 consecutive years on the mission field. She starved with the Chinese and died on Christmas Eve 1912.What are the main intermediate channels for Southern Baptist international mission funding? The Cooperative Program, initiated in the mid-20s to channel funds to the various Southern Baptist agencies and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, which traces its origins back to 1888.Missions is our Southern Baptist heritage. Remember the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Pray the 2010 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering will enable missionaries to be sent to minister to many lost and dying peoples. Pray Lottie Moon’s legacy will live through the IMB missionaries around the world. Thank you for your support!!
--After the first of the year the Hoskins will move to Manzini to begin their ministry as church planters and developing rural leadership training schools. Wednesday Wayne is meeting with the director of the TransWorld Radio ministry to view an apartment for the Hoskins. Pray the right housing situation will be found for the Hoskins.
Steven, Monica and Nathan return to Mbabane today after Steven had his appendix removed (laparoscopic) yesterday. Steven had been experiencing pain in his side off and on for a couple of months. Pray for their safe journey to Swaziland today and Steven will continue to heal and recover from his surgery.
We have experienced many days of rain in Tshaneni. Thank you for praying and we ask you to continue praying the rains will enable the harvest to be a good one for the Swazi people. Pray there will be plenty and food and water to meet the Swazis’ needs.Tuesday night during the beginning of a storm I was working on a Christmas jigsaw puzzle. It was thundering and the wind was gusting but I didn’t pay much attention and kept working on my puzzle. All of once a gust of wind blew (rather hard I might add) a middle-sized bug into my eye. Now I had never had this happen to me before (and I hope I never have it happen again) but I immediately jumped up from my puzzle and ran around the room while the bug did the jitterbug in my eye trying to get the bug out. The dancing continued until it dawned on me I needed to flush out the offending bug with water. This I did to my relief. I felt sorry for the bug (who died) but was so glad he was out of my eye and glad we didn’t do the waltz of bumble bee!!
The Swazi Team will not be going to grandfather’s house or traveling through drifting snow, but they are coming to the Myers’ house in Tshaneni for turkey, dressing and all the fixings. Our house is decorated for Thanksgiving and fun. Pray for a time of fun, fellowship and giving thanks for the blessings the Lord daily provides us.
We would also like to wish each of you a most wonderful and happy THANKSGIVING DAY!! It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praise to your name, Most High, to proclaim your kindness at dawn and your faithfulness throughout the night. Psalm 92:1,2
November 28-December 5: International Week of Prayer and Lottie Moon Christmas Offering JIn 2006 the cost of supporting a missionary:$.08 a minute, $4.66 an hour, $111.96 a day, $785.90 a week, $3,405.55 a month, $40,866.61 a year.Your church’s involvement in the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering provides for your IMB missionaries’ day-to-day needs. Because you give sacrificially, your missionaries can spend their time reaching lost people instead of raising support. The offering comprises 53 percent of the IMB’s total income, and every penny goes to missionaries and their ministries.Your IMB missionaries give their lives to the missions’ task. Your faithful support keeps them on the field doing what God has called them to do. With each soul won to Christ, each new believer’s baptism and each church-planting movement started, you are a faithful partner in the harvest.
What missionary worked for 40 years in China, literally giving her life to her work? Lottie Moon, who is famous for her desperate appeal in 1888 for more missionaries (resulting in the annual Lottie Moon Christmas Offering). Funds were so scarce that Lottie once spent 14 consecutive years on the mission field. She starved with the Chinese and died on Christmas Eve 1912.What are the main intermediate channels for Southern Baptist international mission funding? The Cooperative Program, initiated in the mid-20s to channel funds to the various Southern Baptist agencies and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, which traces its origins back to 1888.Missions is our Southern Baptist heritage. Remember the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Pray the 2010 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering will enable missionaries to be sent to minister to many lost and dying peoples. Pray Lottie Moon’s legacy will live through the IMB missionaries around the world. Thank you for your support!!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
Lord God, where would I be without your love—a love that not only shelters me in the height of the storm but helps me grow and thrive no matter the weather. Each morning,
I commit my way to you and entrust myself to your care. –Rebecca Currington
Sunday morning as Wayne was pulling out of the driveway he checked to see if he could see Bubba. Not seeing him, he thought he had gone back to the house. He pulled out of the driveway only hear the cry of our baby. It was a terrible moment for both of us as I came running out of the house. Using a wheel barrel we got him back to the house but it was obvious he was not in a good way. Our Bubba died on Monday and is buried next to Noel. For the first time in 16 ½ years we are without a dog. It seems the end of an era. One of our Swazi friends offered to find us a dog. It was such a sweet gesture, but I told her we were not looking for a dog at this time. We will miss Bubba as we miss Noel, Wolf and Stormie. They were wonderful and sweet pets and will always be in our memories.
Our yard still looks like a battlefield after a severe wind and rain storm came through Tuesday afternoon. As I stood in our study I heard the sound of trees falling and looked outside to see a large limb fall from a tree beside our bedroom, another tree tumbled down and limbs and branches were being blown everywhere. Thank goodness the house was not touched but I kept a close visual until the worse of the storm was over. Upon closer inspection another tree in the corner of the yard was uprooted.
After a slow start the rains have finally arrived in Swaziland. We hope the strong (not particularly stormy) rains will continue so the Swazis will have plenty of food to eat and water for their needs. Pray for a good year of harvest for the Swazi people.
Today Wayne is in the Shiselweni region attending the Shiselweni Association Meeting at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. The association is continuing to organize to meet on a regular basis under the leadership of Pastor Nkosingiphilie Dlamini. Pray all the churches in the Shiselweni region will make an effort to participate in making the association strong and will attend regularly scheduled meetings.
Tomorrow November 14th, the Thunzini Baptist Church will host a licensing service for their pastor, Nkosingiphile Dlamini. Pastor Dlamini has led this church for many years and is a strong leader and committed Christian. Pray for this very special service and the Lord will continue to bless Nkosingiphile and the Thunzini Baptist Church.
Wayne is in the process of organizing an ordination service for Pastors Nkhosingiphile Dlamini and Liswe Nsibandze (Velebantfu Baptist) sometime early next year.
We ask you to pray for the Mkhonta family of the Thunzini Baptist Church. Last week, Babe Mkhonta’s brother was killed when his son hit him over the head with a hoe. The father had been yelling at the son who is mentally/emotionally challenged and the son responded by hitting him on the head. It is a very sad situation. Please pray for this family and for the son who may not even realize what he has done.
NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER MINISTRY EVENTS:
-Todd and Deborah Hoskins return to Jo’burg from their time at 40/40 on the 19th of November. Pray for their safe journey to Swaziland.
--THANKSGIVING DAY November 25th. The Swazi Team will celebrate this special day at the Myers.
-Member care team, Larry and Dianne Randolph is visiting the Swazi Team December 7-9, 2010. They will be with Myers on the 7th.
-The Nthutwakazi Baptist Church will conduct revival services December 6-11. Pray for the church as preparations are made for these services. Pray the people’s heart will be ready for revival.
-Swazi Team’s end-of-the year retreat is scheduled for December 13-14 in White River, South Africa. In the past, the time has enabled the Team to not only have great fellowship together, but also praise the Lord for His blessings the past year and a time of prayer for future work. Pray the Lord will be glorified in the planning for this retreat.
