MARCH 2011 PRAYER CALENDAR
The Swazi Team
Tuesday March 1: Todd and Deborah Hoskins arrived in Swaziland October 2010. After attending the 40/40 orientation training, participating in a 2-month language/culture study and moving to Manzini in January, the Hoskins desire to develop Swazi friendships and look to begin ministry opportunities. Pray for Todd and Deborah as they seek to find co-laborers in the work in the Manzini area. Pray for their continued adjustment to a different culture and lifestyle.
Wednesday March 2: February 21st the volunteer team from the Atlantic Association in North Carolina arrived to minister with the Myers in the Shiselweni area. A ladies’ overnight retreat was conducted as well as a weekend youth retreat and homestead visitation. Pray these contacts will reap great rewards for the Kingdom. May each team member’s life be fully blessed by their experiences in Swaziland. The team leaves tomorrow for the states.
Thursday March 3: Today Lacie Allen is scheduled for an update CT scan, hearing test and visit with her ENT doctor in Jo’burg to see how her ears are doing. Plans include surgery in her left ear in April. Pray the testing will go well and surgery will correct Lacie’s hearing loss.
Friday March 4: Continue to pray for JC Miracle’s (Barbara Myers’ great-nephew) healing from pancreatitis. Pray also for healing for Wayne Myers’ siblings, Terry, Patsy and Patsy’s husband, and Lynda, all dealing with health issues.
Saturday March 5: The executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets today. Planning for the 2011 Good Friday/Easter Services continue. Pray all the details of this major Swazi Baptist event will be finalized. Pray for good attendance for today’s meeting.
Sunday March 6: Pray the Mgamudze Baptist Church will grow spiritually under the leadership of Chris Msibi. Chris recently married and teaches during the week but able to stay in Mgamudze (his homestead) on weekends. Pray Chris will continue seek the Lord’s will for his life and ministry. Pray the Mgamudze Baptist Church will experience a new beginning.
Monday March 7: Pray for Nathan Allen today on his 3rd birthday!! Praise the Lord both Allen children are loving their new schools and starting the new school year off well. Continue to pray for a great school year, their teachers, great friends and opportunities to share the love of Jesus with those around them.
Tuesday March 8: Pray the rains will not stop just when crops and gardens need it the most. Pray the rains will continue until April and May and there will be enough water to fill the streams and rivers and provide food for all of Swaziland.
Wednesday March 9: Praise the Lord for several Swazis who recently accepted Jesus into their lives. Pray for their spiritual growth and their relationship with the Lord. Pray each will stay involved in a local church.
Thursday March 10: Kym Pennington, True Love Waits International consultant returns to Swaziland in May to conduct three three-day TLW trainings. The first training is scheduled for the 15th-17th; second 19th-21st and the third training 23rd-25th. Pray for Kym as she prepares for this time of training. Pray for the Swazi Team as we encourage possible attendees and prepare for the three training events.
Friday March 11: Pray for the National Youth Committee as they make plans for the Youth Leaders’ Retreat in June (tentatively scheduled for June 10-12) and the National Youth Camp scheduled the last weekend in August.
Saturday March 12: Attendance for the Vuvulane Baptist Church is really low. Until recently there was no Sunday School class for the children and therefore very few attended. To help encourage youth and children attendance an outreach event is planned for today!! Bible studies, fun/recreation, Bible book learning and fellowship are on the agenda. Pray this event will reach the youth and children of the Vuvulane Baptist Church community.
Sunday March 13: There are five Swazi Baptist churches in the Manzini area. Most of these are experiencing problems of poor leadership or doctrinal issues. As the Hoskins develop friendships and working relationships with the pastors/leaders of these churches, pray these issues can be addressed and the outcome will be healthy and spiritually vibrant churches. Pray for wisdom for the Hoskins as they seek the Lord’s help and guidance with this large task!
Monday March 14: Next month (April 21-24) the National Easter Services will meet in Manzini. This yearly special events begins the day before Good Friday and ends on Easter Sunday with approximately 200 people attending. Pray this year’s services will have a spiritual foundation and will reflect the true Resurrection story. Pray those attending will seek the Lord’s direction and guidance in their thoughts and beliefs. Pray for unity in all our Swazi Baptist churches during this special time of worshipping together for four days.
Tuesday March 15: For the last few years missionary Barbara Myers and Swazi Annah Thwala have been asked to organize a children’s program during the National Easter Services. The children come together for Bible studies, Bible activities, worship, recreation and fellowship. Pray the planning of this year’s children’s program will provide a good basis and help the children attending understand more about Jesus.
Wednesday March 16: Today the IMB Presidential Search Committee of the Board of Trustees will present their candidate selection for the Board’s new president. Please pray for this very important meeting. Pray for the committee as they present their candidate and as the voting takes place.
Thursday March 17: Smanga is a youth from the Shiselweni region now a Swazi police officer living in another area of the country but returns to his home at Thunzini twice a month. He has a desire to continue with ministry even though he has another occupation. He is also trained to present the True Love Waits message and would like to continue working with the Thunzini Baptist Church and sharing the TLW message. Please pray Smanga will be able to continue serving the Lord as well as being a Christian witness with fellow police officers. Praise the Lord for Smanga’s spiritual growth and witness.
