Wednesday September 1: The Allens are scheduled to share with several Bible study groups over the next month before leaving the USA. Pray God will “raise up” more prayer warriors for the Swazi people and Swazi Team.
Thursday September 2: Pray for Jessie Warren today on his 15th birthday!!
August 28th was set aside for prayer and fasting for clear direction for the IMB presidential search team as well as the North American Board also seeking a president. Please join us in praying the Lord will provide wisdom to the committee members as they continue to seek His chosen servants to lead these two important organizations.
Friday September 3: Todd and Deborah Hoskins are attending a time orientation at the International Learning Center. Please pray they will continue to have ears to hear the Lord’s teachings and will also be able to focus on Him despite the stress of deadlines and fears of upcoming changes.
Saturday September 4: The executive committee of the Swaziland Baptist Convention meets today. Pray for a wonderful time of praying, planning and preparing the 2011 budget.
Sunday September 5: The pastors of the Nhlangano and Thunzini Baptist Churches are working together to provide pastoral support and leadership to the Zikotheni Baptist Church currently without a pastor. Pray for Pastor Dlamini and Pastor Gamadze as they commit to leading the Zikotheni Baptist Church. Pray the Lord will provide a committed Christian man for this church.
--Pray for all our Swazi Baptist churches as many are without strong leadership. May God raise up godly men and women to faithfully serve Him every day.
Monday September 6: RAMADAN August 11-September 10:
I watched as a 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 the young girl walked down the street 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.
Tuesday September 7: In August two children camps (3 days-2 nights) were held, one in the Shiselweni region and the other in the Lubumbo region. The theme was “Let’s Talk to God” and the theme scripture was Psalm 55:17. Our prayer was for each child to take home the stories and their significance and each child would also be touched by the Lord. Hopefully this was accomplished. 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.
Wednesday September 8: The Shiselweni Baptist Association met on the 30th of July to regroup and begin meeting on a regular basis. Please pray for Nkosingiphile Dlamini as he leads the Shiselweni Baptist Association. Pray for a sense of unity among all the Baptist churches in the Shiselweni region.
Thursday September 9: Swazi pastors and leaders continue to be drawn into the currently popular and abundant heretical teachings they hear on the radio and from other churches. Pray the true teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ will touch the hearts of our Swazi Baptist leaders and pastors. Pray for more God-called men to hear and respond unconditionally to God’s call on their lives.
Friday September 10: A training event for pastors and lay leaders is scheduled for today and tomorrow (Sept. 10-11) in the Shiselweni region. Pray for good attendance.
Saturday September 11: Kym Pennington, new True Love Waits International consultant was able to meet/eat with the Jordans and Myers on the 20th of August. The Swazi Team is interested in developing a strong TLW program in Swaziland. During our time together we discussed ways in which to make this happen. Pray for Kym as she begins this ministry in Swaziland. Pray this will be the beginning of a wonderful working relationship between Kym, the Swazis and the Swazi Team.
Sunday September 12: The Warrens are organizing a volunteer team to work with the Mountain Baptist Church (Mafucula) as well as other ministries in August 2011. Today the Swaziland Mission Team is meeting to continue to organize. Pray for the current members of the team as they continue praying and seeking God’s will for next year’s mission trip and also for fundraising events that will begin in October.
Monday September 13: Today the Allens are sharing with senior adults at the First Baptist Church West Palm Beach, Fla. Pray for this very special time. Pray many of these adults will commit to pray for the Swazi people.
Tuesday September 14: Today the Allens are sharing with the senior adults of the Palm Springs Baptist Church. Pray for Steve and Monica as they share concerning the work with the Swazi people.
Wednesday September 15: Continue to pray the strongholds that keep the King of Swaziland, his wives and children from accepting Jesus as Savior will be broken.
Thursday September 16: What was the Southern Baptist Convention’s first foreign mission field and who was the first foreign missionary? China and S.C. Clopton was appointed to that country in 1845. Pray for the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2010 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering so missionaries can continue to be sent to many lost and dying people and nations.
Friday September 17: The Allens write, “Praise God for an amazing stateside assignment for our family these past months. We have been truly blessed. We are thankful for all the places we have shared about the Swazi people. Our family plans to depart from the USA September 24 and arrive in Swaziland on the 26th, pending final medical clearance. Pray for sweet goodbyes with family and friends. Pray for the long plane ride back to Africa and Lacie and Nathan will do well with all the travels.”
Saturday September 18: Thank you for praying for the Swazi Baptist National Youth Camp August 26-29 for all the youth of the Baptist churches. The theme was “Running Towards the Super Goal”. The camp was a wonderful time for everyone and we praise God for all the lives that have been forever changed by His love for each of us. Pray the youth will continue to seek God first in all things and grow in their walk with Him.
Sunday September 19: Last month two were baptized during the Vuvulane Baptist Church’s baptismal service. Please pray for these two to be Christ’s true witnesses. The Vuvulane Baptist Church was also given land for a church building. Pray the church will begin organizing a plan for building their church structure.
Monday September 20: Winter is over as well as the dry season in Swaziland. Swazis are beginning to look forward to the time when rain will refresh the earth and crops can be planted with the hope of a plentiful year. Pray this year will be a year of abundance.
Tuesday September 21: SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN UNENGAGED PEOPLES: Fervent prayer is needed for the Gor people of Chad. Each day that passes, the Gor go about their day without hearing the Good News. Their souls are at stake, and they desperately need you to intercede. Please stop now and come before the Father to lift up the Gor. Pray that the Gospel will spread among them and that God will stir the hearts of the children to go and reach the Gor for Christ.
Wednesday September 22: Today Todd and Deborah Hoskins will be commissioned as IMB missionaries at the International Learning Center. The Swazi Team is thankful for the commitment of the Hoskins to the ministry with the Swazi people. They are scheduled to arrive on the 8th of October. Pray for today’s commissioning service and its importance for Todd and Deborah. Continue to pray for their spiritual preparation for their work in Swaziland.
Thursday September 23: A new gel to prevent HIV infection has been discovered. Use of the vaginal gel containing the antiretroviral drug tenofovir reduced a woman’s chance of becoming infected with the HIV during sex by 39 percent. Pray further studies can be done to determine the efficiency of this gel. Pray many lives will be able to be saved through this gel as well as antiretroviral drugs.
Friday September 24: Volunteer teams are preparing for a time of work and ministry in Swaziland in 2011. Pray each team will be prepared to share with the Swazi people and may 2011 be a wonderful year for volunteers committing to join the Lord’s work in Swaziland.
Saturday September 25: Pray for Todd Hoskins today on his birthday!!
The day will be spent with Todd’s parents. Pray Todd and Deborah will be able to spend quality time with Todd’s parents today as they continue the goodbye process.
Sunday September 26: 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 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 September 27: Pray the Allen family will adjust quickly to returning to Swaziland an for God to direct them to the right ministries over the next couple of years.
-Continue to pray for Lacie as she returns to school to finish her kindergarten year. Lacie will also be taking an entrance exam in the next couple of weeks. Pray she do well and there will be no complications in her starting school at Sifundzane Primary School for 1st grade in January 2011.
