May Prayer Calendar

Sunday May 1:  Pray for different baptism services that need to occur before the weather turns too cold. (Baptism is held outside).  The Allens have rescheduled some due to late rains.  Pray the Victory Baptist Church will be able to conduct their baptism service today!!

Monday May 2:  Thank you for praying for the strikes scheduled April 13, 14 and 15 in Swaziland.  Protestors were encouraged to converge on the city of Manzini to protest the extravagant spending of the monarchy as well as their desire to elect own leaders and officials.  Soldiers, policemen and protestors were gearing up for a big showdown.  Thank goodness it did not occur.  There were incidents of police and soldiers tangling with the protestors.  The city of Manzini was tightly blocked so outsiders could not enter to join in the protesting.  This displeased the unions and they have vowed that another strike will be called.  Nothing was really solved and discontentment continues.  Pray the political situation in Swaziland will reach a peaceful solution.

Tuesday May 3:  Lacie Allen returns to school for Term 2.  Pray she adjusts quickly into the school routine and continues to do well in Grade 1.

Wednesday May 4:  The Swazi Team praises the Lord on word that the Minister of Finance has given the okay for the 648 In-Home Care Kits (BGR buckets) to enter the country tax free!!  Presently BGR is determining the best method to get the buckets to Swaziland.  Pray the buckets will be easily transported from Durban, South Africa to Swaziland as quickly as possible.  Pray for the Swazi Team as they seek to train our church members on the use of the buckets with AIDS victims and their families.

Thursday May 5:  Praise God for the past few months of discipleship training at Peace Baptist Church.  The Allens ask prayer for this faithful group of women that have led this church mostly on their own since 2002.  Pray for God to raise up a faithful man of integrity to lead this church!

Friday May 6:  April 21-24 the Swazi Baptist National Easter Services met in Manzini with over 150 attending.  The agenda included convention reports, Bible studies, a full-scale children’s program, worship, testimonies and wonderful music.  Most attendees arrived on Thursday evening with their blankets, bags and Bibles.  They found their “sleeping spot” and prepared for three nights and four days of sharing and fellowshipping with members of approximately 25 of the 30 Swazi Baptist churches.  Plenty of laughter and singing could be heard throughout the “camp”!   Pray a spirit of unity among the Swazi Baptist churches and Swazi Baptist Convention will continue.  Pray the ‘Spirit of Easter’ will be with us all year long!!

Saturday May 7:  The executive committee of the Baptist Mission of Swaziland meets today.  One item on the agenda is to evaluate the National Easter Services in April.  Pray for this group as they prayerfully reflect on the 2011 Easter services.  Pray for a time of unity and consensus.

Sunday May 8:  Mothers’ Day!!
Dear Lord, I do not ask that thou should’st give me some high work of thine,
some noble calling or wondrous task;
Give me a little hand to hold in mine:
Give me a little child to point the way over the strange, sweet path that leads to thee.
Give me two shining eyes thy face to see.
The only crown I ask, dear Lord, to wear is this:
 that I may teach my little child.
I do not ask that I may ever stand the wise, the worthy, or the great;
I only ask that softly, hand in hand, my child and I may enter at the gate.  (Author Unknown)
Pray for godly mothers in the USA, Swaziland, Africa and throughout the world.  May each mother’s actions and thoughts reflect the heart of the loving God and Savior.

Monday May 9:  In March the Mpembakati Baptist Church was officially granted land for a church building.  A knot was ceremoniously tied in the tall grass to mark the spot.  Pray for this church as the congregation moves ahead with the construction of their church building.

Tuesday May 10:  Nathan Allen returns to school today for Term 2.  Pray he will continue to enjoy school and have great times with children his own age.

Wednesday May 11:  “Although our family and mission team are excited and blessed with the various summer missionaries, volunteer teams and short-term missionaries coming to serve with us in Swaziland, pray our family (Allens) will balance family and ministry well in the months ahead.  Pray for our children (Lacie and Nathan) especially during this busy season and for us (Steve and Monica) as parents to be sensitive to their needs at all times.”

Thursday May 12:  The Luwhawhaweni Baptist Church recently lost one of its original members.  She was HIV positive and suffered a stroke.  She always had a smile and even though she walked with a slight limp (from a previous stroke) she regularly attended church and Friday Bible study. She will be missed.  Pray for the family of this lady (34 years old with three children) as they deal with their loss.  Pray for the Luwhawhaweni Baptist Church that continues to lose members to the AIDS pandemic.

Friday May 13:  For the last few months prayer has been requested for the start of a Bible study in the community of MaCethuka (approximately 5 kms from the Vuvulane Baptist Church). It has been difficult to meet with this group (who requested the Bible study) for various reasons.  Pray Satan will not succeed in keeping this Bible study from beginning.  Pray the Lord will be the victor.

Saturday May 14:  The Shiselweni Baptist Association meets today.  Continue to pray for this association that strives to meet together for encouragement and unity. There are 9 Swazi Baptist churches in this region.

Sunday May 15:  Kym Pennington, True Love Waits International consultant returns to Swaziland today to lead three three-day True Love Waits Trainings,; 16-18 in Mbabane, 19-21 in Manzini and 23-25 in the Shiselweni or North Lubumbo region.  Pray for Kym as she leads these three training events.  Pray for the Swazi Team as they encourage possible attendees and prepare for these events.

Monday May 16:  We never know what to expect the first time we begin a Bible study or new work but praise the Lord for over 100 people waiting to hear the truth of God’s Word from Steve Allen in the Ngowane area!  Pray for God to continue opening doors in this new community and praise God that the indvuna and community leaders gave their blessings for the Bible study to begin.