--The Swazi Team will spend Christmas Day at the Allens in Mbabane!!
--Continue to remember Wayne’s sister, Patsy suffering from COPD and on oxygen. His brother Terry recently had his gall bladder removed. Pray his quarterly tests for the return of stage 4 cancer will show his cancer in remission. Pray for Wayne’s oldest brother having health issues related to his diabetes. Pray for Barbara’s brother-in-law as he continues to recover from his herniated disc surgery in 2009.
***Do You Know?
What are the main intermediate channels for Southern Baptist foreign missions funding?
Answer: The Cooperative Program, initiated in the mid-1920s to channel funds to the various Southern Baptist agencies, and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, which traces its origins back to 1888.
November 28-December 5: International Week of Prayer and Lottie Moon Christmas Offering J
Lottie Moon—the namesake of the International missions offering—has become something of a legend with us. But in her time, Lottie was anything but an untouchable hero. In fact, she was like today’s missionaries. She was a hardworking, deep-loving Southern Baptist who labored tirelessly so her people group could know Jesus.
Throughout her career, Lottie Moon wrote numerous letters home, urging Southern Baptists to greater missions involvement and support. One of those letters triggered Southern Baptists’ first Christmas offering for International missions—enough to send three new missionaries to China.
Please pray the 2010 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering will enable missionaries to be sent to minister to many lost and dying peoples. Pray Lottie Moon’s legacy will live through the IMB missionaries around the world.
PRAYER REQUESTS FROM IMB OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
--Please continue praying for the IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead our organization.
--November 15-19: Missions Expo for the Deaf, Richmond, Va. (participation by invitation only) Please pray for this special event.
---As you look toward 2011 remember www.inhomecarekits.org or info@gobgr.org are your contact sites for information to help fill kits that help families care for their loved ones with AIDS. You or your church’s help is needed in 2011 to supply enough kits to meet the requests from IMB missionaries ministering to AIDS victims. Please pray about this critical need.
This week’s country focus: FRANCE:
- Praise God for the growth in evangelical Christianity in the past 40 years. Pray that French believers would keep aflame the passion that they have had for the Lord, and that they would not be lulled into nominalism.
--To many French people, the evangelical message of personal salvation through faith is still seen as a foreign ideology. Evangelicals are referred to as “extreme emanations from the Reformed Church”. This has made outreach difficult. Pray that public opinion of Evangelical Christians would improve, and that people would be more receptive to their message.
-Islam is now the second largest religion in France. Mostly this growth has been through immigration and birth rates, but there are also many French nationals who have turned to Islam. There are less than 100 Christian workers in French reaching out to these people. Pray for more workers and for Muslims to come to know Christ as their Savior.
- (Information from The Ultimate Goal (TUG) a project of SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place during June and July 2010.)
I commit my way to you and entrust myself to your care. –Rebecca Currington
Sunday morning as Wayne was pulling out of the driveway he checked to see if he could see Bubba. Not seeing him, he thought he had gone back to the house. He pulled out of the driveway only hear the cry of our baby. It was a terrible moment for both of us as I came running out of the house. Using a wheel barrel we got him back to the house but it was obvious he was not in a good way. Our Bubba died on Monday and is buried next to Noel. For the first time in 16 ½ years we are without a dog. It seems the end of an era. One of our Swazi friends offered to find us a dog. It was such a sweet gesture, but I told her we were not looking for a dog at this time. We will miss Bubba as we miss Noel, Wolf and Stormie. They were wonderful and sweet pets and will always be in our memories.
Our yard still looks like a battlefield after a severe wind and rain storm came through Tuesday afternoon. As I stood in our study I heard the sound of trees falling and looked outside to see a large limb fall from a tree beside our bedroom, another tree tumbled down and limbs and branches were being blown everywhere. Thank goodness the house was not touched but I kept a close visual until the worse of the storm was over. Upon closer inspection another tree in the corner of the yard was uprooted.
After a slow start the rains have finally arrived in Swaziland. We hope the strong (not particularly stormy) rains will continue so the Swazis will have plenty of food to eat and water for their needs. Pray for a good year of harvest for the Swazi people.
Today Wayne is in the Shiselweni region attending the Shiselweni Association Meeting at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. The association is continuing to organize to meet on a regular basis under the leadership of Pastor Nkosingiphilie Dlamini. Pray all the churches in the Shiselweni region will make an effort to participate in making the association strong and will attend regularly scheduled meetings.
Tomorrow November 14th, the Thunzini Baptist Church will host a licensing service for their pastor, Nkosingiphile Dlamini. Pastor Dlamini has led this church for many years and is a strong leader and committed Christian. Pray for this very special service and the Lord will continue to bless Nkosingiphile and the Thunzini Baptist Church.
Wayne is in the process of organizing an ordination service for Pastors Nkhosingiphile Dlamini and Liswe Nsibandze (Velebantfu Baptist) sometime early next year.
We ask you to pray for the Mkhonta family of the Thunzini Baptist Church. Last week, Babe Mkhonta’s brother was killed when his son hit him over the head with a hoe. The father had been yelling at the son who is mentally/emotionally challenged and the son responded by hitting him on the head. It is a very sad situation. Please pray for this family and for the son who may not even realize what he has done.
NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER MINISTRY EVENTS:
-Todd and Deborah Hoskins return to Jo’burg from their time at 40/40 on the 19th of November. Pray for their safe journey to Swaziland.
--THANKSGIVING DAY November 25th. The Swazi Team will celebrate this special day at the Myers.
-Member care team, Larry and Dianne Randolph is visiting the Swazi Team December 7-9, 2010. They will be with Myers on the 7th.
-The Nthutwakazi Baptist Church will conduct revival services December 6-11. Pray for the church as preparations are made for these services. Pray the people’s heart will be ready for revival.
-Swazi Team’s end-of-the year retreat is scheduled for December 13-14 in White River, South Africa. In the past, the time has enabled the Team to not only have great fellowship together, but also praise the Lord for His blessings the past year and a time of prayer for future work. Pray the Lord will be glorified in the planning for this retreat.
--The Swazi Team will spend Christmas Day at the Allens in Mbabane!!
--Continue to remember Wayne’s sister, Patsy suffering from COPD and on oxygen. His brother Terry recently had his gall bladder removed. Pray his quarterly tests for the return of stage 4 cancer will show his cancer in remission. Pray for Wayne’s oldest brother having health issues related to his diabetes. Pray for Barbara’s brother-in-law as he continues to recover from his herniated disc surgery in 2009.
***Do You Know?
What are the main intermediate channels for Southern Baptist foreign missions funding?
Answer: The Cooperative Program, initiated in the mid-1920s to channel funds to the various Southern Baptist agencies, and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, which traces its origins back to 1888.
November 28-December 5: International Week of Prayer and Lottie Moon Christmas Offering J
Lottie Moon—the namesake of the International missions offering—has become something of a legend with us. But in her time, Lottie was anything but an untouchable hero. In fact, she was like today’s missionaries. She was a hardworking, deep-loving Southern Baptist who labored tirelessly so her people group could know Jesus.
