Thursday December 1: WORLD AIDS DAY!! The country of Swaziland is experiencing one of the world’s worse AIDS pandemics. HIV/AIDS infection among pregnant women is 41 percent, 31 percent of Swazi children are orphans and the life expectancy is now 43 years. Pray for a solution to the AIDS problem in Swaziland. Pray Swazis will come to realize that their lifestyle contributes to the early death of friends and family. Swaziland will be featured for World AIDS Day emphasis at http://www.africa.stories.org/.
Friday December 2: Today the Swazi Team will say “Thank You” to the four Hands On missionaries with a trip to the Swazi Candle Factory. Sienna, Kim, Heather and Brandi arrived in June for six months of True Love Waits and other AIDS related ministries. Pray these four missionaries will have a feeling of accomplishment as they prepare to return to the states. They leave Swaziland on the 10th of December.
Saturday December 3: The executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets today. In recent months there has been increasing tension between the leaders of the convention and missionaries. Convention leaders seem to want to rule over the Baptist churches and the missionaries and impose non-biblical hierarchal leadership structure. Pray that the missionaries will have wisdom in knowing how to deal with the convention leadership in a Christian way.
Sunday December 4: Today the Vuvulane and Mafucula Baptist Churches have the opportunity to say “Thank You” and “Goodbye” to Brandi and Kim who have ministered in these areas since their month long homestead stay (Mafucula) in July. Pray this time will be very special as the churches express their gratitude for their work and sadness for their departure.
Monday December 5: On Thursday, November 17th a severe thunderstorm with hail and strong winds hit northern Swaziland. The community of Hawane was hit very hard with many people having major damage to their homes, including several members of the Hawane Baptist Church. Another storm came through the following day causing additional water damage to homes and their contents. Please pray the affected families will be able to quickly repair or rebuild.
Tuesday December 6: “Here I am working alone in a city of many thousand inhabitants with numberless villages. How many can I reach?” Lottie Moon-letter from P’ingtu in 1887. Lottie Moon began her missionary service assigned to Tengchow. Within a few years she was being called by God to reopen the work in P’ingtu. Her reason: other missionaries were teaching the Bible in Tengchow. In P’ingtu (at that time the 12th largest city in the world), the people had never heard. Pray the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering will reach its goal ($175 million) so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
Wednesday December 7: Yearly rains are needed for Swazis to plant their crops and gardens. It is always hoped the rains will be plentiful and frequent. Pray there will be plenty of rain throughout Swaziland. Pray the fields will receive enough rain to provide food until the next growing season.
Thursday December 8: Today is the scheduled one-day training of the new Biblical Education Program for believers. BEP is designed to be an additional discipleship tool for Swazi Baptist church members. Pray for a great interest among Swazi Baptist members. Pray BEP will be very useful discipleship tool.
Friday December 9: The Shiselweni Baptist Association meets today at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Besides the normal conducting of business, the planning of the ordination service for Pastor Nkosingiphile Dlamini (Thunzini Baptist Church) will continue. Pray a sense of fellowship and unity will continue as business is discussed. Pray also for the planning of Pastor Dlamini’s ordination service in January.
Saturday December 10: Kim, Sienna, Heather and Brandi leave Swaziland today for Jo’burg to begin their time of debriefing (Dec. 11-15). They leave for the states on the 15th of December. Pray for a safe journey, for a wonderful time of debriefing and reflecting and an uneventful flight to the states.
Sunday December 11: November 18-19 the ladies of the New Hope and Mgamudze Baptist Churches met at Mgamudze for an overnight retreat. Studies centered around the theme, “The Joy of the Good News” and one session was spent visiting homesteads near the church. One participant returned to the church and told the leader that the host of the homestead she visited was overwhelmed by their visit. He told her “we have never been visited by church people before.” Thank you for praying for this special event. Pray for these churches as the ladies reach out to those who need the Savior’s touch. May many come to know Jesus through their evangelistic efforts.
Monday December 12: The Swazi Team begins their end-of-the-year retreat today (Dec. 12-15) at the Buckleight Guesthouse in North Durban (South Africa). In the past, this time has enabled the Team to not only have great fellowship together, but also praise the Lord for the blessings of the past year and a time of prayer for future work. Pray for the Team as we begin to prepare for this special event. Pray it will be a time of renewal and encouragement.
Tuesday December 13: The Swazi Team was blessed to receive a shipment of In-Home Healthcare Kits (BGR Buckets) to minister to those with terminal illness such as HIV/AIDS. The Gospel is shared with each family or individual receiving a kit. There have been favorable responses from those receiving the kits and several people have joined local Baptist study groups as a direct result of the compassionate demonstration of the ministry to meet human needs. Pray that those who hear the Gospel will respond before it is too late.
Wednesday December 14: When ministering with the Swazi people there are times when missionaries feel they take three steps back for every step forward. Recently one of Todd Hoskins’ friends (that Todd has been leading in a Bible study for over 6 months) came wearing amulets (indicating participating in witchcraft for healing). Even though this incident was very discouraging, Todd gently showed his friend what the Bible says about trusting Jesus for our every need. Pray Christian Swazis will see that Jesus is all they need to overcome difficulties in life. Pray missionaries will not be too discouraged when Swazis turn to their culture during difficult times.
Thursday December 15: 2011 was a year of turmoil for the government of Swaziland. Strikes for higher wages, an end to high spending by the monarchy as well as the end to the monarchy and better life, have constantly been scheduled. In 2012 pray a peaceful solution will be reached between the government and the Swazi people.
Friday December 16: Last month (November 4th) the children from the Vuvulane and Mafucula Baptist Churches combined for a children’s Bible study after morning worship services. Brandi and Kim (Hands On missionaries) shared the truth/facts about AIDS with approximately 50 children under three small shade trees. After a time of work the children enjoyed chips, cookies and juice. It is so import that Swazi children understand the causes and effects of AIDS. Pray Swazi children will have a chance to hear the truth about AIDS and its causes. Pray for a brighter future for our Swazi Baptist children.
Saturday December 17: Funds are needed to help with the ministry of the World Hunger Fund. One hundred percent of every dollar given to the World Hunger Fund is used to help hungry people. Please consider making a donation to this vital fund or highlighting the need in your church. http://www.gobgr.org/
Sunday December 18: The Mabelani Baptist Church meets on a homestead in northwestern Swaziland. House churches struggle in Swaziland because they are often associated with Zionism (African Traditional Religion) or are thought to belong to specific families. In January weekly Bible study groups will begin to try to increase awareness of the church in the community and to help disciple church members to develop local leadership. Pray these Bible studies will be well attended and will reach additional community members.
Monday December 19: As Swazi Christians celebrate Christmas this month, pray they will look around and see their Muslim neighbors are not celebrating the Lord’s birth. Pray Swazi believers’ hearts will be burdened for these and will find ways to share the salvation story with them.
Tuesday December 20: Today is Wayne Myers’ birthday. Pray his special day will indeed be special!
November 27th the Luhhwahhweni Baptist Church conducted a baptism service for those who made decisions during a two-week revival. After years of few in attendance the church is growing and currently meeting in a school. Unfortunately, there also have been issues between the current leadership and the young who was leading but had to step down due to his unsuitable living arrangements. A special meeting was called between the community leaders, young man’s family, church leadership, missionary and the young man in November to discuss the situation. Because of the conflicts the land given to the church for a church building was in danger of being taken away. Praise the Lord the meeting went well with a good outcome. Pray for continual growth for this church as members try to reach the community. Pray for a good working relationship between past and current leadership and pray the young man will be able to improve his current living arrangements.
Wednesday December 21: Pray for Wayne and Barbara Myers today as the celebrate their wedding anniversary!!
The church was packed by the time the wedding finally started two and half hours late. People were singing, hand-clapping and dancing. The wedding service also included a sermon, greetings from both the bride’s and groom’s families as well as from representatives of the church, the lighting of the unity candles in addition to the exchanging of vows and rings. Orange Fanta was poured into a glass to which was added an equal amount of Coca-Cola representing the thought that once the two were mixed it was impossible to separate them. Following the four hour wedding there was a reception and food for everyone. Pray the Swazis will understand what God expects of marriage and the marriage relationship. Pray for strong Swazi Christian marriages.
Thursday December 22: Perhaps you remember the story of the pastor and his wife who experienced marital difficulties for years. At one point the husband sent the wife back to her mother’s homestead and took another wife in the Swazi traditional way. He left the pastoral ministry. The husband and wife did reunite (he sent his traditional wife back to her home). This man and his family are currently living in the Phuzumoya community. His appearance shows a man that is weak and sick as he deals with symptoms of AIDS. His wife is also HIV positive as well as their oldest child. Please pray for this family, and pray for the many families like this one throughout Swaziland.
Friday December 23: This Christmas season, pray the King of Swaziland, his wives and children will hear the true Christmas story and will realize trusting in Jesus is the most precious gift of all.
Saturday December 24: Pray the Swazi people understand the significance of the Christmas story. For so many Swazis Christmas is a time of eating special foods and having everyone at home. Swazis may know the story of the birth of Christ but do not understand the importance of that event to their lives. Pray the Christmas story will touch many Swazi hearts this Christmas season. May they truly understand the words, “Joy to the World, the Lord is come.”
Sunday December 25: MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU!!
I said a Christmas Prayer for you because the season’s near.
I didn’t ask for riches but for gifts so much more dear.
I asked for joyful gatherings with your family all around.
And for carols to inspire you with their old familiar sound.
I asked for quiet moments in your heart on Christmas morn,
For special time to celebrate the Savior who was born.
I asked for friends to send their best that you might know they care. . .
I asked for peace & love & hope and I know God heard my prayer.
--Nancy Parker Brummett
Monday December 26: Pray for the Swazi Team as we join together in Tshaneni today to celebrate Christmas!!
Tuesday December 27: Sub-Saharan African Unengaged Peoples:
“Almost six years have passed since the request to begin praying and asking the Lord of the harvest to send workers among the Bankagoma of Mali, and still no one has answered the call. With a population of only 5,000, it would be so easy to overlook these people, but God hasn’t forgotten them. Please cry out on behalf of the Bankagoma and ask the Lord to send out workers who will lead these people into a right relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. Ask the Lord to prepare the way and for those who are being called will be obedient.”
Wednesday December 28: Pray for godly, strong and faithful leaders to take a stand for Christ and press on against deep rooted cultural beliefs as well as expectations from the family. Pray for a strong leader for every Swazi Baptist Church.
Thursday December 29: Pray members of the Swazi Team will seek the Lord’s guidance as they look forward to 2012 with joy, love and desire to make their lives count for Christ.
Friday December 30: In 2011 volunteer teams from Southern Baptist churches ministered alongside the Swazi Team conducting retreats, Bible studies for adults, youth and children, revivals, hut-to-hut visitation, prayer walking, AIDS orphan ministries, sharing the True Love Waits message and more. Pray as planning begins for the ministry of volunteer teams with the Swazi Team in 2012. Pray for the volunteer team from the First Baptist Church, Washington, North Carolina scheduled to minister with the Allens and Myers February 21-March 6.
Saturday December 31: Victory Baptist Church is holding New Year Eve services. Pray these services will be Christ honoring and a good beginning for seeing in the new year.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
A THANKGIVING DAY PRAYER
“Faith of our Fathers” renew us again
And make us a nation of God-fearing men
Seeking Thy guidance, Thy love and Thy will,
For we are but Pilgrims in need of Thee still—
And, gathered together on Thanksgiving Day,
May we lift up our hearts and our hands as we pray
To thank You for blessings we so little merit
And grant us Thy love and teach us to SHARE IT.
--Helen Steiner Rice
We hope each of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!! The Swazi Team gathered together in Mbabane at the Allens and enjoyed a wonderful meal with wonderful fellowship. The day was cool and rainy a much needed break from the hot/humid conditions we had been experiencing in Tshaneni. It was so good to feel the gentle rain and know the Lord provided this blessing. We have much in which to be thankful. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. Psalm 100:3-4
November 18-19 the ladies of the New Hope and Mgamudze Baptist Churches did have their scheduled retreat at Mgamudze. It was a very warm day with a very loud thunderstorm during the evening that made it very difficult to hear (metal iron roof) while people were testifying but it didn’t stop us from being together and worshipping. The theme of our retreat was “The Joy of the Good News” with studies centered on this theme. The pastor of Mgamudze (Chris Msibi) had asked that a time for homestead visitation be included in the program. This we did on Saturday morning. After the visitation one of the participant’s returned to the church and told me and the group that the host of one of the homesteads that she had visited was overwhelmed by their visit. He told her, “we have never been visited by church people before.” The ladies were quite touched by this special ministry. Pray for these churches as the ladies reach out to those who need the Savior’s touch. May many come to know Jesus through their evangelistic efforts.
--Sunday November 27th is a scheduled baptism service at the Luhhwahhweni Baptist Church for those who accepted the Lord during the church’s 2-week revival in October. Pray for these who made this very important decision to become a child of the King. May their witness touch the Luhhwahhweni community.
After years of few in attendance the church is growing and currently meeting in a school. Unfortunately, there have been issues between the current leadership and the young man who was leading but had to step down due to living with his sister-in-law and not being married. A special meeting was called between the community leaders, young man’s family, church leadership, Wayne and the young man Monday (Nov. 21st) to discuss the situation. Because of the conflicts the land given to the church for a church building was in danger of being taken away. Praise the Lord the meeting went well with a good outcome. Pray for continued growth for this church as members try to reach the community. Pray for a good working relationship between past and current leadership and pray the young man will be able to improve his current living arrangements. His family sent him to stay in the home of his deceased brother after a couple of break-ins to the house. His sister-in-law works in Big Bend and is not around most of the time. This couple has discussed marriage but agreed it would not be a good idea. He does not have a job and cannot support himself but the community feels he is not doing right in this situation. The issue has caused quite a bit of problems for the Luhhwahhweni Baptist Church.
NEXT WEEK’S MINISTRY EVENTS:
--WORLD AIDS DAY! December 1st. The country of Swaziland is experiencing one of the worlds’ worse AIDS pandemics. HIV/AIDS infection among pregnant women is 41 percent, 31 percent of Swazi children are orphans and the life expectancy is now 43 years. Pray for a solution to the AIDS problem in Swaziland. Pray Swazis will come to realize that their lifestyle contributes to the early death of friends and family. Swaziland will be featured for the World AIDS Day emphasis at http://www.africa.stories.org/.
--Friday December 2nd, the Swazi Team will say “Thank You” to the four Hands On missionaries with a trip to the Swazi Candle Factory. Sienna, Kim, Heather and Brandi arrived in June for six months of True Love Waits and other AIDS related ministries. Pray these four missionaries will have a feeling of accomplishment as they prepare to return to the states. They leave Swaziland for Jo’burg on the 10th of December for their debriefing (Dec. 12-14). Their return flight to the states is December 14th.
--Saturday December 3rd the executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland will meet. In recent months there has been increasing tension between the leaders of the convention and missionaries. Convention leaders seem to want to rule over the Baptist churches and the missionaries and impose non-Biblical hierarchal leadership structure. Pray the missionaries will have wisdom in knowing how to deal with the convention leadership in a Christian way. There will be a special prayer emphasis for this meeting on the 3rd. A special “season of prayer” prayer requests will be included in next week’s prayer letter. Please begin praying today for this meeting.
--Sunday the 4th of December the Vuvulane and Mafucula Baptist Churches have the opportunity to say “Thank You” and “Goodbye” to Brandi and Kim who have ministered in these areas since their month long homestead stay (Mafucula) in July. Pray this time will be very special as the churches express their gratitude for their work and sadness for their departure.
In 1883 the Foreign Mission Board called for special services of prayer for missions, and in 1888 the Convention adopted a committee report urging a return to the establishment and maintenance of the monthly concert of prayer for missions. The founding of the Woman’s Missionary Union in 1888 greatly enhanced the focus of prayer on missions in Baptist life. Lottie Moon had pleaded, in her many letters, for the forming of such an organization. Through her inspiration and intense devotion, a special day of prayer and offering for foreign missions was observed each year 1888 to 1891. Beginning in 1892, the prayer emphasis was lengthened to include an entire week. (From the book The Life That Prays by Minette Drumwright) Your IMB missionaries give their lives to the missions task. Your faithful support keeps them on the field doing what God has called them to do. With each soul won to Christ, each new believer’s baptism and each church-planting movement started, you are a faithful partner in the harvest. Please support and give to the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering so missionaries can continue the “Great Commission” calling to go, teach and baptize in the uttermost parts of the world. Lottie Moon Offering Goal: $175 million www.imb.org/offering
“Faith of our Fathers” renew us again
And make us a nation of God-fearing men
Seeking Thy guidance, Thy love and Thy will,
For we are but Pilgrims in need of Thee still—
And, gathered together on Thanksgiving Day,
May we lift up our hearts and our hands as we pray
To thank You for blessings we so little merit
And grant us Thy love and teach us to SHARE IT.
