Thursday, June 30, 2011

July Prayer Calendar

Friday July 1:  Last month the shipment off 648 In-Home Health Care Kits (BGR buckets) arrived in Swaziland!!  The Swazi Team praises the Lord for allowing these kits to come into the country customs free.  Each kit is packed in a 5-gallon bucket filled with items such as multivitamins, sheets, a towel and wash cloths, soap for sensitive skin, gloves for caregivers and much more.  Pray many Swazis will be touched by the giving and sharing of these kits.

Saturday July 2:  Today the EC committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets.  Important issues need to be discussed that include understanding the convention’s relationship with the Council of Churches and the need to make decisions as a group.  Pray for a good time of discussion and hopefully understanding.  Pray there will be unity in today’s meeting.  Election of new officers was held in May.  Pray for these new officers as they begin serving as leaders of the convention.

Sunday July 3:  The pastor of the Thunzini Baptist Church has recently been accepted to a teacher training college in Manzini.  This is great news for Nkosingiphile Dlamini who has been a strong committed Christian pastor as well as leader of the Shiselweni Baptist Association. It is unsure how often Pastor Dlamini will be able to return to Thunzini for Sunday worship.  Pray for the Thunzini Baptist Church during this time of change.  Pray leaders within the congregation will able to lead the church in the pastor’s absence.  Pray for Nkosingiphile as he begins a new chapter in his life.

Monday July 4:  HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!
THANK GOD, FOR AMERICA
We thank you God, for America,
For the freedom and peace we know;
And we pay for your continued blessings
On this land that we love so.

We salute our flag, we honor those
Who fought to make us free;
For all the good things we enjoy;
We give the praise to Thee.
                 --Janice Mizelle Taylor
Pray for the Swazi Team and Hands On missionaries celebrating this special holiday in Mbabane.

Tuesday July 5:  Praise God for the First Baptist Church, Washington, NC youth team that served in the Hhohho region with the Allen family in June.  They were able to serve through homestead visitations, Bible studies and revival services.  Pray all the seeds planted will grow and produce much fruit.

Wednesday July 6:  Four “Hands On” missionaries, Sienna, Heather, Brandi and Kim arrived in Swaziland June 15th.  Sienna and Heather are staying in Mbabane and Brandi and Kim in Tshaneni.  Due to college classroom requirements, Brandi and Kim have begun a month’s stay on a Swazi homestead (Mafacula).  They will also be involved in culture and language study.  Pray for these four missionaries as they begin their stay and ministry in Swaziland.  Pray Brandi and Kim’s experience on the homestead will a time of learning and developing relationships with the Swazi people.

Thursday July 7:  Pray for Deborah Hoskins’ mother today on her birthday.  Pray she has a fun time of celebrating her special day with her family.

Friday July 8:  His Name Means Gift
Sipho’s name means gift but Sipho feels anything but a gift.  Sipho is 17 years old and lives on the streets.  He sleeps in the roadside market and baths behind the grocery store.  At one time a man from Australia was helping Sipho attend school but the man moved on.  Sipho had to leave school because he could not pay the school fees.  He has learned to do wood working and desperately wants to be a carpenter.  Sipho says, “My life is not good.” The unemployment rate in Swaziland is 40 percent and it is very hard for Swazis such as Sipho to find a job.  Please pray the homeless and jobless in Swaziland will have hope for their future.  Pray Sipho and others like him will know that life is a gift from the Heavenly Father who can supply all their needs.

Saturday July 9:  The Shiselweni Association meets today at the Velebantfu Baptist Church.  Continue to pray for this association that strives to meet together for encouragement and unity.

Sunday July 10:  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 July 11:  July 11-13 is the third “Get Away” for the six summer missionaries hosted by Todd and Deborah Hoskins.  These scheduled Get Aways allow a touch of civilization to the missionaries staying in areas where such luxuries as electricity and clean flowing drinking water are limited. Pray each will have a great time of fun and fellowship during this “Get Away”.  Please pray they will be energized and able to have a strong finish to their ministry in Swaziland.

Tuesday July 12:  The Muslim call to prayer sounds five times a day from the mosques in Swaziland.  Ritual cleansing—washing arms, face, legs and feet three times—must precede prayer.  Ask the Savior of the World to open the blinded eyes of the Muslims in Swaziland to see Jesus, the Light of the World.