Throughout her career, Lottie Moon wrote numerous letters home, urging Southern Baptists to greater missions involvement and support. One of those letters triggered Southern Baptists’ first Christmas offering for International missions—enough to send three new missionaries to China.
Please pray the 2010 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering will enable missionaries to be sent to minister to many lost and dying peoples. Pray Lottie Moon’s legacy will live through the IMB missionaries around the world.
PRAYER REQUESTS FROM IMB OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
--Please continue praying for the IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead our organization.
--November 15-19: Missions Expo for the Deaf, Richmond, Va. (participation by invitation only) Please pray for this special event.
---As you look toward 2011 remember www.inhomecarekits.org or info@gobgr.org are your contact sites for information to help fill kits that help families care for their loved ones with AIDS. You or your church’s help is needed in 2011 to supply enough kits to meet the requests from IMB missionaries ministering to AIDS victims. Please pray about this critical need.
This week’s country focus: FRANCE:
- Praise God for the growth in evangelical Christianity in the past 40 years. Pray that French believers would keep aflame the passion that they have had for the Lord, and that they would not be lulled into nominalism.
--To many French people, the evangelical message of personal salvation through faith is still seen as a foreign ideology. Evangelicals are referred to as “extreme emanations from the Reformed Church”. This has made outreach difficult. Pray that public opinion of Evangelical Christians would improve, and that people would be more receptive to their message.
-Islam is now the second largest religion in France. Mostly this growth has been through immigration and birth rates, but there are also many French nationals who have turned to Islam. There are less than 100 Christian workers in French reaching out to these people. Pray for more workers and for Muslims to come to know Christ as their Savior.
- (Information from The Ultimate Goal (TUG) a project of SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place during June and July 2010.)
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
Tuesday (November 2nd) was our scheduled Swazi Team meeting but plans had to be changed when Wayne felt he needed medical attention (he was in quite a bit of pain) for his right upper jaw and lower jaw. We were very fortunate to be able to see a doctor in Mbabane and from there was referred to a dentist. We were especially blessed that she was able to see Wayne on Tuesday since she had a very full schedule. We returned after lunch and by 2:30 she was assessing his problem that turned out to be a tooth that needed a route canal in his right upper jaw and his lower tooth had a slight infection. Doctor Stephens had given Wayne an antibiotic and pain pill and Dr. Rockley began working on his route canal that will be completed next month (December 15). We feel our Lord was walking with us along the way and assuring us that everything was going to be fine.
-We do not live near doctors or good medical care without driving about two hours. It is always a concern when we feel in the need of a doctor. Fortunately, we have received medical care when it is needed.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for most Swazis.
---Clinics do not have doctors or an adequate supply of medication.
--- Nurses in the clinics diagnose and prescribe medication.
---Hospitals are usually over crowded and patients may need to sleep on the floor.
---Families must care for the patient’s physical needs while in the hospital.
--Cleanliness is always a concern.
--Many continue to see the sangoma or witch doctor for medical attention. Please pray the government of Swaziland will see the need to provide doctors in clinics and supply of medications will be adequate. Pray Swazis will not seek the use of traditional methods of medical care.
We were not able to meet on Tuesday with the Allens. We did have lunch with them and discuss a few items on the agenda and did discuss the Swazi Team’s end-of-the year retreat is scheduled for December 13-14 in White River, South Africa. In the past, the time has enabled the Team to not only have great fellowship together, but also praise the Lord for His blessings the past year and a time of prayer for future work. Pray the Lord will be glorified in the planning for this retreat.
Remember Veteran’s Day on the 11th of November.
NOVEMBER MINISTRY EVENTS:
-November 13th, the Shiselweni Baptist Association will meet at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Pray as this association continues to organize to meet on a regular basis.
--November 14th, the Thunzini Baptist Church will host a licensing service for their pastor, Nkosingiphile Dlamini. Pastor Dlamini has led this church for many years and is a strong leader and committed Christian. Pray for this very special service and the Lord will continue to bless Nkosingiphile and the Thunzini Baptist Church.
--THANKSGIVING DAY November 25th. The Swazi Team will celebrate this special day at the Myers.
SWAZI TEAM PRAYER CONCERNS:
--Pray for Todd and Deborah Hoskins currently attending 40/40 (October 21-November 19). Please pray this will be a productive time of study and orientation.
--Pray for God’s direction as the Allens seek an area to start a new outreach group in the Hhohho region.
--Continue to remember Wayne’s sister, Patsy suffering from COPD and on oxygen. His brother Terry recently had his gall bladder removed. Pray his quarterly tests for the return of stage 4 cancer will show his cancer in remission. Pray for Wayne’s oldest brother having health issues related to his diabetes. Pray for Barbara’s brother-in-law as he continues to recover from his herniated disc surgery in 2009.
***Do You Know?
What is a non-resident missionary?
Answer: A missionary who is sent to help evangelize people groups in countries and regions where Christian work is severely restricted. Non-residential missionaries live outside the targeted area but work to develop ways of advancing the gospel there.
Lottie Moon poured into her letters more anguished pleas for new missionaries. September 16 she wrote a letter which was to become immortal among Southern Baptists. As early as 1881 the Women’s Missionary Society at Cartersville had taken offerings for Miss Moon on Christmas Day. These pious women who were unflinching in their commitment to missions thought this a fitting way to observe the Savior’s birth. They and their families were invited to church on Christmas to lay their mite boxes on the altar.
Now Miss Moon heard the Methodist women had decided to observe the week before Christmas 1887 as a time of prayer and self-denial for missions. She passed on this idea to Southern Baptists and it was published in the Foreign Mission Journal of December 1887.(From the book, The New Lottie Moon Story, 1980 Chapter 7)
Pray for the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2010 LMCO so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations. Pray Lottie Moon’s legacy will live through the IMB missionaries throughout the world.
PRAYER REQUESTS FROM IMB OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
--Please continue praying for the IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead our organization.
--November 9-10: IMB Board of Trustees meeting in Winston-Salem, NC
--November 10: Missionary Appointment Service at Calvary Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, NC
November 11-13: Missions Expo in Orlando, Fla. (participation by invitation only)
Please pray for these special events.
AIDS UPDATE:
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 (sexual partners) outside of marriage and a rural Swazi woman dare not question her husband’s behavior. Pray the Swazi people will see this cultural practice leads to the spread of HIV/AIDS.
--Remember www.inhomecarekits.org or info@gobgr.org are your contact sites for information to help fill kits that help families care for their loved ones with AIDS. You or your church’s help is needed in 2011 to supply enough kits to meet the requests from IMB missionaries ministering to AIDS victims. Please pray about this critical need.
This week’s country focus: URUGUAY:
- Uruguayan society has been characterized by secularism, and in fact is the most secular state in South America. Whilst 50% of the population is affiliated with the Catholic Church, less than 2% attend church. Pray for an awakening for the Uruguayan people.
-Evangelical churches have struggled through the last century to make an impact on Uruguay; however, in the last few decades, growth in the Baptist and Pentecostal churches has accelerated. Pray for a continued spiritual interest in society, for growth to continue and for unity amongst the churches.