--Helen Steiner Rice
We hope each of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!! The Swazi Team gathered together in Mbabane at the Allens and enjoyed a wonderful meal with wonderful fellowship. The day was cool and rainy a much needed break from the hot/humid conditions we had been experiencing in Tshaneni. It was so good to feel the gentle rain and know the Lord provided this blessing. We have much in which to be thankful. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. Psalm 100:3-4
November 18-19 the ladies of the New Hope and Mgamudze Baptist Churches did have their scheduled retreat at Mgamudze. It was a very warm day with a very loud thunderstorm during the evening that made it very difficult to hear (metal iron roof) while people were testifying but it didn’t stop us from being together and worshipping. The theme of our retreat was “The Joy of the Good News” with studies centered on this theme. The pastor of Mgamudze (Chris Msibi) had asked that a time for homestead visitation be included in the program. This we did on Saturday morning. After the visitation one of the participant’s returned to the church and told me and the group that the host of one of the homesteads that she had visited was overwhelmed by their visit. He told her, “we have never been visited by church people before.” The ladies were quite touched by this special ministry. Pray for these churches as the ladies reach out to those who need the Savior’s touch. May many come to know Jesus through their evangelistic efforts.
--Sunday November 27th is a scheduled baptism service at the Luhhwahhweni Baptist Church for those who accepted the Lord during the church’s 2-week revival in October. Pray for these who made this very important decision to become a child of the King. May their witness touch the Luhhwahhweni community.
After years of few in attendance the church is growing and currently meeting in a school. Unfortunately, there have been issues between the current leadership and the young man who was leading but had to step down due to living with his sister-in-law and not being married. A special meeting was called between the community leaders, young man’s family, church leadership, Wayne and the young man Monday (Nov. 21st) to discuss the situation. Because of the conflicts the land given to the church for a church building was in danger of being taken away. Praise the Lord the meeting went well with a good outcome. Pray for continued growth for this church as members try to reach the community. Pray for a good working relationship between past and current leadership and pray the young man will be able to improve his current living arrangements. His family sent him to stay in the home of his deceased brother after a couple of break-ins to the house. His sister-in-law works in Big Bend and is not around most of the time. This couple has discussed marriage but agreed it would not be a good idea. He does not have a job and cannot support himself but the community feels he is not doing right in this situation. The issue has caused quite a bit of problems for the Luhhwahhweni Baptist Church.
NEXT WEEK’S MINISTRY EVENTS:
--WORLD AIDS DAY! December 1st. The country of Swaziland is experiencing one of the worlds’ worse AIDS pandemics. HIV/AIDS infection among pregnant women is 41 percent, 31 percent of Swazi children are orphans and the life expectancy is now 43 years. Pray for a solution to the AIDS problem in Swaziland. Pray Swazis will come to realize that their lifestyle contributes to the early death of friends and family. Swaziland will be featured for the World AIDS Day emphasis at http://www.africa.stories.org/.
--Friday December 2nd, the Swazi Team will say “Thank You” to the four Hands On missionaries with a trip to the Swazi Candle Factory. Sienna, Kim, Heather and Brandi arrived in June for six months of True Love Waits and other AIDS related ministries. Pray these four missionaries will have a feeling of accomplishment as they prepare to return to the states. They leave Swaziland for Jo’burg on the 10th of December for their debriefing (Dec. 12-14). Their return flight to the states is December 14th.
--Saturday December 3rd the executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland will meet. In recent months there has been increasing tension between the leaders of the convention and missionaries. Convention leaders seem to want to rule over the Baptist churches and the missionaries and impose non-Biblical hierarchal leadership structure. Pray the missionaries will have wisdom in knowing how to deal with the convention leadership in a Christian way. There will be a special prayer emphasis for this meeting on the 3rd. A special “season of prayer” prayer requests will be included in next week’s prayer letter. Please begin praying today for this meeting.
--Sunday the 4th of December the Vuvulane and Mafucula Baptist Churches have the opportunity to say “Thank You” and “Goodbye” to Brandi and Kim who have ministered in these areas since their month long homestead stay (Mafucula) in July. Pray this time will be very special as the churches express their gratitude for their work and sadness for their departure.
In 1883 the Foreign Mission Board called for special services of prayer for missions, and in 1888 the Convention adopted a committee report urging a return to the establishment and maintenance of the monthly concert of prayer for missions. The founding of the Woman’s Missionary Union in 1888 greatly enhanced the focus of prayer on missions in Baptist life. Lottie Moon had pleaded, in her many letters, for the forming of such an organization. Through her inspiration and intense devotion, a special day of prayer and offering for foreign missions was observed each year 1888 to 1891. Beginning in 1892, the prayer emphasis was lengthened to include an entire week. (From the book The Life That Prays by Minette Drumwright) Your IMB missionaries give their lives to the missions task. Your faithful support keeps them on the field doing what God has called them to do. With each soul won to Christ, each new believer’s baptism and each church-planting movement started, you are a faithful partner in the harvest. Please support and give to the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering so missionaries can continue the “Great Commission” calling to go, teach and baptize in the uttermost parts of the world. Lottie Moon Offering Goal: $175 million www.imb.org/offering
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
The temperatures continue to be quite warm in our area of Swaziland but we did receive a couple of thundershowers this week that helped to provide a little relief. Rain is still needed for the farmers to plant their crops and gardens. Please pray the rains will come and provide the moisture that will enable crops/gardens to grow and river/streams to fill.
The date for the Mgamudze Ladies’ Retreat that was scheduled for November 18-19 and then November 25-26 has now been scheduled to begin today. I received word on Saturday (12th of November) that the retreat could not take place the last weekend. So the pastor decided to have the retreat today and tomorrow (18-19 of November). He also told me he invited the ladies from the New Hope Baptist Church to join us as a well as a few from the community. Pray the church will be adequately prepared for the event as well as myself. With the news of New Hope joining us and possibly a couple from the community, I quickly prepared more teaching materials. Please pray the ladies will plan to be on time and attend every session. May we receive wonderful blessings from the Lord!!
THANKSGIVNG DAY-November 24, 2011. The Swazi Team will celebrate Thanksgiving Day at the Allens in Mbabane. Pray for a wonderful day of celebration and Thanksgiving!!
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of Lords: His Love endures forever. Psalm 136:1-3
--Sunday November 27th is the tentative date for baptismal service at the Luhhwahhweni Baptist Church. Pray for this church as they celebrate through this baptismal service. Pray these new believers will totally serve the Lord and will be wonderful witnesses in the community of Luhhwahhweni.
The Hands On missionaries’ time of ministry in Swaziland is coming to an end. In June they began their 6 month term that will end on the 8th of December when they depart for Jo’burg for a week of debriefing before returning to the states. It has been a wonderful 6 months for the Swazi Team and hopefully for these missionaries. Wayne and I know the Mafucula and Vuvulane Baptist Churches and communities will be very sad to say goodbye to Brandi and Kim. Plans for a farewell service combining the two churches has been planned for the 4th of December. The Swazi Team will also say thank you to the “girls” on the 2nd of December with a trip to the Swazi Candle Factory. Pray for Sienna, Heather, Brandi and Kim as their work in Swaziland slowly comes to an end. Pray for a great feeling of accomplishment as they prepare to return to the states.
Stories of their work in Swaziland will appear on http://www.africastories.org/ the first appearing on the 30th of November. Swaziland will also be featured for the World AIDS Day emphasis December 1st.
The Swazi Team’s end-of-the-year retreat is scheduled for December 12-15 at the Buckleigh Guest House in North Durban. In the past, the time has enabled the Team to not only have great fellowship together, but also praise the Lord for His blessings the past year and a time of prayer for future work. Pray for the Team as we begin to prepare for this special event with hopes that it will provide renewal and encouragement.
UPDATE: In September 23rd’ prayer letter we asked you to pray for Sphesile Msibi (wife of pastor of Mgamudze Baptist Church) who had suffered a stroke. We are happy to say she is doing very well. The family thanks everyone for praying!!
CHECK OUT THIS WEBSITE:
“2 Oceans Cluster” http://www.2oceanscluster.com/ and click on “Town/Village/Rural and then click on Swazi Team
Lottie Moon destined to become a legend among Southern Baptists, was one of the earliest single women appointed by the Foreign Mission Board (now International Mission Board). Harriet Baker was the first, in 1849, but her career was brief, and she “served to confirm the board’s opinion that single women were not suited for foreign missionary service.” Finally, with a change in policy in 1872, Edmonia Moon was appointed to China. The following year, on July 7, 1873, Lottie Moon, Edmonia’s sister, was officially appointed by the Foreign Mission Board meeting in Richmond, Va.
Arriving in China, Lottie immediately enveloped herself in love for, and work with, the Chinese people. She wrote many challenging, chiding letters to Henry A. Tupper, corresponding secretary of the FMB and her trusted friend, asking Southern Baptists for helpers, money and prayers for the sake of the gospel and the people of China. She described the massive numbers of lost souls around here in the Shantung Province. “Thirty million lost people,” she wrote in one of her letters, “yet the one million Southern Baptists at home can barely muster enough through their giving to send only three women and one man to win all of those people to the Lord. I don’t know how that looks in heaven, but it certainly looks peculiar in China.” (From the book The Life that Prays by Minette Drumwright)
Your church’s involvement in the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering provides for your IMB missionaries’ day-to-day needs. Because you give sacrificially, your missionaries can spend their time reaching lost people instead of raising support. The offering comprises 53 percent of the IMB’s total income, and every penny goes to missionaries and their ministries. Please support and give to the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering so missionaries can continue the “Great Commission” calling to go, teach and baptize in the uttermost parts of the world. Lottie Moon Offering Goal; $175 million www.imb.org/offering
The date for the Mgamudze Ladies’ Retreat that was scheduled for November 18-19 and then November 25-26 has now been scheduled to begin today. I received word on Saturday (12th of November) that the retreat could not take place the last weekend. So the pastor decided to have the retreat today and tomorrow (18-19 of November). He also told me he invited the ladies from the New Hope Baptist Church to join us as a well as a few from the community. Pray the church will be adequately prepared for the event as well as myself. With the news of New Hope joining us and possibly a couple from the community, I quickly prepared more teaching materials. Please pray the ladies will plan to be on time and attend every session. May we receive wonderful blessings from the Lord!!
THANKSGIVNG DAY-November 24, 2011. The Swazi Team will celebrate Thanksgiving Day at the Allens in Mbabane. Pray for a wonderful day of celebration and Thanksgiving!!
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of Lords: His Love endures forever. Psalm 136:1-3
--Sunday November 27th is the tentative date for baptismal service at the Luhhwahhweni Baptist Church. Pray for this church as they celebrate through this baptismal service. Pray these new believers will totally serve the Lord and will be wonderful witnesses in the community of Luhhwahhweni.
The Hands On missionaries’ time of ministry in Swaziland is coming to an end. In June they began their 6 month term that will end on the 8th of December when they depart for Jo’burg for a week of debriefing before returning to the states. It has been a wonderful 6 months for the Swazi Team and hopefully for these missionaries. Wayne and I know the Mafucula and Vuvulane Baptist Churches and communities will be very sad to say goodbye to Brandi and Kim. Plans for a farewell service combining the two churches has been planned for the 4th of December. The Swazi Team will also say thank you to the “girls” on the 2nd of December with a trip to the Swazi Candle Factory. Pray for Sienna, Heather, Brandi and Kim as their work in Swaziland slowly comes to an end. Pray for a great feeling of accomplishment as they prepare to return to the states.
Stories of their work in Swaziland will appear on http://www.africastories.org/ the first appearing on the 30th of November. Swaziland will also be featured for the World AIDS Day emphasis December 1st.
The Swazi Team’s end-of-the-year retreat is scheduled for December 12-15 at the Buckleigh Guest House in North Durban. In the past, the time has enabled the Team to not only have great fellowship together, but also praise the Lord for His blessings the past year and a time of prayer for future work. Pray for the Team as we begin to prepare for this special event with hopes that it will provide renewal and encouragement.
UPDATE: In September 23rd’ prayer letter we asked you to pray for Sphesile Msibi (wife of pastor of Mgamudze Baptist Church) who had suffered a stroke. We are happy to say she is doing very well. The family thanks everyone for praying!!
CHECK OUT THIS WEBSITE:
“2 Oceans Cluster” http://www.2oceanscluster.com/ and click on “Town/Village/Rural and then click on Swazi Team
Lottie Moon destined to become a legend among Southern Baptists, was one of the earliest single women appointed by the Foreign Mission Board (now International Mission Board). Harriet Baker was the first, in 1849, but her career was brief, and she “served to confirm the board’s opinion that single women were not suited for foreign missionary service.” Finally, with a change in policy in 1872, Edmonia Moon was appointed to China. The following year, on July 7, 1873, Lottie Moon, Edmonia’s sister, was officially appointed by the Foreign Mission Board meeting in Richmond, Va.
Arriving in China, Lottie immediately enveloped herself in love for, and work with, the Chinese people. She wrote many challenging, chiding letters to Henry A. Tupper, corresponding secretary of the FMB and her trusted friend, asking Southern Baptists for helpers, money and prayers for the sake of the gospel and the people of China. She described the massive numbers of lost souls around here in the Shantung Province. “Thirty million lost people,” she wrote in one of her letters, “yet the one million Southern Baptists at home can barely muster enough through their giving to send only three women and one man to win all of those people to the Lord. I don’t know how that looks in heaven, but it certainly looks peculiar in China.” (From the book The Life that Prays by Minette Drumwright)
Your church’s involvement in the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering provides for your IMB missionaries’ day-to-day needs. Because you give sacrificially, your missionaries can spend their time reaching lost people instead of raising support. The offering comprises 53 percent of the IMB’s total income, and every penny goes to missionaries and their ministries. Please support and give to the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering so missionaries can continue the “Great Commission” calling to go, teach and baptize in the uttermost parts of the world. Lottie Moon Offering Goal; $175 million www.imb.org/offering
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
The last few days the temperatures have literally soared to between 100-108. Everything is so dry and dusty and in need of good rains. This time of year it is very vital that rains come weekly and no rain is forecast for the reminder of the week. Please pray the rains will come and provide the moisture that will enable crops/gardens to grow and rivers/streams to fill!!
We enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship with the IMB video team that were in Tshaneni Saturday-Wednesday (November 5-8). Margie, Katie, Tyler and Jess stayed busy photographing and talking with Brandi and Kim and many Swazis along the way. Besides the various AIDS ministries in which Kim and Brandi are involved, the group was able to experience the sharing of the True Love Waits message with the students at the Vuvulane Seconday School. Pray for this group as they continue their work with Sienna, Heather and the Allens in Mbabane. Sunday they will return to Jo’burg. Pray for a safe journey.
NOTE***Stories from this visit will appear on AfricaStories.org the first appearing on the 30th of November. Swaziland will also be featured for the World AIDS Day emphasis December 1st.
Sunday was a very warm day as we loaded up the children from Vuvulane after worship and made our way to Mafucula for a combined children’s Bible study. Brandi and Kim shared the truth/facts about AIDS with about 50 children under three small shade trees. After a time of work the children enjoyed chips, cookies and juice!! It is so important that our children begin to understand the causes and effects of AIDS. Pray Swazi children will have a chance to hear the truth about AIDS and its causes. Pray for a brighter future for our Swazi Baptist children.
SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST:
The last few months the Swazi Team has requested prayer for the monthly executive committee meetings of the Swaziland Baptist Convention. There have been questions concerning the working relationship between the Baptist Mission and the Swazi Baptist pastors/churches and convention. We have asked you to pray for open minds and a desire to have unity between the convention and the missionaries. Unfortunately, last Saturday’s meeting was very discouraging for the missionaries and it has become obvious that the leadership of the convention does not want the missionaries working with individual churches unless the convention is informed what they plan to teach or do. (Rather odd since it was the missionaries that began the Baptist work in Swaziland.) So this continues to raise the question, “How can the convention and the missionaries work together?” Pray the missionaries will be able to work through this difficulty with a future of promise and hope. Pray the Lord will lay His hand on this situation and He alone will be glorified in its outcome.