Wednesday July 13:  The theme of this year’s National Youth Camp August 25-28 is “Walking Righteously In Christ Through Faith”. (Theme scripture is Colossians 2:6, 7.)  The youth are very fortunate to have missionary Steve Flippo (KwaZulu Natal Evangelism Team) as camp leader/speaker. Every year youth from the Swazi Baptist churches come for an enjoyable time of Bible study, worship and fellowship.  For many it is the highlight of their year.  Pray the planning of the camp will continue to go well.  Pray a venue will also be secured.

Thursday July 14:  After worship services the adults of the Vuvulane Baptist Church visited a very sick lady in the community.  As the group entered the room the emaciated body of the lady was almost overlooked.  Perhaps it will be a matter of time before she succumbs to her illness (AIDS). The sign of loss is everywhere.  Homesteads are either caring for a sick loved one or burying a family member. The only occupants of some homesteads are children with no one to care for them. What is there hope?  Pray those dying from AIDS will have a chance to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior before it is too late.  Pray the victims and families of victims will not be abandoned but will have someone to care for them.

Friday July 15:  The Swazi Team praises the Lord for ALL the people He has sent to serve in Swaziland in the last couple of months.  God has moved all over the country in various ministries and lives are being changed for God.  Please pray God will continue to send His chosen to work among the Swazis of Swaziland!

Saturday July 16:  She was the smallest of the children that assembled in a group.  She kept her eyes on the white teacher reading the Biblical story with so many colorful pictures that held the attention of all the children.  Questions were asked but she was too young to really understand or know the answers.  After the story the children enjoyed coloring and working on activity sheets given them.  Everyone was busy working (even the most rowdy were involved in their task). The little one took her crayon and quickly made marks on her paper.  When class time was over she left with the other children to return to their homes.  Pray the Swazi Baptist churches will see the need to teach and train Swazi Baptist children.  Pray these children one day will be strong committed leaders of Swazi Baptist churches.

Sunday July 17:  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 July 18:  Sharing God’s Word on a Wednesday night in semi-darkness and shoeless, the volunteer missionary can only begin to wander what her friends would think if they could see her now.  With lanterns, small flash lights and one candle to light the room, she can not see faces, only images as she shares from the book of Joshua.  Everyone listens and flash lights bob up and down as pages are flipped in the Bible.  There is always exciting and new experiences for volunteers coming to Swaziland such as Hunter and Katy who ministered with the Swazi Team in June.  Pray Hunger and Katy will remember their time in Swaziland with fondness and the thrill of knowing the Lord used their gifts and talents to enhance His Kingdom.

Tuesday July 19:  July 19-26 the Myers will enjoy a holiday/vacation at the Kruger National Game Reserve.  Pray for a restful and enjoyable time for the Myers!

Wednesday July 20:  Today Deborah Hoskins is having minor foot surgery in Johannesburg, South Africa.  Please pray for safe travel and for the operation to go well.

Thursday July 21:  When the True Love Waits International film crew came to Swaziland June 12-14, they were able to hear the True Love Waits presentation by the six summer missionaries, first at Velebantfu and in the afternoon at the Oslo Primary School in Mgamudze.  The crew also conducted interviews with a few who heard the presentations as well as host a “Tea” on the 14th for Swazi Baptist TLW leaders.  It was a good time of fellowship and discussion concerning the importance of spreading the TLW message throughout Swaziland.  Pray for strong TLW presenters that believe the True Love Waits message and live their lives as God expects.

Friday July 22:  Pray the King of Swaziland, his wives and children will be set free from cultural bondage by the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Saturday July 23:  SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA UNENGAGED PEOPLES:
The church is alive and growing in many parts of the Zambezi Cluster.  However, there remain large areas where the Gospel has had little to no influence on the people.  This is mainly due to extremely isolated areas within these countries, a lack of laborers, and the strong influence of Islam.  Please pray God will put it on the hearts of choice servants to come and live and serve among the Muslims of these countries.  Pray especially for the few Muslim-background believers who struggle to live out their faith among their own people.  Pray for the Koti, the Mwani and the Nahara coastal peoples as well as the Makonde, the Yao and Makhwua-Meeto who are mainly inland agriculturalists influenced by Islam.