Friday March 18: Where to meet, what type of courses to offer, who should come, what should be the fee, what to eat, these are just a few questions the Swazi Team will answer as planning for the first Swazi Rural Training School May 10-13 continues. Input from Swazi pastors will also be encouraged as every detail is discussed and the Lord’s will sought. Pray as the Swazi Team works to address these issues and plan this very useful and beneficial ministry. May these schools provide much needed training that will spiritually strengthen our Swazi Baptist churches.
Saturday March 19: Today (19th of March) the Shiselweni Baptist Association meets at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. The purpose of this meeting is to encourage the Swazi Baptist churches in the Shiselweni region to provide a strong Sunday School program for all ages and to meet faithfully on Sunday for worship. Pray today’s meeting will be a good time of great encouragement and fellowship.
Sunday March 20: The Velebantfu Baptist Church will today conduct a special licensing service for their pastor, Liswe Nsibandze. Pastor Nsibandze has led this church for five years and is a strong leader and committed Christian. Pray the members of the Velebantfu Baptist Church will continue to support their pastor as he leads the congregation.
Monday March 21: For years you have been asked to pray the King of Swaziland, his wives and children will come to understand what it means to accept Jesus as their Savior. Please continue to pray this prayer request. Just think what would happen, if the King put aside unchristian culture and traditions to follow Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands. Psalm 112:1
Tuesday March 22: Continue to pray for the Allen family as they seek to balance family and ministry every day. Now that Lacie and Nathan are in school, pray for Steve and Monica to use their time wisely and look for opportunities to minister to folks every day.
Wednesday March 23: Pray for the ladies’ disciple group that meets every Wednesday at the Peace Baptist Church. Over the next several weeks their study will be on 1 Corinthians. May this be a time of encouragement to these ladies as they continue to faithfully serve each Sunday with no consistent pastoral leadership.
Thursday March 24: The last week of May two volunteers, Hunter and Katy will arrive in Swaziland for a time of ministry and for Hunter the reuniting with many Swazi friends. Hunter as well as her sister Brinkley and father Jimmy have made many trips to Swaziland as volunteers. During their first week they will work in the Tshaneni area with the Myers and the month of June will find them ministering with the Allens in Mbabane and Hoskins in Manzini. Pray for Hunter and Katy as they prepare for their ministry in Swaziland. May this be a wonderful experience for Katy’s first trip to Swaziland and for Hunter as she returns to Swaziland.
Friday March 25: In Jesus we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that his love shed upon us with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:7-8. For those following the Muslim faith this is not their promise. Pray Swazis following the Muslim faith will have a chance to hear and accept these words found in Ephesians and promises of Jesus. May they soon receive redemption through the blood of Jesus Christ.
Saturday March 26: SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN UNENGAGED PEOPLES: The Himba of Namibia live in a tribal setting, away from modern conveniences. Their clothes are made of animal skins and they bathe the traditional way in smoke, not water. They believe in sangomas/witchdoctors and ancestors but they are not familiar with Jesus Christ. Please pray for the Himba to seek the true God. Pray for someone to tell them that they do not need to fear the sangomas and appease the ancestors. Pray someone will come among them in their culture and share the need for Jesus Christ in their lives.
Sunday March 27: This month a Bible study began in the community of Macethuka. This community is approximately 5 kilometers from the Vuvulane Baptist Church and it is very difficult for families with small children to walk the distance. They requested someone to come to their community and begin a Bible study/church. Members of the Vuvulane Baptist Church and their pastor go every other Wednesday to this community for a time of worship. Pray the Lord will call a leader from among His chosen to guide this new work. We praise the Lord for Swazis who desire to learn about Jesus and grow in His Word.
Monday March 28: With the threat of AIDS destroying Swaziland’s youthful generation, the need for a strong True Love Waits program is great. The Swazi Team is happy to say the Lord is providing laborers to help with this task. A “Hand On” volunteer has asked to come to Swaziland for two terms (August 2011-May 2012) to work with True Love Waits in the country. Several youth volunteers have also voiced an interest for ministering in Swaziland this summer and sharing the TLW message with schools and churches. Please pray as these prepare to come and share the TLW message with the population of Swaziland. Pray many lives will be enriched and prolonged through the ministry of these “missionaries.”
Tuesday March 29: Pray for the volunteer team from the Clear Creek Bible School in Pineville, Ky., scheduled to serve in May with the Allens in Mbabane. This team first planned to arrive this month during their spring break but postponed their trip until May. Ministries will include revival services, homestead visitation and Bible studies in two specific areas of ministry. Pray for team members as they spiritually prepare for their work in Swaziland. Pray each will anticipate what God has for his/her life.
Wednesday March 30: Today begins the Two Oceans Cluster Strategy Meeting at the Birchwood Conference Center in Johannesburg, South Africa (March 30-April 4). The First Baptist Church of Orlando, Fla., will provide volunteers to work with the missionary children (MK-missionary kids) program and lead in the worship services. Your missionaries on the Swazi Team will attend this meeting. Pray for the continued preparations and logistics. Pray for spiritual preparedness for the missionaries attending, volunteers ministering and leadership leading.