--Missions vision in Uruguay has been limited, but is also growing. Pray for a passion in the church for reaching its community, as well as participating in reaching the rest of the world.
- (Information from The Ultimate Goal (TUG) a project of SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place during June and July 2010.)
O God, you are both the light and the guide of those who put their trust in you. Grant us in all our doubts and uncertainties the grace to ask what you would have us do; that he Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in your light we may see light; through Jesus Christ our Lord. –William Bright
Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.
Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word.
Psalm 119:35-37
-We do not live near doctors or good medical care without driving about two hours. It is always a concern when we feel in the need of a doctor. Fortunately, we have received medical care when it is needed.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for most Swazis.
---Clinics do not have doctors or an adequate supply of medication.
--- Nurses in the clinics diagnose and prescribe medication.
---Hospitals are usually over crowded and patients may need to sleep on the floor.
---Families must care for the patient’s physical needs while in the hospital.
--Cleanliness is always a concern.
--Many continue to see the sangoma or witch doctor for medical attention. Please pray the government of Swaziland will see the need to provide doctors in clinics and supply of medications will be adequate. Pray Swazis will not seek the use of traditional methods of medical care.
We were not able to meet on Tuesday with the Allens. We did have lunch with them and discuss a few items on the agenda and did discuss the Swazi Team’s end-of-the year retreat is scheduled for December 13-14 in White River, South Africa. In the past, the time has enabled the Team to not only have great fellowship together, but also praise the Lord for His blessings the past year and a time of prayer for future work. Pray the Lord will be glorified in the planning for this retreat.
Remember Veteran’s Day on the 11th of November.
NOVEMBER MINISTRY EVENTS:
-November 13th, the Shiselweni Baptist Association will meet at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Pray as this association continues to organize to meet on a regular basis.
--November 14th, the Thunzini Baptist Church will host a licensing service for their pastor, Nkosingiphile Dlamini. Pastor Dlamini has led this church for many years and is a strong leader and committed Christian. Pray for this very special service and the Lord will continue to bless Nkosingiphile and the Thunzini Baptist Church.
--THANKSGIVING DAY November 25th. The Swazi Team will celebrate this special day at the Myers.
SWAZI TEAM PRAYER CONCERNS:
--Pray for Todd and Deborah Hoskins currently attending 40/40 (October 21-November 19). Please pray this will be a productive time of study and orientation.
--Pray for God’s direction as the Allens seek an area to start a new outreach group in the Hhohho region.
--Continue to remember Wayne’s sister, Patsy suffering from COPD and on oxygen. His brother Terry recently had his gall bladder removed. Pray his quarterly tests for the return of stage 4 cancer will show his cancer in remission. Pray for Wayne’s oldest brother having health issues related to his diabetes. Pray for Barbara’s brother-in-law as he continues to recover from his herniated disc surgery in 2009.
***Do You Know?
What is a non-resident missionary?
Answer: A missionary who is sent to help evangelize people groups in countries and regions where Christian work is severely restricted. Non-residential missionaries live outside the targeted area but work to develop ways of advancing the gospel there.
Lottie Moon poured into her letters more anguished pleas for new missionaries. September 16 she wrote a letter which was to become immortal among Southern Baptists. As early as 1881 the Women’s Missionary Society at Cartersville had taken offerings for Miss Moon on Christmas Day. These pious women who were unflinching in their commitment to missions thought this a fitting way to observe the Savior’s birth. They and their families were invited to church on Christmas to lay their mite boxes on the altar.
Now Miss Moon heard the Methodist women had decided to observe the week before Christmas 1887 as a time of prayer and self-denial for missions. She passed on this idea to Southern Baptists and it was published in the Foreign Mission Journal of December 1887.(From the book, The New Lottie Moon Story, 1980 Chapter 7)
Pray for the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2010 LMCO so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations. Pray Lottie Moon’s legacy will live through the IMB missionaries throughout the world.
PRAYER REQUESTS FROM IMB OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
--Please continue praying for the IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead our organization.
--November 9-10: IMB Board of Trustees meeting in Winston-Salem, NC
--November 10: Missionary Appointment Service at Calvary Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, NC
November 11-13: Missions Expo in Orlando, Fla. (participation by invitation only)
Please pray for these special events.
AIDS UPDATE:
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 (sexual partners) outside of marriage and a rural Swazi woman dare not question her husband’s behavior. Pray the Swazi people will see this cultural practice leads to the spread of HIV/AIDS.
--Remember www.inhomecarekits.org or info@gobgr.org are your contact sites for information to help fill kits that help families care for their loved ones with AIDS. You or your church’s help is needed in 2011 to supply enough kits to meet the requests from IMB missionaries ministering to AIDS victims. Please pray about this critical need.
This week’s country focus: URUGUAY:
- Uruguayan society has been characterized by secularism, and in fact is the most secular state in South America. Whilst 50% of the population is affiliated with the Catholic Church, less than 2% attend church. Pray for an awakening for the Uruguayan people.
-Evangelical churches have struggled through the last century to make an impact on Uruguay; however, in the last few decades, growth in the Baptist and Pentecostal churches has accelerated. Pray for a continued spiritual interest in society, for growth to continue and for unity amongst the churches.
--Missions vision in Uruguay has been limited, but is also growing. Pray for a passion in the church for reaching its community, as well as participating in reaching the rest of the world.
- (Information from The Ultimate Goal (TUG) a project of SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place during June and July 2010.)
O God, you are both the light and the guide of those who put their trust in you. Grant us in all our doubts and uncertainties the grace to ask what you would have us do; that he Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in your light we may see light; through Jesus Christ our Lord. –William Bright
Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.
Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word.
Psalm 119:35-37
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
The week before the Maphungwane children’s camp, the pastor phoned to say 42 children had paid their camp fee and he was expecting just a few more to attend. To be sure I had plenty of supplies I prepared for 60. When the total was taken approximately 65 children attended the third children’s camp October 22-24. Numbers are nice but unfortunately, the church did not provide enough workers to help with the camp. Even so we did survive!! We praise the Lord for His blessings and continued presence throughout the 2 ½ days of camp. Sunday morning was very special as the children were the worship leaders for the service. They did a great job and were so excited to have such an important part in the worship.
Pray the members of the Maphungwane Baptist Church will support a strong discipleship program for their children.
--Another highlight of the Sunday morning service at Mphungwane was a baptism service. Three adults were obedient to the Lord in baptism. Pray these will understand the importance of following Jesus even though the Christian lifestyle will conflict with the Swazi culture and traditions.
--During our holiday at the Kruger Game Reserve October 26-29, we were able to see all the BIG FIVE (elephant, cape buffalo, white rhino (we also saw the black rhino), lion and leopard)!! Being an avid bird watcher I was also thrilled with the many varieties that we saw and able to identify. Our drive around the park was so relaxing and it was easy to enjoy God’s beautiful creation. We never tire of visiting the park and are never disappointed!!
--One thing I noticed was the dry condition of the park. The rains have not begun and upon our arrival on Tuesday we saw fields of burnt grass from a fire the day before caused by lightening. The grass and food for the animals was brown (or black from the fire) and many of the smaller drinking pools were dry. Pray the rains will start and will replenish the grass and drinking pools. Pray soon everything will be green instead of brown.