Sunday July 24:  August 10-18 a 16-member volunteer team from the Euto Baptist Church (Marshville NC) led by Bert and Lisa Warren will minister in the northeast section of Swaziland.  The volunteer team’s ministries will include prayer walking, hut-to-hut visitation, ladies and youth retreats, children’s Bible study, AIDS orphan ministry and other spirit led ministries.  Pray for Bert, Lisa, Matthew, Zach, Landon, Keith, Jen, Nathan, Lisa, Harley, Kimberly, Brooke, Kathy, Kara, Amanda and Jenna as they prepare to work with the Swazi people.  Pray for the Myers as they prepare for the team’s arrival.

Monday July 25:  Pray for Deborah Hoskins’ sister on her birthday today.  Pray she has an enjoyable day with family and friends.

Tuesday July 26:  July 26-28 the Swazi Team will meet with the six summer missionaries for a time of debriefing on their two months of True Love Waits ministry in Swaziland. Pray Tiffany, Jonathon, Elizabeth, Adam, Tori and REH will remember their time in Swaziland as one full of wonderful blessings, new relationships and a sense of accomplishing the task the Lord set before them.  Pray the message of True Love Waits and God’s plan for student’s lives will continue to spread even after these missionaries leave.

Wednesday July 27:  After enjoying good and substantial rains in the spring and early summer, some areas of the country did not receive the continued rains and are now facing a possible famine situation.  Just when the crops needed rain the most, the rains stopped.  Many will suffer when their food supplies run out before next year’s crops are ready to harvest.  Pray those facing a hunger situation will be able to find assistance in feeding their families.  Pray the next growing season will be one of plenty.

Thursday July 28:  Begin praying for the planning of the 2011 Swazi Baptist Women’s Retreat October 13-15 at the Manzini Baptist Church.  Pray for the National Women’s Committee to begin making preparations for this annual event.

Friday July 29:  What missionary worked for 40 years in China literally giving her life to her work?  Lottie Moon is famous for her desperate appeal in 1888 for more missionaries (resulting in the annual Lottie Moon Christmas Offering).  Funds were so scarce Lottie once spent 14 continuous years on the mission field.  Thank you for giving to the 2010 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.  Last year’s giving was one of the largest on record.  As plans begin for the promotion of the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, pray the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to this annual offering will continue.  Pray the Lord will be glorified as planning begins and goals are set!!

Saturday July 30:  Pray for the Camp Worldlight camp staff mission team arriving today (July 30-August 10) to serve in the Hhohho region ministering to Swazi Baptist children.  Pray for Jill, Mindy, Ashley, Rachel, Aarika, Brooklyn, Laura and Anne as they work and serve in Swaziland.

Sunday July 31:  Pray the Lord will provide pastors for the New Hope and Peace Baptist Churches (without pastors for several years).  Pray the faithful will continue to be fruitful and the adults will strive to teach the youth and children the ways of the Lord.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

Our weekly prayer letter is a little early this week due to the scheduled arrival of the BGR In-Home Health Care Kits tomorrow at the Mbabane mission house.  This will be such a momentous occasion we all want to be there for the shipment’s arrival. After weeks (or maybe months) of getting the container released from South Africa, Wayne has been involved in getting all the paper work completed.  Just when he thought everything was okay, there was another form needed.  But, everything NOW looks to be in order and the shipment should arrive!!  Please pray with the Swazi Team that the shipment will arrive tomorrow at the mission house in Mbabane as scheduled. 

Today Brandi and Kim (Hands On missionaries) will begin their month long homestead visit with Pastor and Mrs. Musuku (Mafacula Baptist Church) in Mafacula.  Due to college/classroom requirements, Brandi and Kim will also spend one month in language and culture study.  Tuesday night the Musukus and Bheki, their language/culture tutor (pastor of Luwhawhaweni Baptist Church) came to the house for a time of food, fun and fellowship.  We have been getting all the things together they will need for their stay.  Pray Brandi and Kim’s experience on the homestead will be a time of learning and developing relationships with the Swazi people.  Pray also for Sienna and Heather who are staying and ministering in the Hhohho/Manzini regions.