--The date for the Ladies’ Retreat for the Mgamudze Baptist Church has been changed from November 18-19 to November 25-26. Pray the church will be adequately prepared for this event and ladies will plan to attend every session.
--Planning has begun for the Swazi Team’s end-of-the year retreat December 12-15. In the past, the time has enabled the Team to not only have great fellowship together, but also praise the Lord for His blessings the past year and a time of prayer for future work. The selected venue is the Buckleigh Guest House in North Durban. Pray for the continued planning of this special event and for the members of the Swazi Team to prepare to be encouraged and spiritually renewed!!
--Our Hands On missionaries’ time of ministry in Swaziland is coming to an end. They arrived for 6 months in June and will depart from Swaziland on the 8th of December (week of debriefing in Jo’burg before departing for the states). It has been a wonderful 6 months for the Swazi Team and hopefully for these missionaries. Wayne and I know the Mafucula and Vuvulane Baptist Churches and communities will be very sad to say goodbye to Brandi and Kim. Plans for a farewell service combining the two churches has been planned for the 4th of December. The Swazi Team will also say goodbye to the “girls” on the 2nd of December. Pray for Sienna, Heather, Brandi and Kim as their work in Swaziland slowly comes to an end. Pray for a great feeling of accomplishment as they prepare to return to the states.
OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STATEGY:
Please be in prayer for IMB trustees and staff as they gather in Richmond for their fall meeting, November 14-15. May the Holy Spirit be their guide as they discuss important strategic and administrative matters. Pray also for the missionary appointment service that will follow the meeting on November 16. The service will be held at Temple Baptist Church, Hattisburg, Mississippi.
Formed in 1845 with missions a major priority, the Southern Baptist Convention immediately created Domestic and Foreign Mission Boards, promoted the monthly Concert of Prayer meetings for missions, and sent missionaries to China and Africa. By the 1880s the SBC, however, interest in missions had waned, and the prayer emphasis had fallen into serious decline. A report of the convention’s Committee on Progress and Prayer in 1881 attributed the decline of interest in missions primarily to the abandonment of the monthly Concert of Prayer and urged the reestablishment of the monthly event in each church throughout the bounds of the Convention. (From the book The Life That Prays by Minette Drumwright)
Your church’s Cooperative Program contribution goes to your Southern Baptist state convention office. Between 13 percent and 53 percent goes from there to the SBC Executive Committee office in Nashville. Half of those funds go to the International Mission Board (IMB), and half go to other SBC entities. The IMB receives 35 percent of its total income from CP. That money, along with Lottie Moon Christmas Offering dollars, supports missionaries sharing the love of Jesus Christ around the world. Please support and give to the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering so missionaries can continue the “Great Commission” calling to go, teach and baptize in the uttermost parts of the world.
We enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship with the IMB video team that were in Tshaneni Saturday-Wednesday (November 5-8). Margie, Katie, Tyler and Jess stayed busy photographing and talking with Brandi and Kim and many Swazis along the way. Besides the various AIDS ministries in which Kim and Brandi are involved, the group was able to experience the sharing of the True Love Waits message with the students at the Vuvulane Seconday School. Pray for this group as they continue their work with Sienna, Heather and the Allens in Mbabane. Sunday they will return to Jo’burg. Pray for a safe journey.
NOTE***Stories from this visit will appear on AfricaStories.org the first appearing on the 30th of November. Swaziland will also be featured for the World AIDS Day emphasis December 1st.
Sunday was a very warm day as we loaded up the children from Vuvulane after worship and made our way to Mafucula for a combined children’s Bible study. Brandi and Kim shared the truth/facts about AIDS with about 50 children under three small shade trees. After a time of work the children enjoyed chips, cookies and juice!! It is so important that our children begin to understand the causes and effects of AIDS. Pray Swazi children will have a chance to hear the truth about AIDS and its causes. Pray for a brighter future for our Swazi Baptist children.
SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST:
The last few months the Swazi Team has requested prayer for the monthly executive committee meetings of the Swaziland Baptist Convention. There have been questions concerning the working relationship between the Baptist Mission and the Swazi Baptist pastors/churches and convention. We have asked you to pray for open minds and a desire to have unity between the convention and the missionaries. Unfortunately, last Saturday’s meeting was very discouraging for the missionaries and it has become obvious that the leadership of the convention does not want the missionaries working with individual churches unless the convention is informed what they plan to teach or do. (Rather odd since it was the missionaries that began the Baptist work in Swaziland.) So this continues to raise the question, “How can the convention and the missionaries work together?” Pray the missionaries will be able to work through this difficulty with a future of promise and hope. Pray the Lord will lay His hand on this situation and He alone will be glorified in its outcome.
--The date for the Ladies’ Retreat for the Mgamudze Baptist Church has been changed from November 18-19 to November 25-26. Pray the church will be adequately prepared for this event and ladies will plan to attend every session.
--Planning has begun for the Swazi Team’s end-of-the year retreat December 12-15. In the past, the time has enabled the Team to not only have great fellowship together, but also praise the Lord for His blessings the past year and a time of prayer for future work. The selected venue is the Buckleigh Guest House in North Durban. Pray for the continued planning of this special event and for the members of the Swazi Team to prepare to be encouraged and spiritually renewed!!
--Our Hands On missionaries’ time of ministry in Swaziland is coming to an end. They arrived for 6 months in June and will depart from Swaziland on the 8th of December (week of debriefing in Jo’burg before departing for the states). It has been a wonderful 6 months for the Swazi Team and hopefully for these missionaries. Wayne and I know the Mafucula and Vuvulane Baptist Churches and communities will be very sad to say goodbye to Brandi and Kim. Plans for a farewell service combining the two churches has been planned for the 4th of December. The Swazi Team will also say goodbye to the “girls” on the 2nd of December. Pray for Sienna, Heather, Brandi and Kim as their work in Swaziland slowly comes to an end. Pray for a great feeling of accomplishment as they prepare to return to the states.
OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STATEGY:
Please be in prayer for IMB trustees and staff as they gather in Richmond for their fall meeting, November 14-15. May the Holy Spirit be their guide as they discuss important strategic and administrative matters. Pray also for the missionary appointment service that will follow the meeting on November 16. The service will be held at Temple Baptist Church, Hattisburg, Mississippi.
Formed in 1845 with missions a major priority, the Southern Baptist Convention immediately created Domestic and Foreign Mission Boards, promoted the monthly Concert of Prayer meetings for missions, and sent missionaries to China and Africa. By the 1880s the SBC, however, interest in missions had waned, and the prayer emphasis had fallen into serious decline. A report of the convention’s Committee on Progress and Prayer in 1881 attributed the decline of interest in missions primarily to the abandonment of the monthly Concert of Prayer and urged the reestablishment of the monthly event in each church throughout the bounds of the Convention. (From the book The Life That Prays by Minette Drumwright)
Your church’s Cooperative Program contribution goes to your Southern Baptist state convention office. Between 13 percent and 53 percent goes from there to the SBC Executive Committee office in Nashville. Half of those funds go to the International Mission Board (IMB), and half go to other SBC entities. The IMB receives 35 percent of its total income from CP. That money, along with Lottie Moon Christmas Offering dollars, supports missionaries sharing the love of Jesus Christ around the world. Please support and give to the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering so missionaries can continue the “Great Commission” calling to go, teach and baptize in the uttermost parts of the world.
Hoskins Update - November
This last month has had its share of challenges. Several situations have come up that make us feel like we’re taking three steps back for every one step forward. One of Todd’s best friends, who Todd has been leading in a Bible study for over 6 months, came over to our home wearing amulets (indicating participation in witchcraft for healing). It was discouraging.
Todd was able to show his friend where the Bible speaks about putting our trust in God alone, but not all challenges are so simply addressed. Please continue to pray for us to have wisdom and patience in our lives and in our work here.
We love the opportunity God has given us to serve Him here in Swaziland through challenges and triumphs. We are currently focusing our energy on finishing the Bible study materials to be ready for training events led by the Baptist Mission in December. We are thankful to all of those who are helping us edit and translate the materials into siSwati.
Our mission cluster has a new website that you can visit at http://www.2oceanscluster.com/. Swaziland is found under the Town/Village/Rural section.
Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers.
Todd was able to show his friend where the Bible speaks about putting our trust in God alone, but not all challenges are so simply addressed. Please continue to pray for us to have wisdom and patience in our lives and in our work here.
We love the opportunity God has given us to serve Him here in Swaziland through challenges and triumphs. We are currently focusing our energy on finishing the Bible study materials to be ready for training events led by the Baptist Mission in December. We are thankful to all of those who are helping us edit and translate the materials into siSwati.
Our mission cluster has a new website that you can visit at http://www.2oceanscluster.com/. Swaziland is found under the Town/Village/Rural section.
Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers.
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
The four “Hands On” missionaries and Wayne are on their way to Swaziland after spending the last couple of days enjoying the Kruger National Game Reserve. Wayne phoned yesterday to say the group saw four cheetahs stalking a herd of wildebeest. They watched the cheetahs for about an hour to see if they (cheetahs) would make their move on the wildebeest (they didn’t). The group has also seen many rhino, giraffes, close and personal views of elephants and much more !! What wonderful sightings for their first time at the park!!
While Wayne and the girls were enjoying the cheetah sightings, I experienced my own sighting here at the farm. I am keeping a friend’s dog for a couple of days and left the back door open so he could go in and out without bothering me during my quiet time. As I was finishing, I heard a sound that made me realize a bird was in the house. Since I was alone I didn’t relish trying to find a way to extract the bird (Black-capped Bulbul) from the house. The first thing I did was get the dog out before he could pounce on the bird. He preceded to go to the window where the bird was trying to get out. The bird was looking at the dog from the inside and the dog was looking at the bird from the outside. Several attempts proved futile in trying to get the bird out through an open window (different window from where the dog had positioned himself). A little while later the bird flew to the sitting room and I was able to open the front door for it to fly away!!
--The Shiselweni Baptist Association did meet last Saturday but was unable to plan the ordination service for Pastor Nkhosingiphile Dlamini. Pastor Dlamini was not able to attend due to a school function. Planning will continue for this special service that has been scheduled for January 2012. Please pray for the planning of this special event and for Nkhosingiphile as he continues his education.
--Please pray for the executive committee meeting of the Swaziland Baptist Convention tomorrow November 5th. Pray those attending will come with an open mind and a desire to have unity between the convention and missionaries.
--Tomorrow (11/5) the IMB video team (from Jo’burg) arrives in Swaziland to spend time with Kim and Brandi (Tshaneni/Mafucula) and Sienna and Heather in Mbabane. They will be in Tshaneni Nov. 5-8 and in Mbabane Nov. 8-13. Stories from this visit will appear on AfricaStories.org the first appearing on the 30th of November. Pray for this group’s visit with the “Hands On” missionaries on the Swazi team. May wonderful blessings occur while making these stories.
--Sunday (November 6th) after the worship services the children of the Vuvulane and Mafucula Baptist Churches will meet together at Mafucula. Brandi and Kim will share the truth/facts about AIDS. Pray the children will hear and understand the causes and effects of AIDS on their bodies and their lives.
-November 18-19 is the scheduled date for the Mgamudze Baptist Church Ladies’ Retreat. Pray the church will adequately prepare for this event and ladies will plan to attend every session.
Pray for Brandi Harris (Hands On Missionary) on her birthday the 9th of November. Pray her special day will indeed be special!
The country of Swaziland is experiencing one of the worlds worse AIDS pandemics. HIV/AIDS infection among pregnant women is 41 percent. 31 percent of Swazi children are orphans and the life expectancy is 43 years of age. Pray for a solution to the AIDS problem in Swaziland. Pray Swazis will come to realize that their lifestyle contributes to the early death of friends and family.
It was Luther Rice’s efforts that help lead to the formation of the Triennial Convention in 1814, the first national body of Baptists. Organized primarily as a foreign mission society, the convention’s main purpose at first was to support the Judsons. Soon, their purposes expanded. In 1817, the convention voted to recommend to its churches that they observe the first Monday of every month as a day of prayer for missions. For many years, this remained an important emphasis. Commissioned by the Triennial Convention, J. Louis and Henrietta Hall Shuck sailed for China in 1835. As a youth Shuck had attended a missions rally where an offering was received. Having no money, he wrote on a slip of paper, “I give myself” and placed it in the offering plate. The Shucks were powerful missionary influences in China and America. (From the book The Life That Prays by Minette Drumwright.)
Your IMB missionaries give their lives to the missions task. Your faithful support keeps them on the field doing what God has called them to do. With each soul won to Christ, each new believer’s baptism and each church-planting movement started, you are a faithful partner in the harvest. Please support and give to the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering so missionaries can continue the “Great Commission” calling to go, teach and baptize in the uttermost parts of the earth.
While Wayne and the girls were enjoying the cheetah sightings, I experienced my own sighting here at the farm. I am keeping a friend’s dog for a couple of days and left the back door open so he could go in and out without bothering me during my quiet time. As I was finishing, I heard a sound that made me realize a bird was in the house. Since I was alone I didn’t relish trying to find a way to extract the bird (Black-capped Bulbul) from the house. The first thing I did was get the dog out before he could pounce on the bird. He preceded to go to the window where the bird was trying to get out. The bird was looking at the dog from the inside and the dog was looking at the bird from the outside. Several attempts proved futile in trying to get the bird out through an open window (different window from where the dog had positioned himself). A little while later the bird flew to the sitting room and I was able to open the front door for it to fly away!!
--The Shiselweni Baptist Association did meet last Saturday but was unable to plan the ordination service for Pastor Nkhosingiphile Dlamini. Pastor Dlamini was not able to attend due to a school function. Planning will continue for this special service that has been scheduled for January 2012. Please pray for the planning of this special event and for Nkhosingiphile as he continues his education.
--Please pray for the executive committee meeting of the Swaziland Baptist Convention tomorrow November 5th. Pray those attending will come with an open mind and a desire to have unity between the convention and missionaries.
--Tomorrow (11/5) the IMB video team (from Jo’burg) arrives in Swaziland to spend time with Kim and Brandi (Tshaneni/Mafucula) and Sienna and Heather in Mbabane. They will be in Tshaneni Nov. 5-8 and in Mbabane Nov. 8-13. Stories from this visit will appear on AfricaStories.org the first appearing on the 30th of November. Pray for this group’s visit with the “Hands On” missionaries on the Swazi team. May wonderful blessings occur while making these stories.
--Sunday (November 6th) after the worship services the children of the Vuvulane and Mafucula Baptist Churches will meet together at Mafucula. Brandi and Kim will share the truth/facts about AIDS. Pray the children will hear and understand the causes and effects of AIDS on their bodies and their lives.
-November 18-19 is the scheduled date for the Mgamudze Baptist Church Ladies’ Retreat. Pray the church will adequately prepare for this event and ladies will plan to attend every session.
Pray for Brandi Harris (Hands On Missionary) on her birthday the 9th of November. Pray her special day will indeed be special!
The country of Swaziland is experiencing one of the worlds worse AIDS pandemics. HIV/AIDS infection among pregnant women is 41 percent. 31 percent of Swazi children are orphans and the life expectancy is 43 years of age. Pray for a solution to the AIDS problem in Swaziland. Pray Swazis will come to realize that their lifestyle contributes to the early death of friends and family.
It was Luther Rice’s efforts that help lead to the formation of the Triennial Convention in 1814, the first national body of Baptists. Organized primarily as a foreign mission society, the convention’s main purpose at first was to support the Judsons. Soon, their purposes expanded. In 1817, the convention voted to recommend to its churches that they observe the first Monday of every month as a day of prayer for missions. For many years, this remained an important emphasis. Commissioned by the Triennial Convention, J. Louis and Henrietta Hall Shuck sailed for China in 1835. As a youth Shuck had attended a missions rally where an offering was received. Having no money, he wrote on a slip of paper, “I give myself” and placed it in the offering plate. The Shucks were powerful missionary influences in China and America. (From the book The Life That Prays by Minette Drumwright.)
Your IMB missionaries give their lives to the missions task. Your faithful support keeps them on the field doing what God has called them to do. With each soul won to Christ, each new believer’s baptism and each church-planting movement started, you are a faithful partner in the harvest. Please support and give to the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering so missionaries can continue the “Great Commission” calling to go, teach and baptize in the uttermost parts of the earth.
November prayer calendar
Tuesday November 1: Thank you for praying for the Hoskins last month. Todd had a wonderful time learning during the Bible school at Phuzumoya. Deborah loved the fellowship with friends from all over the country at the National Women’s Retreat and particularly enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with Barbara and Monica. Pray for the Hoskins as they continue to minister in Swaziland. Pray for great periods of fellowship with Swazis and learning opportunities through daily experiences.
