FOND FAREWELLS ARE SAID…..
This week fond farewells were said to our four “Hands On” missionaries as they prepare to leave tomorrow for Jo’burg and their time of debriefing. On the 15th they will board the plane that will take them back to the states and to their families, friends, routines and life.
--Friday the 2nd of December the Swazi Team took Sienna, Heather, Brandi and Kim to the Swazi Candle Factory for last minute shopping as well as lunch. It was quite an enjoyable outing. J
--The Vuvulane and Mafucula outdid themselves as they wished Brandi and Kim safe journal and thanks for coming all the way from America to minister with them. Words just could not express their feelings of thanksgiving and intense sadness upon saying goodbye. Our service last week was one to remember for a very long time. Thank you for praying for the ministry of these four missionaries. The Swazi Team has been blessed and we pray each will return to America filled with blessings and a place in their hearts for the Swazi people.
--Wednesday (7th of December) the first Biblical Education Program training occurred at the Peace Baptist Church. Update on the event from the Allens:
I wanted to write and let you know that the training event at Peace Baptist Church today went very well. Todd, Deborah, Steve and Make Shandu arrived around 8am but no one was at the church. Folks started coming closer to 9am, which is typical Swazi not to be on time. They were not sure how many would attend the training but actually had 18 folks at the training event. Todd, Deborah and Steve took turns teaching throughout the day. The church provided a wonderful lunch and fed everyone. All in all, it was a great first training event with teamwork, assistance for the church and excited to see God use the training more in the future. They finished the training event around 4pm. Thank you for praying for this special first time event. Pray other Swazi Baptist churches will schedule a time for their leaders and church members to be trained using the Biblical Education Program (BEP).
--Today the Shiselweni Baptist Association meets at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Wayne left yesterday for Nhlangano and the meeting today at Velebantfu. Besides the normal conducting of business, the planning of the ordination service for Pastor Nkhosingiphile Dlamini will continue. Pray for a sense of fellowship and unity will continue as business is discussed. Pray also for the planning of Pastor Dlamini’s ordination service in January.
SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST:
In recent months there has been increasing tension between the leaders of the Swaziland Baptist Convention and the Swazi Team missionaries. 
Convention leaders seem to want to rule over the Baptist churches and the missionaries and impose a non-biblical hierarchal leadership structure. The Swazi Team asks that you join us in a “Season of Prayer” for tomorrow’s meeting (10th of December) and the overall situation. We are facing a very difficult spiritual battle but we don’t have to fight the battle alone. Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Jeremiah 33:3
§ Pray for the leadership of the convention to be open to hear the Lord’s voice as He leads, putting aside cultural values and allowing the Lord to lead.
§ Pray for boldness of the members of the executive committee to speak up when they feel leadership is straying away from Baptist doctrine and polity.
§ Pray for unified solutions to the problems we (missionaries) and the convention (leadership) are facing.
§ Pray for all Swazi Baptist churches to desire to be evangelistic for the Lord’s Kingdom. Pray each will seek to be used of the Lord and be His witness within the community.
§ Pray for revival to take place in the hearts of every Swazi Baptist member that will reach out to the surrounding communities.
§ Pray the LORD WILL BE GLORIFIED IN EVERYTHING THAT IS SAID AND DONE!!
Please set time aside today and tomorrow to intercede for the Swazi Team, convention leadership and tomorrow’s meeting. Wayne will not be able to attend due to taking the four “Hands On” missionaries to Jo’burg tomorrow. The outcome of this meeting could possibly affect current and future missionary involvement in Swaziland.
v Monday begins the Swazi Team end-of-the-year retreat (December 12-15) at the Buckleigh Guesthouse in Durban, South Africa. We plan to leave quite early Monday morning so we can arrive early afternoon. Wayne is putting together a schedule for our time together. Pray for a time of renewal and encouragement.
--December 18th, the Mapangwane Baptist Church will conduct a baptismal service. Pray as the church prepares for this special event.
At first the neighborhood kids called Lottie the “foreign devil.” They had never seen an American. They did not trust her. But Lottie started baking cookies. The smell coming from her oven made them curious—and hungry. As they ate the cookies, Lottie made friends with them. Soon they called her “the cookie lady.”
Ingredients: 3 teacups of sugar, 1 teacup of butter, 1 teacup of sour milk, 4 pints of flour (8 teacups), 3 eggs beaten, ½ teaspoon baking soda
Directions: Set oven at 375 degrees. Mix the ingredients, then roll out into a flat sheet about 1/8 of an inch thick. Cut out circles. Bake on a greased baking sheet for about 8 minutes.
How Tall Do You Have To Be To Be A Missionary? Lottie Moon was short. At 4’3” she was as tall as today’s average 8-year old. But she had a big heart, especially when it came to missions. How tall are you? How big is your heart? Please support and give to the 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering so missionaries can continue the “Great Commission” calling to go, teach and baptize in the uttermost parts of the world. Lottie Moon Offering Goal: $175 million
No comments:
Post a Comment