Monday, May 30, 2011

May Update from Hoskins

Happy Memorial Day!
This month we started what will become a regular teaching one Saturday each month at Big Bend Baptist Church.  Todd will be teaching the youth and Deborah will be teaching the ladies.  Please pray that God will give us wisdom as we begin to develop relationships in the area and help teach.

We participated in a church work day for Mphembekati Baptist Church.  We helped clear the church’s new land that was full of guava trees.  We had a lot of fun working hard with our friends and being able to admire the progress that was made.

Kym Pennington, the True Love Waits International consultant for Swaziland and Malawi, was able to stay with us for a few days this month and do a short version of the True Love Waits training in a couple of the local high schools.  We really enjoyed being able to hear and participate in her presentation.  Please pray that the locals who are trained in True Love Waits will have the opportunity to go back to the schools and give the complete presentation.

This Wednesday, the six college summer missionaries will be arriving in Swaziland.  We are looking forward to their arrival and the blessing that they will be to our team and the Swazi people during their time here.  Todd and I were able to join a volunteer team for only about a half an hour on Saturday while they were doing home visits in Lesibovu.  It is such an encouragement to have volunteers come to spur on the work that has been started here.  They are truly an inspiration to us.  Please continue to pray for all of our extra help these next months.

Thank you for your support.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

June Prayer Calendar

Wednesday June 1:  Hunter and Katy Hallock arrived in Swaziland on May 27 to serve with the Myers, Allens and Hoskins throughout the month of June in various ministry opportunities.  Hunter has ministered in Swaziland several times but this is Katy’s first visit to the country.  Pray Hunter and Katy will enjoy their time working and serving with the Swazi people.

Thursday June 2:  Six summer missionaries arrived yesterday to begin their time of sharing the True Love Waits message in schools and with the Swazi Baptist churches.  REH, Adam, Jonathon will stay on a homestead in the Velebantfu community and Tori, Tiffany and Elizabeth will stay on a homestead next to the Mgamudze Baptist Church.  Pray the Lord will give wisdom to these as they seek His will with the TLW ministry.  Pray each will be able to adjust to a totally different lifestyle and their physical, emotional and spiritual health will not suffer.  Daily gathering of water, homes without electricity and living in camp-like conditions will be the norm for their stay.

Friday June 3:  Please pray for the Swazi Baptist Youth Leaders’ Retreat this weekend (June 3-5).  Hunter Johnson and Katy Hallock, volunteers from North Carolina and Makhosi Fakudze (pastor of the Vovovo Baptist Church) are leading this training event.  The six summer missionaries will also be attending.

Saturday June 4:  May 14th the Shiselweni Baptist Association met at the Velebantfu Baptist Church.  Please continue to pray for this association as the nine Swazi Baptist churches strive to meet together for encouragement and unity.

Sunday June 5:  Please pray for the nineteen members of Mpolonjeni Baptist Union Church baptized on May 15th..  Pray these new believers will stand strong in their faith.  Each person gave a verbal testimony of their faith in Christ during their baptism.  God blessed with a beautiful sunny day after a cool rainy night.

Monday June 6:  A Bible training school for church leaders is scheduled this week June 6-10 at the Phuzumoya Baptist Church in partnership with the South Coast Bible School (South Africa).  Please pray for this training and for Steve Allen as he teaches a class on “Isaiah.”

Tuesday June 7:  648 In-Home Care Kits (BGR buckets) are on their way to Swaziland.  The Swazi Team praises the Lord for His provision but also know with these buckets is the responsibility of distributing and ministering to AIDS victims and their families.  Pray for the Swazi Team as we seek to train our church members on the use of the kits.  Each kit is packed in a 5-gallon bucket filled with items such as multivitamins, sheets, a towel and washcloths, soap for sensitive skin, gloves for caregivers and much more.  May many Swazi lives be touched by the giving and sharing of these kits. J    For more information, go to http://www.inhomecarekit.org/ and click on the “Shopping List” page.

Wednesday June 8:   “Who wants to go to heaven?”  Smiling all those attending the Bible study at the new outreach group (MaCethuka) raised their hands.  Thank you for praying for this new work that met for the first time on May 11th.  Pray this new work at MaCethuka will develop into a strong Bible study.  Pray more adults/youth and children will attend and understand about living the Christian life.