Tuesday September 28: The National Swazi Ladies’ Retreat is drawing closer (October 14-16). The venue is the Manzini Baptist Church. The theme is “I Will Cry Unto The Lord” and scripture verse if Psalm 55:17. Pray for Barbara Myers to be spiritually prepared to lead four sessions on prayer. So many Swazis do not know the importance of a personal prayer life or they can pray outside the church. Pray those attending will understand the true meaning of prayer and the need for a personal prayer life.
Wednesday September 29: October 21-November 19, Todd and Deborah Hoskins will attend the on-field orientation 40/40 in Burkino Faso (West Africa). 40/40 is an intensive time of learning to live in Africa as well as developing relationships with the African people. Begin praying for Todd and Deborah’s preparation to this type of training and wonderful blessings will occur.
Thursday September 30: The Swazi Team thanks the Lord for Al and Belinda Jordan serving in Swaziland during the Allens’ stateside assignment. We appreciate their willingness to sacrificially serve with the Swazi people. They did a fantastic job!! Today the Jordans leave Swaziland to fly back to the states from Jo’burg on the 1st of October. Pray their journey home will be uneventful. Pray Al and Belinda will leave Swaziland with joy and blessings in their hearts.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
The children’s camp at the Mafucula Primary School Monday-Wednesday (August 16-18) is history!!
Upon our arrival at the school Monday at 3:00pm we were told the head teacher did not leave the keys with Pastor Masuku and efforts to contact someone with keys was being made. At 4:00pm we began our camp outside and wondered if the children were going to be able to sleep at the school. Plan B was quickly organized so that every child would have a place to sleep!! Thank goodness it was not needed!! Just before darkness enveloped the camp, rooms were opened and everyone had a place to sleep for the night!
Annah Thwala and Norah Nsibandze of the Shiselweni region were the main teachers and did a great job. The only “hitch” was the churches did not send adult chaperones with the children as requested. But overall it was an encouraging experience. Thank you for praying!!
The second children’s camp will take place August 30-September 1 at the New Hope Baptist Church. Please begin praying for the camp, the children attending, workers and for wonderful blessings to occur!!
Pray as the Maphangwane Baptist Church prepares for a children’s camp sometime in the next couple of months.
***Did you know???
What is a “nonresidential missionary?”
Two were baptized Sunday during the Vuvulane Baptist Church baptismal service. Please pray for these two to be Christ’s witnesses.
--Tuesday the Vuvulane Baptist Church was given land for a church building. Pray the church will begin organizing a plan for building their church structure.
Tomorrow, the Mountain Baptist Church (Mafucula) and Vuvulane Baptist Church will meet together at Mafucula. The Lord’s Supper will be observed. Pray this special service will be an encouragement to these two churches.
--Yesterday we met with Al/Belinda Jordan and Kym Pennington our new True Love Waits International consultant. The Swazi Team is interested in developing a strong True Love Waits Program in Swaziland. Yesterday we discussed ways to make this happen. Pray for Kym as she begins this ministry in Swaziland (as well as Malawi). Pray she will be able to connect with trained True Love Waits presenters during the National Youth Camp next weekend. Pray this will be the beginning of a wonderful working relationship between Kym, the Swazis and the Swazi Team.
--Thursday begins the National Youth Camp (August 26-29)!! Three members of the volunteer team from the First Baptist Church, Belton, Texas have arrived. The other two members of the team will arrive on Tuesday. Youth are ready to come and we ask that you pray for the completion of the planning. Pray also for the team that is leading many of the sessions. Pray for Swazis leading sessions and for a good group of youth attending!! Pray for Al and Belinda Jordan as they host the volunteer team and get them to the camp venue each day. Pray everyone will be blessed!
SWAZI TEAM PRAYER CONCERNS:
--The Hoskins are currently attending a time of orientation at the International Learning Center. Pray for Todd and Deborah as they prepare for their ministry in Swaziland. The Hoskins will arrive on the 7th of October.
--Pray the Allens will soon receive their medical clearance to return to Swaziland from stateside assignment.
-- Continue to remember Wayne’s sister, Patsy suffering from COPD and on oxygen. -Pray also Wayne’s brother (Terry). Pray his quarterly tests will continue to show his cancer is in remission. -Pray Barbara’s brother-in-law, Gary Rutledge will continue to recover from his herniated disc surgery and for Barbara’s nephew-in-law’s mother diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
-A training event for pastors and lay leaders will take place in the Shiselweni region September 10-11. Pray for good attendance. Pray for Wayne as he organizes this event.
-The National Swazi Baptist Ladies’ Retreat is drawing closer, October 14-16. The venue is the Manzini Baptist Church. Theme: “I Will Cry Unto The Lord” and scripture verse Psalm 55:7.
Please pray for me as I prepare the schedule and pray I will be spiritually prepared to lead four sessions on prayer. So many Swazis do not know the importance of a personal prayer life or they can even pray outside the church. Pray those attending will understand the true meaning of prayer and the need for a personal prayer life.
SPECIAL DAY OF PRAYER AND FASTING:
The day of August 28th has been set aside for prayer and fasting for clear direction for the presidential search committee as they continue to seek the man the Lord has to lead the IMB. This is very important to Wayne and I. We do ask that you pray for this special day. Pray for the committee as they seek the Lord’s wisdom. Pray many in our SBC churches will pray and fast on this special day.
--The North American Board is also seeking a president and will be joining the IMB in fasting and prayer on the 28th to lift up this concern.
Please join us in praying the Lord will provide His chosen to lead these two important organizations.
***Answer to the Do You Know question:
A missionary sent to help evangelize people groups in countries and regions where Christian work is severely restricted. Nonresidential missionaries live outside the targeted area but work to develop ways of advancing the gospel there.
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 many lost and dying people and nations.
RAMADAN: AUGUST 11-SEPTEMBER 10
Many Swazis longer want to eat food that has been offered to Allah nor purchase food products with the Halaal sign (symbolizes the food has been blessed by Allah) on the packaging. Their uproar began when KFC in Swaziland approved the blessing of their chicken to Allah. Since then, many Swazi Christians have refused to eat KFC and are beginning to object to the many food products that display the Halaah sign. With the KFC incident, Christians in Swaziland are now concerned with the growing Muslim influence in their country.
-Especially during Ramadan, pray Swazi Christians will continue to see the need to witness to their lost family members, friends and neighbors.
Since the Christian boycott, KFC has informed the Muslim Council they will no longer allow their famous chicken to carry the Halaah sign.
This week’s country focus: SWITZERLAND:
-Pray that the Swiss people might be stirred up again by the Holy Spirit, and find the true way in Jesus.
-Pray for ministry amongst Swiss youth, whose numbers in the church are steadily declining, to be effective. Many youth suicides are reported every year, and drug use amongst young people is on the rise.
--There are many small towns or villages in Switzerland without a single evangelical congregation. Pray that these communities would be evangelized, and active, growing churches would be planted.
- (Information from The Ultimate Goal (TUG) a project of SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place during June and July 2010.)
Upon our arrival at the school Monday at 3:00pm we were told the head teacher did not leave the keys with Pastor Masuku and efforts to contact someone with keys was being made. At 4:00pm we began our camp outside and wondered if the children were going to be able to sleep at the school. Plan B was quickly organized so that every child would have a place to sleep!! Thank goodness it was not needed!! Just before darkness enveloped the camp, rooms were opened and everyone had a place to sleep for the night!