Thursday March 31: The vision of Baptist Global Response (BGR) is to see people experiencing suffering and poverty to have a life of hope and peace that inspires them to raise their families in confidence, build their communities with dignity and share this life with others. BGR is conducting a conference in Jo’burg April 4-6 that Wayne and Barbara Myers will attend. Pray the Myers will be able to successfully learn ways and develop strategy that will help the Swazi Team better assist the sick and suffering in Swaziland.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
When planning an event one usually has a mental picture of how everything will take place. After living in Africa for a number of years I still find myself pleasantly surprised with the response of women, youth and children to the activities in which they are involved. Our theme for the ladies’ retreat was Women of the Bible. We studied three women Jochebed (Moses’ mother), Anna and the Widow with the Two Coins. After each story the ladies were organized into three groups and discussed a series of questions that dealt with how the story applied to their lives. Before our time of study we had a time of singing and testifying (which the ladies loved). The ideal of keeping a daily prayer journal was also introduced. Thursday morning during the devotion time, Lydia (volunteer) helped the ladies with thoughts and prayer needs that could be written in their journal. Each lady was giving a notebook and spent time writing and praying for the requests they wrote in their journals. But the activity that had the biggest response from the ladies was the “salvation bracelets”. If you are not familiar with these, they are basically bracelets that are made with string that holds 5 beads and each bead represents a fact that helps one witness to another person. To help them know what to do, two of the volunteers (Judi and Janice) role played a situation using the bracelets followed by two Swazi ladies doing the same. In my mind, I thought the ladies would choose a partner, stay seated, face each other and practice using the salvation bracelets. But when it was time for the ladies to grab a partner and start practicing several stood up with their partners and wanted to come forward and practice in front of the group. I must confess this rather surprised me. But for the next 30-45 minutes most of the ladies of the group took turns coming forward and practicing a witnessing situation. What a spiritual experience. Whether participating or just sitting in the audience, everyone was truly blessed. There was much laughter and many Amens!! Our retreat began on Wednesday at 4:00 and ended on Thursday at 1:00pm but we all agreed it needed to be longer!!! Pray these ladies will understand the importance of a quiet time (prayer journal) and the need to witness to their loss friends and family. Pray a great harvest will be reaped for the Lord!!
--The Shiselweni Youth Retreat begins this afternoon around 4:00pm. Pray for a safe journey to the Oslo School (Mgamudze) for the youth. Pray for members of the volunteer team leading sessions. The retreat ends on Sunday after worship.
--A children’s Bible study at the Mgmudze Baptist Church from 9:00-3:00 will also be conducted on Saturday (26th). Pray for a wonderful time of fun, fellowship and spiritual instruction!!
--The volunteer team leaves the Shiselweni region on Monday. Tuesday we (Myers and volunteer team) will leave for a time of debriefing and relaxation at the Kruger National Game Reserve in South Africa. We will return to Jo’burg on Thursday the 3rd of March. Pray the team’s return trip to the states will be uneventful. Pray their hearts will be full and overflowing with God’s wonderful blessing. Wayne and I will return to Tshaneni on the Friday the 4th of March.
---Saturday March 5th is the meeting of the Swaziland Baptist Convention. Planning continues for the National Easter Services. Pray for a good representation from the churches. Pray planning will continue with a spirit of unity and a sense of accomplishment.--Next month (April 21-24) the National Easter Services will meet in Manzini. This yearly special event begins the day before Good Friday and ends on Easter Sunday with approximately 200 people attending. Pray this year’s services will have a spiritual foundation and will reflect the true Resurrection story. Pray those attending will seek the Lord’s direction and guidance in their thoughts and beliefs.
--During the month of March a Bible study is to begin in the community of Macethuka. This community is approximately 5 kilometers from the Vuvulane Baptist Church and it is very difficult for families with small children to walk the distance. They requested someone to come to their community and begin a Bible study. Members of the Vuvulane Baptist Church and their pastor (Pastor Mavuso) will go every other Wednesday night to this community for a time of worship. We praise the Lord for Swazis who desire to learn about Jesus and grow in His Word. Pray this Bible study will reach many in this small community for the Lord. Pray one day a Swazi Baptist church with a strong Christian pastor will be a lighthouse in the darkness.
SPECIAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
--Douglas Mavuso’s mother is improving from her stroke. Pray Douglas’ mother will continue to improve and have a good recovery.
--Please continue to pray for JC’s recovery from pancreatitis.
--Pray for Wayne’s brother Terry (stage 4 cancer in remission), sister Patsy with COPD and her Jim and sister Lynda dealing with various health issues.
IMB SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST:
-March 16th IMB Presidential Search Committee of the Board of Trustees will present their candidate selection for the Board’s new president. Please pray for this very important meeting. Pray for the committee as they present their candidate and as the voting takes place.
--The Shiselweni Youth Retreat begins this afternoon around 4:00pm. Pray for a safe journey to the Oslo School (Mgamudze) for the youth. Pray for members of the volunteer team leading sessions. The retreat ends on Sunday after worship.
--A children’s Bible study at the Mgmudze Baptist Church from 9:00-3:00 will also be conducted on Saturday (26th). Pray for a wonderful time of fun, fellowship and spiritual instruction!!
