Friday, December 24, 2010

Monthly Prayer Calendar - January

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.

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!

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!


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.

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

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

Myers 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.

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.