Annah Thwala and Norah Nsibandze of the Shiselweni region were the main teachers and did a great job. The only “hitch” was the churches did not send adult chaperones with the children as requested. But overall it was an encouraging experience. Thank you for praying!!
The second children’s camp will take place August 30-September 1 at the New Hope Baptist Church. Please begin praying for the camp, the children attending, workers and for wonderful blessings to occur!!
Pray as the Maphangwane Baptist Church prepares for a children’s camp sometime in the next couple of months.
***Did you know???
What is a “nonresidential missionary?”
Two were baptized Sunday during the Vuvulane Baptist Church baptismal service. Please pray for these two to be Christ’s witnesses.
--Tuesday the Vuvulane Baptist Church was given land for a church building. Pray the church will begin organizing a plan for building their church structure.
Tomorrow, the Mountain Baptist Church (Mafucula) and Vuvulane Baptist Church will meet together at Mafucula. The Lord’s Supper will be observed. Pray this special service will be an encouragement to these two churches.
--Yesterday we met with Al/Belinda Jordan and Kym Pennington our new True Love Waits International consultant. The Swazi Team is interested in developing a strong True Love Waits Program in Swaziland. Yesterday we discussed ways to make this happen. Pray for Kym as she begins this ministry in Swaziland (as well as Malawi). Pray she will be able to connect with trained True Love Waits presenters during the National Youth Camp next weekend. Pray this will be the beginning of a wonderful working relationship between Kym, the Swazis and the Swazi Team.
--Thursday begins the National Youth Camp (August 26-29)!! Three members of the volunteer team from the First Baptist Church, Belton, Texas have arrived. The other two members of the team will arrive on Tuesday. Youth are ready to come and we ask that you pray for the completion of the planning. Pray also for the team that is leading many of the sessions. Pray for Swazis leading sessions and for a good group of youth attending!! Pray for Al and Belinda Jordan as they host the volunteer team and get them to the camp venue each day. Pray everyone will be blessed!
SWAZI TEAM PRAYER CONCERNS:
--The Hoskins are currently attending a time of orientation at the International Learning Center. Pray for Todd and Deborah as they prepare for their ministry in Swaziland. The Hoskins will arrive on the 7th of October.
--Pray the Allens will soon receive their medical clearance to return to Swaziland from stateside assignment.
-- Continue to remember Wayne’s sister, Patsy suffering from COPD and on oxygen. -Pray also Wayne’s brother (Terry). Pray his quarterly tests will continue to show his cancer is in remission. -Pray Barbara’s brother-in-law, Gary Rutledge will continue to recover from his herniated disc surgery and for Barbara’s nephew-in-law’s mother diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
-A training event for pastors and lay leaders will take place in the Shiselweni region September 10-11. Pray for good attendance. Pray for Wayne as he organizes this event.
-The National Swazi Baptist Ladies’ Retreat is drawing closer, October 14-16. The venue is the Manzini Baptist Church. Theme: “I Will Cry Unto The Lord” and scripture verse Psalm 55:7.
Please pray for me as I prepare the schedule and pray I will be spiritually prepared to lead four sessions on prayer. So many Swazis do not know the importance of a personal prayer life or they can even pray outside the church. Pray those attending will understand the true meaning of prayer and the need for a personal prayer life.
SPECIAL DAY OF PRAYER AND FASTING:
The day of August 28th has been set aside for prayer and fasting for clear direction for the presidential search committee as they continue to seek the man the Lord has to lead the IMB. This is very important to Wayne and I. We do ask that you pray for this special day. Pray for the committee as they seek the Lord’s wisdom. Pray many in our SBC churches will pray and fast on this special day.
--The North American Board is also seeking a president and will be joining the IMB in fasting and prayer on the 28th to lift up this concern.
Please join us in praying the Lord will provide His chosen to lead these two important organizations.
***Answer to the Do You Know question:
A missionary sent to help evangelize people groups in countries and regions where Christian work is severely restricted. Nonresidential missionaries live outside the targeted area but work to develop ways of advancing the gospel there.
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 many lost and dying people and nations.
RAMADAN: AUGUST 11-SEPTEMBER 10
Many Swazis longer want to eat food that has been offered to Allah nor purchase food products with the Halaal sign (symbolizes the food has been blessed by Allah) on the packaging. Their uproar began when KFC in Swaziland approved the blessing of their chicken to Allah. Since then, many Swazi Christians have refused to eat KFC and are beginning to object to the many food products that display the Halaah sign. With the KFC incident, Christians in Swaziland are now concerned with the growing Muslim influence in their country.
-Especially during Ramadan, pray Swazi Christians will continue to see the need to witness to their lost family members, friends and neighbors.
Since the Christian boycott, KFC has informed the Muslim Council they will no longer allow their famous chicken to carry the Halaah sign.
This week’s country focus: SWITZERLAND:
-Pray that the Swiss people might be stirred up again by the Holy Spirit, and find the true way in Jesus.
-Pray for ministry amongst Swiss youth, whose numbers in the church are steadily declining, to be effective. Many youth suicides are reported every year, and drug use amongst young people is on the rise.
--There are many small towns or villages in Switzerland without a single evangelical congregation. Pray that these communities would be evangelized, and active, growing churches would be planted.
- (Information from The Ultimate Goal (TUG) a project of SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place during June and July 2010.)
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Jordan's Swaziland News
We have had some cold days in Swaziland this week with even having to get the fireplace going. We know that’s not what you want to hear when you are experiencing temperatures in the 100s. After telling our friend in Belton about our cold weather she said we were being cruel and I suppose she was right. So sorry you are going through another summer with extreme heat.
I (Belinda) have celebrated another birthday since you last heard from us. My special gift was a trip to Kruger National Park, a huge game reserve in South Africa. We went with missionaries Wayne and Barbara Myers and saw so much of God’s creation. We are enclosing my favorite picture of the whole trip. Also attached is Al’s favorite of an illegally parked Zebra.
We have sent pictures of roads we travel but Al thought it would be interesting to send pictures of some bridges we cross. They are interesting to say the least.
A couple of Sundays ago Al preached at the Hawane church again mainly to be involved in celebrating a send off for one of their youth who had been accepted to Swaziland University. To be accepted is a big deal and especially for a youth from that rural area. Everyone in the church is so proud of Kuseni. He has been an outstanding youth influence who has grown in the Lord and shown a humble spirit. Kuseni has gone with Al every Saturday to teach the children at Lesibovu while Al has Bible study with the youth and adults. He will be missed. At the celebration Kuseni sat at the front of the church while Al laid hands on him and prayed for him. Then anyone who had brought him a gift came to the front and laid their gift on a table. The last gift to be brought was a live chicken with its legs tied. The lady put it right in the middle of the table. At first it looked like the thing was hypnotized but then it began to squawk as someone was giving a testimony. The young man picked up the chicken and held it but then the church leader brought a plastic bag and stuck the chicken in it. That seemed to quiet her down. The great thing about the chicken gift is that it was probably the best thing the lady could afford to give. Please pray for other Swazi youth to be as committed to the Lord as Kuseni (see attached picture)
Next week the team from First Baptist Belton will start arriving to lead the National Youth Camp. Please continue praying for team members Grant and Jenna Hickman, Brett Land, Courtney Pett and Daphne Davies as they make last minute preparations. Pray for their safety and adjustment to the culture during their short time here. Pray for youth coming to camp to experience God and embrace a godly lifestyle that will literally save their lives. Most youth coming to camp are in the 15-24 year age group. 50% of Swazis in this age group are already HIV positive. Pray for us as we host the team and drive them many kilometers to the camp venue as well as show them beautiful Swaziland.
