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.