Wednesday November 2: November 2-4 the “Hands On” missionaries Kim, Sienna, Brandi and Heather are treating themselves to a much deserved trip to the Kruger National Game Reserve. Pray the group will see many wonderful sights and enjoy their time at Kruger. Continue to pray for these missionaries as their time in Swaziland is “winding down”. December 9-13 is their scheduled debriefing in Jo’burg before their departure to the states.
Thursday November 3: The missions movement in America is said to have begun in 1806 in a haystack. Five students from Williams College, a Congregationalist school in Williamstown, Massachusetts, were caught in a rainstorm. Taking refuge under a convenient haystack, they used the time to pray for spiritual awakening of the students and for the lost of the world. Robert Morrison was the first Protestant missionary to go to China. He reached Macao in 1807 and made an important contribution in his translation of scriptures. (From the book, The Life That Prays by Minette Drumwright.) Your church’s involvement in the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering provides for your IMB missionaries’ day-to-day needs. Because you give sacrificially, your missionaries spend their time reaching a lost people instead of raising support. The offering comprises 53 percent of the IMB’s total income, and every penny goes to missionaries and their ministries. Pray the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering will reach its goal so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
Friday November 4: November 5-13, an IMB team that includes a photographer/graph designer, journalist and videographer will be in Swaziland to spend time with Kim and Brandi (Tshaneni/Mafucula) and Sienna and Heather in Mbabane. Stories from this visit will appear on AfricaStories.org the first appearing on the 30th of November. Pray for this group’s visit with the “Hands On” missionaries on the Swazi Team. May wonderful blessings occur while making these stories.
Saturday November 5: Pray for the executive committee of the Swaziland Baptist Convention. Pray those attending the meeting will come with an open mind and a desire to have unity between the convention and the missionaries.
--Heather and Sienna are working with the youth today at the Mphembakati Baptist Church sharing more about True Love Waits. Please pray they will be effectively able to share the truth about love from the Bible.
Sunday November 6: Today after worship services the children of the Vuvulane and Mafucula Baptist Churches are meeting together at Mafucula. Brandi and Kim will share the truth/facts about AIDS. Pray the children will hear and understand the causes and effects of AIDS on their bodies and their lives.
Monday November 7: Pray for Brandi Harris (Hands On Missionary) today on her birthday. May her special day be special!! J
The country of Swaziland is experiencing one of the worlds worse AIDS pandemics. HIV/AIDS infection among pregnant women is 41 percent. 31 percent of Swazi children are orphans and life expectancy is 43 percent. Pray for a solution to the AIDS problem in Swaziland. Pray Swazis will come to realize that their lifestyle contributes to the early death of friends and family.
Tuesday November 8: The rainy season has begun in Swaziland. Swazis hope the rains will be plentiful this growing season. After the planting of crops and gardens frequent rains are needed. Pray there will be plenty of rain throughout Swaziland. Pray the Swazis’ fields will receive enough rain to provide food until the next growing season.
Wednesday November 9: The South Coast Bible School finished its 2011 year with the last session October 10-14 at the Phuzumoya Baptist Church. Approximately 20 students attended from Swazi Baptist churches and the communities around Phuzumoya. Pray the attendees were richly blessed through their studies last week. Pray as planning begins for the 2012 (four sessions) South Coast Bible School.
Thursday November 10: Please pray for the Hoskins as they continue to work on translation (English to siSwati) of Bible study materials throughout the month of November. “Please pray that the translation will be done and that we make the most of the opportunities to disciple those working with us on the material”.
Friday November 11: October 9th was World Hunger Day! But you can give to promote the World Hunger Fund anytime of the year. One hundred percent of every dollar given to the World Hunger Fund is used to help hungry peoples. Pray for support from our Southern Baptist churches to this fund and ministry. http://www.gobgr.org/
Saturday November 12: The Baptist Global Response (BGR) In-Home Care Kits are being used by the Swazi Team to teach and empower local churches to make home visits and show love to those dying with AIDS in their community. Presenting the care kit to a family opens a great door of opportunity to share a Bible story about Jesus’ ability to heal the soul. Pray the use of these items by loving care givers will show the love and compassion that Jesus Christ has for the terminally ill. http://www.inhomecarekits.org/
Sunday November 13: Continue to pray for the outreach ministry at Ngowane as the group desires to start Sunday services in the near future. Pray for leadership to rise up and be trained to lead this possible new church.
Monday November 14: For some who attended, this was their first Swazi Baptist Ladies’ Retreat at the Manzini Baptist Church (October 13-15). For others it was their second or third or even more times of coming to fellowship with ladies from Swazi Baptist churches, study God’s Word, sing His wonderful praises and enjoy Swazi cuisine. Missionary Monica Allen did a great job leading three sessions on the topic “God, our Father”. At the closing of Friday night’s session, with broken hearts and great needs, the ladies spent time confessing their sins and seeking the Lord’s help. What a blessing to experience the strong presence of the Lord. Pray for our Swazi Baptist ladies as many daily struggle with cultural issues, a husband with more than one wife, responsibility of family needs and a desire to grow spiritually.
Tuesday November 15: Todd and Deborah Hoskins has been working on a project to expand Biblical Education opportunities for believers. This resource (BEP-Baptist Education Program) is designed t be an additional tool for Swazi Baptist church members. Pray this resource will be a very useful discipleship tool. The first one-day training event has been scheduled for the 8th of December.
Wednesday November 16: 2011 was a year of turmoil for the government of Swaziland. Strikes for higher wages, an end to high spending of the monarchy as well as the end of the monarchy and a better life have constantly been scheduled. Pray a peaceful solution will be reached between the government and the Swazi people. Pray the King of Swaziland, his wives and children will come to know Jesus as their Savior. May true revival touch the hearts of the Swazi people.
Thursday November 17: It was a very warm day at the Phuzumoya Baptist Church when friends and family gathered to celebrate the 12th wedding anniversary of Mandla and Philiswe Sigwane (October 22nd). What a special event and witness for this couple (pastor of the Phuzumoya Baptist Church). Swazis live in a polygamous society and do not understand what God expects of marriage and the marriage relationship. Pray for strong Swazi Christian marriages that follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Friday November 18: November 18-19 the Mgamudze Baptist Church has scheduled an overnight women’s retreat and asked missionary Barbara Myers to lead. Pray as Barbara prepares to lead this group of women in a time of Bible study and fellowship. Pray the ladies of the Mgamudze Baptist Church will desire to come together. One of the sessions will be door-to-door visitation in the community. Pray the Lord will reap great benefits from this ministry.
Saturday November 19: Todd and Deborah Hoskins will lead the youth Bible study today at Mphembakati Baptist Church. Please pray the study will go well.
Sunday November 20: Last month the Shiselweni Baptist Association conducted their bi-monthly meeting at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. The main topic of business was the ordination service for Pastor Nkhosingiphile Dlamini (Thunzini Baptist Church). This special event is being planned for December 2011. Pray planning will go well. Pray the Lord will provide for the needs of Nkhosinigphile as he attends teacher training college.
Monday November 21: With the upcoming holidays, pray for missionaries all over the world not able to be with their extended families. Holidays are probably the times most missionaries can be homesick and missing family gatherings.
Tuesday November 22: Through Jesus’ blood, we call God “Abba Father”, an intimate phrase of tender love between a parent and child. Muslims know nothing of this intimacy in prayer. Many are deeply religious, but to them, their god, Allah, is far off and inaccessible. They face their struggles alone. Pray for these to know the One who will never leave or forsake them. “And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them”. Isaiah 42:16
Wednesday November 23: In 2011 volunteer teams from Southern Baptist churches ministered alongside the Swazi Team conducting retreats, Bible studies for adult, youth and children, revivals, hut-to-hut visitation, prayer walking, AIDS orphan ministries, sharing the True Love Waits message and more. Pray as planning begins for the ministry of volunteer teams with the Swazi Team in 2012. May God’s wonderful blessings continue to flow.
Thursday November 24: The Swazi Team will celebrate Thanksgiving at the Allens in Mbabane. Pray for a wonderful day of celebration and thanksgiving!!
Friday November 25: Sub-Saharan African Unengaged Peoples: The Caprivi Strip of Namibia reaches east like a long finger, stretching to touch the great Zambezi River. This landlocked peninsula is bordered by Angola, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Fwe of Namibia make their home in the sandy Caprivi Strip. Currently no one is intentionally starting churches among the Fwe. Pray the Fwe believers will boldly proclaim the Gospel to their families and friends, and the Fwe will see their need for Jesus Christ and the salvation He offers. Pray that a strategic plan will be developed to plant biblical churches among the Fwe of Namibia.
Saturday November 26: The Hoskins will lead a Bible study with youth and women at the Big Bend Baptist Church. Please pray the Bible study will go well.
Sunday November 27: “Q” is a Swazi child that has been diagnosed with TB. His mother refuses to allow him a follow-up visit to the clinic for fear he will be given the ARVs (anti-retroviral drugs) designed to prolong the life of an AIDS victim. Instead she took him to a traditional healer and was told the drugs the clinic gave him would kill him. “Q” (a very thin child) is now afraid to take any form of medication given to him by the clinic. Pray the mother will see that not allowing her child to be properly treated will lead to an early death. Pray for the many Swazi families that are afraid of abandonment if it is discovered that one of their family members is HIV positive.
Monday November 28: Pray the government of Swaziland will see the need to provide doctors in clinics and a supply of medications that will be adequate. Pray Swazis will not seek the use of traditional methods of medical care.
Tuesday November 29: Plans have begun for the Swazi Team’s end-of-the year retreat December 12-15. In the past, the time has enabled the Team to not only have great fellowship together, but also praise the Lord for His blessings the past year and a time of prayer for future work. Pray as the Team selects a venue and agenda for 2011’s retreat. Pray in all things the Lord will be glorified.
Wednesday November 30: Pray Swazi Christians will understand the customs and traditions that are a normal part of life are not always acceptable to the Lord. Pray they will study more and learn about the Lord and His ways.
Wednesday November 2: November 2-4 the “Hands On” missionaries Kim, Sienna, Brandi and Heather are treating themselves to a much deserved trip to the Kruger National Game Reserve. Pray the group will see many wonderful sights and enjoy their time at Kruger. Continue to pray for these missionaries as their time in Swaziland is “winding down”. December 9-13 is their scheduled debriefing in Jo’burg before their departure to the states.
Thursday November 3: The missions movement in America is said to have begun in 1806 in a haystack. Five students from Williams College, a Congregationalist school in Williamstown, Massachusetts, were caught in a rainstorm. Taking refuge under a convenient haystack, they used the time to pray for spiritual awakening of the students and for the lost of the world. Robert Morrison was the first Protestant missionary to go to China. He reached Macao in 1807 and made an important contribution in his translation of scriptures. (From the book, The Life That Prays by Minette Drumwright.) Your church’s involvement in the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering provides for your IMB missionaries’ day-to-day needs. Because you give sacrificially, your missionaries spend their time reaching a lost people instead of raising support. The offering comprises 53 percent of the IMB’s total income, and every penny goes to missionaries and their ministries. Pray the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering will reach its goal so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
Friday November 4: November 5-13, an IMB team that includes a photographer/graph designer, journalist and videographer will be in Swaziland to spend time with Kim and Brandi (Tshaneni/Mafucula) and Sienna and Heather in Mbabane. Stories from this visit will appear on AfricaStories.org the first appearing on the 30th of November. Pray for this group’s visit with the “Hands On” missionaries on the Swazi Team. May wonderful blessings occur while making these stories.
Saturday November 5: Pray for the executive committee of the Swaziland Baptist Convention. Pray those attending the meeting will come with an open mind and a desire to have unity between the convention and the missionaries.
--Heather and Sienna are working with the youth today at the Mphembakati Baptist Church sharing more about True Love Waits. Please pray they will be effectively able to share the truth about love from the Bible.
Sunday November 6: Today after worship services the children of the Vuvulane and Mafucula Baptist Churches are meeting together at Mafucula. Brandi and Kim will share the truth/facts about AIDS. Pray the children will hear and understand the causes and effects of AIDS on their bodies and their lives.
Monday November 7: Pray for Brandi Harris (Hands On Missionary) today on her birthday. May her special day be special!! J
The country of Swaziland is experiencing one of the worlds worse AIDS pandemics. HIV/AIDS infection among pregnant women is 41 percent. 31 percent of Swazi children are orphans and life expectancy is 43 percent. Pray for a solution to the AIDS problem in Swaziland. Pray Swazis will come to realize that their lifestyle contributes to the early death of friends and family.
Tuesday November 8: The rainy season has begun in Swaziland. Swazis hope the rains will be plentiful this growing season. After the planting of crops and gardens frequent rains are needed. Pray there will be plenty of rain throughout Swaziland. Pray the Swazis’ fields will receive enough rain to provide food until the next growing season.
Wednesday November 9: The South Coast Bible School finished its 2011 year with the last session October 10-14 at the Phuzumoya Baptist Church. Approximately 20 students attended from Swazi Baptist churches and the communities around Phuzumoya. Pray the attendees were richly blessed through their studies last week. Pray as planning begins for the 2012 (four sessions) South Coast Bible School.
Thursday November 10: Please pray for the Hoskins as they continue to work on translation (English to siSwati) of Bible study materials throughout the month of November. “Please pray that the translation will be done and that we make the most of the opportunities to disciple those working with us on the material”.
Friday November 11: October 9th was World Hunger Day! But you can give to promote the World Hunger Fund anytime of the year. One hundred percent of every dollar given to the World Hunger Fund is used to help hungry peoples. Pray for support from our Southern Baptist churches to this fund and ministry. http://www.gobgr.org/
Saturday November 12: The Baptist Global Response (BGR) In-Home Care Kits are being used by the Swazi Team to teach and empower local churches to make home visits and show love to those dying with AIDS in their community. Presenting the care kit to a family opens a great door of opportunity to share a Bible story about Jesus’ ability to heal the soul. Pray the use of these items by loving care givers will show the love and compassion that Jesus Christ has for the terminally ill. http://www.inhomecarekits.org/
Sunday November 13: Continue to pray for the outreach ministry at Ngowane as the group desires to start Sunday services in the near future. Pray for leadership to rise up and be trained to lead this possible new church.
Monday November 14: For some who attended, this was their first Swazi Baptist Ladies’ Retreat at the Manzini Baptist Church (October 13-15). For others it was their second or third or even more times of coming to fellowship with ladies from Swazi Baptist churches, study God’s Word, sing His wonderful praises and enjoy Swazi cuisine. Missionary Monica Allen did a great job leading three sessions on the topic “God, our Father”. At the closing of Friday night’s session, with broken hearts and great needs, the ladies spent time confessing their sins and seeking the Lord’s help. What a blessing to experience the strong presence of the Lord. Pray for our Swazi Baptist ladies as many daily struggle with cultural issues, a husband with more than one wife, responsibility of family needs and a desire to grow spiritually.
Tuesday November 15: Todd and Deborah Hoskins has been working on a project to expand Biblical Education opportunities for believers. This resource (BEP-Baptist Education Program) is designed t be an additional tool for Swazi Baptist church members. Pray this resource will be a very useful discipleship tool. The first one-day training event has been scheduled for the 8th of December.
Wednesday November 16: 2011 was a year of turmoil for the government of Swaziland. Strikes for higher wages, an end to high spending of the monarchy as well as the end of the monarchy and a better life have constantly been scheduled. Pray a peaceful solution will be reached between the government and the Swazi people. Pray the King of Swaziland, his wives and children will come to know Jesus as their Savior. May true revival touch the hearts of the Swazi people.
Thursday November 17: It was a very warm day at the Phuzumoya Baptist Church when friends and family gathered to celebrate the 12th wedding anniversary of Mandla and Philiswe Sigwane (October 22nd). What a special event and witness for this couple (pastor of the Phuzumoya Baptist Church). Swazis live in a polygamous society and do not understand what God expects of marriage and the marriage relationship. Pray for strong Swazi Christian marriages that follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Friday November 18: November 18-19 the Mgamudze Baptist Church has scheduled an overnight women’s retreat and asked missionary Barbara Myers to lead. Pray as Barbara prepares to lead this group of women in a time of Bible study and fellowship. Pray the ladies of the Mgamudze Baptist Church will desire to come together. One of the sessions will be door-to-door visitation in the community. Pray the Lord will reap great benefits from this ministry.
Saturday November 19: Todd and Deborah Hoskins will lead the youth Bible study today at Mphembakati Baptist Church. Please pray the study will go well.