Thanks for continuing with us. You have been a blessing.
Al and Belinda
Elephants drinking water at Kruger Park
Bridge leading to Victory Baptist Church
Bridge over troubled waters!
A real zebra ILLEGALLY parked! :)
Pastor Jordan and Maria praying over Kuseni at Hawane Baptist Church
I (Belinda) have celebrated another birthday since you last heard from us. My special gift was a trip to Kruger National Park, a huge game reserve in South Africa. We went with missionaries Wayne and Barbara Myers and saw so much of God’s creation. We are enclosing my favorite picture of the whole trip. Also attached is Al’s favorite of an illegally parked Zebra.
We have sent pictures of roads we travel but Al thought it would be interesting to send pictures of some bridges we cross. They are interesting to say the least.
A couple of Sundays ago Al preached at the Hawane church again mainly to be involved in celebrating a send off for one of their youth who had been accepted to Swaziland University. To be accepted is a big deal and especially for a youth from that rural area. Everyone in the church is so proud of Kuseni. He has been an outstanding youth influence who has grown in the Lord and shown a humble spirit. Kuseni has gone with Al every Saturday to teach the children at Lesibovu while Al has Bible study with the youth and adults. He will be missed. At the celebration Kuseni sat at the front of the church while Al laid hands on him and prayed for him. Then anyone who had brought him a gift came to the front and laid their gift on a table. The last gift to be brought was a live chicken with its legs tied. The lady put it right in the middle of the table. At first it looked like the thing was hypnotized but then it began to squawk as someone was giving a testimony. The young man picked up the chicken and held it but then the church leader brought a plastic bag and stuck the chicken in it. That seemed to quiet her down. The great thing about the chicken gift is that it was probably the best thing the lady could afford to give. Please pray for other Swazi youth to be as committed to the Lord as Kuseni (see attached picture)
Next week the team from First Baptist Belton will start arriving to lead the National Youth Camp. Please continue praying for team members Grant and Jenna Hickman, Brett Land, Courtney Pett and Daphne Davies as they make last minute preparations. Pray for their safety and adjustment to the culture during their short time here. Pray for youth coming to camp to experience God and embrace a godly lifestyle that will literally save their lives. Most youth coming to camp are in the 15-24 year age group. 50% of Swazis in this age group are already HIV positive. Pray for us as we host the team and drive them many kilometers to the camp venue as well as show them beautiful Swaziland.
Thanks for continuing with us. You have been a blessing.
Al and Belinda
Elephants drinking water at Kruger Park
Bridge leading to Victory Baptist Church
Bridge over troubled waters!
A real zebra ILLEGALLY parked! :)
Pastor Jordan and Maria praying over Kuseni at Hawane Baptist ChurchMyers Weekly Prayer Letter
The children’s camp at the Mafucula Primary School begins Monday-Wednesday (August 16-18). This is first camp for children in the northeast section of Swaziland. The Vuvulane, Mafucula and Luwhhawhheni Baptist Churches will send their children ages 6-11. The theme is “Let Us Talk to God.” The children will look at three stories on Christ, Daniel and Hannah, who were great prayer warriors!! Activities will also include a time of group praying (with the help with the teachers).
Annah Thwala and Norah Nsibandze of the Shiselweni region will be the main teachers. They will travel to Mafucula from Nhlangano on Monday. Pray for their safe journey and each will be prepared to teach and lead the children.
--Pray for me as I am the coordinator and the one who has to be sure everything is running smoothly.
--Pray the children will be able to take home the stories and their significance. Pray each will go home touched by the Lord.
The second children’s camp will take place August 30-September 1 at the New Hope Baptist Church. Please begin praying for the camp, the children attending, workers and for wonderful blessings to occur!!
Maphangwane Baptist Church is located 15 kilometers outside Siteki and is not near the churches in the north Lubumbo region or the churches in the south Lubumbo region. But, the church has a large group of children. So, yesterday I asked Pastor Sigwane since it seemed improbable that any of the children would be able to attend Monday’s camp, could we come and hold a camp at the church. This was very warmly received and we are looking at possibly conducting a children’s camp the last weekend of September at Mphangwane. Pray as the church prepares for this camp!
***Did you know???
Who said “I will venture to go down, but remember that you must hold the ropes?”
Tomorrow the Vuvulane Baptist Church will conduct a baptismal service. This is always a special time in the life of the church. Pray for those being baptized and for the church to nurture these new believers.
Pray for Deborah Hoskins tomorrow (August 15) on her birthday.
The Hoskins are currently attending a time of orientation at the International Learning Center. Pray for Todd and Deborah as they prepare for their ministry in Swaziland. The Hoskins will arrive on the 7th of October.
--Pray the Allens will soon receive their medical clearance to return to Swaziland from stateside assignment.
Thursday, August 19 we will meet for the first time, Kym Pennington our new True Love Wait International consultant. The Swazi Team is interested in developing a strong True Love Waits Program in Swaziland. Pray this will be the beginning of a wonderful working relationship between Kym, the Swazis and the Swazi Team. Kym will also be attending the National Youth Camp. Pray she will be able to connect with many of the trained presenters as well as those interested in being trained to present the True Love Waits message in schools and churches.
--The 2010 National Youth Camp is scheduled for August 26-29. Theme: “Running Towards the Super Goal.” A volunteer team from Belton, Texas (First Baptist) will lead. Pray those who attend will leave feeling the presence of the Savior and will daily strive to seek His face. Pray for Grant, Jenna, Brett, Courney and Daphne as they prepare for this awesome ministry. Pray for Al and Belinda Jordan as they host the team and get them to the camp venue each day.
-- Continue to remember Wayne’s sister, Patsy suffering from COPD and on oxygen. -Pray also Wayne’s brother (Terry). Pray his quarterly tests will continue to show his cancer is in remission. -Pray Barbara’s brother-in-law, Gary Rutledge will continue to recover from his herniated disc surgery and for Barbara’s nephew-in-law’s mother diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
-The National Swazi Baptist Ladies’ Retreat is drawing closer, October 14-16. The venue is the Manzini Baptist Church. Theme: “I Will Cry Unto The Lord” and scripture verse Psalm 55:7.
Please pray for me as I prepare the schedule and pray I will be spiritually prepared to lead four sessions on prayer. So many Swazis do not know the importance of a personal prayer life or they can even pray outside the church. Pray those attending will understand the true meaning of prayer and the need for a personal prayer life.
SPECIAL DAY OF PRAYER AND FASTING:
The day of August 28th has been set aside for prayer and fasting for clear direction for the presidential search committee as they continue to seek the man the Lord has to lead the IMB. This is very important to Wayne and I. We do ask that you pray for this special day. Pray for the committee as they seek the Lord’s wisdom. Pray many in our SBC churches will pray and fast on this special day.