--The volunteer team leaves the Shiselweni region on Monday. Tuesday we (Myers and volunteer team) will leave for a time of debriefing and relaxation at the Kruger National Game Reserve in South Africa. We will return to Jo’burg on Thursday the 3rd of March. Pray the team’s return trip to the states will be uneventful. Pray their hearts will be full and overflowing with God’s wonderful blessing. Wayne and I will return to Tshaneni on the Friday the 4th of March.
---Saturday March 5th is the meeting of the Swaziland Baptist Convention. Planning continues for the National Easter Services. Pray for a good representation from the churches. Pray planning will continue with a spirit of unity and a sense of accomplishment.--Next month (April 21-24) the National Easter Services will meet in Manzini. This yearly special event begins the day before Good Friday and ends on Easter Sunday with approximately 200 people attending. Pray this year’s services will have a spiritual foundation and will reflect the true Resurrection story. Pray those attending will seek the Lord’s direction and guidance in their thoughts and beliefs.
--During the month of March a Bible study is to begin in the community of Macethuka. This community is approximately 5 kilometers from the Vuvulane Baptist Church and it is very difficult for families with small children to walk the distance. They requested someone to come to their community and begin a Bible study. Members of the Vuvulane Baptist Church and their pastor (Pastor Mavuso) will go every other Wednesday night to this community for a time of worship. We praise the Lord for Swazis who desire to learn about Jesus and grow in His Word. Pray this Bible study will reach many in this small community for the Lord. Pray one day a Swazi Baptist church with a strong Christian pastor will be a lighthouse in the darkness.
SPECIAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
--Douglas Mavuso’s mother is improving from her stroke. Pray Douglas’ mother will continue to improve and have a good recovery.
--Please continue to pray for JC’s recovery from pancreatitis.
--Pray for Wayne’s brother Terry (stage 4 cancer in remission), sister Patsy with COPD and her Jim and sister Lynda dealing with various health issues.
IMB SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST:
-March 16th IMB Presidential Search Committee of the Board of Trustees will present their candidate selection for the Board’s new president. Please pray for this very important meeting. Pray for the committee as they present their candidate and as the voting takes place.
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
This week the volunteer team from the Atlantic/South Roanoke Associations of North Carolina arrive to minister with us in the Shiselweni Region. We are looking forward to being reunited with friends and coworkers Monday when we collect them from the Jo’burg airport. All on the team (Mike, Hartford, Etles, Janice, Lydia and Judi) have been to Swaziland before and most of them many times. Schedule includes:Wednesday-Thursday (23-24 of February) Ladies’ Retreat at the Thunzini Baptist Church; Friday Children’s Bible Study at Thunzini Baptist Church; Friday-Sunday (25-27 of February) Youth Retreat at Oslo School at Mgamudze; Children’s Bible Study (9:00-3:00) at the Mgamudze Baptist Church. Homestead visitation is also included on the schedule. The Team leaves Nhlangano on Monday 28th to stay at Tambakhulu for the night. On the 1st of March we travel to the Kruger Game Reserve until the 3rd of March when the Team leaves to return to the States. Pray contacts made during the Team’s ministry will reap great rewards for the Kingdom. May each team member’s life be fully blessed by their experiences in Swaziland.
***We plan to take our computers and believe our modems will enable us to send and receive messages while at the Phumula Guesthouse in Nhlangano. Correspondence should continue and I do plan to send next week’s weekly prayer letter on Friday (25th of February).
--Where to meet, what type of courses to offer, who should come, what should be the fee, these are just a few of the questions Todd, Steve and Wayne discussed Thursday when they met to discuss logistics and curriculum for the Swazi Rural Training Schools. The first school is scheduled for May 10-13. Input from Swazi pastors will also be encouraged as every detail continues to be discussed and the Lord’s will sought. Pray as the Swazi Team works to address these issues and plan this very useful and beneficial ministry. May these schools provide much needed training that will spiritually strengthen our Swazi Baptist churches.
--During the month of March a Bible study is to begin in the community of Macethuka. This community is approximately 5 kilometers from the Vuvulane Baptist Church and it is very difficult for families with small children to walk the distance. They requested someone to come to their community and begin a Bible study. Members of the Vuvulane Baptist Church and their pastor (Pastor Mavuso) will go every other Wednesday night to this community for a time of worship. We praise the Lord for Swazis who desire to learn about Jesus and grow in His Word. Pray this Bible study will reach many in this small community for the Lord. Pray one day a Swazi Baptist church with a strong Christian pastor will be a lighthouse in the darkness.
--Next month (April 21-24) the National Easter Services will meet in Manzini. This yearly special event begins the day before Good Friday and ends on Easter Sunday with approximately 200 people attending. Pray this year’s services will have a spiritual foundation and will reflect the true Resurrection story. Pray those attending will seek the Lord’s direction and guidance in their thoughts and beliefs.
SPECIAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
--Douglas Mavuso’s mother is improving from her stroke. Simphiwe Mavuso has been with her this week. Pray Douglas’ mother will continue to improve and have a good recovery.
--Please continue to pray for JC’s recovery from pancreatitis.
--Pray for Wayne’s brother Terry (stage 4 cancer in remission), sister Patsy with COPD and her Jim and sister Lynda dealing with various health issues.