Sunday November 20: Last month the Shiselweni Baptist Association conducted their bi-monthly meeting at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. The main topic of business was the ordination service for Pastor Nkhosingiphile Dlamini (Thunzini Baptist Church). This special event is being planned for December 2011. Pray planning will go well. Pray the Lord will provide for the needs of Nkhosinigphile as he attends teacher training college.
Monday November 21: With the upcoming holidays, pray for missionaries all over the world not able to be with their extended families. Holidays are probably the times most missionaries can be homesick and missing family gatherings.
Tuesday November 22: Through Jesus’ blood, we call God “Abba Father”, an intimate phrase of tender love between a parent and child. Muslims know nothing of this intimacy in prayer. Many are deeply religious, but to them, their god, Allah, is far off and inaccessible. They face their struggles alone. Pray for these to know the One who will never leave or forsake them. “And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them”. Isaiah 42:16
Wednesday November 23: In 2011 volunteer teams from Southern Baptist churches ministered alongside the Swazi Team conducting retreats, Bible studies for adult, youth and children, revivals, hut-to-hut visitation, prayer walking, AIDS orphan ministries, sharing the True Love Waits message and more. Pray as planning begins for the ministry of volunteer teams with the Swazi Team in 2012. May God’s wonderful blessings continue to flow.
Thursday November 24: The Swazi Team will celebrate Thanksgiving at the Allens in Mbabane. Pray for a wonderful day of celebration and thanksgiving!!
Friday November 25: Sub-Saharan African Unengaged Peoples: The Caprivi Strip of Namibia reaches east like a long finger, stretching to touch the great Zambezi River. This landlocked peninsula is bordered by Angola, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Fwe of Namibia make their home in the sandy Caprivi Strip. Currently no one is intentionally starting churches among the Fwe. Pray the Fwe believers will boldly proclaim the Gospel to their families and friends, and the Fwe will see their need for Jesus Christ and the salvation He offers. Pray that a strategic plan will be developed to plant biblical churches among the Fwe of Namibia.
Saturday November 26: The Hoskins will lead a Bible study with youth and women at the Big Bend Baptist Church. Please pray the Bible study will go well.
Sunday November 27: “Q” is a Swazi child that has been diagnosed with TB. His mother refuses to allow him a follow-up visit to the clinic for fear he will be given the ARVs (anti-retroviral drugs) designed to prolong the life of an AIDS victim. Instead she took him to a traditional healer and was told the drugs the clinic gave him would kill him. “Q” (a very thin child) is now afraid to take any form of medication given to him by the clinic. Pray the mother will see that not allowing her child to be properly treated will lead to an early death. Pray for the many Swazi families that are afraid of abandonment if it is discovered that one of their family members is HIV positive.
Monday November 28: Pray the government of Swaziland will see the need to provide doctors in clinics and a supply of medications that will be adequate. Pray Swazis will not seek the use of traditional methods of medical care.
Tuesday November 29: Plans have begun for the Swazi Team’s end-of-the year retreat December 12-15. In the past, the time has enabled the Team to not only have great fellowship together, but also praise the Lord for His blessings the past year and a time of prayer for future work. Pray as the Team selects a venue and agenda for 2011’s retreat. Pray in all things the Lord will be glorified.
Wednesday November 30: Pray Swazi Christians will understand the customs and traditions that are a normal part of life are not always acceptable to the Lord. Pray they will study more and learn about the Lord and His ways.
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
It is a very warm and windy day in Tshaneni. It has rained this week and now with the sun trying to peak through the clouds, it is quite humid. We are thankful for every drop of rain, especially this time of the year when farmers are trying to plant their crops and families their mealies (corn). Swazis always hope the rains will be plentiful and frequent. Pray there will be plenty of rain throughout Swaziland. Pray the fields will receive enough rain to provide food until the next growing season.
It wasn’t raining Saturday when the church and community of Phuzumoya met for the 12th wedding anniversary of Pastor Mandla Sigwane and his wife Philisiwe. It was quite hot with a strong breeze whipping the tents. The Swazis did not seem bothered by the uncomfortable conditions (like I was!!) and stayed to witness this special event in the life of the church and the Sigwanes. Swazi society allows a man more than one wife and most do not understand what God expects of marriage and the marriage relationship. Pray for strong Swazi Christian marriages that follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.
--Wayne left this morning for the Shiselweni region and to attend the Shiselweni Baptist Association meeting at the Velebantfu Baptist Church tomorrow (Saturday). This meeting was postponed last month due to our vehicle difficulties. On the agenda will be discussion of the ordination service in December for Nkhosingiphile Dlamini, pastor of the Thunzini Baptist Church. This will be a big event in the life of the Shiselweni region, Thunzini Baptist Church and Nkhosingiphile. Pray for the planning of this special event in December. Pray for Nkhosinigphile as he continues with his education and pray the Lord will provide for his needs.
SWAZICAN CITRUS FARM UDATE:
As I sit here and type our weekly prayer letter, we still do not know the fate of the 190 employees who were given their notices effective October 30th . A company has brought the farm and will take over sometime in 2012. There is to be a meeting today and the employees will hear whether they will have to pack up and leave or stay temporarily or indefinitely. Pray for these who may lose their homes and jobs. Please pray for the Lord’s provision.
Our situation: We did receive a notice that the lease to our house will expire the end of the year. We will then renew monthly until the new owners take over and a new lease will then be discussed. Our plan at this time is to stay in this house until we are told we cannot or until our stateside assignment begins in September 2012. Please pray for our peace concerning this situation.
PRAYER EVENTS FOR NOVEMBER:
-November 2-4 the “Hands On” missionaries with enjoy their time in the Kruger National Game Reserve. Pray the group will see many wonderful sights. Continue to pray for these missionaries as their time in Swaziland is coming to a close.
-Pray for the executive committee meeting of the Swaziland Baptist Convention November 5th. Pray those attending will come with an open mind and a desire to have unity between the convention and missionaries.
--November 5-13, an IMB team will be in Swaziland to spend time with Kim and Brandi (Tshaneni/Mafucula) and Sienna and Heather in Mbabane. Stories from this visit will appear on AfricaStories.org the first appearing on the 30th of November. Pray for this group’s visit with the “Hands On” missionaries on the Swazi Team. May wonderful blessings occur while making these stories.
-November 18-19, the Mgamudze Baptist Church has scheduled an overnight ladies’ retreat. I (Barbara) will lead this special time of study and fellowship. One of the sessions will be door-to-door visitation in the community. Pray the Lord will reap great benefits from this ministry.
AIDS UPDATE:
Perhaps you remember the story of the pastor and his wife (Shiselweni) who experienced marital difficulties for years. At one point, the husband sent the wife home to her mother’s homestead and he took another wife in the Swazi traditional way. He left the pastoral ministry. The husband and wife did reunite (he sent his traditional wife back to her home) and were attending the Sigwanes’ anniversary service. I was a shocked to see how his condition has deteriorated since I saw him two or three years ago. He was very thin and sickly. At one time he was on the antiretroviral drugs but ceased to take them because he felt the Lord had healed him. I don’t know if he has resumed taking them. Even though his wife is also HIV positive she looked well. Their three daughters are also HIV positive. Please pray for this family. And pray for many families like this one throughout Swaziland.
Congregationalists Adoniram and Ann Judson and Luther Rice sailed from American shores for Burma in 1812. Along the way both Adoniram and Luther felt drawn to the Baptist position on baptism. After agonizing over the situation for three months, all three were baptized by one of William Carey’s associates. They resigned from the Congregational Board leaving them without support. Carey offered to support the Americans through the English Baptist Missionary Society. However, they all agreed the best plan would be for American Baptists to provide the support. Rice returned to America to stir up the Baptists and encourage the formation of organizations for the support of foreign missions in general and the Judsons in particular. (From the book The Life That Prays by Minette Drumwright). As your church gives, prays and goes, unreached people—like the Manga Kanuri of West Africa, the Huishui Miao of China and the Uzbeks of Uzbekistan—gain access to the life-giving Gospel of Jesus Christ. They hear and respond because your IMB missionaries go with full support and because you give generously and sacrificially. Please support and give to the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
It wasn’t raining Saturday when the church and community of Phuzumoya met for the 12th wedding anniversary of Pastor Mandla Sigwane and his wife Philisiwe. It was quite hot with a strong breeze whipping the tents. The Swazis did not seem bothered by the uncomfortable conditions (like I was!!) and stayed to witness this special event in the life of the church and the Sigwanes. Swazi society allows a man more than one wife and most do not understand what God expects of marriage and the marriage relationship. Pray for strong Swazi Christian marriages that follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.
--Wayne left this morning for the Shiselweni region and to attend the Shiselweni Baptist Association meeting at the Velebantfu Baptist Church tomorrow (Saturday). This meeting was postponed last month due to our vehicle difficulties. On the agenda will be discussion of the ordination service in December for Nkhosingiphile Dlamini, pastor of the Thunzini Baptist Church. This will be a big event in the life of the Shiselweni region, Thunzini Baptist Church and Nkhosingiphile. Pray for the planning of this special event in December. Pray for Nkhosinigphile as he continues with his education and pray the Lord will provide for his needs.
SWAZICAN CITRUS FARM UDATE:
As I sit here and type our weekly prayer letter, we still do not know the fate of the 190 employees who were given their notices effective October 30th . A company has brought the farm and will take over sometime in 2012. There is to be a meeting today and the employees will hear whether they will have to pack up and leave or stay temporarily or indefinitely. Pray for these who may lose their homes and jobs. Please pray for the Lord’s provision.
Our situation: We did receive a notice that the lease to our house will expire the end of the year. We will then renew monthly until the new owners take over and a new lease will then be discussed. Our plan at this time is to stay in this house until we are told we cannot or until our stateside assignment begins in September 2012. Please pray for our peace concerning this situation.
PRAYER EVENTS FOR NOVEMBER:
-November 2-4 the “Hands On” missionaries with enjoy their time in the Kruger National Game Reserve. Pray the group will see many wonderful sights. Continue to pray for these missionaries as their time in Swaziland is coming to a close.
-Pray for the executive committee meeting of the Swaziland Baptist Convention November 5th. Pray those attending will come with an open mind and a desire to have unity between the convention and missionaries.
--November 5-13, an IMB team will be in Swaziland to spend time with Kim and Brandi (Tshaneni/Mafucula) and Sienna and Heather in Mbabane. Stories from this visit will appear on AfricaStories.org the first appearing on the 30th of November. Pray for this group’s visit with the “Hands On” missionaries on the Swazi Team. May wonderful blessings occur while making these stories.
-November 18-19, the Mgamudze Baptist Church has scheduled an overnight ladies’ retreat. I (Barbara) will lead this special time of study and fellowship. One of the sessions will be door-to-door visitation in the community. Pray the Lord will reap great benefits from this ministry.
AIDS UPDATE:
Perhaps you remember the story of the pastor and his wife (Shiselweni) who experienced marital difficulties for years. At one point, the husband sent the wife home to her mother’s homestead and he took another wife in the Swazi traditional way. He left the pastoral ministry. The husband and wife did reunite (he sent his traditional wife back to her home) and were attending the Sigwanes’ anniversary service. I was a shocked to see how his condition has deteriorated since I saw him two or three years ago. He was very thin and sickly. At one time he was on the antiretroviral drugs but ceased to take them because he felt the Lord had healed him. I don’t know if he has resumed taking them. Even though his wife is also HIV positive she looked well. Their three daughters are also HIV positive. Please pray for this family. And pray for many families like this one throughout Swaziland.
Congregationalists Adoniram and Ann Judson and Luther Rice sailed from American shores for Burma in 1812. Along the way both Adoniram and Luther felt drawn to the Baptist position on baptism. After agonizing over the situation for three months, all three were baptized by one of William Carey’s associates. They resigned from the Congregational Board leaving them without support. Carey offered to support the Americans through the English Baptist Missionary Society. However, they all agreed the best plan would be for American Baptists to provide the support. Rice returned to America to stir up the Baptists and encourage the formation of organizations for the support of foreign missions in general and the Judsons in particular. (From the book The Life That Prays by Minette Drumwright). As your church gives, prays and goes, unreached people—like the Manga Kanuri of West Africa, the Huishui Miao of China and the Uzbeks of Uzbekistan—gain access to the life-giving Gospel of Jesus Christ. They hear and respond because your IMB missionaries go with full support and because you give generously and sacrificially. Please support and give to the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
For some who attended this was their first Swazi Baptist Ladies’ Retreat at the Manzini Baptist Church (October 13-15). For others it was their second or third or even more times of coming to fellowship with ladies from Swazi Baptist churches, study God’s Word, sing His wonderful praises and enjoy Swazi cuisine. Missionary Monica Allen did a great job of leading three sessions on the topic “God, our Father”. At the closing of Friday night’s session with broken hearts and great needs, the ladies spent time confessing their sins and seeking the Lord’s help. What a blessing to experience the strong presence of the Lord. What a blessing to be able to be a part of an event that is very special to these ladies. Pray for our Swazi Baptist ladies as many daily struggle with cultural issues, a husband with more than one wife, responsibility for family needs and a desire to grow spiritually.
-One attendant fell and broke her ankle the first night. Pray as she recovers from her injury.
--Wayne spent a busy week traveling to the Phuzumoya Baptist Church and teaching at the South Coast Bible School. Approximately 20 students attended from our Swazi Baptist churches and the communities around Phuzumoya. He felt it was a good experience and as always enjoyed being with “the guys”. Pray the attendees were richly blessed through their studies last week. Pray as planning begins for 2012 (four sessions) South Coast Bible School.
--Tomorrow the Phuzumoya Baptist Church is hosting the celebration of Mandla Sigwane (pastor for the church) and Philisiwe Sigwane’s 12th wedding anniversary. What a special event and witness for this couple. Swazis live in a polygamous society and do not understand what God expects of marriage and the marriage relationship. Pray this event will be a wonderful witness to the Phuzumoya community. Pray for strong Swazi Christian marriages.
--October 17-26, missionary Steve Allen is in the states in order to renew his US drivers’ license (North Carolina). Steve will also visit with family and friends. Pray for Monica, Lacie and Nathan as they remain in Swaziland. Pray for Steve’s safe travels and great times with family.
“HANDS ON” UPDATE:
In June four “Hands On” missionaries became a part of the Swazi Team. Their basic ministry was sharing of the True Love Waits message but involvement in other AIDS ministries was also encouraged. Heather and Sienna moved into the mission house beside the Allens in the capital city of Mbabane. Kim and Brandi moved in with an American friend, Corine in the small rural bush town of Tshaneni. The Swazi Team has enjoyed these missionaries and will be sad when their time is completed the first of December. Please continue to pray for the ministries of these missionaries and their remaining time in Swaziland.
v Please especially pray for Heather Palmer. Her “adopted” grandmother passed away. They were very close. Please pray as she deals with the sadness of this loss away from her family.
v November 2-4 the group will enjoy a restful and exciting time at the Kruger National Game Reserve. Pray for a wonderful time and wonderful sightings of animals and birds!!
v November 5-November 13, an IMB team (based in Jo’burg) that includes a photographer/graph designer, journalist and videographer will be in Swaziland to spend time with the four missionaries. Stories from this visit will appear on AfricaStories.org the first appearing on the 30th of November. Pray for this group’s visit with the “Hands On” missionaries. May wonderful blessings occur during the making of these stories.
Sunday while attending worship at Vuvulane (church meets in a Swazi home) a most unusual happening occurred. I was sitting on the floor in front of the door in order to feel the fresh air that occasionally blew past me. From the corner of my eye I noticed this well-fed hen passing the door. She was not passing door has any ordinary chicken would do. She passed by the door as though she had a plan!! At first she stopped at the door and look around at everyone in the room. It was as though she knew someone in the group. She did this several times and each time Kim (our urbanized “Hands On” missionary who was sitting on a bench by the door) would “shoo” her away. This continued for at least 10-15 minutes. It was while our prayers to the Lord were being prayed that Kim’s friend the chicken became very bold. When we opened our eyes, there she was perched on the bench right beside Kim. I couldn’t help but give a chuckle. With my chuckle though, the hostess of the church told one of the children to “get the chicken out of the room”. This she did. (We were told the chicken was looking for a place to lay her eggs.) I was sorry Kim’s friend was banned from the room. I think I would have liked to see her lay an egg!!