--The North American Board is also seeking a president and will be joining the IMB in fasting and prayer on the 28th to lift up this concern.
Please join us in praying the Lord will provide His chosen to lead these two important organizations.
***Answer to the Do You Know question:
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.
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 many lost and dying people and nations.
RAMADAN:
Beginning August 11, Muslims around the world are celebrating their holy month of Ramadan. During the day Muslims fast from sunup to sundown. Outside of the time of fasting, families spend time gathered together as they break the fast and eat late into the night. The fasting brings a heightened level of spirituality.
-Pray during this time of spiritual awareness, followers of Islam will have dreams and visions of Jesus then seek opportunities to learn from His Word.
-Intercede for those who know the Way of salvation to be intentional in sharing both His love and His truth.
This week’s country focus: SLOVAKIA:
-Slovakia has a strong Christian heritage but the majority of churches are very traditional and churches are declining in numbers. Pray for strength for evangelical Christians who can sometimes suffer from a “minority complex” in Slovakia. Ask the Lord to communicate spiritual truths clearly to people who have been exposed to centuries’ worth of traditionalism and history in the church.
-Pray for a sense of direction for the nation of Slovakia, as it becomes increasingly more involved in international politics and economics. Pray that membership in the EU would not lead to materialism and falling moral standards.
- (Information from The Ultimate Goal (TUG) a project of SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place during June and July 2010.)
Annah Thwala and Norah Nsibandze of the Shiselweni region will be the main teachers. They will travel to Mafucula from Nhlangano on Monday. Pray for their safe journey and each will be prepared to teach and lead the children.
--Pray for me as I am the coordinator and the one who has to be sure everything is running smoothly.
--Pray the children will be able to take home the stories and their significance. Pray each will go home touched by the Lord.
The second children’s camp will take place August 30-September 1 at the New Hope Baptist Church. Please begin praying for the camp, the children attending, workers and for wonderful blessings to occur!!
Maphangwane Baptist Church is located 15 kilometers outside Siteki and is not near the churches in the north Lubumbo region or the churches in the south Lubumbo region. But, the church has a large group of children. So, yesterday I asked Pastor Sigwane since it seemed improbable that any of the children would be able to attend Monday’s camp, could we come and hold a camp at the church. This was very warmly received and we are looking at possibly conducting a children’s camp the last weekend of September at Mphangwane. Pray as the church prepares for this camp!
***Did you know???
Who said “I will venture to go down, but remember that you must hold the ropes?”
Tomorrow the Vuvulane Baptist Church will conduct a baptismal service. This is always a special time in the life of the church. Pray for those being baptized and for the church to nurture these new believers.
Pray for Deborah Hoskins tomorrow (August 15) on her birthday.
The Hoskins are currently attending a time of orientation at the International Learning Center. Pray for Todd and Deborah as they prepare for their ministry in Swaziland. The Hoskins will arrive on the 7th of October.
--Pray the Allens will soon receive their medical clearance to return to Swaziland from stateside assignment.
Thursday, August 19 we will meet for the first time, Kym Pennington our new True Love Wait International consultant. The Swazi Team is interested in developing a strong True Love Waits Program in Swaziland. Pray this will be the beginning of a wonderful working relationship between Kym, the Swazis and the Swazi Team. Kym will also be attending the National Youth Camp. Pray she will be able to connect with many of the trained presenters as well as those interested in being trained to present the True Love Waits message in schools and churches.
--The 2010 National Youth Camp is scheduled for August 26-29. Theme: “Running Towards the Super Goal.” A volunteer team from Belton, Texas (First Baptist) will lead. Pray those who attend will leave feeling the presence of the Savior and will daily strive to seek His face. Pray for Grant, Jenna, Brett, Courney and Daphne as they prepare for this awesome ministry. Pray for Al and Belinda Jordan as they host the team and get them to the camp venue each day.
-- Continue to remember Wayne’s sister, Patsy suffering from COPD and on oxygen. -Pray also Wayne’s brother (Terry). Pray his quarterly tests will continue to show his cancer is in remission. -Pray Barbara’s brother-in-law, Gary Rutledge will continue to recover from his herniated disc surgery and for Barbara’s nephew-in-law’s mother diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
-The National Swazi Baptist Ladies’ Retreat is drawing closer, October 14-16. The venue is the Manzini Baptist Church. Theme: “I Will Cry Unto The Lord” and scripture verse Psalm 55:7.
Please pray for me as I prepare the schedule and pray I will be spiritually prepared to lead four sessions on prayer. So many Swazis do not know the importance of a personal prayer life or they can even pray outside the church. Pray those attending will understand the true meaning of prayer and the need for a personal prayer life.
SPECIAL DAY OF PRAYER AND FASTING:
The day of August 28th has been set aside for prayer and fasting for clear direction for the presidential search committee as they continue to seek the man the Lord has to lead the IMB. This is very important to Wayne and I. We do ask that you pray for this special day. Pray for the committee as they seek the Lord’s wisdom. Pray many in our SBC churches will pray and fast on this special day.
--The North American Board is also seeking a president and will be joining the IMB in fasting and prayer on the 28th to lift up this concern.
Please join us in praying the Lord will provide His chosen to lead these two important organizations.
***Answer to the Do You Know question:
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.
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 many lost and dying people and nations.
RAMADAN:
Beginning August 11, Muslims around the world are celebrating their holy month of Ramadan. During the day Muslims fast from sunup to sundown. Outside of the time of fasting, families spend time gathered together as they break the fast and eat late into the night. The fasting brings a heightened level of spirituality.
-Pray during this time of spiritual awareness, followers of Islam will have dreams and visions of Jesus then seek opportunities to learn from His Word.
-Intercede for those who know the Way of salvation to be intentional in sharing both His love and His truth.
This week’s country focus: SLOVAKIA:
-Slovakia has a strong Christian heritage but the majority of churches are very traditional and churches are declining in numbers. Pray for strength for evangelical Christians who can sometimes suffer from a “minority complex” in Slovakia. Ask the Lord to communicate spiritual truths clearly to people who have been exposed to centuries’ worth of traditionalism and history in the church.
-Pray for a sense of direction for the nation of Slovakia, as it becomes increasingly more involved in international politics and economics. Pray that membership in the EU would not lead to materialism and falling moral standards.
- (Information from The Ultimate Goal (TUG) a project of SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place during June and July 2010.)
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
Creator of joy, help me this very day to look around and find something to laugh about. Doesn’t have to be big. Doesn’t have to be unusual. Just some little thing to remind me you are a God of jubilation. Keep me from being a stick in the mud! Help me to have fun today, and not put it off until tomorrow. Amen
(Luci Swindoll)
Today the executive committee of the Swaziland Baptist Convention met in Manzini. New officers were elected a few months ago and training was conducted in June. Pray each new officer will learn his or her job description and commit to furthering Baptist work in Swaziland.
--Wayne’s time in the Shiselweni region last week was enlightening and encouraging. The Shiselweni Baptist Association met to regroup and begin meeting on a regular basis. Please pray for Nkosingiphile Dlamini as he leads the Shiselweni Baptist Association. Pray for a sense of unity among all the Baptist churches in the Shiselweni region.