Thursday June 9:  A mission team from Clear Creek Bible College ministered in Swaziland the last week of May.  Please pray for follow-up with those who made decisions for the Lord through revival services, evangelistic homestead visits and Bible studies in new outreach areas in the Hhohho region.

Friday June 10:  Last month (May 7th) the Baptist Convention of Swaziland elected new officers.  Pray for these as they begin serving as leaders of the convention.  Pray decisions will be made in an autonomous matter that will allow discussion.  Pray for a spirit of unity and fellowship among the Swazi Baptist churches and the Swaziland Baptist Convention.

Saturday June 11:  Pray for Lacie Allen today as she participates in an international gymnastics competition in Benoini (South Africa).  Pray she will do her best and will enjoy her of time of competing.

Sunday June 12:  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 Waits message throughout Swaziland.  Sharon, Cindi and Roxie will observe and conduct interviews with the missionaries as well as those attending True Love Waits trainings.  Pray this work will be very productive for Sharon, Cindi and Roxie. Pray the work of the missionaries and the completion of this 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.

Monday June 13:  After enjoying good and substantial rains in the spring and early summer, some areas in the country now find themselves in a drought situation possibly facing a famine in the coming year.  Just when the crops needed rain the most, the rains stopped.  Many will suffer when their food supplies run out before the next 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.

Tuesday June 14:  In March Todd Hoskins began meeting each morning with a new friend for Bible study.  As the study continues pray God will give Todd wisdom in his relationship and study with his Swazi friend.

Wednesday June 15:  Thank you for your consistent prayer support for the King of Swaziland and his wives and children.  Please continue to pray each will experience the gift of salvation and revival will take place throughout Swaziland.

Thursday June 16:  Today four “Hands On” missionaries will arrive in Swaziland to begin 6 months of ministry sharing the True Love Waits message with Swazi Baptist churches and schools throughout Swaziland.  After a four day orientation Sienna and Heather will stay in Mbabane and Brandi and Kim will travel to Tshaneni.  As part of their college class work, Brandi and Kim will undergo a month of language study while staying on a Swazi homestead.  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.

Friday June 17:  Pray for Lacie Allen today on her 7th birthday!!
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 continue to 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!

Saturday June 18:  Kym Pennington (True Love Waits International consultant) and Adam Coe will unite in marriage 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.  The couple will reside in Conway, Oklahoma.

Sunday June 19:  FATHERS’ DAY!!
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!

Monday June 20:  With the spread of the Muslim faith throughout Swaziland increasing Swazi Christians need to become more evangelistic in winning their friends, neighbors and family to the Lord.  Pray for a renewed excitement and boldness among Swazi Christians to see their friends and loved ones come to know Jesus as their Savior.  Pray the spread of the Muslim faith in Swaziland will be no more!!

Tuesday June 21:  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.

Wednesday June 22:  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 be easily accessible to the Swazi Baptist churches.

Thursday June 23:  SUB-SAHARAN AFFRICAN UNENGAGED PEOPLES:  The BangeriMe cliff dwellers on the escarpment area of Mali remain isolated from the Gospel and isolated from much of the world.  Please ask the Lord to embed a desire and an interest in the heart of someone to come and be God’s tool to “chip away the stone” and be His light to these who are embedded in their own animalistic culture.  Story tellers are needed who are willing to travel the distance and climb the heights necessary for God’s love to be planted and cultivated.

Friday June 24:  The customs of the African culture make it difficult for women to protect themselves against AIDS.  Many women are faithful to their spouse but discover they are HIV-positive since it is culturally acceptable for men to have multiple wives and many sexual partners.  Women facing poverty often believe sex is the only way they can get money to feed themselves and their families.  Pray that women suffering from poverty will find employment or receive government assistance instead of giving sex in exchange for food and transport.  Pray these women will commit themselves to Jesus Christ and receive eternal salvation regardless of their HIV status.   (Hearing the Cries of the Hurting prayer booklet)

Saturday June 25:  July 30-August 10, a volunteer team from Camp Worldlight, Florida GA/Acteens Camp is coming to serve with the Swazi children through Bible studies, games, crafts and songs in the Hhohho region.  Please pray for Laura, Jill, Mindy, Ashley, Rachel, Aarika, Brooklyn and Anne.

Sunday June 26:  Both the Luwhawhaweni and Vuvulane Baptist Churches 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.  Pray also for the Mpembakati Baptist Church as the congregation moves ahead with the construction of their church building.