---Please continue to pray the rains will be plentiful throughout Swaziland. Pray the Swazi’s field of mealies will receive enough rain to provide food until the next growing season.
THIS WEEK’S EVENTS:
--The Swazi Team meets on the 2nd of November (minus the Hoskins attending 40/40). This is the first team meeting in several months. Pray as the team discusses future ministries and other business.
--The executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets Saturday Nov. 6th. Pray for the committee as they continue to discuss and plan future ministries and events.
NOVEMBER MINISTRY EVENTS:
-November 13th, the Shiselweni Baptist Association will meet at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Pray as this association continues to organize to meet on a regular basis.
--November 14th, the Thunzini Baptist Church will host a licensing service for their pastor, Nkosingiphile Dlamini. Pastor Dlamini has led this church for many years and is a strong leader and committed Christian. Pray for this very special service and the Lord will continue to bless Nkosingiphile and the Thunzini Baptist Church.
--THANKSGIVING DAY November 25th. The Swazi Team will celebrate this special day at the Myers.
SWAZI TEAM PRAYER CONCERNS:
-- Continue to remember Wayne’s sister, Patsy suffering from COPD and on oxygen. His brother Terry recently had his gall bladder removed. Pray his quarterly tests for the return of stage 4 cancer will show his cancer in remission. Pray for Wayne’s oldest brother having health issues related to his diabetes. Pray for Barbara’s brother-in-law as he continues to recover from his herniated disc surgery in 2009.
--Pray for Todd and Deborah Hoskins currently attending 40/40 (October 21-November 19). Please pray this will be a productive time of study and orientation.
--Please pray for the Allen family each Sunday as they worship with their Swazi brothers and sisters in the different Baptist churches. Swazis do not always attend church as a family and Steve and Monica want to be a strong example to those around them. The hard part is Nathan (2-year old) does not like to sit still very long and it can be quite challenging.
***Do You Know?
What country has been served the longest by Southern Baptist missionaries?
Answer: Nigeria, entered in 1850. In fact, Nigeria was Southern Baptists only mission field in Africa for 100 years.
It was a different Lottie Moon—Miss Moon—who sailed for China on November 8, 1877. In contrast to the eager neophyte run by faith alone four years ago, this woman was clothed in skill and confidence. She was a thoroughly professional missionary both in mind and emotion. Among the thirteen other missionaries on board the Tokio Maru, she was the object of respect.
She would settle in her private home, pick up a definite work as a schoolteacher, walk calmly in the face of danger, and speak and mingle comfortably with the Chinese people. With the ship gliding smoothly across troubled waters, Lottie Moon had a delightful trip. (From the book, The New Lottie Moon Story, 1980 Chapter 6)
It is time for your church to start promoting and setting a goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Pray for the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2010 LMCO so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
PRAYER REQUESTS FROM IMB OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
--Please continue praying for the IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead our organization.
AIDS UPDATE:
Pray as the trends of pregnancy out of wedlock, several sexual partners, more than one wife and relationships, and a disregard for God’s Word continue to dominate the lives of both Christian and non-Christian Swazis.
--Remember www.inhomecarekits.org or info@gobgr.org are your contact sites for information to help fill kits that help families care for their loved ones with AIDS. You or your church’s help is needed in 2011 to supply enough kits to meet the requests from IMB missionaries ministering to AIDS victims. Please pray about this critical need.
This week’s country focus: CHILE:
- Pray for unity amongst the fragmented evangelical congregations. There are estimated between 1500 and 5000 denominations, with one or two new ones starting each week. There is a need here also for reconciliation and humility.
--There is an attitude of contempt in the church for theological training and message preparation before services, resulting in poor teaching, legalism and a lack of appreciation for the Word. Pray for humility to recognize the need for training, and dependence on God for pastors combined with hard work and preparation.
--Pray for forgiveness in this deeply divided nation. The political problems of the past continue to be painful issues for many people. Christians are also divided on some of the issues; pray for reconciliation and unity.
- (Information from The Ultimate Goal (TUG) a project of SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place during June and July 2010.)
O God in heaven, you love us so completely that you even provide a means by which we can be released from pain and discouragement through laughter. How mind-bogglingly creative! Help us to rise up out of the dark corners of our soul and believe you have indeed provided medicine for joyful healing. May we take at least one dose every day. Amen --Marilyn Meberg
For you to revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. Malachi 4:2
Pray the members of the Maphungwane Baptist Church will support a strong discipleship program for their children.
--Another highlight of the Sunday morning service at Mphungwane was a baptism service. Three adults were obedient to the Lord in baptism. Pray these will understand the importance of following Jesus even though the Christian lifestyle will conflict with the Swazi culture and traditions.
--During our holiday at the Kruger Game Reserve October 26-29, we were able to see all the BIG FIVE (elephant, cape buffalo, white rhino (we also saw the black rhino), lion and leopard)!! Being an avid bird watcher I was also thrilled with the many varieties that we saw and able to identify. Our drive around the park was so relaxing and it was easy to enjoy God’s beautiful creation. We never tire of visiting the park and are never disappointed!!
--One thing I noticed was the dry condition of the park. The rains have not begun and upon our arrival on Tuesday we saw fields of burnt grass from a fire the day before caused by lightening. The grass and food for the animals was brown (or black from the fire) and many of the smaller drinking pools were dry. Pray the rains will start and will replenish the grass and drinking pools. Pray soon everything will be green instead of brown.
---Please continue to pray the rains will be plentiful throughout Swaziland. Pray the Swazi’s field of mealies will receive enough rain to provide food until the next growing season.
THIS WEEK’S EVENTS:
--The Swazi Team meets on the 2nd of November (minus the Hoskins attending 40/40). This is the first team meeting in several months. Pray as the team discusses future ministries and other business.
--The executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets Saturday Nov. 6th. Pray for the committee as they continue to discuss and plan future ministries and events.
NOVEMBER MINISTRY EVENTS:
-November 13th, the Shiselweni Baptist Association will meet at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Pray as this association continues to organize to meet on a regular basis.
--November 14th, the Thunzini Baptist Church will host a licensing service for their pastor, Nkosingiphile Dlamini. Pastor Dlamini has led this church for many years and is a strong leader and committed Christian. Pray for this very special service and the Lord will continue to bless Nkosingiphile and the Thunzini Baptist Church.
--THANKSGIVING DAY November 25th. The Swazi Team will celebrate this special day at the Myers.
SWAZI TEAM PRAYER CONCERNS:
-- Continue to remember Wayne’s sister, Patsy suffering from COPD and on oxygen. His brother Terry recently had his gall bladder removed. Pray his quarterly tests for the return of stage 4 cancer will show his cancer in remission. Pray for Wayne’s oldest brother having health issues related to his diabetes. Pray for Barbara’s brother-in-law as he continues to recover from his herniated disc surgery in 2009.
--Pray for Todd and Deborah Hoskins currently attending 40/40 (October 21-November 19). Please pray this will be a productive time of study and orientation.
--Please pray for the Allen family each Sunday as they worship with their Swazi brothers and sisters in the different Baptist churches. Swazis do not always attend church as a family and Steve and Monica want to be a strong example to those around them. The hard part is Nathan (2-year old) does not like to sit still very long and it can be quite challenging.