**October 9th was World Hunger Day!! But you can give to promote World Hunger Fund any time of the year. One hundred percent of every dollar given to the World Hunger Fund is used to help hungry people. Please consider making a donation to this vital fund or highlighting the need in your church. http://www.gobgr.org/
The missions movement in America is said to have begun in 1806 in a haystack. Five students from Williams College, a Congregationalist school in Williamstown, Massachusetts, were caught in a rainstorm. Taking refuge under a convenient haystack, they used the time to pray for spiritual awakening of the students and for the lost of the world.
Robert Morrison was the first Protestant missionary to go to China. He reached Macao in 1807 and made an important contribution in his translation of scriptures. (From the book, The Life That Prays by Minette Drumwright.)
Your church’s involvement in the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering provides for your IMB missionaries’ day-to-day needs. Because you give sacrificially, your missionaries can spend their time reaching lost people instead of raising support. The offering comprises 53 percent of the IMB’s total income, and every penny goes to missionaries and their ministries. Please support and give to the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
-One attendant fell and broke her ankle the first night. Pray as she recovers from her injury.
--Wayne spent a busy week traveling to the Phuzumoya Baptist Church and teaching at the South Coast Bible School. Approximately 20 students attended from our Swazi Baptist churches and the communities around Phuzumoya. He felt it was a good experience and as always enjoyed being with “the guys”. Pray the attendees were richly blessed through their studies last week. Pray as planning begins for 2012 (four sessions) South Coast Bible School.
--Tomorrow the Phuzumoya Baptist Church is hosting the celebration of Mandla Sigwane (pastor for the church) and Philisiwe Sigwane’s 12th wedding anniversary. What a special event and witness for this couple. Swazis live in a polygamous society and do not understand what God expects of marriage and the marriage relationship. Pray this event will be a wonderful witness to the Phuzumoya community. Pray for strong Swazi Christian marriages.
--October 17-26, missionary Steve Allen is in the states in order to renew his US drivers’ license (North Carolina). Steve will also visit with family and friends. Pray for Monica, Lacie and Nathan as they remain in Swaziland. Pray for Steve’s safe travels and great times with family.
“HANDS ON” UPDATE:
In June four “Hands On” missionaries became a part of the Swazi Team. Their basic ministry was sharing of the True Love Waits message but involvement in other AIDS ministries was also encouraged. Heather and Sienna moved into the mission house beside the Allens in the capital city of Mbabane. Kim and Brandi moved in with an American friend, Corine in the small rural bush town of Tshaneni. The Swazi Team has enjoyed these missionaries and will be sad when their time is completed the first of December. Please continue to pray for the ministries of these missionaries and their remaining time in Swaziland.
v Please especially pray for Heather Palmer. Her “adopted” grandmother passed away. They were very close. Please pray as she deals with the sadness of this loss away from her family.
v November 2-4 the group will enjoy a restful and exciting time at the Kruger National Game Reserve. Pray for a wonderful time and wonderful sightings of animals and birds!!
v November 5-November 13, an IMB team (based in Jo’burg) that includes a photographer/graph designer, journalist and videographer will be in Swaziland to spend time with the four missionaries. Stories from this visit will appear on AfricaStories.org the first appearing on the 30th of November. Pray for this group’s visit with the “Hands On” missionaries. May wonderful blessings occur during the making of these stories.
Sunday while attending worship at Vuvulane (church meets in a Swazi home) a most unusual happening occurred. I was sitting on the floor in front of the door in order to feel the fresh air that occasionally blew past me. From the corner of my eye I noticed this well-fed hen passing the door. She was not passing door has any ordinary chicken would do. She passed by the door as though she had a plan!! At first she stopped at the door and look around at everyone in the room. It was as though she knew someone in the group. She did this several times and each time Kim (our urbanized “Hands On” missionary who was sitting on a bench by the door) would “shoo” her away. This continued for at least 10-15 minutes. It was while our prayers to the Lord were being prayed that Kim’s friend the chicken became very bold. When we opened our eyes, there she was perched on the bench right beside Kim. I couldn’t help but give a chuckle. With my chuckle though, the hostess of the church told one of the children to “get the chicken out of the room”. This she did. (We were told the chicken was looking for a place to lay her eggs.) I was sorry Kim’s friend was banned from the room. I think I would have liked to see her lay an egg!!
**October 9th was World Hunger Day!! But you can give to promote World Hunger Fund any time of the year. One hundred percent of every dollar given to the World Hunger Fund is used to help hungry people. Please consider making a donation to this vital fund or highlighting the need in your church. http://www.gobgr.org/
The missions movement in America is said to have begun in 1806 in a haystack. Five students from Williams College, a Congregationalist school in Williamstown, Massachusetts, were caught in a rainstorm. Taking refuge under a convenient haystack, they used the time to pray for spiritual awakening of the students and for the lost of the world.
Robert Morrison was the first Protestant missionary to go to China. He reached Macao in 1807 and made an important contribution in his translation of scriptures. (From the book, The Life That Prays by Minette Drumwright.)
Your church’s involvement in the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering provides for your IMB missionaries’ day-to-day needs. Because you give sacrificially, your missionaries can spend their time reaching lost people instead of raising support. The offering comprises 53 percent of the IMB’s total income, and every penny goes to missionaries and their ministries. Please support and give to the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
WONDERFUL BLESSINGS FROM THE ALLEN FAMILY
The last couple of weeks have been a rollercoaster ride of emotions waiting to hear news about my mom, especially being so far away. However, praise God she received the cancer free report!!!! I wish I could be with her during her recovery time but know she is in God's hands. Continue to pray for her full and speedy recovery!
Continuing with the praise report....Lacie had a complete hearing test on Tuesday and her hearing has greatly improved. The doctor said she went from being around 40% (moderate level) to 20-25% (mild level) due to her recent surgery. Lacie said she can tell a big difference and she is flying through her reading books now. Another huge praise the Lord! We serve an amazing God!!!
We (the Myers family) had a wonderful visit and ministry time with our True Love Waits International consultant, Kym Pennington Coe (Sun.-Wed). Kym led a training event that included the two Hands On missionaries at Mafucula. She was fortunate to also spend “quality time” with Brandi and Kim. We praise the Lord for Kym’s ministry as well as her witness!! Pray for Kym as she works with the Hoskins and Allens before leaving Swaziland on the 12th of October.
SOME NOT SO GOOD NEWS FROM THE MYERS FAMILY
Sunday on the way to church Gertrude (our Swazi friend and switchboard operator on the farm) told us the bad news. Due to losing money the last few years Swazican is closing their production on the farm. The employees have been given their notices effective on the 30th of October. There is a possibility that interested parties will take over the farm with plans to raise sugar cane instead of citrus fruit but this is not confirmed. Either way many of the employees will lose their home and job.
· Pray for these families as they return to their family homes. Pray for the children that will not be allowed to finish their school year (ends the first of December). Pray all will have a chance to find ways to provide for themselves and their families.
· Pray for the children from the farm that have been going with us to Vuvulane Baptist Church. Pray wherever they go, they will have a chance to attend an evangelistic church.
· With this change there is a possibility that we might have to move. If so this will be the third move in as many years. We would like to be able to stay here since housing is so difficult to find in this area. Pray for us as we deal with an uncertain future on the farm and possibly in this area.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
October 8: Suzanna Yawn, Deborah Hoskins’ sister
October 12: Barbara Myers
October 13: Todd Hoskins’ mother
May our special day indeed be special!!
WORLD HUNGER DAY October 9, 2011
In sub-Saharan Africa these funds are currently feeding war widows and orphans in Sierra Leone as well as providing seed for them to become self sufficient. In South Africa and Zimbabwe, World Hunger Funds provide nutrition for thousands of children in child headed households and feed patients who are sick with AIDS and unable to care for themselves. In Kenya, these funds are providing food for many who have been affected by the Horn of Africa Famine. World Hunger Funds enable Baptist Global Response to minister around the world, and this fund is at an all time low.
October 9 is World Hunger Day, but you can give to or promote the World Hunger Fund any time of year. One hundred percent of every dollar given to the World Hunger Fund is used to help hungry people. Please consider making a donation to this vital fund or highlighting the need in your church.
http://www.gobgr.org/
--October 10-14 is the last session of the South Coast Bible School in 2011. This school meets for one week four times a year at the Phuzumoya Baptist Church. Pray those attending will find the classes helpful with their ministries. Pray for the Swazi Team missionaries (Wayne and Todd) assisting with teaching and other administrative duties.
--Coming together with other women for a time of Bible study and fellowship is a great enjoyment for our Swazi Baptist women. October 13-15 is the scheduled National Swazi Baptist Women’s Retreat. Missionary Monica Allen will be the guest speaker. Theme is “God, Our Father”. It will be a time for the ladies to be refreshed, renewed and strengthened as they return to their homes and families who depend upon them. Pray many ladies will be able to attend this time of fellowship and study and will leave refreshed, renewed and strengthened.
AIDS UPDATE:
The last two Sundays, one of the “farm” children that usually attends church with us has been ill and not able to come. When asked what was his problem, I was told that he had TB. At first, I didn’t believe this could be his problem. But compared to his younger brother he had the appearance of a very sick child. I was also told that even though the farm was paying for the medical bills, his mother refused to allow him to return for a follow-up visit at the clinic because she was afraid they would start him on the antiretroviral drugs. Can you imagine my surprise to hear that a mother had reservations about allowing treatment that would prolong her child’s life? Unfortunately because of the fear of losing jobs, being abandoned and the fear of the unknown, this is a common view. Please pray Qiniselani’s mother will allow him to have the needed treatment to deal with his illness. Pray for understanding, not condemnation or blame, within families affected by AIDS.
Who is the first executive director of the Foreign (International) Missions Board? James B. Taylor, a former Baptist minister in Richmond, Va., who served 1846-1871. Has your church set the goal for the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering? Every penny given to Lottie Moon is used to support your Southern Baptist missionaries as they share the Gospel overseas. Pray for faithfulness of the Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2011 LMCO so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
The last couple of weeks have been a rollercoaster ride of emotions waiting to hear news about my mom, especially being so far away. However, praise God she received the cancer free report!!!! I wish I could be with her during her recovery time but know she is in God's hands. Continue to pray for her full and speedy recovery!
Continuing with the praise report....Lacie had a complete hearing test on Tuesday and her hearing has greatly improved. The doctor said she went from being around 40% (moderate level) to 20-25% (mild level) due to her recent surgery. Lacie said she can tell a big difference and she is flying through her reading books now. Another huge praise the Lord! We serve an amazing God!!!
We (the Myers family) had a wonderful visit and ministry time with our True Love Waits International consultant, Kym Pennington Coe (Sun.-Wed). Kym led a training event that included the two Hands On missionaries at Mafucula. She was fortunate to also spend “quality time” with Brandi and Kim. We praise the Lord for Kym’s ministry as well as her witness!! Pray for Kym as she works with the Hoskins and Allens before leaving Swaziland on the 12th of October.
SOME NOT SO GOOD NEWS FROM THE MYERS FAMILY
Sunday on the way to church Gertrude (our Swazi friend and switchboard operator on the farm) told us the bad news. Due to losing money the last few years Swazican is closing their production on the farm. The employees have been given their notices effective on the 30th of October. There is a possibility that interested parties will take over the farm with plans to raise sugar cane instead of citrus fruit but this is not confirmed. Either way many of the employees will lose their home and job.
· Pray for these families as they return to their family homes. Pray for the children that will not be allowed to finish their school year (ends the first of December). Pray all will have a chance to find ways to provide for themselves and their families.
· Pray for the children from the farm that have been going with us to Vuvulane Baptist Church. Pray wherever they go, they will have a chance to attend an evangelistic church.
· With this change there is a possibility that we might have to move. If so this will be the third move in as many years. We would like to be able to stay here since housing is so difficult to find in this area. Pray for us as we deal with an uncertain future on the farm and possibly in this area.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
October 8: Suzanna Yawn, Deborah Hoskins’ sister
October 12: Barbara Myers
October 13: Todd Hoskins’ mother
May our special day indeed be special!!
WORLD HUNGER DAY October 9, 2011
In sub-Saharan Africa these funds are currently feeding war widows and orphans in Sierra Leone as well as providing seed for them to become self sufficient. In South Africa and Zimbabwe, World Hunger Funds provide nutrition for thousands of children in child headed households and feed patients who are sick with AIDS and unable to care for themselves. In Kenya, these funds are providing food for many who have been affected by the Horn of Africa Famine. World Hunger Funds enable Baptist Global Response to minister around the world, and this fund is at an all time low.
October 9 is World Hunger Day, but you can give to or promote the World Hunger Fund any time of year. One hundred percent of every dollar given to the World Hunger Fund is used to help hungry people. Please consider making a donation to this vital fund or highlighting the need in your church.
http://www.gobgr.org/
--October 10-14 is the last session of the South Coast Bible School in 2011. This school meets for one week four times a year at the Phuzumoya Baptist Church. Pray those attending will find the classes helpful with their ministries. Pray for the Swazi Team missionaries (Wayne and Todd) assisting with teaching and other administrative duties.
--Coming together with other women for a time of Bible study and fellowship is a great enjoyment for our Swazi Baptist women. October 13-15 is the scheduled National Swazi Baptist Women’s Retreat. Missionary Monica Allen will be the guest speaker. Theme is “God, Our Father”. It will be a time for the ladies to be refreshed, renewed and strengthened as they return to their homes and families who depend upon them. Pray many ladies will be able to attend this time of fellowship and study and will leave refreshed, renewed and strengthened.
AIDS UPDATE:
The last two Sundays, one of the “farm” children that usually attends church with us has been ill and not able to come. When asked what was his problem, I was told that he had TB. At first, I didn’t believe this could be his problem. But compared to his younger brother he had the appearance of a very sick child. I was also told that even though the farm was paying for the medical bills, his mother refused to allow him to return for a follow-up visit at the clinic because she was afraid they would start him on the antiretroviral drugs. Can you imagine my surprise to hear that a mother had reservations about allowing treatment that would prolong her child’s life? Unfortunately because of the fear of losing jobs, being abandoned and the fear of the unknown, this is a common view. Please pray Qiniselani’s mother will allow him to have the needed treatment to deal with his illness. Pray for understanding, not condemnation or blame, within families affected by AIDS.
Who is the first executive director of the Foreign (International) Missions Board? James B. Taylor, a former Baptist minister in Richmond, Va., who served 1846-1871. Has your church set the goal for the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering? Every penny given to Lottie Moon is used to support your Southern Baptist missionaries as they share the Gospel overseas. Pray for faithfulness of the Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2011 LMCO so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
Hoskins Update - October
This time last month we were enjoying a wonderful visit with Todd's
parents. They were able to join us in local ministry, and then we had
the chance to take a South African safari with them. It was so nice
to be able to spend time with family!
In this message, we want to tell you a little more about the ministry
in which we are involved. Evangelism and church planting are the
overarching objectives of the Baptist Mission in Swaziland. There are
a variety of ways that Deborah and I are involved in doing that:
mentoring youth, teaching Bible studies, working with local churches
to expand evangelistic efforts, and witnessing to people about new
life available through Jesus. In addition to those primary
objectives, there are a few tangible projects that Deborah and I are
involved in that we would like to show you. We've attached pictures
to give you a visual:
1. Bible study resources: This project we are working on involves
expanding Biblical education opportunities for believers. This
resource, which is in a dual siSwati/English format, is designed to be
an additional tool for our church members along with the ongoing Bible
school. We also hope that this will kick-start 1 to 3 day training
programs in other regions throughout the country.
2. siSwati Bible: We love opportunities to be involved with giving
or subsidizing Bible distribution in the communities in which we work.
The siSwati Bible has only been available in its entirety since 1996.
This means that a lot of people here still do not have God's Word in
their heart language. It is exciting to see how anxious church
members are to have a Bible of their very own. We are thankful that
family and friends have supported our involvement in Bible
distribution.
3. AIDS home care kits: Through Baptist Global Relief (BGR),
Southern Baptist Churches assembled and shipped over 650 of these kits
to the Baptist Mission of Swaziland for distribution to families in
need. We are using the kits to teach and empower local churches to
make home visits and show love to those dying with AIDS in their
community. Presenting the care kit to a family opens a great door of
opportunity to share a Bible story about Jesus's ability to heal the
soul (e.g. Mark 2:1-12).
4. Dolls for hospital visitation: Through another generous donation
from churches in the U.S., we have the opportunity for outreach to
hospitalized children. We are currently working with one of the
churches located near a hospital to show them how these dolls can be a
tool to show the love of Christ to children who are not feeling well.
The church is looking forward to the opportunity to start ministering
in the local hospital.
Thank you for your ongoing support through prayer. We are so happy to
have the opportunity to share the love of Christ here in Swaziland.
parents. They were able to join us in local ministry, and then we had
the chance to take a South African safari with them. It was so nice
to be able to spend time with family!