Tuesday May 17:  The children gathered in the room ready to sing, study and have fun.  Laughter could still be heard even after the teacher began talking. There is so much to teach these children and so much for them to learn about Jesus, the Bible, Christian living and church life.  The task must begin when they are young so they can develop into strong committed Swazi Christian leaders.   Pray the 30 Swazi Baptist churches will take seriously the responsibility of teaching and training their children.  May each Swazi Baptist church have a strong children’s program.

Wednesday May 18:  Please pray salvation will come to the house of the King of Swaziland, his wives and children.  Pray true revival will take place in the country.

Thursday May 19:  For years missionary Barbara Myers and several Swazis have worked to translate from English to siSwati adult, youth, older children, children and beginner Sunday School materials.  In 2005 siSwati children and beginner’s Sunday School books were printed and are currently being used in our Swazi Baptist churches.  Pray for Barbara as she strives to bring this big project to a satisfying end.  Pray these materials will also be printed in book form that will easily be accessable to the Swazi Baptist churches.

Friday May 20:  SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN UNENGAGED PEOPLES:  The Subia of Namibia live in the far northeastern corner of the country, an area called the Caprivi Strip. Farming is the mainstay of their economy but they also have herds of cattle, sheep and goats. The Subia believe that their ancestral spirits will harm anyone who does not honor them or who disregards tribal tradition in some way.  Fear dominates their lives.  Pray that someone will take the Gospel to the Subia so they may know the freedom of Christ.  Pray that many will experience new life.

Saturday May 21:  A few weeks ago after worship, members of the Vuvulane Baptist Church visited a sick lady in the community.  When Wayne Myers first entered the room he did not see her emaciated body and walked right past her.  Perhaps it will be a matter of time before this lady succumbs to her illness. The sign of loss is everywhere.  Homesteads are either caring for a sick loved one or burying a loss family member.  The only occupants of some homesteads are children with no one to care for them.  What is their hope?  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  John 3:16  Pray those dying with AIDS will have a chance to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior before it is too late.

Sunday May 22:  The lack of pastors continues to be one of the biggest problems facing our Swazi Baptist churches. Many of the churches continue to meet under lay leadership (often the women) who get discouraged that God has not provided them with pastoral leadership.  Please pray God will develop leaders for these congregations. 

Monday May 23:  The Muslim creed simply states “There is no god but Allah and Mohammed is His prophet.”  When making this statement the believer announces his or her faith in all God’s messengers and the scripture they brought.  Muslim is a growing faith in Swaziland.  Please pray the peace of God will dwell in the heart of the Swazi people and the Muslim faith will not be allowed to gain strength.  Pray that ordinary daily events will be used by God to point Muslims to Him.

Tuesday May 24:  May 24-May 31 a volunteer team from Clear Creek Bible College (Pineville, Ky.) arrives to work with the Allens in the Hhohho region.  Please pray for Dan and Shannon, Steve and Sheri and Dr. Lucas as they come to serve in Swaziland.  The team will primarily minister in the two newest work areas in this region.

Wednesday May 25: Pray for Thomas Yawn (Deborah Hoskins’ brother) today on his birthday!!
Pray Thomas will have a very happy birthday!!
--The Hoskins enjoyed their time with friends Tia and Caleb who visited last month.  Tia and Caleb were able to see the different ministries throughout Swaziland and South Africa.  Todd and Deborah hope they visit again!!

Thursday May 26:  Next month four “Hands On” missionaries involved with True Love Waits ministries will arrive in Swaziland.  Sienna, Brandi, Kim and Heather will stay in Tshaneni and Mbabane for six months ministering to and with the Swazi people.  Their term will end in December.  Pray for these missionaries as they prepare for their time in Swaziland.  Pray hearts and lives will be touched as God’s plan for marriage and purity is shared.

Friday May 27:  Today Hunter Johnson and Katie Halllack arrive from the states (May 27-June 30).  Hunter and Katie will serve with the Myers, Allens and Hoskins throughout the month of June in various ministry opportunities.  Pray Hunter and Katie will enjoy their time of ministry in Swaziland.   One ministry includes speaking/leading the National Youth Leaders Retreat on June 3-5.  Pray for all the Swazi Baptist Youth leaders as the plan to attend this retreat.  Pray Hunter and Katie’s time with these youth will be very special.

Saturday May 28:  With the new True Love Waits missionaries arriving in June, dynamics will change for the Swazi Team.  Instead of 8 team members, the number will increase to 18.  Pray the Myers, Allens and Hoskins will be able to adjust to working with the Lord’s provision of new workers for the harvest.  Pray mighty blessings will occur.

Sunday May 29:  Both the Luwhawhaweni and Vuvulane Baptist Churches (North Lubumbo) have been given land to build church structures.  Pray as these congregations plan towards their building projects.  Through tithes and offerings, may these new structures be completed.

Monday May 30:  Medical care for the Swazi people is not always available due to clinics with no doctors or adequate supply of medications, nurses diagnosing and prescribing medications, hospitals usually are over crowded and patients sleep on the floor, family must care for the patients’ needs while in the hospital, cleanliness is a concern and many still consult sangomas and witch doctors.  Pray the government of Swaziland will see the need to provide doctors in clinics and a supply of medications will be adequate.  Pray Swazis will not seek the use of traditional methods for medical care.

Tuesday May 31:   Pray for Todd and Deborah Hoskins today on their 3rd Wedding Annversary!!
Today the six summer missionaries (June-July) arrive in Swaziland to begin their time of sharing the True Love Waits message with Swazi churches and schools.  The Swazi Team welcomes Jonathon, Ronald, Victoria, Adam, Elizabeth and Tiffany.  Pray these missionaries will be spiritually prepared for the task the Lord has given each of them.  Pray they will have good physical, emotional and spiritual health and will receive many blessings.