AIDS UPDATE:With the threat of AIDS destroying Swaziland’s youthful generation, the need for a strong True Love Waits program is great. The Swazis Team is happy to say the Lord is providing laborers to help with this task. A “Hands On” volunteer has asked to come to Swaziland for two terms (August 2011-May 2012) to work with True Love Waits in the country. Several youth volunteers have also voiced an interest in ministering in Swaziland this summer and sharing the TLW message with schools and churches. Please pray as these prepare to come and share the TLW message with the population of Swaziland. Pray many lives will be enriched and prolonged through the ministry of these “missionaries.”
IMB PRAYER REQUESTS:
--February 23-26: Journeyman Expo. Pray for the 100 young adults who will be participating in this month’s Journeyman Expo (Richmond, Va.). May God’s perfect will be accomplished in their lives.
-March 16th IMB Presidential Search Committee of the Board of Trustees will present their candidate selection for the Board’s new president. Please pray for this very important meeting. Pray for the committee as they present their candidate and as the voting takes place.
***We plan to take our computers and believe our modems will enable us to send and receive messages while at the Phumula Guesthouse in Nhlangano. Correspondence should continue and I do plan to send next week’s weekly prayer letter on Friday (25th of February).
--Where to meet, what type of courses to offer, who should come, what should be the fee, these are just a few of the questions Todd, Steve and Wayne discussed Thursday when they met to discuss logistics and curriculum for the Swazi Rural Training Schools. The first school is scheduled for May 10-13. Input from Swazi pastors will also be encouraged as every detail continues to be discussed and the Lord’s will sought. Pray as the Swazi Team works to address these issues and plan this very useful and beneficial ministry. May these schools provide much needed training that will spiritually strengthen our Swazi Baptist churches.
--During the month of March a Bible study is to begin in the community of Macethuka. This community is approximately 5 kilometers from the Vuvulane Baptist Church and it is very difficult for families with small children to walk the distance. They requested someone to come to their community and begin a Bible study. Members of the Vuvulane Baptist Church and their pastor (Pastor Mavuso) will go every other Wednesday night to this community for a time of worship. We praise the Lord for Swazis who desire to learn about Jesus and grow in His Word. Pray this Bible study will reach many in this small community for the Lord. Pray one day a Swazi Baptist church with a strong Christian pastor will be a lighthouse in the darkness.
--Next month (April 21-24) the National Easter Services will meet in Manzini. This yearly special event begins the day before Good Friday and ends on Easter Sunday with approximately 200 people attending. Pray this year’s services will have a spiritual foundation and will reflect the true Resurrection story. Pray those attending will seek the Lord’s direction and guidance in their thoughts and beliefs.
SPECIAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
--Douglas Mavuso’s mother is improving from her stroke. Simphiwe Mavuso has been with her this week. Pray Douglas’ mother will continue to improve and have a good recovery.
--Please continue to pray for JC’s recovery from pancreatitis.
--Pray for Wayne’s brother Terry (stage 4 cancer in remission), sister Patsy with COPD and her Jim and sister Lynda dealing with various health issues.
AIDS UPDATE:With the threat of AIDS destroying Swaziland’s youthful generation, the need for a strong True Love Waits program is great. The Swazis Team is happy to say the Lord is providing laborers to help with this task. A “Hands On” volunteer has asked to come to Swaziland for two terms (August 2011-May 2012) to work with True Love Waits in the country. Several youth volunteers have also voiced an interest in ministering in Swaziland this summer and sharing the TLW message with schools and churches. Please pray as these prepare to come and share the TLW message with the population of Swaziland. Pray many lives will be enriched and prolonged through the ministry of these “missionaries.”
IMB PRAYER REQUESTS:
--February 23-26: Journeyman Expo. Pray for the 100 young adults who will be participating in this month’s Journeyman Expo (Richmond, Va.). May God’s perfect will be accomplished in their lives.
-March 16th IMB Presidential Search Committee of the Board of Trustees will present their candidate selection for the Board’s new president. Please pray for this very important meeting. Pray for the committee as they present their candidate and as the voting takes place.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY- FEBRUARY 14TH!!
WHAT ARE VALENTINES?
Valentines are GIFTS of LOVEAnd with the help of God above
Love can change the human race
And make this world a better place
For love dissolves all hate and fear
And makes our vision bright and clear
So we can see and rise above
Our pettiness on “wings of love.”
--Helen Steiner Rice
We hope each of you had a wonderful week even with the snow, ice and cold. It has been shared with us that temperatures in Kentucky are to warm up and possibly see 60 by next week. What a blessing for those who have a hankering for warmer temps!! It is summer here in Tshaneni and up until the last couple of weeks had weekly rains. Even though heavy rains in parts of the country may have caused damaged to crops and gardens, Tshaneni needs a good rain to keep everything green and producing. Pray the rains will continue until April or May. Pray many Swazis will have wonderful crops and gardens this year!!
--Thanks for praying for the executive committee meeting of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland on Saturday. Wayne said the attendance was good and plans are continuing for the National Easter Services April 21-24. A committee has been checking out venues for the event but at this point we still do not have a venue. Pray a site will be acquired this week for this very important annual meeting. Pray the Lord will be glorified in all the planning. Annah Thwala and I have been asked to develop a children’s program for the Easter services. We are in the process of getting the schedule finalized and begin putting everything together. Pray for Annah and myself as we seek the Lord’s direction for Bible studies and other activities for the children. Our theme is “Following Jesus” with stories that deal with salvation and what it means to be a Christian.