In this message, we want to tell you a little more about the ministry
in which we are involved. Evangelism and church planting are the
overarching objectives of the Baptist Mission in Swaziland. There are
a variety of ways that Deborah and I are involved in doing that:
mentoring youth, teaching Bible studies, working with local churches
to expand evangelistic efforts, and witnessing to people about new
life available through Jesus. In addition to those primary
objectives, there are a few tangible projects that Deborah and I are
involved in that we would like to show you. We've attached pictures
to give you a visual:
1. Bible study resources: This project we are working on involves
expanding Biblical education opportunities for believers. This
resource, which is in a dual siSwati/English format, is designed to be
an additional tool for our church members along with the ongoing Bible
school. We also hope that this will kick-start 1 to 3 day training
programs in other regions throughout the country.
2. siSwati Bible: We love opportunities to be involved with giving
or subsidizing Bible distribution in the communities in which we work.
The siSwati Bible has only been available in its entirety since 1996.
This means that a lot of people here still do not have God's Word in
their heart language. It is exciting to see how anxious church
members are to have a Bible of their very own. We are thankful that
family and friends have supported our involvement in Bible
distribution.
3. AIDS home care kits: Through Baptist Global Relief (BGR),
Southern Baptist Churches assembled and shipped over 650 of these kits
to the Baptist Mission of Swaziland for distribution to families in
need. We are using the kits to teach and empower local churches to
make home visits and show love to those dying with AIDS in their
community. Presenting the care kit to a family opens a great door of
opportunity to share a Bible story about Jesus's ability to heal the
soul (e.g. Mark 2:1-12).
4. Dolls for hospital visitation: Through another generous donation
from churches in the U.S., we have the opportunity for outreach to
hospitalized children. We are currently working with one of the
churches located near a hospital to show them how these dolls can be a
tool to show the love of Christ to children who are not feeling well.
The church is looking forward to the opportunity to start ministering
in the local hospital.
Thank you for your ongoing support through prayer. We are so happy to
have the opportunity to share the love of Christ here in Swaziland.
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
Recently there has been much publicity for the small kingdom of Swaziland and unfortunately most of it has not been good. In a recent international TIME magazine an article appeared, “Out of Step His Nation in Crisis, a King Indulges Himself”. The article centered around the Reed Dance in September where tens of thousands of virgin girls trek across to the Queen Mother’s (King’s mother) royal residence. These maidens dance before the King in less than appropriate attire and hope to be the one the King might pick to be his wife. The article contained these statistics:
· The country is currently experiencing the world’s worst AIDS epidemic
· HIV-AIDS infection among pregnant women is 41%
· Swazi life expectancy is down to 43 years
· 31% of Swazi children are orphans
· Unemployment rate is 43%.
· 63% of Swazis live on $2 a day or less
The main content of the article discusses the overindulges of the monarchy in view of the above mentioned statistics and the economic condition of the country that largely depends upon South Africa economically. There is unrest in our small country and strikes continue daily. Schools were delayed in opening due to the government owing the schools for this year and previous years (unfortunately the government is broke). Please pray for the political situation in Swaziland. A large group of people want change and some are even demanding the dissolution of the monarchy. Pray a solution will be found before violence becomes the answer.
Our vehicle woes are over!! Thank you for praying. We were able to drive to Mbabane for the scheduled Swazi Team meeting on Wednesday. We also took the chance to stock up on needed groceries, medications and supplies. It felt good to have “wheels”.
--Wayne took the opportunity today to make his postponed trip to the Shiselweni region. Pray he will be able to accomplish what he needs to accomplished during this quick trip.
--As mentioned the Swazi Team was able to meet on Wednesday and discuss calendar events as well as review the last few months. Pray for the Swazi Team as we work together to help many Swazis come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Plans for the Team’s end-of-the-year retreat were also discussed. The dates of this special and fun time is December 12-15.
--Todd, Deborah and Steve drove to Tshaneni on Tuesday to review the Biblical Education Program (BEP) compiled by Todd and Deborah to help Swazi Baptist churches disciple their people, train their people to teach Bible studies and Sunday School and to encourage spiritual growth. Pray many Swazis will be able to participate in BEP.
Happy Birthday on the 2nd of October to Kim Hultgren (Hands On missionary)!!
--Kym Coe, True Love Waits International consultant will be in Swaziland 2-12 of October. During her time with the Swazi team she will continue to lead TLW trainings and follow-up with TLW presenters. Pray Kym’s time in Swaziland will be very beneficial to everyone. Pray the True Love Waits message will continue to be shared with schools, care centers and churches in 2012. Kym will be in Tshaneni October 2-5.
---Pray for the executive committee of the Swaziland Baptist Convention. On the agenda is the discussion of how the convention and the Swazi team should work together. There is not a consensus among the group on how this should be accomplished. Pray those attending the meeting will come with an open mind and a desire to have unity between the convention and the missionaries. May the Lord be glorified in this situation.
UPDATE ON MONICA ALLEN’S MOM:
Keep praying for my mom. She is in lots of pain and on morphine to ease the pain. Probably will be in the hospital for a few more days. The family is waiting to hear conclusive results from the tests that will determine future treatment. Pray for Polly Trice as she recovers from the removal of a mass from her colon. Pray for quick healing and good results from the lab tests. Pray for the family as they deal with Polly’s medical situation. May the Lord provide the comfort and peace that only He can provide.
PRAY FOR THESE TWO MAJOR EVENTS IN OCTOBER:
--October 10-14 is the last session of the South Coast Bible School in 2011. This school meets for one week four times a year at the Phuzumoya Baptist Church. Pray those attending will find the classes helpful with their ministries. Pray for the Swazi Team missionaries (Wayne and Todd) assisting with teaching and other administrative duties.
--Coming together with other women for a time of Bible study and fellowship is a great enjoyment for our Swazi Baptist women. October 13-15 is the scheduled National Swazi Baptist Women’s Retreat. Missionary Monica Allen will be the guest speaker. Theme is “God, Our Father”. It will be a time for the ladies to be refreshed, renewed and strengthened as they return to their homes and families who depend upon them. Pray many ladies will be able to attend this time of fellowship and study and will leave refreshed, renewed and strengthened.
What organization sets the goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering? The Women’s Missionary Union
Has your church set the goal for the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering? Every penny given to Lottie Moon is used to support your Southern Baptist missionaries as they share the Gospel overseas. Pray for faithfulness of the Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2011 LMCO so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
· The country is currently experiencing the world’s worst AIDS epidemic
· HIV-AIDS infection among pregnant women is 41%
· Swazi life expectancy is down to 43 years
· 31% of Swazi children are orphans
· Unemployment rate is 43%.
· 63% of Swazis live on $2 a day or less
The main content of the article discusses the overindulges of the monarchy in view of the above mentioned statistics and the economic condition of the country that largely depends upon South Africa economically. There is unrest in our small country and strikes continue daily. Schools were delayed in opening due to the government owing the schools for this year and previous years (unfortunately the government is broke). Please pray for the political situation in Swaziland. A large group of people want change and some are even demanding the dissolution of the monarchy. Pray a solution will be found before violence becomes the answer.
Our vehicle woes are over!! Thank you for praying. We were able to drive to Mbabane for the scheduled Swazi Team meeting on Wednesday. We also took the chance to stock up on needed groceries, medications and supplies. It felt good to have “wheels”.
--Wayne took the opportunity today to make his postponed trip to the Shiselweni region. Pray he will be able to accomplish what he needs to accomplished during this quick trip.
--As mentioned the Swazi Team was able to meet on Wednesday and discuss calendar events as well as review the last few months. Pray for the Swazi Team as we work together to help many Swazis come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Plans for the Team’s end-of-the-year retreat were also discussed. The dates of this special and fun time is December 12-15.
--Todd, Deborah and Steve drove to Tshaneni on Tuesday to review the Biblical Education Program (BEP) compiled by Todd and Deborah to help Swazi Baptist churches disciple their people, train their people to teach Bible studies and Sunday School and to encourage spiritual growth. Pray many Swazis will be able to participate in BEP.
Happy Birthday on the 2nd of October to Kim Hultgren (Hands On missionary)!!
--Kym Coe, True Love Waits International consultant will be in Swaziland 2-12 of October. During her time with the Swazi team she will continue to lead TLW trainings and follow-up with TLW presenters. Pray Kym’s time in Swaziland will be very beneficial to everyone. Pray the True Love Waits message will continue to be shared with schools, care centers and churches in 2012. Kym will be in Tshaneni October 2-5.
---Pray for the executive committee of the Swaziland Baptist Convention. On the agenda is the discussion of how the convention and the Swazi team should work together. There is not a consensus among the group on how this should be accomplished. Pray those attending the meeting will come with an open mind and a desire to have unity between the convention and the missionaries. May the Lord be glorified in this situation.
UPDATE ON MONICA ALLEN’S MOM:
Keep praying for my mom. She is in lots of pain and on morphine to ease the pain. Probably will be in the hospital for a few more days. The family is waiting to hear conclusive results from the tests that will determine future treatment. Pray for Polly Trice as she recovers from the removal of a mass from her colon. Pray for quick healing and good results from the lab tests. Pray for the family as they deal with Polly’s medical situation. May the Lord provide the comfort and peace that only He can provide.
PRAY FOR THESE TWO MAJOR EVENTS IN OCTOBER:
--October 10-14 is the last session of the South Coast Bible School in 2011. This school meets for one week four times a year at the Phuzumoya Baptist Church. Pray those attending will find the classes helpful with their ministries. Pray for the Swazi Team missionaries (Wayne and Todd) assisting with teaching and other administrative duties.
--Coming together with other women for a time of Bible study and fellowship is a great enjoyment for our Swazi Baptist women. October 13-15 is the scheduled National Swazi Baptist Women’s Retreat. Missionary Monica Allen will be the guest speaker. Theme is “God, Our Father”. It will be a time for the ladies to be refreshed, renewed and strengthened as they return to their homes and families who depend upon them. Pray many ladies will be able to attend this time of fellowship and study and will leave refreshed, renewed and strengthened.
What organization sets the goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering? The Women’s Missionary Union
Has your church set the goal for the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering? Every penny given to Lottie Moon is used to support your Southern Baptist missionaries as they share the Gospel overseas. Pray for faithfulness of the Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2011 LMCO so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
October prayer calendar
UPDATE ON MONICA ALLEN’S MOM: Wanted to let you know that I received more information about my mom not too long ago. The colonoscopy tests found a large mass. Surgery was scheduled for Monday but moved to Tuesday morning (27th of September). I have talked to my mom and her spirits are quite high. We know God is in control but not easy news to hear when we are so far apart. Please pray for this family as they deal with the uncertainty. Pray for Polly as she prepares for surgery and for Monica as she is so far away from her mom. Pray for good news and good outcome.
Saturday October 1: Pray for the executive committee of the Swaziland Baptist Convention. On the agenda is the discussion of how the convention and the Swazi Team should work together. There is not a consensus among the group on how this should be accomplished. Pray those attending the meeting will come with an open mind and a desire to have unity between the convention and the missionaries. May the Lord be glorified in this situation.
Sunday October 2: Pray for Kim Hultgren (Hands On missionary) today on her birthday. May her special day indeed be special!
Kym Coe, True Love Waits International consultant arrives in Swaziland today. During her time with the Swazi Team she will continue to lead TLW trainings and follow-up with TLW presenters. Pray Kym’s time (10/2-12) in Swaziland will be very beneficial to everyone. Pray the True Love Waits message will continue to be shared with schools, care centers and churches in 2012.
Monday October 3: The pastor of the Mgamudze Baptist Church sent a phone message to missionary Wayne Myers a couple of weeks ago requesting prayer for his young wife who suffered a mild stroke. Pray for healing for “S” and for her family as they deal with her illness. Pray her recovery will be quick and complete.
Tuesday October 4: Monica and Lacie Allen travel to Jo’burg today for Lacie’s follow-up visit with her ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) doctor as well as complete hearing test with the audiologist. Lacie underwent corrective ear surgery in August to correct a 30% hearing loss due to an extra bone near the ear canal. Please pray trusting and believing that her hearing has improved due to her surgery. J
Wednesday October 5: The BGR (Baptist Global Response) In-Home Care Kits are provided for terminally ill patients with AIDS. The kits are centered around a five gallon heavy duty bucket with lid that seals. Inside the bucket are items that will assist in keeping patients clean and dry, items to protect their mat and mattress from soiling and vitamins to help keep their immune systems strong. Pray the use of these items by loving care givers will show the love and compassion that Jesus Christ has for the terminally ill. Pray for the Swazi Team as we continue to work with the Swazi Baptist churches in distributing the In-Home Care Kits to victims and families of AIDS patients. (If you or your church would like to help fill the In-Home Care Kits please contact http://www.inhomecarekits.org/.
Thursday October 6: Revival services were conducted at the Luhhwahhweni Baptist Church in September. Several accepted the Lord and there were many rededications. Pray for these who made the commitment to follow Jesus. Pray their lives will be a witness to others. Also pray for the church that has experienced leadership difficulties in the past few months.
Friday October 7: The pastor of the Thunzini Baptist Church is currently attending a teacher training college in Manzini. He requests prayer to receive the scholarship the government had promised the students for food and rent. Unfortunately, the government had to reduce the number of scholarships due to lack of funds. Pray the Lord will provide the needed funds so the pastor can stay in school.
Saturday October 8: Pray for Deborah Hoskins’ sister, Suzanna today on her birthday. May her special day indeed be special!
Swazis hope the rains will be plentiful this growing season (Oct.-March). After the planting of their corn (mealie) strong and frequent rains are needed. As long as there is mealie, there is food. Pray there will be enough water in the rivers and stream to meet the people’s needs. Pray the rains will be plentiful throughout Swaziland. Pray the Swazis’ fields of mealies will receive enough rain to provide food until the next growing season.
Sunday October 9: Continue to pray for the outreach ministry at Ngowane as the group desires to start Sunday services in the near future. Pray for leaders to rise up and be trained to lead this possible new church.
Monday October 10: So many pastors and leaders desire training to be better prepared for the work the Lord has given them. The South Coast Bible School (originates in South Africa) began earlier this year at the Phuzumoya Baptist Church and meets for one week four times a year. October 10-14 begins the last session in 2011 for the school. Pray for those attending to find the classes helpful with their ministries. Pray for the Swazi Team missionaries (Todd and Wayne) assisting with teaching and other administrative duties.
Tuesday October 11: Please continue to pray for the Bible study at MaCethuka. Pray helpers will be able to assist with the teaching of children and youth/adults on a regular basis.
Wednesday October 12: Pray for Barbara Myers today on her birthday. May her special day indeed be special!
There is a siSwati word the Swazis use for wife or women that means “One who dies without speaking what she has endured.” Living in a polygamous society that allows husbands to have more than one wife as well as numerous relationships is very difficult. Many women are left to support and care for the children without help from the spouse. It can be a very lonely life. Coming together with women (in like situations) for a time of Bible study and fellowship is a great enjoyment for our Swazi Baptist women. October 13-15 is the scheduled National Swazi Baptist Women’s Retreat. Missionary Monica Allen will be the guest speaker. Theme is “God, our Father”. It will be a time for the ladies to be refreshed, renewed and strengthened as they return to their homes and families who depend upon them for daily needs. Please pray for our Swazi Baptist women to find true hope in following and depending upon the Lord for their familes’ needs. Pray many ladies will be able to attend this time of fellowship and study and will leave refreshed, renewed and strengthened.
Thursday October 13: Pray for Todd Hoskins’ mother’ s today on her birthday!!
Pray her special day will indeed be special as she celebrates with family and friends.
--Thank you for praying for Todd’s parents’ visit with the Hoskins August 29-September 9. They were able to participate in ministry as well as enjoy a family vacation to the Kruger National Game Reserve.
Friday October 14: Pray Swazi Baptist churches will become burdened concerning the spread of AIDS in communities, schools, and among friends and families. Pray each pastor will lead in teaching the congregation the importance of remaining spiritually pure and true to the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Saturday October 15: Today Todd and Deborah Hoskins are leading a Bible study for the youth of Mpembakati Baptist Church. Please pray this Bible study will go well.
Sunday October 16: Today missionary Steve Allen flies to the states in order to renew his US drivers’ license (North Carolina). Steve will also visit with family. Pray for Monica, Lacie and Nathan as they remain in Swaziland. Pray for safe travels, and great times with family. Steve will return to Swaziland on the 27th of October.