--The pastors of the Nhlangano Baptist Church and Thunzini Baptist Church are working together to provide pastoral support and leadership for the Zikotheni Baptist Church, currently without a leader. This is definitely encouraging news. Pray for Pastor Dlamini and Pastor Gamadze as they commit to leading the Zikotheni Baptist Church. Pray the Lord will provide a committed Christian man for this church.
--The congregation of the Nhlangano Baptist Church is involved in various outreach ministries that include prayer walking and prison ministry. Pray many lives will be touched by these ministries.
***Did you know???
Who was the first director of the Foreign Mission Board (International Mission Board)?
SWAZI TEAM PRAYER REQUESTS:
-Pray that all the members of the Allen family will get their final medical clearance. They are down to their last few documents needed. Pray nothing will “pop” up in any test result that will delay their return to Swaziland. They plan to return to Swaziland on the 26th of September.
--Pray for Todd and Deborah Hoskins currently attending orientation at the International Learning Center. Pray this will be a very beneficial time. Pray also for Todd and Deborah as they prepare to arrive in Swaziland on the 7th of October.
-- Continue to remember Wayne’s sister, Patsy suffering from COPD and on oxygen. -Pray also Wayne’s brother (Terry). Pray his quarterly tests will continue to show his cancer is in remission. -Pray Barbara’s brother-in-law, Gary Rutledge will continue to recover from his herniated disc surgery and for Barbara’s nephew-in-law’s mother diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
UPCOMING MINISTRY EVENTS:
--August 16-18 is the first Swazi Baptist children’s camp in the northeast section of Swaziland. Venue is the Mafucula Primary School. Pray churches will send only those children that are between the ages of 6-11. Pray adult chaperones will also understand the importance of their presence and ministry in making sure all children are kept safe and have a wonderful camp experience.
--The Shiselweni Children’s Camp will take place August 30-September 1 at the New Hope Baptist Church. Please pray for a good attendance of children that will experience a new awakening of Christ’s love in his/her life.
--The 2010 National Youth Camp is scheduled for August 26-29. A volunteer team from Belton, Texas (First Baptist) will lead. Pray those who attend will leave feeling the presence of the Savior and will daily strive to seek His face. Pray for Grant and Jenna, Brett, Courney and Daphne as they prepare for this awesome ministry. Pray for Al and Belinda Jordan as they host the team and get them to the camp venue each day.
--Pray for Kym Pennington, the new True Love Waits International consultant as she prepares to make her first trip to Swaziland in August during the National Youth Camp. Pray this will be the beginning of a wonderful working relationship between Kym, the Swazis and the Swazi Team.
--The National Swazi Baptist Ladies’ Retreat is drawing closer, October 14-16. The venue is the Manzini Baptist Church. Theme: “I Will Cry Unto The Lord” and scripture verse Psalm 55:7.
Please pray for me as I prepare the schedule and pray I will be spiritually prepared to lead four sessions on prayer. So many Swazis do not know the importance of a personal prayer life or they can even pray outside the church. Pray those attending will understand the true meaning of prayer and the need for a personal prayer life.
AIDS UPDATE:
A new gel to prevent HIV infection has been discovered. Two doctors presented a large scale study at the AIDS conference in Vienna last month. Use of the vaginal gel containing the antiretroviral drug tenofovir reduced a woman’s chance of becoming infected with HIV during sex by 39 percent. Currently the gel is not available for sale but if study results are supported by further studies, widespread use of the gel in the future could prevent over half a million new HIV infections in South Africa alone over the next decade. (Information taken from the Swazi Times newspaper).
***Answer to the Do You Know question:
James B. Taylor, a former Baptist minister in Richmond, Va. who served 1846-1871.
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 many lost and dying people and nations.
--June 30th, Avery Willis passed away. Avery was a missionary in Indonesia and had greatly influenced world missions in ways that few people ever will. Please pray for the family as they mourn the loss of their loved one. In lieu of flowers, Avery wanted donations to be made to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering or the International Orality Network.
--Also the 30th of July was the last working day for Jerry Rankin as President of the International Mission Board. Pray for Jerry and Bobbye Rankin as they move into another phase of their lives.
--Please continue to pray for the IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as the seek God’s man to lead our organization.
This week’s country focus: ARGENTINA
-Pray that this year, as Argentines celebrate their freedom, they would e reminded to seek true spiritual freedom as well.
--Pray for native Amerindians of Argentina, who have been marginalized throughout history. There has been progress in evangelizing remote tribal groups, but great sensitivity is required by missionaries. Pray also for ongoing Bible translation work.
--Pray for the estimated half-million Jews living in Argentina. This is the world’s sixth largest Jewish community. They are very secularized and prosperous. Pray that they would seek the truth about salvation.
- (Information from The Ultimate Goal (TUG) a project of SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place during June and July 2010. TUG is a network of local and international churches, para-church organizations and ministries all working together on one common goal: to bring hope and change to South Africa.)
(Luci Swindoll)
Today the executive committee of the Swaziland Baptist Convention met in Manzini. New officers were elected a few months ago and training was conducted in June. Pray each new officer will learn his or her job description and commit to furthering Baptist work in Swaziland.
--Wayne’s time in the Shiselweni region last week was enlightening and encouraging. The Shiselweni Baptist Association met to regroup and begin meeting on a regular basis. Please pray for Nkosingiphile Dlamini as he leads the Shiselweni Baptist Association. Pray for a sense of unity among all the Baptist churches in the Shiselweni region.
--The pastors of the Nhlangano Baptist Church and Thunzini Baptist Church are working together to provide pastoral support and leadership for the Zikotheni Baptist Church, currently without a leader. This is definitely encouraging news. Pray for Pastor Dlamini and Pastor Gamadze as they commit to leading the Zikotheni Baptist Church. Pray the Lord will provide a committed Christian man for this church.
--The congregation of the Nhlangano Baptist Church is involved in various outreach ministries that include prayer walking and prison ministry. Pray many lives will be touched by these ministries.
***Did you know???
Who was the first director of the Foreign Mission Board (International Mission Board)?
SWAZI TEAM PRAYER REQUESTS:
-Pray that all the members of the Allen family will get their final medical clearance. They are down to their last few documents needed. Pray nothing will “pop” up in any test result that will delay their return to Swaziland. They plan to return to Swaziland on the 26th of September.
--Pray for Todd and Deborah Hoskins currently attending orientation at the International Learning Center. Pray this will be a very beneficial time. Pray also for Todd and Deborah as they prepare to arrive in Swaziland on the 7th of October.
-- Continue to remember Wayne’s sister, Patsy suffering from COPD and on oxygen. -Pray also Wayne’s brother (Terry). Pray his quarterly tests will continue to show his cancer is in remission. -Pray Barbara’s brother-in-law, Gary Rutledge will continue to recover from his herniated disc surgery and for Barbara’s nephew-in-law’s mother diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
UPCOMING MINISTRY EVENTS:
--August 16-18 is the first Swazi Baptist children’s camp in the northeast section of Swaziland. Venue is the Mafucula Primary School. Pray churches will send only those children that are between the ages of 6-11. Pray adult chaperones will also understand the importance of their presence and ministry in making sure all children are kept safe and have a wonderful camp experience.
--The Shiselweni Children’s Camp will take place August 30-September 1 at the New Hope Baptist Church. Please pray for a good attendance of children that will experience a new awakening of Christ’s love in his/her life.