--February 17th, Wayne, Steve and Todd will meet to discuss logistics and curriculum for the Swazi Baptist Rural Training Schools. The first school is scheduled for May 10-13 and the second school is September 20-23. Pray for Wayne, Steve and Todd as they seek the Lord’s wisdom concerning the particulars of the school.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN MY COMPUTER SITUATION AND EMAIL CAPABILITIES!!
Good news!! We have purchased a graphics card for my computer (still in the shop) that the volunteer team arriving February 21st is bringing. Hopefully, within the next month I will be reunited with my computer. I do appreciate Wayne’s old Dell that I have been using the last 6 months even though it is quite bit slower and more cantankerous than my newer Dell. More Good News!! We have switched from MTN Swaziland (modem) to MTN South Africa. With the Swaziland MTN we paid E2,00 per MB and it was a bit slow and at times could be quite unpredictable. With the South Africa MTN we pay by bundles and it is so much faster!! I believe this will improve my email capabilities but still ask that you don’t send extremely large files (over 1MB). Even with this new faster modem, larger files may tend to “clog up the works.” Thank You!!
SPECIAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
--Douglas Mavuso, pastor of the Vuvulane Baptist Church received word that his mother may have suffered a stroke. He is on his way to Nhlangano as I type this prayer letter. Pray Douglas’ mother will receive adequate medical care with a good recovery.
--Thank you for praying for my great-nephew JC as he continues to recover from chronic pancreatitis. Pray for a steady recovery that will enable him to eat, drink and be his normal self.
--Continue to pray for my Aunt Aldean as she recovers from a broken hip and arm.
--Continue to remember Wayne’s brothers and sisters dealing with medical issues, Terry, Patsy and her husband Jim and Lynda.
--Monica Allen has been ill this week with headache, nausea and chills. Pray she will fully recover and Steve, Lacie and Nathan will not catch the offending illness.
AIDS UPDATE:
Wayne received a phone call this week from Smanga Ndlovu a former youth leader from the Thunzini Baptist Church. Smanga is a fine Christian young man who completed training for the Swazi Police Force and is currently stationed in the Hhohho region. He is able to come home two weekends out of the month. He told Wayne he was searching of ways to continue helping with ministry and especially True Love Waits. Smanga is a trained presenter of the TLW message and asked Wayne if he could present the message on Saturday to the youth during the Shiselweni Youth Retreat (February 25-27). The Lord continues to bless us with reports and calls from former youth leaders and pastors who are burdened for the lost and suffering in Swaziland. Please pray for Smanga as he presents the TLW message during the youth retreat. Pray the Lord will be able to continue using him to touch the lives of Swazi youth.
---February 21-March 3, the volunteer team from the Atlantic Association in North Carolina arrives to minister in the Shiselweni region of Swaziland. Schedule includes a Ladies’ Retreat February 23-24 at the Thunzini Baptist Church; Shiselweni Youth Retreat February 25-27 at the Oslo School (Mgamudze); Children’s Day Bible Study February 26 at the Mgamudze Baptist Church, and homestead visitation. Pray for this team as they prepare spiritually, emotionally and physically for these ministries and events.
WHAT ARE VALENTINES?
Valentines are GIFTS of LOVEAnd with the help of God above
Love can change the human race
And make this world a better place
For love dissolves all hate and fear
And makes our vision bright and clear
So we can see and rise above
Our pettiness on “wings of love.”
--Helen Steiner Rice
We hope each of you had a wonderful week even with the snow, ice and cold. It has been shared with us that temperatures in Kentucky are to warm up and possibly see 60 by next week. What a blessing for those who have a hankering for warmer temps!! It is summer here in Tshaneni and up until the last couple of weeks had weekly rains. Even though heavy rains in parts of the country may have caused damaged to crops and gardens, Tshaneni needs a good rain to keep everything green and producing. Pray the rains will continue until April or May. Pray many Swazis will have wonderful crops and gardens this year!!
--Thanks for praying for the executive committee meeting of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland on Saturday. Wayne said the attendance was good and plans are continuing for the National Easter Services April 21-24. A committee has been checking out venues for the event but at this point we still do not have a venue. Pray a site will be acquired this week for this very important annual meeting. Pray the Lord will be glorified in all the planning. Annah Thwala and I have been asked to develop a children’s program for the Easter services. We are in the process of getting the schedule finalized and begin putting everything together. Pray for Annah and myself as we seek the Lord’s direction for Bible studies and other activities for the children. Our theme is “Following Jesus” with stories that deal with salvation and what it means to be a Christian.
--February 17th, Wayne, Steve and Todd will meet to discuss logistics and curriculum for the Swazi Baptist Rural Training Schools. The first school is scheduled for May 10-13 and the second school is September 20-23. Pray for Wayne, Steve and Todd as they seek the Lord’s wisdom concerning the particulars of the school.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN MY COMPUTER SITUATION AND EMAIL CAPABILITIES!!