Saturday (June 26) Wayne will meet with Nkosingiphile Dlamini (pastor of the Thunzini Baptist Church) for a time of discussion and planning.  Nkosingiphile has been accepted to a teacher training college in Manzini.  This is great news for Nkosingiphile who has been a strong committed Christian pastor as well as leader of the Shiselweni Baptist Association.  It is unsure how often Pastor Dlamini will be able to return to Thunzini for Sunday worship.  Pray for the Thunzini Baptist Church during this time of change.  Pray leaders within the congregation will be able to lead the church in the pastor’s absence.  Pray for Nkosingiphile as he begins a new chapter in his life.

--June 27-29 is the second scheduled “Get-Away” for the six summer missionaries, hosted by Todd and Deborah Hoskins.  The group will not be taking a trip to Kruger but will go to the Mkhaya Game Reserve instead.  Please continue to pray for Tiffany, Tori, Elizabeth, REH, Adam and Jonathon as they share the True Love Wait message in schools and church.  Pray their second “Get Away will be a time of re-energizing in preparation for their continued work in the rural area of Swaziland. 

--The Shiselweni Association scheduled for Saturday has been postponed until July 9th.  Pray for this special meeting and for a good representation from the Swazi Baptist churches in the Shiselweni region.

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST:
Wayne and I have a special prayer request.  In the past several months we have experienced computer difficulties.  In September of last year my computer was taken to a shop and found to have a damaged graphics card (caused by strong power surges).  This was fixed and the computer brought home only to have the same problem again with the computer being returned to the shop in October.  I have not seen my computer since.   Since the owner of the shop cannot get the computer from the technician because he always in Mozambique or he doesn’t bring the computer when he says he will, I fear my computer has been sold.   Wayne’s computer also suffered a damaged graphics card that had worked itself into the mother board.  So we are currently using one old Dell laptop computer, which we are certainly glad to have but find it difficult to do all we need to do on the computer.  Please pray we can find a suitable solution to our computer woes soon.

Sunday morning while enjoying my quiet time, I heard what I thought was a noise at the gate.  Wondering “who in the world would be at the gate at 7:00am” I looked out my bedroom window.  I didn’t see anyone and I was about to turn away from the window when I caught something moving from the corner of my eye.  As I turned to look, I realized it was a big wart hog.   I was so surprised I yelled “There is a wart hog in the yard.” By the time Wayne went out to see if he could help the frightened animal find a way out, the wart hog quickly dove under the fence (doesn’t say much for our fence L).  After the excitement died down, I tried to regain my sense of serenity with the Lord.  The joys of living on a farm in Africa!!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

The shipment of 648 Home Health Care Kits (BGR buckets) has arrived in Swaziland!!!  The kits are now waiting for all the paper work to be completed (always more paper work) so customs can release the shipment to be delivered to the mission house in Mbabane.  Even though we were disappointed that the kits could not be delivered to the mission on Tuesday (14th) as first indicated, we are so thankful they are in Swaziland.  Pray for the Swazi Team as we continue to wait for the kits to arrive at the mission house in Mbabane.  Pray there will be PLENTY of help to unload the shipment.  Pray for the Swazi Team as we seek to train our church members on the use of these kits. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped.  My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.  Psalm 28:7

Accompanying the True Love Waits International film crew to the scheduled True Love Waits presentations (in the Shiselweni region) on Monday provided a full and exciting day for Wayne. He was blessed to hear the presentation twice, first at Velebantfu (REH, Jonathon and Adam) and in the afternoon at the Oslo School (Mgamudze) presented by Tori, Elizabeth and Tiffany.  Wayne felt things went well and the summer missionaries were excited to be involved in their first TLW presentations.  Sharon, Cindi and Roxie were also able to interview those who heard the TLW message and host a “Tea” on the 14th for Swazi Baptist TLW leaders.  Thank you for praying for this special time.  Continue to pray for Adam, REH, Jonathon, Tori, Elizabeth and Tiffany as they seek to share the TLW message with more schools and churches. 
The summer missionaries had their first “Get-Away” June 14-16.  These scheduled Get-Aways are helpful to the missionaries in that they allow a touch of civilization to their lives.  These missionaries are living in areas where such luxuries as electricity and clean flowing drinking water are limited. The group seems to be doing well living the “rural life” and we want to help them continue to do so.  Pray Tori, Elizabeth, Tiffany, REH, Jonathon and Adam will continue to adjust to the many changes in their lives.   The next Get-Away  is scheduled for June 27-29.  The Myers and Hoskins will accompany the group to the Kruger National Game Reserve!!  YEAH!!