***Do You Know?
What country has been served the longest by Southern Baptist missionaries?
Answer: Nigeria, entered in 1850. In fact, Nigeria was Southern Baptists only mission field in Africa for 100 years.
It was a different Lottie Moon—Miss Moon—who sailed for China on November 8, 1877. In contrast to the eager neophyte run by faith alone four years ago, this woman was clothed in skill and confidence. She was a thoroughly professional missionary both in mind and emotion. Among the thirteen other missionaries on board the Tokio Maru, she was the object of respect.
She would settle in her private home, pick up a definite work as a schoolteacher, walk calmly in the face of danger, and speak and mingle comfortably with the Chinese people. With the ship gliding smoothly across troubled waters, Lottie Moon had a delightful trip. (From the book, The New Lottie Moon Story, 1980 Chapter 6)
It is time for your church to start promoting and setting a goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Pray for the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2010 LMCO so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
PRAYER REQUESTS FROM IMB OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
--Please continue praying for the IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead our organization.
AIDS UPDATE:
Pray as the trends of pregnancy out of wedlock, several sexual partners, more than one wife and relationships, and a disregard for God’s Word continue to dominate the lives of both Christian and non-Christian Swazis.
--Remember www.inhomecarekits.org or info@gobgr.org are your contact sites for information to help fill kits that help families care for their loved ones with AIDS. You or your church’s help is needed in 2011 to supply enough kits to meet the requests from IMB missionaries ministering to AIDS victims. Please pray about this critical need.
This week’s country focus: CHILE:
- Pray for unity amongst the fragmented evangelical congregations. There are estimated between 1500 and 5000 denominations, with one or two new ones starting each week. There is a need here also for reconciliation and humility.
--There is an attitude of contempt in the church for theological training and message preparation before services, resulting in poor teaching, legalism and a lack of appreciation for the Word. Pray for humility to recognize the need for training, and dependence on God for pastors combined with hard work and preparation.
--Pray for forgiveness in this deeply divided nation. The political problems of the past continue to be painful issues for many people. Christians are also divided on some of the issues; pray for reconciliation and unity.
- (Information from The Ultimate Goal (TUG) a project of SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place during June and July 2010.)
O God in heaven, you love us so completely that you even provide a means by which we can be released from pain and discouragement through laughter. How mind-bogglingly creative! Help us to rise up out of the dark corners of our soul and believe you have indeed provided medicine for joyful healing. May we take at least one dose every day. Amen --Marilyn Meberg
For you to revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. Malachi 4:2
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
November Prayer Calendar
Monday November 1: Many Swazis are hoping the rains will be plentiful this growing season. After the planting of their corn (mealie), strong and frequent rains are needed. As long as there is mealie, there is food. Pray there will be enough water in the rivers and streams to meet the people’s needs. Pray the rains will be plentiful throughout Swaziland. Pray the Swazi’s field of mealies will receive enough rain to provide food until the next growing season.
Tuesday November 2: The Swazi Team meets today (minus the Hoskins currently attending 40/40). This is the first team meeting in several months. Pray as the team discusses future ministries and other business, the Lord’s presence will be felt.
Wednesday November 3: Pray for Todd and Deborah Hoskins currently attending 40/40 (Oct. 21-Nov. 19). Please pray this will be a productive time of study and the Lord will use the Hoskins to reach those He has prepared.
Thursday November 4: What organization sets the goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering? Answer: The Woman’s Missionary Union
Has your church set the goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering? Every penny given to Lottie Moon is used to support your Southern Baptist missionaries as they share the gospel overseas. Pray for the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2010 LMCO so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
Friday November 5: Please pray for the Allen family each Sunday as they worship with their Swazi brothers and sisters in the different Baptist churches. Swazis do not always attend church as a family and Steve and Monica want to be a strong example to those around them. The hard part is Nathan (2-year old) does not like to sit still very long and it can be quite challenging.
Saturday November 6: The executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets today. Pray for the committee as they continue to discuss and plan future ministries and events.
Sunday November 7: The Allens report many Swazis are waiting baptism and ask for prayer for the right weather and opportunities for different churches to have their new believers follow Christ in believers baptism. One special person also waiting to be baptized is their daughter, Lacie. Lacie wanted to return to Swaziland to be baptized. Pray Lacie understands the importance of baptism in her life.
Monday November 8: She shared of her life as a young girl/woman before she became a child of the King. The details were chilling to those listening. While discussing the session that dealt with forgiveness she admitted that there was someone she has never been able to forgive until now. She mingled with the other ladies and everyone enjoyed getting to know her. This was her first Women’s Retreat but will probably not be her last. The Lord is working in her life as well as many Swazi Baptist women. Blessings were given during the Swazi Baptist Women’s Retreat October 14-16. Thank you for praying for this event. Pray each lady understood the importance of prayer and the need for a daily time of talking and listening to the Lord. Pray the Lord will continue to bless the lives of those who attended this year’s retreat.
Tuesday November 9: Missionary Wayne Myers has begun a TEE (Theological Education by Extension) class with the Mafucula and Vuvulane Baptist Churches. Approximately 15 individuals have shown an interest in this study. Pray the study will go well and will help those attending become strong committed leaders.
Wednesday November 10: For 2010 BGR (Baptist Global Response) requested help from SBC churches to fill 6,000 Home Health Care kits (5-gallon bucket that contains items that help patients keep clean and dry, items to protect their mat and mattress from soling and vitamins) but only were able to fill 1,500. Since Swaziland has one of the highest AIDS rates in the world, the Swazi Team requested 300 kits to help families care for their loved ones with AIDS but were only guaranteed 25-30 kits. BGR needs your help. If you or your church is interested in helping provide Home Health Care Kits for AIDS victims please contact www.inhomecarekits.org. Pray the use of these items by loving caregivers will show the love and compassion that Jesus Christ has for the terminally ill.
Thursday November 11: Planning has begun for a new Bible study group at the Swazi Citrus Farm in Tshaneni. Pray for this new area of work and for the Myers as they seek to glorify the Lord in this ministry
Friday November 12: Imagine every Sunday arriving to church to find no one to lead the service or preach the sermon. The faithful few that continue to attend every Sunday try to encourage others to come and support the church. Youth and children programs suffer or are non-existent. Pray for godly, strong and faithful leaders to take a stand for Christ and press on against deep rooted cultural beliefs as well as expectations from the family. Pray for a strong leader for every Swazi Baptist church.
Saturday November 13: Today the Shiselweni Baptist Association meets at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Pray as this association continues to organize to meet on a regular basis.
Sunday November 14: Today the Thunzini Baptist will conduct a special licensing service for their pastor Nkosingiphile Dlamini. Pastor Dlamini has led this church for many years and is a strong leader and committed Christian. Pray for this very special service and pray the Lord will continue to bless Nkosingiphile and the Thunzini Baptist Church.
Monday November 15: I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 Pray that the high appreciation of Jesus Christ as a prophet and miracle worker can be used of the Holy Spirit to open the hearts of the Muslims of Swaziland to accept Him as their Savior.