Good news!! We have purchased a graphics card for my computer (still in the shop) that the volunteer team arriving February 21st is bringing. Hopefully, within the next month I will be reunited with my computer. I do appreciate Wayne’s old Dell that I have been using the last 6 months even though it is quite bit slower and more cantankerous than my newer Dell. More Good News!! We have switched from MTN Swaziland (modem) to MTN South Africa. With the Swaziland MTN we paid E2,00 per MB and it was a bit slow and at times could be quite unpredictable. With the South Africa MTN we pay by bundles and it is so much faster!! I believe this will improve my email capabilities but still ask that you don’t send extremely large files (over 1MB). Even with this new faster modem, larger files may tend to “clog up the works.” Thank You!!
SPECIAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
--Douglas Mavuso, pastor of the Vuvulane Baptist Church received word that his mother may have suffered a stroke. He is on his way to Nhlangano as I type this prayer letter. Pray Douglas’ mother will receive adequate medical care with a good recovery.
--Thank you for praying for my great-nephew JC as he continues to recover from chronic pancreatitis. Pray for a steady recovery that will enable him to eat, drink and be his normal self.
--Continue to pray for my Aunt Aldean as she recovers from a broken hip and arm.
--Continue to remember Wayne’s brothers and sisters dealing with medical issues, Terry, Patsy and her husband Jim and Lynda.
--Monica Allen has been ill this week with headache, nausea and chills. Pray she will fully recover and Steve, Lacie and Nathan will not catch the offending illness.
AIDS UPDATE:
Wayne received a phone call this week from Smanga Ndlovu a former youth leader from the Thunzini Baptist Church. Smanga is a fine Christian young man who completed training for the Swazi Police Force and is currently stationed in the Hhohho region. He is able to come home two weekends out of the month. He told Wayne he was searching of ways to continue helping with ministry and especially True Love Waits. Smanga is a trained presenter of the TLW message and asked Wayne if he could present the message on Saturday to the youth during the Shiselweni Youth Retreat (February 25-27). The Lord continues to bless us with reports and calls from former youth leaders and pastors who are burdened for the lost and suffering in Swaziland. Please pray for Smanga as he presents the TLW message during the youth retreat. Pray the Lord will be able to continue using him to touch the lives of Swazi youth.
---February 21-March 3, the volunteer team from the Atlantic Association in North Carolina arrives to minister in the Shiselweni region of Swaziland. Schedule includes a Ladies’ Retreat February 23-24 at the Thunzini Baptist Church; Shiselweni Youth Retreat February 25-27 at the Oslo School (Mgamudze); Children’s Day Bible Study February 26 at the Mgamudze Baptist Church, and homestead visitation. Pray for this team as they prepare spiritually, emotionally and physically for these ministries and events.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
I would like to begin this week’s prayer letter with a special prayer request for my great-nephew JC Miracle (9 years old). I have been sending you updates. I received an update yesterday and the family continues to deal with JC’s illness as well as other family members dealing with viruses and strep: JC is still in the hospital. They are checking for Mono but not sure that is his problem. The dr finally admitted this afternoon that they really don't know what is wrong with him. Becky is suppose to meet with all the Drs tomorrow morning and try to get a game plan together as to what they can do to try and find out what is wrong. They have had him off the feeding tube since Tues and put him back on today, but he is still throwing up and dry heaving. I'm getting very concerned about him. His eyes are really dark and look like they are sunken back into his head. He just lays in bed and doesn’t want to do anything. We should have the results of the mono test back late tonight. Just keep praying for him. Both girls are sick. They have a virus and possibly strep throat. Abbie has been home all week. Allee got sick yesterday. Please pray the Lord will wrap His loving arms around this family and JC will have complete healing. Thank You!
We did receive a praise from Terry Myers’ (Wayne’s brother) periodic check-up for stage 4 cancer. Terry was dealing with shortness and breath and concerned the cancer may have returned. But, scans showed only scar tissue from the radiation. The doctor told him he was okay and to come back in 6 months!! Please continue to pray his tests will continue to show no signs of cancer!
--Please continue to pray for my Aunt Aldean recovering from a broken hip and arm.
--Continue to pray for Wayne’s sister, Patsy suffering from COPD, his other sister Lynda dealing with health issues and Patsy’s husband Jim.
PRAISES AND UPDATES!!
--Sunday Gertrude Mavundla and I led the children’s Sunday School class at the Vuvulane Baptist Church. I am happy to say all the children from the two homesteads I mentioned last week were in attendance. When I saw the children enter the house that serves as a church, I clapped my hands as did everyone else. The children smiled. I also thanked the grandmother for making the extra effort to get the children ready for church. Please pray these children will continue to come. The overall attendance of the church is still very low. Pray the church will be able to reach the homes in the community.
--The pastor of Luwhhawhhaweni told Wayne the church had paid the asking price for a plot of land. We are glad to hear this and hope the church can seriously begin thinking of a temporary structure. All three of our churches in this area meet in homes and have plans to build church structures. Pray this will soon begin to happen. The funding must come from the people, so pray they will understand and be faithful in giving their tithes and offerings.
--Chris Msibi former pastor of both the Nhlangano and Mgamudze Baptist Churches phoned Wayne this week with some good news. He has been staying at his home (next to the Mgamudze Baptist Church) on weekends (teaches school during the week) and has been helping the Mgamudze Baptist Church since the leader left to return to his home at the end of the school year in December. He was excited to share this news and tell of his plans for the church. We were quite thrilled as well. Pray Chris, his wife and child will be God’s example of a Christian family. Pray Chris will continue to seek the Lord’s will concerning his life and ministry. Pray the Mgamudze Baptist Church will experience a new beginning!!