The four Hands On missionaries, Sienna, Heather, Brandi and Kim arrived in Swaziland on Wednesday and are currently involved in orientation in Mbabane.  Sienna and Heather will stay in Mbabane but Wayne will return to Tshaneni tomorrow with Brandi and Kim.  Due to college/classroom requirements Brandi and Kim will stay on a homestead (Mafucula) for one month.  They will also be involved in culture and language study.  Pray for these four missionaries as they begin their stay and ministry in Swaziland.  These missionaries will also spread the True Love Waits message throughout the country.  Pray for Brandi and Kim as they begin their homestead stay this week as well as culture and language learning.  Pray they will adjust well to living in “rural” Swaziland.

Today is Lacie Allen’s 7th birthday.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY LACIE!!

Last Saturday Lacie participated in an international gymnastics competition in Benoni, South Africa and came in second!!!  Congratulations Lacie!

SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEKEND:
--Kym Pennington (True Love Waits International consultant) and Adam Coe will unite in marriage tomorrow June 18th in Conway, Arkansas.  The Swazi Team appreciates Kym’s work in training TLW presenters and promoting TLW ministry in Swaziland.  Pray for Kym and Adam as they begin their lives together.

--HAPPY FATHER’S DAY –Sunday June 19th
BEST WISHES TO A “MODEL” DAD ON FATHER’S DAY
Father’s Day is one of those days
When Dads like you deserve some praise,
And this is coming just to say
You’re wished a happy Father’s Day,
And you’re so dear and thoughtful, too,
More Dads should be “modeled” after you.
                               --Helen Steiner Rice
Take time to talk and spend time with your father today!!  Pray this day will indeed be special for fathers everywhere and each will feel the presence of the Lord throughout their special day!

--A volunteer youth team from the First Baptist Church, Washington, North Carolina will minister with the Allen family from June 21-June 30.  This will be the first mission trip for many of these youth.  Please pray for the team members and leaders as they minister and for the Swazis with whom they will be sharing.

--Saturday June 26 the Shiselweni Association will meet at the Velebantfu Baptist Church.  Pray for this special meeting and for a good representation from the Swazi Baptist churches in the Shiselweni region.

Pray for Lisa Warren’s father:
I ask for prayer today (June 15) because I just received a call from Mom that Dad is being admitted to the hospital again.  His blood pressure and heart rate are dropping.  Heart rate is in the 40's and he is jaundicing some.   He has been on quite a ride this year, and you just never know what will happen ... God has shown such great mercy, and allowed us more time with him.  I am thankful for that!

--Absalom Mkhonta, a stronger leader in the Thunzini Baptist Church underwent hernia surgery on Tuesday.  He was doing well and sent home on Thursday.  Mr. Mkhonta is 73 years old and the father of Simphiwe Mavuso, wife of the pastor of the Vuvulane Baptist Church (Douglas Mavuso).  Pray Mr. Mkhonta will continue to do without any problems.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

Sharing God’s Word on a Wednesday night in semi darkness and shoeless (but with socks), the volunteer missionary can only begin to wonder what her friends would think if they saw her now.  With lanterns, small flash lights and one candle to light the room, she can not see faces only images as she shares from the book of Joshua.  Everyone listened and flash lights bobbed up and down as pages were flipped in Bibles. 
There are always exciting and new experiences for volunteers when coming to Swaziland.  We pray Hunter and Katy will continue to enjoy their time and receive wonderful blessings.  As they finish their time with us this week pray the Lord will continue to show them His will for their lives as well as blessings he has for them.  Each received wonderful news since being in Swaziland.  Hunter has been accepted for Medical School in the fall and Katy has accepted a position as a minister of youth in a church in North Carolina.  Hunter and Katy will finish their time ministering in the Hhohho region.  They return to the states on the 30th of June.

Adjusting to living in the rural area of Swaziland (Shiselweni region) the six summer missionaries are enjoying new experiences and relationships.  It is winter in Swaziland and the nights and mornings can be quite chilly.  Pray Tori, Elizabeth, Tiffany, REH, Jonathon and Adam will stay warm and adjust to the many changes in their lives.  Pray they will be able to make contacts and present the TLW message in many schools and churches.   The first scheduled “Get-Away” for the summer missionaries is June 14-16.  Todd and Deborah Hoskins are the planners for this fun time of relaxing, reconnecting with luxuries such as washing clothes in a washer and taking a shower, and fellowshipping with each other!!  Pray for the Hoskins as they plan this get away!! 

