Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

So sorry you did not hear from us last week and receive the Swazitalk weekly prayer letter. Last Thursday when I tried to boot up my computer, it refused to come on. Wayne took it to a computer shop and was told we had a big problem (which means big bucks!!). Last night Wayne was able to get my computer on and I now have my address book on Wayne’s old laptop computer which enables me to send the prayer letter (even though the format is different). We don’t know what our next step will be concerning my 2007 Dell computer that besides this problem, crashed when we first booted it up in 2007 and crashed again in 2008. Please pray for us as we decide whether to fix the computer or try to get a new one. Thanks!!


--Thursday August 26-29 was the National Youth Camp!! Approximately 180 youth from the all the Swazi Baptist churches registered. The volunteer team from the First Baptist Church in Belton, Texas led many of the sessions. Wayne attended (pitching his tent) and was pleased with the overall camp and felt the ministry of the team and those leading the sessions was affirmative. Thank you for praying!! Please continue to pray for the youth of the Swazi Baptist churches to see the need to commit their lives totally to the Lord even when culture differs.


--The second children’s camp met at the New Hope Baptist Church (Shiselweni region) on Monday-Wednesday (Aug. 30-Sept. 1). Approximately 50 children attended this camp. Overall I felt the camp went well. We were able to accomplish what we planned even though there were a few mishaps. Tuesday the big tent we used for children’s evening worship and sleeping area for the boys fell down due to strong winds. We were able to find places for the boys to sleep that night. During the evening worship the generator ran out of petrol and we used a lantern for light. But the children were unfazed since most of them do not have electricity in their homes.

I think one of the most spiritually touching part of our worship was Annah Thwala telling the crucifixion story using the Resurrection Eggs. If you are not familiar with this tool, there are 12 plastic eggs. In each egg (except for one) there is a little item that attributes to the lesson. The teacher opens up the egg, shows the item and then begins to tell the story. Wednesday morning Annah felt she needed to retell the story due to the interruption of the loss of light and other things. So as each egg was opened the children told her what the item represented and also she organized the children to act out the event represented by each egg. It was truly darling. At the end Jesus had been wrapped in cloth and put in the tomb. Soldiers (Swazi soldiers) guarded the tomb but when the last egg was opened, it was empty (as was Jesus’ tomb). We all clapped our hands and laughed with joy. What a wonderful way to tell the most wonderful story of all!! Please pray the Swazi Baptist churches will see the importance of providing spiritual education for their children. Pray every Swazi Baptist church will have a strong children’s program.


SPECIAL TRAINING EVENT: Friday-Saturday (September 10-11) lay leaders and pastors of Swazi Baptist churches in the Shiselweni region will meet for a time of training and also encouragement. Pray our leaders and pastors will show an interest in this time of training and will commit to attend.

SWAZI TEAM PRAYER CONCERNS:
--Continue to pray the Allens will soon receive their medical clearance to return to Swaziland.
--Continue to pray for Todd and Deborah Hoskins as they attend a time of orientation at the International Learning Center. The Hoskins are scheduled to arrive in Swaziland on the 8th of October.

**Do you know??-What couple were Southern Baptist’s first permanent missionaries to Brazil??--William and Ann Bagby. The Bagbys arrived in Brazil in 1881. In October 1882 they, with the Z.C. Taylors, organized the first Baptist church for Brazilians. The Bagbys served as missionaries in Brazil for 61 years. Five of their children also became missionaries.Thank you for giving to the 2009 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.

--Also, please continue praying for the IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead our organization.

RAMADAN: AUGUST 11-SEPTEMBER 10I watched as the young girl dressed in the long black robes worn by the followers of Allah, left the mosque. It was Ramadan and many Swazi Muslims were fasting and praying to Allah. My heart ached to see so many Swazis embracing the Muslim faith. I prayed as I watched the young girl walk away that she would learn the truth can only be found in Jesus Christ. Pray the evil one will be bound as he attempts to stop the efforts of faithful Christians as they witness to their Muslim friends. Pray this one and others like her will come to the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This Week’s Country Focus: SERBIA-Pray for peace in the region of Kosovo, and throughout Serbia. Much hurt and resentment is held onto by both sides; pray that God would do a work of reconciliation in the lives of Serbs and Kosovo Albanians. Pray for national leaders to be raised up who have the courage to make things right.-There are very few Serbian evangelical believers, however, there has been growth after the witness of Christian help during time of conflict. Pray for continued growth in commitment, outreach and numbers.-The Kosovo Albanian population is almost entirely Muslim, although there has been growth in the Christian church in recent years as well. Pray that new believers may grow in grace and become mature and effective witnesses to Muslims.