Monday June 27:  June 27-29, the Myers, Hoskins and summer missionaries will take an enjoyable trip to the Kruger National Game Reserve.  Pray Adam, REH, Jonathon, Tori, Tiffany and Elizabeth will see many animals as well as birds and will have a great experience admiring God’s creation.

Tuesday June 28:  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.  Bert, Lisa, Jessie, Matthew and Sarah were part of the Swazi Team (2008-2009) before returning to the States due to Lisa’s father’s illness.  The volunteer team’s ministries will include prayer walking, hut-to-hut visitation, ladies and youth retreats, children’s Bible studies, AIDS orphans 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 this team’s arrival.

Wednesday June 29:  The National Youth Camp is scheduled for 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.

Thursday June 30:  If one were to visit a Zionist church (traditional African religion) he or she would take their shoes off at the door.  Members would be dressed in robes of white or blue or green.  There probably would be a candle in the middle of the floor and as the service starts a circle of people would start jogging and chanting around in a circle for approximately 30-45 minutes.  Afterwards would be a time of extended prayer with all the people praying on their knees or prostate on the ground.  The praying is mournful and loud.  There is quite a bit of congregational singing, an extended time of testifying and more than one sermon.  Pray for the Zionists to come to a true understanding of their need for a personal relationship with Jesus and they will be able to separate themselves from the pagan practices of traditional religion. (So That Christ Might Dwell in Their Hearts Swazi People prayer booklet)

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

Jesus, my Teacher, guide me along your way and help me to piece together the jigsaw of life in your kingdom.  When I make decisions, lead me to the heart of the matter, and when I face conflict, do not let my own panic drown out the still, small voice of your wisdom.  (Author Unknown)

Our weekly prayer letter is early this week because of our trip to Jo’burg Thursday-Saturday (May 26-28) to collect two volunteers that will be working with the Swazi Team throughout Swaziland.  Hunter Johnson and Katy Hallock will stay in Mbabane the first week of their time in the country assisting with the orientation of the six summer missionaries and co-leading the Youth Leaders Retreat June 3-5.  June 6-10 they will be with the Myers.   Hunter has been in Swaziland many times but this is Katy’s first visit.   Pray Hunter and Katy’s flight will be uneventful.  Pray they will enjoy their time working and serving with the Swazi people.  Pray for our safe journey to and from Jo’burg. 

Kym Pennington (True Love Waits International consultant) began leading her third TLW training event on Monday at Mafucula.  History was made this week with 10 Swazis registering for the first TLW training in northeast Swaziland.  10 Swazis made the commitment to live lives pleasing to God and to teach others to do the same. This morning (as I type this prayer letter) the group is presenting the TLW message to the Mafucula Secondary School.
A report from Kym:
May 16-18, we had a training in Hawane (Hhohho region).  We had a total of 12 ladies trained.  It went excellent.  The ladies were excited and planning their next meeting .  We went to the Torbes Primary School and presented to 135 students from grades 5-7 and 113 signed commitment cards to stay pure.
May 19-20 we presented a portion of the presentation to a total of 10 classrooms and also share during assembly time (in Manzini).  Over 300 students heard the good news and the team will be returning to present the rest of the message.
May 23-25 we are currently conducting training in the Lubumbo region.  We had 10 come to for training and they are great presenters.  We will present the message in a secondary school on Wednesday. I am very excited!!
Pray those trained will commit to living the “message” they will teach to others.  Pray hearts will be moved through the teaching and hearing of the TLW message.  Pray Kym’s flight to America (May 26th) will be uneventful.

June 18th is a special day for Kym Pennington and Adam Coe.  It is their wedding day!!   Pray for Kym and Adam as they begin their lives together. 

Pray for Todd and Deborah Hoskins on their 3rd wedding anniversary, May 31st.

Wednesday, June 1st, the six summer missionaries will arrive in Swaziland to begin their time of sharing the True Love Waits message in schools and churches.  Wednesday-Friday the group will undergo orientation in Mbabane.  June 3-5, they will attend the Swazi Baptist National Youth Leaders’ Conference.  Monday (6th) the group will travel to the Shiselweni region where REH, Adam and Jonathon will stay on a homestead in the Velebantfu community and Tori, Tiffany and Elizabeth will stay next to the Mgamudze Baptist Church.  Daily gathering water, homes without electricity and living in camp-like conditions will be the norm for their stay.  Pray for these missionaries as they prepare for their ministries in Swaziland. Pray they will be able to adjust to a totally different lifestyle.  Pray their time in Swaziland will be filled with wonderful experiences and blessings!