Tuesday November 16: Pray for God’s direction as the Allens seek an area to start a new outreach group in the Hhohho region.
Wednesday November 17: Pray for the person the Hawane Baptist Church paid to clear and grate the plot of land for building of their church structure. This individual has not begun the job he was paid to do.
Thursday November 18: Approximately 80 percent of the Swazi people claim to be Christian but true allegiance is more often to Swazi Traditional religion. Swazis are open to the gospel as long as the approach is culturally sensitive and respectful. Pray many Swazis will truly understand who Jesus is and follow Him completely putting aside traditions that conflict with the Christian way of life. Pray the King of Swaziland, his wives and children will have a chance to hear and understand the gospel message and what it means to be a Christian.
Friday November 19: Continue to remember Wayne Myers’ sister suffering from COPD and on oxygen. His brother, Terry recently had his gall bladder removed. Pray his quarterly tests for the return of stage 4 cancer will show his cancer in remission. Pray for Wayne’s oldest brother having health issues related to his diabetes. Pray for Barbara’s brother-in-law as he continues to recover from his herniated disc surgery in 2009.
Saturday November 20: Today Todd and Deborah Hoskins return to Swaziland after attending the intense missionary training 40/40. Pray for the beginning of new ministries and a deeper relationship with the Lord.
Sunday November 21: Pray for the controversy and conflicts that are happening at Victory Baptist Church due to leadership by one person. It is causing the folks to leave the church. Pray for the Allens as they seek the Lord’s direction in dealing with this sticky situation.
Monday November 22: It is acceptable in the Swazi culture for a man to be intimate with his fiancé before marriage to determine if she is fertile. If she cannot produce children he is not obligated to marry her. Pray the Swazi people will see this kind of cultural practice leads to the spread of HIV/AIDS. Pray the heart of the Swazi people will turn to the Lord.
Tuesday November 23: With the upcoming holidays, pray for missionaries all over the world not able to be with their extended families. Holidays are probably the times most missionaries can be homesick and missing family gatherings. Pray especially for the Hoskins as they face the holidays being overseas for the first time.
Wednesday November 24: Plans have begun for the Swazi Team’s end-of-the-year retreat. In the past, the time has enabled the Team to not only have great fellowship together, but also praise the Lord for His blessings the past year and a time of prayer for future work. We thank the Lord for this special time of celebration. Pray as the Team selects a date, venue and agenda for 2010’s retreat. Pray in all things the Lord will be glorified. (Update: Swazi Team Retreat will be in Nelspruit on 13-15 December.)
Thursday November 25: Thanksgiving Day!
Over the river and through the wood,
To grandfather’s house we go;
The horse knows the way
To carry the sleigh
Through the white and drifted snow.
We will not be going to grandfather’s house or traveling through drifting snow, but the Swazi Team will meet in Tshaneni to celebrate Thanksgivng Day. Pray for a time of fun, fellowship and giving thanks for the blessings the Lord daily provides us.
Friday November 26: SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN UNENGAGED PEOPLES:
Pray for the Jahanka people of Mali. There are not many of them and they are dying out. They are extremely strict Muslims, believing Muhammad to be their uncle. They are very proud of their strong Muslim heritage. Pray they will come in contact with believers and they will turn to the truth.
Saturday November 27: Too many lives are being lost to the Kingdom: About 25,000 people die every day—one person every three seconds--from hunger or hunger related causes, according to the United Nations. God cares about people in need—so many of them are His lost children. Pray God’s people will meet the challenge of addressing the many hunger needs around the world. Check these websites: www.gobgr.org and www.worldhungerfund.com.
Sunday November 28: WEEK OF PRAYER FOR INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS AND THE LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING (Nov. 28-Dec.5)
The sun shining on the sparkling waters of the San Francisco Bay when the Costa Rica steamed out at noon September 1, 1873. A cluster of long-faced missionaries of several denominations, all bound for the Orient, waved good-bye from the rear of the ship. These missionaries never expected to see the shore of America again or to embrace the loved ones left there.Lottie Moon, although on board, did not stand with this group. She had measured the realities of her departure weeks before. She was commissioned to stay in China until total breakdown or death. So she had cut her ties in Virginia and shed her tears along the central railroad route to the Pacific. Now the pain of leaving dimmed behind the future’s bright glow.
--Tuesday December 24, 1912, Harbor of Kobe, Japan Miss Lottie Moon age 72 died.
Both Christians and non-Christians wept at the news of her death. Those in Tengchow felt that injustice had been abused because she had not been allowed to die in the city. They hastened to erect a monument “to bequeath the love of Miss Lottie Moon, an American missionary. The Tengchow church remembers forever. (From the book, The New Lottie Moon Story, 1980)
Remember to lift up your IMB missionaries this week as they minister in various areas with many different people groups. May Lottie Moon’s legacy continue to live through the over 5,000 IMB missionaries throughout the world.
Monday November 29: Please continue praying for the IMB Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead our organization.
Tuesday November 30: Pray for the new church, Jikwene Baptist and pastor Musa Mamba. Last month Wayne Myers was introduced to the pastor. The church began about 5 months ago. Pray the Lord will be glorified in this new work.
Tuesday November 2: The Swazi Team meets today (minus the Hoskins currently attending 40/40). This is the first team meeting in several months. Pray as the team discusses future ministries and other business, the Lord’s presence will be felt.
Wednesday November 3: Pray for Todd and Deborah Hoskins currently attending 40/40 (Oct. 21-Nov. 19). Please pray this will be a productive time of study and the Lord will use the Hoskins to reach those He has prepared.
Thursday November 4: What organization sets the goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering? Answer: The Woman’s Missionary Union
Has your church set the goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering? Every penny given to Lottie Moon is used to support your Southern Baptist missionaries as they share the gospel overseas. Pray for the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2010 LMCO so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
Friday November 5: Please pray for the Allen family each Sunday as they worship with their Swazi brothers and sisters in the different Baptist churches. Swazis do not always attend church as a family and Steve and Monica want to be a strong example to those around them. The hard part is Nathan (2-year old) does not like to sit still very long and it can be quite challenging.
Saturday November 6: The executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets today. Pray for the committee as they continue to discuss and plan future ministries and events.
Sunday November 7: The Allens report many Swazis are waiting baptism and ask for prayer for the right weather and opportunities for different churches to have their new believers follow Christ in believers baptism. One special person also waiting to be baptized is their daughter, Lacie. Lacie wanted to return to Swaziland to be baptized. Pray Lacie understands the importance of baptism in her life.
Monday November 8: She shared of her life as a young girl/woman before she became a child of the King. The details were chilling to those listening. While discussing the session that dealt with forgiveness she admitted that there was someone she has never been able to forgive until now. She mingled with the other ladies and everyone enjoyed getting to know her. This was her first Women’s Retreat but will probably not be her last. The Lord is working in her life as well as many Swazi Baptist women. Blessings were given during the Swazi Baptist Women’s Retreat October 14-16. Thank you for praying for this event. Pray each lady understood the importance of prayer and the need for a daily time of talking and listening to the Lord. Pray the Lord will continue to bless the lives of those who attended this year’s retreat.