Monday a film crew from True Love Waits International will tape a presentation of the True Love Waits messages presented at a Swazi school by one of the group of summer missionaries.  Sharon, Cindi and Roxie will also interview those attending the presentation.  Pray for Cindi, Roxie and Sharon as they travel to the Shiselweni region and begin working on a documentary about the spread of the TLW message in the country.  Pray their time in Swaziland will be very productive (June 12-15).    June 14th the crew (Sharon, Cindi and Roxie) will host a “Tea” for national TLW leaders (that can attend) and summer missionaries.  Pray for this very special time for these TLW leaders. 

-The four “Hands On” missionaries arrive in Jo’burg on Wednesday (June 15) for six months of True Love Waits ministry in Swaziland.  Leaving Shiselweni (and the film crew) Wayne will travel to Jo’burg to collect Sienna, Heather, Brandi and Kim and return to Mbabane for a time of orientation. After the orientation Wayne will return to Tshaneni with Brandi and Kim and Sienna and Heather will remain in Mbabane.    After a couple days of getting adjusted, Brandi and Kim will meet their homestead host and hostess (Mafucula) where they will stay for a month (part of college class work).  Pray Sienna, Brandi, Kim and Heather will adjust well to life in Swaziland.  Pray hearts and lives will be touched as God’s plan for marriage and purity is shared.

A WORD OF THANK YOU…..
I would like to take this time to personally thank each member of the Swazi Team for their wonderful spirit during this very busy time.  I personally (due to our location and transportation needs for the missionaries) have not been able to take part in the meeting and greeting as well as orientation but I want to say “Thank You” to Steve, Monica, Todd, Deborah and of course Wayne for jumping in and working hard to see that the summer missionaries were orientated and in their locations of work as well as preparing for the Sharon, Roxie and Cindi’s visit and the arrival of the four Hands On missionaries this week.  During the last two weeks the Allens have been involved with a volunteer team from Kentucky and the National Youth Leader’s Retreat last weekend and Todd and Steve participated in the first Rural Training School (June 6-10) at Phuzumoya.  It has been an overwhelming time of ministry for the Team!!   Please lift up the Swazi Team during this very busy time but also exciting time of ministry. The Allens are scheduled to host two volunteer teams in June and July.   Pray the Lord will provide the extra strength as they prepare for these two (important) volunteer teams.  The Hoskins will continue to provide the scheduled “Get-Aways” for the summer missionaries (one includes a trip to Kruger with the help of the Myers).  Pray every member of the Swazi Team will not tire and grow weary in the midst of all the “activity” before them. 

--Tomorrow, the EC Committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets.  Important issues will be discussed concerning the need for decisions to be made in an autonomous manner that allows discussion, for decisions to be made a as a group, and understanding the convention’s relationship with the Council of Churches. Pray for Wayne as he leads this time of discussion and hopefully understanding.  Pray there will be unity among those attending tomorrow’s meeting.
Also, last month the Baptist Convention elected new officers.  Pray for these as they begin serving as leaders of the convention.

AIDS UPDATE: 
The shipment of 648 In-Home Health Kits has finally been released and should be on its way to Swaziland. We do not know when the shipment will arrive.  Pray the shipment will arrive when help is available for unloading.  Pray for the Swazi Team as we seek to train our church members on the use of these kits.

IMB’S OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
The Southern Baptist Convention is scheduled for June 14 and 15 and will be held in Phoenix, Arizona.  Lift up IMB President Ton Elliff as he prepares to address the convention on Wednesday afternoon, June 15.  Ask God to use Dr. Elliff’s message to delegates as a springboard for reaching the unengaged peoples of this world.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

Since Hunter and Katy’s arrival in Swaziland on the 28th they have been involved in teaching Bible studies, a TEE class (Theological Education by Extension), assisting with a children’s Bible study, helping with summer missionaries’ orientation and this weekend co-leading the National Youth Leaders Retreat.  This past week they also have had the opportunity to make new Swazi friends.  Continue to pray for Hunter and Katy as they continue to minister in Swaziland.  After the youth retreat this weekend they will return to northeast Swaziland.  Thursday and Friday (June 9-10) they will minister in the Shiselweni region.  The following week their ministry will begin in the Hhohho region.