Monday October 17: Pray the Swazi Christians will understand the customs and traditions that are a normal part of life are not always acceptable to the Lord. Pray new Christian Swazis will give their lives in obedience to the Lord and His ways.
Tuesday October 18: During the ladies retreat in August at Mafucula a little girl attending with her mother caught the missionary’s attention. She stayed with her mother during the sessions, sleeping most of the time. She was very small in stature and when held was very light, almost weightless. She had the look of a child older than her years. The missionary had seen that look before when a mother brought her baby to the house after visiting the clinic. The mother admitted the baby was HIV positive. The child died a few weeks later. Pray for the children in Swaziland touched by the AIDS pandemic. Many will live short lives due to the illness attacking their bodies. Pray this one will be able to live a long and fruitful life.
Wednesday October 19: I Timothy 2:1-2 commands us to pray for kings and those in authority. Please pray the King of Swaziland, his wives and children will come to understand what it means to be a Christian. Pray their lives will show the love of Christ.
Thursday October 20: Sub-Saharan African Unengaged People: History repeats itself. Over and over in scripture we read about people worshipping the creation instead of the Creator. Among the Heikum Bushman of Namibia, fire is considered sacred. Pray that the people’s eyes will be opened to the truth. There are more than 27,000 Heikum Bushman in Namibia, and currently, no one is intentionally starting churches among them. Pray that the Heikum Bushman believers, no matter how few, will boldly proclaim the Gospel to their families and friends, and that the Heikum Bushman will see their need for Jesus Christ and the salvation He offers. Pray that a strategic plan will be developed to plant biblical churches among the Heikum Bushman in Namibia.
Friday October 21: In 2011 volunteer teams from Southern Baptist churches ministered alongside the Swazi Team conducting retreats, Bible studies for adult, youth and children, revivals, hut-to-hut visitation (witnessing), prayer walking, AIDS orphan ministries, sharing the True Love Waits message, and more. What a blessing Swazis, volunteer team members and the Swazi Team received. Pray as planning begins for the ministry of volunteer teams with the Swazi Team in 2012. May God’s wonderful blessings continue to flow.
Saturday October 22: Today Pastor and Mrs. Sigwane (pastor of the Phuzumoya Baptist Church) invite many of their friends to celebrate with them their 12th wedding anniversary. The service will begin at 9:30am at the Phuzumoya Baptist Church. Pray for this special event in the life of this family and church. Pray the Swazis will understand what God expects of marriage and the marriage relationship. Pray for strong Swazi Christian marriages.
Sunday October 23: My own conversion is the result of prayer, long, affectionate, earnest, importune. Parents prayed for me; God heard their cries and here I am to preach the Gospel. (Charles Haddon Spurgeon, 1834-92) Pray the Lord will be able to draw strong spiritual leaders from the congregations of the Swazi Baptist churches. Pray many Swazis will truly understand what it means to be a Christian.
Monday October 24: Pray the high appreciation of Jesus Christ as a prophet and miracle worker can be used of the Holy Spirit to open the hearts of the Muslims of Swaziland to accept Him as their Savior.
Tuesday October 25: Who is the first executive director of the Foreign (International)Mission Board? James B. Taylor, a former Baptist minister in Richmond, Va., who served 1846-1871. It is time to set your 2011 church goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Pray for faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2011 LMCO so missionaries can continue to be sent to minister to many lost and dying people.
Wednesday October 26: The couple had the attention of the entire family gathered in a house with the children and grandchildren almost filling the living room. A chicken had been killed earlier and cooked for the guests. With everyone situated, singing began. Afterwards the couple was able to share the story of the Bible from Creation to Christ. What a blessing. Pray for this family who heard this wonderful story. Pray more opportunities will be taken by missionaries on the Swazi Team to share with those who do not know Jesus as their Savior.
Thursday October 27: November 2-4, the “Hands On” missionaries, Kim, Brandi, Heather and Sienna are treating themselves to a much deserved trip to the Kruger National Game Reserve with missionary Wayne Myers. Pray the group will see many wonderful sights and will enjoy their time at Kruger. Continue to pray for these missionaries as they share the True Love Waits message as well as participate in other AIDS related ministries.
Friday October 28: Saturday November 5-Sunday November 13, an IMB team that includes a photographer/graph designer, journalist and videographer will be in Swaziland to spend time with Kim and Brandi (Tshaneni/Mafucula) and Sienna and Heather in Mbabane. Stories from this visit will appear on AfricaStories.org the first appearing on the 30th of November. Pray for this group’s visit with the “Hands On” missionaries on the Swazi Team. May wonderful blessings occur while making these stories.
Saturday October 29: Todd and Deborah Hoskins is leading a Bible study for youth and women of the Big Bend Baptist Church. Please pray for good attendance and the study will go well.
Sunday October 30: There are several churches that have been given land for building their church structures. Some are in the midst of planning and building while others are waiting to begin. Pray as these congregations plan towards their building projects. Through tithes and offerings, may these new structures be completed.
Monday October 31: We loaded up the portable baptistery, two fifty gallon drums of water and other supplies and headed to our destination, an hour earlier than usual to allow us time to get the baptismal pool set up and before services started for the day. The baptismal candidates gave a brief salvation testimony and a sermon was preached about the Lordship of Jesus Christ. During the service we had a brief interruption as we had to chase away some cows that discovered the baptismal pool and thought it was a drinking trough. Eleven people were baptized. It was a joyous celebration for all those present. Pray new Swazi Christians will grow daily in their faith. Pray the Lord will bring a spiritual harvest among the Swazi people.
Saturday October 1: Pray for the executive committee of the Swaziland Baptist Convention. On the agenda is the discussion of how the convention and the Swazi Team should work together. There is not a consensus among the group on how this should be accomplished. Pray those attending the meeting will come with an open mind and a desire to have unity between the convention and the missionaries. May the Lord be glorified in this situation.
Sunday October 2: Pray for Kim Hultgren (Hands On missionary) today on her birthday. May her special day indeed be special!
Kym Coe, True Love Waits International consultant arrives in Swaziland today. During her time with the Swazi Team she will continue to lead TLW trainings and follow-up with TLW presenters. Pray Kym’s time (10/2-12) in Swaziland will be very beneficial to everyone. Pray the True Love Waits message will continue to be shared with schools, care centers and churches in 2012.
Monday October 3: The pastor of the Mgamudze Baptist Church sent a phone message to missionary Wayne Myers a couple of weeks ago requesting prayer for his young wife who suffered a mild stroke. Pray for healing for “S” and for her family as they deal with her illness. Pray her recovery will be quick and complete.
Tuesday October 4: Monica and Lacie Allen travel to Jo’burg today for Lacie’s follow-up visit with her ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) doctor as well as complete hearing test with the audiologist. Lacie underwent corrective ear surgery in August to correct a 30% hearing loss due to an extra bone near the ear canal. Please pray trusting and believing that her hearing has improved due to her surgery. J
Wednesday October 5: The BGR (Baptist Global Response) In-Home Care Kits are provided for terminally ill patients with AIDS. The kits are centered around a five gallon heavy duty bucket with lid that seals. Inside the bucket are items that will assist in keeping patients clean and dry, items to protect their mat and mattress from soiling and vitamins to help keep their immune systems strong. Pray the use of these items by loving care givers will show the love and compassion that Jesus Christ has for the terminally ill. Pray for the Swazi Team as we continue to work with the Swazi Baptist churches in distributing the In-Home Care Kits to victims and families of AIDS patients. (If you or your church would like to help fill the In-Home Care Kits please contact http://www.inhomecarekits.org/.
Thursday October 6: Revival services were conducted at the Luhhwahhweni Baptist Church in September. Several accepted the Lord and there were many rededications. Pray for these who made the commitment to follow Jesus. Pray their lives will be a witness to others. Also pray for the church that has experienced leadership difficulties in the past few months.
Friday October 7: The pastor of the Thunzini Baptist Church is currently attending a teacher training college in Manzini. He requests prayer to receive the scholarship the government had promised the students for food and rent. Unfortunately, the government had to reduce the number of scholarships due to lack of funds. Pray the Lord will provide the needed funds so the pastor can stay in school.
Saturday October 8: Pray for Deborah Hoskins’ sister, Suzanna today on her birthday. May her special day indeed be special!
Swazis hope the rains will be plentiful this growing season (Oct.-March). After the planting of their corn (mealie) strong and frequent rains are needed. As long as there is mealie, there is food. Pray there will be enough water in the rivers and stream to meet the people’s needs. Pray the rains will be plentiful throughout Swaziland. Pray the Swazis’ fields of mealies will receive enough rain to provide food until the next growing season.
Sunday October 9: Continue to pray for the outreach ministry at Ngowane as the group desires to start Sunday services in the near future. Pray for leaders to rise up and be trained to lead this possible new church.
Monday October 10: So many pastors and leaders desire training to be better prepared for the work the Lord has given them. The South Coast Bible School (originates in South Africa) began earlier this year at the Phuzumoya Baptist Church and meets for one week four times a year. October 10-14 begins the last session in 2011 for the school. Pray for those attending to find the classes helpful with their ministries. Pray for the Swazi Team missionaries (Todd and Wayne) assisting with teaching and other administrative duties.
Tuesday October 11: Please continue to pray for the Bible study at MaCethuka. Pray helpers will be able to assist with the teaching of children and youth/adults on a regular basis.
Wednesday October 12: Pray for Barbara Myers today on her birthday. May her special day indeed be special!
There is a siSwati word the Swazis use for wife or women that means “One who dies without speaking what she has endured.” Living in a polygamous society that allows husbands to have more than one wife as well as numerous relationships is very difficult. Many women are left to support and care for the children without help from the spouse. It can be a very lonely life. Coming together with women (in like situations) for a time of Bible study and fellowship is a great enjoyment for our Swazi Baptist women. October 13-15 is the scheduled National Swazi Baptist Women’s Retreat. Missionary Monica Allen will be the guest speaker. Theme is “God, our Father”. It will be a time for the ladies to be refreshed, renewed and strengthened as they return to their homes and families who depend upon them for daily needs. Please pray for our Swazi Baptist women to find true hope in following and depending upon the Lord for their familes’ needs. Pray many ladies will be able to attend this time of fellowship and study and will leave refreshed, renewed and strengthened.
Thursday October 13: Pray for Todd Hoskins’ mother’ s today on her birthday!!
Pray her special day will indeed be special as she celebrates with family and friends.
--Thank you for praying for Todd’s parents’ visit with the Hoskins August 29-September 9. They were able to participate in ministry as well as enjoy a family vacation to the Kruger National Game Reserve.
Friday October 14: Pray Swazi Baptist churches will become burdened concerning the spread of AIDS in communities, schools, and among friends and families. Pray each pastor will lead in teaching the congregation the importance of remaining spiritually pure and true to the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Saturday October 15: Today Todd and Deborah Hoskins are leading a Bible study for the youth of Mpembakati Baptist Church. Please pray this Bible study will go well.
Sunday October 16: Today missionary Steve Allen flies to the states in order to renew his US drivers’ license (North Carolina). Steve will also visit with family. Pray for Monica, Lacie and Nathan as they remain in Swaziland. Pray for safe travels, and great times with family. Steve will return to Swaziland on the 27th of October.
Monday October 17: Pray the Swazi Christians will understand the customs and traditions that are a normal part of life are not always acceptable to the Lord. Pray new Christian Swazis will give their lives in obedience to the Lord and His ways.
Tuesday October 18: During the ladies retreat in August at Mafucula a little girl attending with her mother caught the missionary’s attention. She stayed with her mother during the sessions, sleeping most of the time. She was very small in stature and when held was very light, almost weightless. She had the look of a child older than her years. The missionary had seen that look before when a mother brought her baby to the house after visiting the clinic. The mother admitted the baby was HIV positive. The child died a few weeks later. Pray for the children in Swaziland touched by the AIDS pandemic. Many will live short lives due to the illness attacking their bodies. Pray this one will be able to live a long and fruitful life.
Wednesday October 19: I Timothy 2:1-2 commands us to pray for kings and those in authority. Please pray the King of Swaziland, his wives and children will come to understand what it means to be a Christian. Pray their lives will show the love of Christ.
Thursday October 20: Sub-Saharan African Unengaged People: History repeats itself. Over and over in scripture we read about people worshipping the creation instead of the Creator. Among the Heikum Bushman of Namibia, fire is considered sacred. Pray that the people’s eyes will be opened to the truth. There are more than 27,000 Heikum Bushman in Namibia, and currently, no one is intentionally starting churches among them. Pray that the Heikum Bushman believers, no matter how few, will boldly proclaim the Gospel to their families and friends, and that the Heikum Bushman will see their need for Jesus Christ and the salvation He offers. Pray that a strategic plan will be developed to plant biblical churches among the Heikum Bushman in Namibia.
Friday October 21: In 2011 volunteer teams from Southern Baptist churches ministered alongside the Swazi Team conducting retreats, Bible studies for adult, youth and children, revivals, hut-to-hut visitation (witnessing), prayer walking, AIDS orphan ministries, sharing the True Love Waits message, and more. What a blessing Swazis, volunteer team members and the Swazi Team received. Pray as planning begins for the ministry of volunteer teams with the Swazi Team in 2012. May God’s wonderful blessings continue to flow.
Saturday October 22: Today Pastor and Mrs. Sigwane (pastor of the Phuzumoya Baptist Church) invite many of their friends to celebrate with them their 12th wedding anniversary. The service will begin at 9:30am at the Phuzumoya Baptist Church. Pray for this special event in the life of this family and church. Pray the Swazis will understand what God expects of marriage and the marriage relationship. Pray for strong Swazi Christian marriages.
Sunday October 23: My own conversion is the result of prayer, long, affectionate, earnest, importune. Parents prayed for me; God heard their cries and here I am to preach the Gospel. (Charles Haddon Spurgeon, 1834-92) Pray the Lord will be able to draw strong spiritual leaders from the congregations of the Swazi Baptist churches. Pray many Swazis will truly understand what it means to be a Christian.
Monday October 24: Pray the high appreciation of Jesus Christ as a prophet and miracle worker can be used of the Holy Spirit to open the hearts of the Muslims of Swaziland to accept Him as their Savior.
Tuesday October 25: Who is the first executive director of the Foreign (International)Mission Board? James B. Taylor, a former Baptist minister in Richmond, Va., who served 1846-1871. It is time to set your 2011 church goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Pray for faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2011 LMCO so missionaries can continue to be sent to minister to many lost and dying people.
Wednesday October 26: The couple had the attention of the entire family gathered in a house with the children and grandchildren almost filling the living room. A chicken had been killed earlier and cooked for the guests. With everyone situated, singing began. Afterwards the couple was able to share the story of the Bible from Creation to Christ. What a blessing. Pray for this family who heard this wonderful story. Pray more opportunities will be taken by missionaries on the Swazi Team to share with those who do not know Jesus as their Savior.
Thursday October 27: November 2-4, the “Hands On” missionaries, Kim, Brandi, Heather and Sienna are treating themselves to a much deserved trip to the Kruger National Game Reserve with missionary Wayne Myers. Pray the group will see many wonderful sights and will enjoy their time at Kruger. Continue to pray for these missionaries as they share the True Love Waits message as well as participate in other AIDS related ministries.
Friday October 28: Saturday November 5-Sunday November 13, an IMB team that includes a photographer/graph designer, journalist and videographer will be in Swaziland to spend time with Kim and Brandi (Tshaneni/Mafucula) and Sienna and Heather in Mbabane. Stories from this visit will appear on AfricaStories.org the first appearing on the 30th of November. Pray for this group’s visit with the “Hands On” missionaries on the Swazi Team. May wonderful blessings occur while making these stories.
Saturday October 29: Todd and Deborah Hoskins is leading a Bible study for youth and women of the Big Bend Baptist Church. Please pray for good attendance and the study will go well.
Sunday October 30: There are several churches that have been given land for building their church structures. Some are in the midst of planning and building while others are waiting to begin. Pray as these congregations plan towards their building projects. Through tithes and offerings, may these new structures be completed.
Monday October 31: We loaded up the portable baptistery, two fifty gallon drums of water and other supplies and headed to our destination, an hour earlier than usual to allow us time to get the baptismal pool set up and before services started for the day. The baptismal candidates gave a brief salvation testimony and a sermon was preached about the Lordship of Jesus Christ. During the service we had a brief interruption as we had to chase away some cows that discovered the baptismal pool and thought it was a drinking trough. Eleven people were baptized. It was a joyous celebration for all those present. Pray new Swazi Christians will grow daily in their faith. Pray the Lord will bring a spiritual harvest among the Swazi people.
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