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 youth leaders from all Swazi Baptist churches will attend.

Pray the members of the Swazi Team will adjust to working with the Lord’s provision of new workers for the harvest.  The Team will increase from 8 members to 18 members (including the four “Hands On” girls).

--June 16th four “Hands On” missionaries will arrive to share the True Love Waits message throughout Swaziland.  Sienna and Heather will stay in the 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 term of service will end in December 2011.

---May 24-May 31 a volunteer team from Clear Creek Bible School was scheduled to arrive and work with the Allens in their newest work areas.  Unfortunately, the team’s flight was cancelled.  They are scheduled to arrive today in Jo’burg and Steve Allen will bring them to Swaziland.  Because of this delay their ministry time is reduced by two days.  Pray as the team arrives and begins their work, each will not dwell on their delay but will be able to concentrate on ministry with the Swazi people.  Pray special blessings for Dan and Shannon, Steve and Sheri and Dr. Lucas.

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 Waits 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.

--Continue to pray the 648 In-Home Care Kits (BGR buckets) will soon arrive in Swaziland.  Pray for the Swazi Team as we seek to train our church members on the use of these kits.  

Friday, May 20, 2011

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

My neighbor has recently come to visit quite often.  She comes to play, eat and for company.  Sometimes she stays all day and then returns to her home about 3:30.  Other times she comes only for her breakfast.   Her name is Sadie (I named her) and she is a three month old puppy.  She is very rowdy and likes to jump on any unsuspecting person. She has a fondness for my arms and is constantly putting them in her mouth.  I enjoy her company even though I don’t appreciate all her bad habits.  Since most Swazi dogs are not fed and cared for as Americans pets, I have taken it upon myself to supplement her diet with scrapes and other goodies.  She seems to appreciate my neighborly spirit!!

I also enjoyed a visit from the farm monkeys this week when they came and spent a whole afternoon.  They seemed to be in a rather adventurous mood coming very close to the house, sitting on the window sills watching me as I worked. This also gave me a chance to study their faces.  One little guy had very big ears and eyes and was quite funny looking.   I watched a small monkey groom a bigger monkey.  Several little ones played, hitting each other and running up and down the trees.  It was a rather relaxing afternoon for me as I watched my friends.  How I appreciate God’s creatures, great and small!!

We enjoyed a time of worship on Wednesday night with the MaCethuka group and Vuvulane Baptist Church.  We also returned yesterday to MaCethuka for Bible study.  I had been asked to begin a children’s Bible study and went yesterday not really expecting many children but was quite taken back when over 30 children appeared.  We praise the Lord for this group and anticipate the Lord doing wonderful things with this Bible study.  Thank you for praying for this new work. Pray interest will continue from this group at MaCethuka. 

--Tomorrow we will conduct adult/youth and children’s Bible study at the Mafucula Baptist Church.  The members of the church desire to know more of the Lord and His ways.  Pray the time with this church will be special and uplifting.

--Kym Pennington, True Love Waits International consultant arrived in Swaziland last Sunday.  She led a three-day TLW training event in the Hhohho region (16-18 of May).  She is leading the same type of event in the Manzini region that will end tomorrow.  Sunday she will make her way to Tshaneni to lead the three-day TLW training event (23-25 of May) for the Baptist churches in northeast Swaziland.  Continue to pray for Kym as she trains TLW presenters.  Pray each presenter will understand the importance of living a life that is pleasing to the Lord.  

--May 26-28, Wayne and I will be in Jo’burg to collect two volunteers, Hunter Johnson and Katy Hallock that will serve with the Myers, Allens and Hoskins throughout the month of June in various ministry opportunities.  Hunter has ministered in Swaziland several times but this is Katy’s first visit to the country.  Pray Hunter and Katy will enjoy their time of working and serving with the Swazi people.

---May 24-31 a volunteer team from Clear Creek Bible College (Pineville, Ky.) arrives to work with the Allens in the Hhohho region.  Pray for Dan and Shannon, Steve and Sheri and Dr. Lucas as they come to serve in Swaziland.