--The 2010 National Youth Camp is scheduled for August 26-29. A volunteer team from Belton, Texas (First Baptist) will lead. Pray those who attend will leave feeling the presence of the Savior and will daily strive to seek His face. Pray for Grant and Jenna, Brett, Courney and Daphne as they prepare for this awesome ministry. Pray for Al and Belinda Jordan as they host the team and get them to the camp venue each day.
--Pray for Kym Pennington, the new True Love Waits International consultant as she prepares to make her first trip to Swaziland in August during the National Youth Camp. Pray this will be the beginning of a wonderful working relationship between Kym, the Swazis and the Swazi Team.
--The National Swazi Baptist Ladies’ Retreat is drawing closer, October 14-16. The venue is the Manzini Baptist Church. Theme: “I Will Cry Unto The Lord” and scripture verse Psalm 55:7.
Please pray for me as I prepare the schedule and pray I will be spiritually prepared to lead four sessions on prayer. So many Swazis do not know the importance of a personal prayer life or they can even pray outside the church. Pray those attending will understand the true meaning of prayer and the need for a personal prayer life.
AIDS UPDATE:
A new gel to prevent HIV infection has been discovered. Two doctors presented a large scale study at the AIDS conference in Vienna last month. Use of the vaginal gel containing the antiretroviral drug tenofovir reduced a woman’s chance of becoming infected with HIV during sex by 39 percent. Currently the gel is not available for sale but if study results are supported by further studies, widespread use of the gel in the future could prevent over half a million new HIV infections in South Africa alone over the next decade. (Information taken from the Swazi Times newspaper).
***Answer to the Do You Know question:
James B. Taylor, a former Baptist minister in Richmond, Va. who served 1846-1871.
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 many lost and dying people and nations.
--June 30th, Avery Willis passed away. Avery was a missionary in Indonesia and had greatly influenced world missions in ways that few people ever will. Please pray for the family as they mourn the loss of their loved one. In lieu of flowers, Avery wanted donations to be made to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering or the International Orality Network.
--Also the 30th of July was the last working day for Jerry Rankin as President of the International Mission Board. Pray for Jerry and Bobbye Rankin as they move into another phase of their lives.
--Please continue to pray for the IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as the seek God’s man to lead our organization.
This week’s country focus: ARGENTINA
-Pray that this year, as Argentines celebrate their freedom, they would e reminded to seek true spiritual freedom as well.
--Pray for native Amerindians of Argentina, who have been marginalized throughout history. There has been progress in evangelizing remote tribal groups, but great sensitivity is required by missionaries. Pray also for ongoing Bible translation work.
--Pray for the estimated half-million Jews living in Argentina. This is the world’s sixth largest Jewish community. They are very secularized and prosperous. Pray that they would seek the truth about salvation.
- (Information from The Ultimate Goal (TUG) a project of SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place during June and July 2010. TUG is a network of local and international churches, para-church organizations and ministries all working together on one common goal: to bring hope and change to South Africa.)
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
HISTORY IN THE MAKING…..
For almost 17 years we have been sending a weekly prayer letter. It is a labor of love that is usually sent on Mondays to give an update of the weekend activities and to ask for prayer for the coming week. Since moving to Tshaneni, we have used the cell phone modem to send and receive our messages (only method available to us on the Swazi Citrus farm). We are thankful for the modem but it does take longer and costs more than using a land line. Last weekend I sent our weekly prayer letter as well as the monthly Swazi Team prayer calendar and found that it took half the time to send on weekends than during the week. SO, with that in mind, we have decided to change the day of sending our prayer letter from Mondays to Saturdays. This is big change for us but one we feel is necessary. Afterall, “time is money” and we do pay for every second we are on line!!
We hope this will not inconvenience anyone. We appreciate each of you for faithfully praying for us and the Swazi people!!
We had a wonderful time at the Kruger National Game Reserve (Monday-Wednesday) with the Jordans. We saw all the big five except for the lion and did see a leopard twice!! Since it is winter here in Southern Africa many of the different bird species are wintering in warmer climates but we were able to see many of the residential types of birds. I do look forward to September-October when all our summer bird visitors return!!
--Wayne is in the Shiselweni region this weekend attending the Shiselweni Baptist Association meeting today. Yesterday he attended a prayer service at the Zikotheni Baptist Church. The church is currently without a consistent leader since the young man who was leading the church took money from the church offerings. We ask you to pray for the young man as he must now prove he can be trusted and also for the church without a leader.
Tomorrow Wayne will worship with the Maloma Baptist Church. Pray the worship service will glorify the Lord!!
***Did you know???
What country has been served the longest by Southern Baptist missionaries?
--August 7th, the executive committee of the Swaziland Baptist Convention meets. New officers were elected a few months ago and training was conducted in June. Continue to pray each will learn his or her new job description and commit to furthering Baptist work in Swaziland.
-- Todd and Deborah Hoskins began their time of training at the International Learning Center in Rockville, Va. on the 26th of July. Pray for Todd and Deborah as they prepare for this time of training in preparation for their work and ministry in Swaziland.
The Hoskins are scheduled to arrive in Swaziland around the 7th of October. Their job description includes church planting in the Manzini region and developing rural training schools throughout Swaziland.
--After arriving on the field Todd and Deborah will attend the on-field orientation 40/40 October 21-November 19 in Burkina Faso (West Africa). 40/40 is an intensive time of learning to live in Africa as well as develop relationships with the African people. Begin praying for Todd and Deborah’s preparation to this type of training and wonderful blessings will occur.
Pray that all the members of the Allen family will get their final medical clearance. They are down to their last few documents needed. Pray nothing will “pop” up in any test result that will delay their return to Swaziland. They plan to return to Swaziland on the 26th of September.
August 16-18 is the first Swazi Baptist children’s camp in the northeast section of Swaziland. I must admit I am a little apprehensive concerning the logistics and the general running of the camp. I do ask that you pray for me to have a sense of peace and remember that the Lord is in charge of everything!! Pray churches will send only those children that are between the ages of 6-11. Pray adult chaperones will also understand the importance of their presence and ministry in making sure all children are kept safe and have a wonderful camp experience.
--The Shiselweni Children’s Camp will take place August 30-September 1 at the New Hope Baptist Church. Please pray for a good attendance of children that will experience a new awakening of Christ’s love in his/her life.
--The 2010 National Youth Camp is scheduled for August 26-29. A volunteer team from Belton, Texas (First Baptist) will lead. Pray those who attend will leave feeling the presence of the Savior and will daily strive to seek His face. Pray for Grant and Jenna, Brett, Courney and Daphne as they prepare for this awesome ministry. Pray for Al and Belinda Jordan as they host the team and get them to the camp venue each day.
--Pray for Kym Pennington, the new True Love Waits International consultant as she prepares to make her first trip to Swaziland in August during the National Youth Camp. Pray this will be the beginning of a wonderful working relationship between Kym, the Swazis and the Swazi Team.
--The National Swazi Baptist Ladies’ Retreat is drawing closer, October 14-16. The venue is the Manzini Baptist Church. Theme: “I Will Cry Unto The Lord” and scripture verse Psalm 55:7.