FEBRUARY CALENDAR:- (Saturday) February 5, the executive committee of the Swaziland Baptist Convention meets to continue the planning of the 2011 Good Friday/Resurrection (Easter) Services April 21-24. Pray for the members of this committee as they actively plan this very important event.
--February 17th, Wayne, Steve and Todd will meet (Manzini) to discuss logistics and curriculum for the Swazi Baptist Rural Training Schools. The first school is scheduled for May 10-13 and the second school is September 20-23. Pray for Wayne, Steve and Todd as they seek the Lord’s wisdom concerning the particulars of the school.
--February 21-March 3, a volunteer team from the Atlantic Association in North Carolina will minister in the Shiselweni region of Swaziland. Plans include an overnight ladies’ retreat at the Thunzini Baptist Church, a weekend youth retreat at the Mgamudze Baptist Church and homestead visitation/Bible studies. Pray for this team and their upcoming trip to Swaziland.
OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
--February 7-9: Missions Forum 2011 (East). Mission leaders from across the country will be gathering at Southside Baptist Church, Spartanburg, SC., for this three-day event, during which time they will share ministry challenges and victories and learn from one another. Their desire is to impact lostness wherever it is found, whether across the street or across the ocean. Please ask God to protect participants as they travel and to inspire and equip them for continued ministry to the nations.
--February 10-11: Mission Expo. Approximately 50 people will be participating in this year’s first Missions Expo, which will take place in New Orleans, LA. Intercede for them as they seek God’s will concerning overseas missionary service.
--Continue to pray for IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead the IMB.
We did receive a praise from Terry Myers’ (Wayne’s brother) periodic check-up for stage 4 cancer. Terry was dealing with shortness and breath and concerned the cancer may have returned. But, scans showed only scar tissue from the radiation. The doctor told him he was okay and to come back in 6 months!! Please continue to pray his tests will continue to show no signs of cancer!
--Please continue to pray for my Aunt Aldean recovering from a broken hip and arm.
--Continue to pray for Wayne’s sister, Patsy suffering from COPD, his other sister Lynda dealing with health issues and Patsy’s husband Jim.
PRAISES AND UPDATES!!
--Sunday Gertrude Mavundla and I led the children’s Sunday School class at the Vuvulane Baptist Church. I am happy to say all the children from the two homesteads I mentioned last week were in attendance. When I saw the children enter the house that serves as a church, I clapped my hands as did everyone else. The children smiled. I also thanked the grandmother for making the extra effort to get the children ready for church. Please pray these children will continue to come. The overall attendance of the church is still very low. Pray the church will be able to reach the homes in the community.
--The pastor of Luwhhawhhaweni told Wayne the church had paid the asking price for a plot of land. We are glad to hear this and hope the church can seriously begin thinking of a temporary structure. All three of our churches in this area meet in homes and have plans to build church structures. Pray this will soon begin to happen. The funding must come from the people, so pray they will understand and be faithful in giving their tithes and offerings.
--Chris Msibi former pastor of both the Nhlangano and Mgamudze Baptist Churches phoned Wayne this week with some good news. He has been staying at his home (next to the Mgamudze Baptist Church) on weekends (teaches school during the week) and has been helping the Mgamudze Baptist Church since the leader left to return to his home at the end of the school year in December. He was excited to share this news and tell of his plans for the church. We were quite thrilled as well. Pray Chris, his wife and child will be God’s example of a Christian family. Pray Chris will continue to seek the Lord’s will concerning his life and ministry. Pray the Mgamudze Baptist Church will experience a new beginning!!
FEBRUARY CALENDAR:- (Saturday) February 5, the executive committee of the Swaziland Baptist Convention meets to continue the planning of the 2011 Good Friday/Resurrection (Easter) Services April 21-24. Pray for the members of this committee as they actively plan this very important event.
--February 17th, Wayne, Steve and Todd will meet (Manzini) to discuss logistics and curriculum for the Swazi Baptist Rural Training Schools. The first school is scheduled for May 10-13 and the second school is September 20-23. Pray for Wayne, Steve and Todd as they seek the Lord’s wisdom concerning the particulars of the school.
--February 21-March 3, a volunteer team from the Atlantic Association in North Carolina will minister in the Shiselweni region of Swaziland. Plans include an overnight ladies’ retreat at the Thunzini Baptist Church, a weekend youth retreat at the Mgamudze Baptist Church and homestead visitation/Bible studies. Pray for this team and their upcoming trip to Swaziland.
OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
--February 7-9: Missions Forum 2011 (East). Mission leaders from across the country will be gathering at Southside Baptist Church, Spartanburg, SC., for this three-day event, during which time they will share ministry challenges and victories and learn from one another. Their desire is to impact lostness wherever it is found, whether across the street or across the ocean. Please ask God to protect participants as they travel and to inspire and equip them for continued ministry to the nations.
--February 10-11: Mission Expo. Approximately 50 people will be participating in this year’s first Missions Expo, which will take place in New Orleans, LA. Intercede for them as they seek God’s will concerning overseas missionary service.
--Continue to pray for IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead the IMB.
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