--June 1, six summer missionaries will arrive in Swaziland to begin their time of sharing the True Love Waits message with Swazi Baptist churches and schools (June-July).  The Swazi Team welcomes Adam, REH, Jonathon, Tori, Elizabeth and Tiffany.  Pray these missionaries will be spiritually prepared for the task the Lord has given them.  Pray they will have good physical, emotional and spiritual health and will receive many blessings.  Tori, Elizabeth and Tiffany will stay next to the Mgamudze Baptist Church and Adam, REH and Jonathon will be situated in the Velebantfu community.  Daily gathering water, homes without electricity, living in camp-like conditions will be the norm for their stay.  Pray each will be able to adjust to their new lifestyle.

--In June four “Hands On” missionaries will arrive to also teach and share the True Love Waits message throughout the country of Swaziland.  Sienna and Kim will stay in Mbabane and Heather and Brandi will be in Tshaneni. Their term will end in December.  Pray hearts and lives will be touched as God’s plan for marriage and purity is shared.

FROM THE IMB’S OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
A missionary appointment service is planned for May 22 at Mandarin Baptist Church in Los Angeles, Louisiana.  Please pray that God will use the testimonies of the appointees to call workers into the harvest. 

This summer Baptist Global Response (BGR) has TWO opportunities for you and your church to get involved in “Hands On” missions around the world –
BGR In Home Care kits!  There is still a huge need for these 5 gallon buckets full of items needed for hospice care in sub-Saharan Africa.  God is using them in many countries as a way to share His love and hope in word and deed to those who are terminally ill, most are dying of AIDS.   Go to http://www.inhomecarekit.org/ for more information or feel free to contact usJ  (Note – these kits can be packed ANY time of year.)

BGR Kits for Kids – a giant zip lock bag full of school supplies that will be used around the world.  
A GREAT project for your Vacation Bible School this summer!!     (More information contact:   http://www.gobgr.org/)

Monday, May 16, 2011

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

Dear  Lord God, who called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown: Give us faith to go out with a good courage, not knowing where we are going, but only that your hand is leading us, and your love supporting us; to the glory of your name.  (Eric Milner White & G.W. Griggs)

Sunday (May 8th) was a beautiful day for a baptism service at the Vuvulane Baptist Church.  A fierce thunderstorm Saturday night almost threatened the outdoor scheduled baptism but Sunday morning was warm and sunny.  As the one individual prepared to be baptized it was most evident that he hadn’t a clue what he was to do.  When he realized he was going to be in water, he looked at the pastor and asked if he should take off his trousers.  This he did to my utter amazement.  After giving his testimony he just stood there waiting.  The pastor told him he must get in the water.  Praise the Lord he did!!  Please pray for this young man as he begins his spiritual journey.  He knows so little of the Lord and His ways.  Pray he will not become discouraged as he seeks to totally follow the Lord.

“Who wants to go to heaven?”  Smiling all those attending the Bible study at the new outreach group at MaCethuka raised their hands.  Thank you for praying for the beginning of this new work.  Wednesday the group met for the first time.  Next week we will try to involve the children in this special study.  Pray the new work at MaCethuka will develop into a strong Bible study.  Pray on Thursday (May 19th) more adults/youth will attend as well as children. 

New officers of the Swaziland Baptist Convention were elected last Saturday May 7th.  Pray for these as they begin serving as leaders in the convention.  Pray decisions will be made in an autonomous matter that will allow discussion.  Pray for a spirit of unity and fellowship among the Swazi Baptist churches and the Swaziland Baptist Convention.

MINISTRIES FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS:
--May 14th the Shiselweni Baptist Association meets at the Velebantfu Baptist Church.  Continue to pray for this association that strives to meet together for encouragement and unity.  There are 9 Swazi Baptist churches in this association.

--May 21 we will conduct adult/youth and children’s Bible study at the Mafucula Baptist Church.  The members of this church desire to know more of the Lord and His ways.  Pray this time with this church will be special and uplifting.  Plans are to meet with this church every other Thursday on a regular basis.

--May 26-28 the Myers will be in Jo’burg collecting two volunteers.  Hunter and Katie will arrive in Swaziland to serve with the Myers, Allens and Hoskins throughout the month of June in various ministry opportunities.  Hunter has ministered in Swaziland several times but this is Katie’s first visit to the country.  Pray Hunter and Katie will enjoy their time of working and serving with the Swazi people.  One ministry includes speaking/leading the National Youth Leaders Retreat in Manzini June 3-5.  Pray for the Baptist youth leaders as they plan to attend this retreat.  Pray Hunter and Katie’s time with these youth will be very special.