Please pray for me as I prepare the schedule and pray I will be spiritually prepared to lead four sessions on prayer. So many Swazis do not know the importance of a personal prayer life or they can even pray outside the church. Pray those attending will understand the true meaning of prayer and the need for a personal prayer life.
Continue to remember Wayne’s sister, Patsy suffering from COPD and on oxygen. -Pray also Wayne’s brother (Terry). Pray his quarterly tests will continue to show his cancer is in remission. -Pray Barbara’s brother-in-law, Gary Rutledge will continue to recover from his herniated disc surgery and for Barbara’s nephew-in-law’s mother diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
***Answer to the Do You Know question:
Nigeria, entered in 1850. In fact, Nigeria was Southern Baptists’ only field in Africa for 100 years.
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 many lost and dying people and nations.
--Please continue to pray for IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead our organization.
This week’s country focus: CAMEROON
-Pray for Christians with integrity to be raised up to lead the nation and make the radical reforms necessary to put Cameroon back on the right path.
-There is a deep spiritual poverty along with the economic poverty in Cameroon. Nominal Christianity is a bigger problem in this land than in any other in Africa. Pray for repentance, true revival and a restoration of Bible reading, preaching and holiness among Christians.
-Praise God for the indigenous Cameroonian missionaries who are being sent to the north to share the gospel with unreached people there. Pray that they would be able to water and bring in a large harvest of believers.
(Information from The Ultimate Goal (TUG) a project of SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place during June and July 2010. TUG is a network of local and international churches, para-church organizations and ministries all working together on one common goal: to bring hope and change to South Africa.)
For almost 17 years we have been sending a weekly prayer letter. It is a labor of love that is usually sent on Mondays to give an update of the weekend activities and to ask for prayer for the coming week. Since moving to Tshaneni, we have used the cell phone modem to send and receive our messages (only method available to us on the Swazi Citrus farm). We are thankful for the modem but it does take longer and costs more than using a land line. Last weekend I sent our weekly prayer letter as well as the monthly Swazi Team prayer calendar and found that it took half the time to send on weekends than during the week. SO, with that in mind, we have decided to change the day of sending our prayer letter from Mondays to Saturdays. This is big change for us but one we feel is necessary. Afterall, “time is money” and we do pay for every second we are on line!!
We hope this will not inconvenience anyone. We appreciate each of you for faithfully praying for us and the Swazi people!!
We had a wonderful time at the Kruger National Game Reserve (Monday-Wednesday) with the Jordans. We saw all the big five except for the lion and did see a leopard twice!! Since it is winter here in Southern Africa many of the different bird species are wintering in warmer climates but we were able to see many of the residential types of birds. I do look forward to September-October when all our summer bird visitors return!!
--Wayne is in the Shiselweni region this weekend attending the Shiselweni Baptist Association meeting today. Yesterday he attended a prayer service at the Zikotheni Baptist Church. The church is currently without a consistent leader since the young man who was leading the church took money from the church offerings. We ask you to pray for the young man as he must now prove he can be trusted and also for the church without a leader.
Tomorrow Wayne will worship with the Maloma Baptist Church. Pray the worship service will glorify the Lord!!
***Did you know???
What country has been served the longest by Southern Baptist missionaries?
--August 7th, the executive committee of the Swaziland Baptist Convention meets. New officers were elected a few months ago and training was conducted in June. Continue to pray each will learn his or her new job description and commit to furthering Baptist work in Swaziland.
-- Todd and Deborah Hoskins began their time of training at the International Learning Center in Rockville, Va. on the 26th of July. Pray for Todd and Deborah as they prepare for this time of training in preparation for their work and ministry in Swaziland.
The Hoskins are scheduled to arrive in Swaziland around the 7th of October. Their job description includes church planting in the Manzini region and developing rural training schools throughout Swaziland.
--After arriving on the field Todd and Deborah will attend the on-field orientation 40/40 October 21-November 19 in Burkina Faso (West Africa). 40/40 is an intensive time of learning to live in Africa as well as develop relationships with the African people. Begin praying for Todd and Deborah’s preparation to this type of training and wonderful blessings will occur.
Pray that all the members of the Allen family will get their final medical clearance. They are down to their last few documents needed. Pray nothing will “pop” up in any test result that will delay their return to Swaziland. They plan to return to Swaziland on the 26th of September.
August 16-18 is the first Swazi Baptist children’s camp in the northeast section of Swaziland. I must admit I am a little apprehensive concerning the logistics and the general running of the camp. I do ask that you pray for me to have a sense of peace and remember that the Lord is in charge of everything!! Pray churches will send only those children that are between the ages of 6-11. Pray adult chaperones will also understand the importance of their presence and ministry in making sure all children are kept safe and have a wonderful camp experience.
--The Shiselweni Children’s Camp will take place August 30-September 1 at the New Hope Baptist Church. Please pray for a good attendance of children that will experience a new awakening of Christ’s love in his/her life.
--The 2010 National Youth Camp is scheduled for August 26-29. A volunteer team from Belton, Texas (First Baptist) will lead. Pray those who attend will leave feeling the presence of the Savior and will daily strive to seek His face. Pray for Grant and Jenna, Brett, Courney and Daphne as they prepare for this awesome ministry. Pray for Al and Belinda Jordan as they host the team and get them to the camp venue each day.
--Pray for Kym Pennington, the new True Love Waits International consultant as she prepares to make her first trip to Swaziland in August during the National Youth Camp. Pray this will be the beginning of a wonderful working relationship between Kym, the Swazis and the Swazi Team.
--The National Swazi Baptist Ladies’ Retreat is drawing closer, October 14-16. The venue is the Manzini Baptist Church. Theme: “I Will Cry Unto The Lord” and scripture verse Psalm 55:7.
Please pray for me as I prepare the schedule and pray I will be spiritually prepared to lead four sessions on prayer. So many Swazis do not know the importance of a personal prayer life or they can even pray outside the church. Pray those attending will understand the true meaning of prayer and the need for a personal prayer life.
Continue to remember Wayne’s sister, Patsy suffering from COPD and on oxygen. -Pray also Wayne’s brother (Terry). Pray his quarterly tests will continue to show his cancer is in remission. -Pray Barbara’s brother-in-law, Gary Rutledge will continue to recover from his herniated disc surgery and for Barbara’s nephew-in-law’s mother diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
***Answer to the Do You Know question:
Nigeria, entered in 1850. In fact, Nigeria was Southern Baptists’ only field in Africa for 100 years.
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 many lost and dying people and nations.
--Please continue to pray for IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead our organization.
This week’s country focus: CAMEROON
-Pray for Christians with integrity to be raised up to lead the nation and make the radical reforms necessary to put Cameroon back on the right path.
-There is a deep spiritual poverty along with the economic poverty in Cameroon. Nominal Christianity is a bigger problem in this land than in any other in Africa. Pray for repentance, true revival and a restoration of Bible reading, preaching and holiness among Christians.
-Praise God for the indigenous Cameroonian missionaries who are being sent to the north to share the gospel with unreached people there. Pray that they would be able to water and bring in a large harvest of believers.
(Information from The Ultimate Goal (TUG) a project of SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place during June and July 2010. TUG is a network of local and international churches, para-church organizations and ministries all working together on one common goal: to bring hope and change to South Africa.)
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