Tuesday November 9: Missionary Wayne Myers has begun a TEE (Theological Education by Extension) class with the Mafucula and Vuvulane Baptist Churches. Approximately 15 individuals have shown an interest in this study. Pray the study will go well and will help those attending become strong committed leaders.
Wednesday November 10: For 2010 BGR (Baptist Global Response) requested help from SBC churches to fill 6,000 Home Health Care kits (5-gallon bucket that contains items that help patients keep clean and dry, items to protect their mat and mattress from soling and vitamins) but only were able to fill 1,500. Since Swaziland has one of the highest AIDS rates in the world, the Swazi Team requested 300 kits to help families care for their loved ones with AIDS but were only guaranteed 25-30 kits. BGR needs your help. If you or your church is interested in helping provide Home Health Care Kits for AIDS victims please contact www.inhomecarekits.org. Pray the use of these items by loving caregivers will show the love and compassion that Jesus Christ has for the terminally ill.
Thursday November 11: Planning has begun for a new Bible study group at the Swazi Citrus Farm in Tshaneni. Pray for this new area of work and for the Myers as they seek to glorify the Lord in this ministry
Friday November 12: Imagine every Sunday arriving to church to find no one to lead the service or preach the sermon. The faithful few that continue to attend every Sunday try to encourage others to come and support the church. Youth and children programs suffer or are non-existent. Pray for godly, strong and faithful leaders to take a stand for Christ and press on against deep rooted cultural beliefs as well as expectations from the family. Pray for a strong leader for every Swazi Baptist church.
Saturday November 13: Today the Shiselweni Baptist Association meets at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Pray as this association continues to organize to meet on a regular basis.
Sunday November 14: Today the Thunzini Baptist will conduct a special licensing service for their pastor Nkosingiphile Dlamini. Pastor Dlamini has led this church for many years and is a strong leader and committed Christian. Pray for this very special service and pray the Lord will continue to bless Nkosingiphile and the Thunzini Baptist Church.
Monday November 15: I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 Pray that the high appreciation of Jesus Christ as a prophet and miracle worker can be used of the Holy Spirit to open the hearts of the Muslims of Swaziland to accept Him as their Savior.
Tuesday November 16: Pray for God’s direction as the Allens seek an area to start a new outreach group in the Hhohho region.
Wednesday November 17: Pray for the person the Hawane Baptist Church paid to clear and grate the plot of land for building of their church structure. This individual has not begun the job he was paid to do.
Thursday November 18: Approximately 80 percent of the Swazi people claim to be Christian but true allegiance is more often to Swazi Traditional religion. Swazis are open to the gospel as long as the approach is culturally sensitive and respectful. Pray many Swazis will truly understand who Jesus is and follow Him completely putting aside traditions that conflict with the Christian way of life. Pray the King of Swaziland, his wives and children will have a chance to hear and understand the gospel message and what it means to be a Christian.
Friday November 19: Continue to remember Wayne Myers’ sister suffering from COPD and on oxygen. His brother, Terry recently had his gall bladder removed. Pray his quarterly tests for the return of stage 4 cancer will show his cancer in remission. Pray for Wayne’s oldest brother having health issues related to his diabetes. Pray for Barbara’s brother-in-law as he continues to recover from his herniated disc surgery in 2009.
Saturday November 20: Today Todd and Deborah Hoskins return to Swaziland after attending the intense missionary training 40/40. Pray for the beginning of new ministries and a deeper relationship with the Lord.
Sunday November 21: Pray for the controversy and conflicts that are happening at Victory Baptist Church due to leadership by one person. It is causing the folks to leave the church. Pray for the Allens as they seek the Lord’s direction in dealing with this sticky situation.
Monday November 22: It is acceptable in the Swazi culture for a man to be intimate with his fiancé before marriage to determine if she is fertile. If she cannot produce children he is not obligated to marry her. Pray the Swazi people will see this kind of cultural practice leads to the spread of HIV/AIDS. Pray the heart of the Swazi people will turn to the Lord.
Tuesday November 23: With the upcoming holidays, pray for missionaries all over the world not able to be with their extended families. Holidays are probably the times most missionaries can be homesick and missing family gatherings. Pray especially for the Hoskins as they face the holidays being overseas for the first time.
Wednesday November 24: Plans have begun for the Swazi Team’s end-of-the-year retreat. In the past, the time has enabled the Team to not only have great fellowship together, but also praise the Lord for His blessings the past year and a time of prayer for future work. We thank the Lord for this special time of celebration. Pray as the Team selects a date, venue and agenda for 2010’s retreat. Pray in all things the Lord will be glorified. (Update: Swazi Team Retreat will be in Nelspruit on 13-15 December.)
Thursday November 25: Thanksgiving Day!
Over the river and through the wood,
To grandfather’s house we go;
The horse knows the way
To carry the sleigh
Through the white and drifted snow.
We will not be going to grandfather’s house or traveling through drifting snow, but the Swazi Team will meet in Tshaneni to celebrate Thanksgivng Day. Pray for a time of fun, fellowship and giving thanks for the blessings the Lord daily provides us.
Friday November 26: SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN UNENGAGED PEOPLES:
Pray for the Jahanka people of Mali. There are not many of them and they are dying out. They are extremely strict Muslims, believing Muhammad to be their uncle. They are very proud of their strong Muslim heritage. Pray they will come in contact with believers and they will turn to the truth.
Saturday November 27: Too many lives are being lost to the Kingdom: About 25,000 people die every day—one person every three seconds--from hunger or hunger related causes, according to the United Nations. God cares about people in need—so many of them are His lost children. Pray God’s people will meet the challenge of addressing the many hunger needs around the world. Check these websites: www.gobgr.org and www.worldhungerfund.com.
Sunday November 28: WEEK OF PRAYER FOR INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS AND THE LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING (Nov. 28-Dec.5)
The sun shining on the sparkling waters of the San Francisco Bay when the Costa Rica steamed out at noon September 1, 1873. A cluster of long-faced missionaries of several denominations, all bound for the Orient, waved good-bye from the rear of the ship. These missionaries never expected to see the shore of America again or to embrace the loved ones left there.Lottie Moon, although on board, did not stand with this group. She had measured the realities of her departure weeks before. She was commissioned to stay in China until total breakdown or death. So she had cut her ties in Virginia and shed her tears along the central railroad route to the Pacific. Now the pain of leaving dimmed behind the future’s bright glow.
--Tuesday December 24, 1912, Harbor of Kobe, Japan Miss Lottie Moon age 72 died.
Both Christians and non-Christians wept at the news of her death. Those in Tengchow felt that injustice had been abused because she had not been allowed to die in the city. They hastened to erect a monument “to bequeath the love of Miss Lottie Moon, an American missionary. The Tengchow church remembers forever. (From the book, The New Lottie Moon Story, 1980)
Remember to lift up your IMB missionaries this week as they minister in various areas with many different people groups. May Lottie Moon’s legacy continue to live through the over 5,000 IMB missionaries throughout the world.
Monday November 29: Please continue praying for the IMB Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead our organization.
Tuesday November 30: Pray for the new church, Jikwene Baptist and pastor Musa Mamba. Last month Wayne Myers was introduced to the pastor. The church began about 5 months ago. Pray the Lord will be glorified in this new work.
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