AIDS UPDATE:
--May 15, Kym Pennington, True Love Waits International consultant returns to Swaziland to lead three three-day TLW trainings: May 16-18 she will be in Mbabane; May 19-21 in Manzini and May 23-25 in northeast Swaziland.   Pray for Kym as she leads three training events.  Pray for the Swazi Team as they encourage attendees and prepare for these events.

--June 1, six summer missionaries will arrive in Swaziland to begin their time of sharing the True Love Waits message with Swazi Baptist churches and schools (June-July).  The Swazi Team welcomes Adam, REH, Jonathon, Torie, Elizabeth and Tiffany.  Pray these missionaries will be spiritually prepared for the task the Lord has given to them.  Pray they will have good physical, emotional and spiritual health and will receive many blessings.  Torie, Elizabeth and Tiffany will stay next to the Mgamudze Baptist Church and Adam, REH and Jonathon will be situated in the Velebantfu community.  Daily gathering water, homes without electricity, living in camp-like conditions will be the norm for their stay.  Pray each will be able to adjust to a new lifestyle. 

--In June four “Hands On” missionaries will arrive to also teach and share the True Love Waits message through the country of Swaziland.  Sienna, Kim, Brandi 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 hearts and lives will be touched as God’s plan for marriage and purity is shared.
--Update on the BGR In-Home Health Care Kits…The Kits are on the move but the Swazi Team doesn’t know when word will reach us or when they will arrive in the country.  Pray we soon will receive the 648 In-Home Care Kits in Swaziland!!

Please continue to pray for our computer situation.  I still do not have my computer from the shop and we have heard nothing this week from the technicians.  Pray this situation will soon be resolved.

FROM THE IMB’S OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
Intercede for the IMB Board of Trustees and assigned staff who will be meeting in Richmond, Virginia on May 19-20.  May the Lord direct their thoughts and actions.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter

MOTHER’S DAY
MOTHER’S DAY IS REMEMBRANCE DAY
And we pause on The Path of the Year
To pay honor and worshipful tribute
To the Mother our heart holds dear…
For, whether here or in heaven,
Her love is our haven and guide,
For always the memory of Mother
Is a beacon light shining inside…
Time cannot destroy her memory
And years can never erase
The tenderness and the beauty
Of the love in a Mother’s face…
And, when we think of our Mother,
We dray nearer to God above,
For only God in His Greatness
Could fashion a MOTHER’S LOVE.
                      -Helen Steiner Rice
Remember Sunday May 8th is Mother’s Day!!
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.


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.  Yesterday (Thursday) Wayne went to the community to “touch base” with the interested parties.  The plan is to soon begin meeting every other Wednesday and enlist the help of the Vuvulane Baptist Church.  Pray this Bible study will soon begin with many attending.  Pray through the teaching of God’s Word many will understand what it means to be a Christian and will allow Jesus to lead and guide their every step.

--Tomorrow May 7th, the executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets.  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 8th, the Vuvulane Baptist Church will conduct a baptism service.  What a joy for the church to baptize those who recently came to know the Lord as their Savior.  May the lives of these be a witness to the saving power of our Lord Jesus Christ!!

--Continue to pray for our computer situation.  I still do not have my computer from the shop.  Wayne and I are taking turns on the one working computer (2000 Dell laptop).  This has been a very busy time for Wayne requiring many hours of computer work.  Pray a light will soon shine on this situation!!

--Pray the 648 In-Home Health Care Kits will soon be transported to Swaziland from Durban, South Afria!!

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST:
After enjoying good and substantial rains in the spring and early summer, some areas of the country now find themselves in a drought situation possibly facing a famine in the coming year.  Just when the crops needed rain the most, the rains stopped.  Many will suffer this winter when they food sources run out before the next crop is 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.

FROM THE IMB’S OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
--Please lift up in prayer the 67 missionary adults and 39 missionary kids who began their eight-week pre-departure field orientation on April 25.  May these weeks at IMB’s learning center be a blessing to them and ultimately to the peoples among whom they are called to serve.  Pray especially that each missionary will receive their visa approval in a very timely manner. 

--Thank God for the 41 retiring missionaries who will be in Richmond, Virginia, for the May 10-15 Emeritus Missionary Conference.  May He bless them in extraordinary ways during the coming days of transition.