All six summer missionaries arrived Wednesday June 1st in Swaziland to begin their time of ministry in Swaziland. REH, Adam, Jonathan, Tori, Tiffany and Elizabeth spent Wednesday and Thursday in orientation.  On Friday, they experienced the public transport system and assist with a children’s Bible study at Sibebe.  This past weekend they attended the National Youth Leaders Retreat in Manzini.  Monday the troop will travel to their Swazi homes, the guys will stay in the Velebantfu area and the girls on the Thwala/Msibi homestead next to the Mgamudze Baptist Church.  Thus, begins their time of adjustment to life in the rural area and the ministry of spreading the True Love message in schools and churches.  Pray TLW contacts will easily be made and each will experience wonderful blessings serving in Swaziland.

Please pray for the National Swazi Baptist Youth Leaders Retreat June 3-5.  Pray for Pastor Makhosi Fakudze (pastor of Vovovo Baptist Church) and Hunter and Katy as they lead.  Pray for the youth leaders attending to benefit from this time of fellowship and training. 
Begin also praying for the National Youth Camp August 25-28.  Every year youth from the Swazi Baptist churches come for an enjoyable time of Bible study, worship and fellowship.  For many it is the highlight of their year.  Pray for a great group this year.  Pray the planning of the camp will continue to go well.

Computer woes continue for the Myers family. L  Wayne’s received the bad news that his computer will cost more to repair than to purchase a new one.  Either due to extreme power surges or electrical storms, his graphics card is extremely damaged and in the process of working its way into the mother board.  BIG PROBLEMS we are told!!  No word from my computer but the situation will need to be dealt with in the next couple of weeks.  Pray for us as we try to solve our computer woes.

PRAY FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS:
--June 12-15 a group from True Love Waits International will be in Swaziland to conduct research for a documentary on the work of the six summer missionaries spreading the True Love message throughout Swaziland.  Sharon, Cindi and Roxie will observe and conduct interviews with the missionaries as well as those attending a presentation of the True Love Waits message.  Pray their time in Swaziland will be very productive for Sharon, Cindi and Roxie.  Pray the work of the missionaries and the completion of documentary will help educate Swazis to the causes of HIV/AIDS and how it affects their society as well as families.  Pray each will understand that if we live the way the Lord ordains, we don’t have to die.
--June 16th four “Hands On” missionaries will arrive to share the True Love Waits message throughout Swaziland.  Sienna and Heather will stay in Mbabane and Brandi and Kim in Tshaneni.  Pray for Sienna, Heather, Brandi and Kim as they prepare for their time in Swaziland.  Pray now for the hearts and lives that will be touched as God’s plan for marriage and purity is shared.  Their time of service will end in December 2011.

AIDS UPDATE:
The shipment of 648 In-Home Health Kits (BGR Buckets) finally has been released by the South African government and can now make its way to Swaziland.  We do not know of a time-table or date when the shipment will arrive.  With this uncertainty, pray the shipment will arrive when help is available for unloading the container.  Pray for the Swazi Team as we seek to train our church members on the use of these kits.

IMB’S OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
Please continue to pray for the 67 missionary adults and 39 missionary kids (MKs) who have been in field orientation at the our learning center since April 25.  They will conclude this season of their lives on June 17.  As the days get longer and the information in their heads reaches the point of major overload, please ask God to keep their enthusiasm and energy at high levels.  Pray also that those awaiting visa approval will get a positive word very quickly.  The stress of waiting can be very difficult at times.

She was the smallest of the children that assembled in a group.  She kept her eyes on the white teacher reading the Biblical story with so many colorful pictures that held the attention of all the children.  Questions were asked but she was too young to really understand or know the answers.  After the story the children enjoyed coloring and working on activity sheets given them.  Everyone was busy working (even the most rowdy were involved in their task).  The little one took her crayon and quickly made marks on her paper.  When class time was over she left with the other children to return to their homes.  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 Christian leaders.  Pray the Swazi Baptist churches will see the need to teach and train Swazi Baptist children.  May these children one day be strong committed leaders of Swazi Baptist churches.