KITS FOR KIDS…Connecting Kids Who Care With Kids in Need!!
This summer Baptist Global Response is partnering with LifeWay Christian Resources in the Vacation Bible School missions project.  Kids in Vacation Bible Schools all over the United States will be collecting school supplies for “Kits for Kids”.  There’s even a website of resources for churches at http://www.vbskitsforkids.com/.  Check it out!!  Maybe this is something your VBS would like to do. 

WHERE’S THE CHICKEN??? UPDATE:
Last week in our prayer letter I shared of a possible theft of 9 bags of chicken portions.  Attendees were awakened just after midnight Saturday night or should I say Sunday morning to have their bags searched for the missing chicken.  It was thought perhaps the cooks had cooked too much chicken on Saturday night thus accounting for the missing chicken.  NOT SO!!  According to one who purchased the chicken for Saturday night and Sunday lunch, extra chicken was purchased to insure there would be enough for everyone.    “We did not cook too much chicken.  We cooked what we were told to cook,” according to one very offended cook.  With all evidence in, it looks as though the missing chicken portions were deliberately taken from the safety of the kitchen sometime Saturday afternoon. The only part of this mystery that goes unsolved is “Who took the chicken?”   Oh well, it looks as though we will never know the answer to that question!!

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Allen Family May Update

Hello everyone!

It is hard to believe that we are in MAY now! Wow...where did almost the first half of 2011 go already??? Lots happening and we are excited for the days, weeks and months ahead.

Our recent Easters services with many of our Baptist churches was an amazing time to reflect on all God did by sending HIS ONLY Son, Jesus, for ALL of us! It is such a blessing to worship with our Swazi brothers and sisters in Christ. Many of them we do not get to see too often so it is great to catch up on how everyone is doing in their own lives. Our kids were able to participate with the kid's worship and Lacie was even in the children's play on Easter morning. She had the only English line in the play as it was in siSwati but she was the angel that said, "He is not here!". What a testimony to share with others!

God continues to bring new people to our new outreach group at Ngowane, which is about 1.5 hours away from our house. The past couple of Thursdays, we were not sure what to expect because it is school break here in Swaziland but more than 50 people are waiting to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. This past week, the indvuna (chief's assistant) and his assistant both came to the Bible study. It is HUGE for community leaders to participate in Bible studies and shows us that God is ALL over this new outreach group. Continue to pray for leaders to rise up within this new group as they are already requesting to start meeting on Sunday mornings. Pray for wisdom as we proceed to serve alongside this new group.

Pray for our Baptist convention as they meet this Saturday, May 7, to evaluate the Easters services and for the convention to serve together in unity with all decisions.

Pray for Kym Pennington, our True Love Waits International consultant, as she is with our Swazi mission team this month to lead TLW trainings in three areas. She will be with our family May 16-18 to lead a training in the Hawane area.

On May 23 - 31, we have a team of five people coming from Clear Creek Bible College in Pineville, Kentucky, coming to serve with us. They primarily will be serving in the Ngowane (Hhohho region) and Lesibovu (Manzini region), our two newest outreach group areas. Pray for this team to have MANY opportunities to share the love of Jesus with the Swazi people!

On May 26 - June 30, Katy Hallock and Hunter Johnson will be serving with our mission team throughout Swaziland working mostly with children and youth. One big event they will be co-leading with one of our Swazi pastors, Pastor Mkhosi Fakudze, is our National Youth Leader's Retreat on June 3-5 in Manzini. Pray for their time in Swaziland to bear MUCH fruit and for amazing times with the Swazi people and our mission team.

On May 31, our team is blessed with SIX summer missionaries coming to serve with us for the months of June and July. They will be mostly living out at homesteads in the Shiselweni region sharing the True Love Waits message. Pray for Reh, Tori, Elizabeth, Adam, Tiffany and Jonathon as they prepare to come serve in Swaziland and for ALL the God-size opportunities while they are here with us.

Lacie starts the second term of school on May 3 (school term will be from May 3 - August 12) and Nathan starts on May 10. Pray for the kids as we adjust back into school routines, activities and all the ministry happenings, too.

As you can see, lots happening in the coming months so pray for strength and excitment to press on with ALL God has for our family, ministry and team in the coming weeks. May His name be continually praised!!!

Let us know of ways we can be praying for you and your family as well.

Thank you for your faithful prayer support and hope to hear from you!