Allen's African Adventures - September 2009

"I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection!
But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be."
Philippians 3:12 (New Living Translation)

PRAISES & PRAYER REQUESTS:
Thank you for praying for the National Youth Camp last month. We had about 175 youth from our Baptist churches all over Swaziland. The theme was "God Chooses Me!" based Eph. 1:4-5. The speakers did a fantastic job and the national youth committee led the camp in unity and focus together. All in all, we know that many chose to return to their first love, Jesus Christ, and pray for all the youth as they press on in their personal walks with the Lord. The National Youth Committee met in Mbabane this past weekend to evaluate youth camp, turning over of new old to new committee members, and sharing new ideas and vision for the coming year. The NYC desires to host at least three leadership retreats for our youth leaders in the coming year for further training and learning more about our Heavenly Father. Pray for direction, unity and logistical planning for these upcoming leadership retreats as well as planning for national youth camp 2010. Attached are a couple photos from youth camp. One is the national youth committee (a few former reps included) and one of a morning teaching time.

Lesibovu, the new outreach group that was started back in February, has had three Sunday afternoon services. It is better for the people to meet in the afternoon vs. morning at this time. We had been allowed to use the community building for Bible studies each Saturday afternoon until last month. Steve had talked to the community elders way back and permission was granted. However, the Zionist group in the area is not happy about an evangelical group coming in to share with "their" people. They are quite surprised that we keep coming each week and now are doing Sunday services at least once a month. We are meeting under the trees, which is no problem on most days but the rainy season is starting. Pray we are able to find a building or home to meet in for Bible studies and services. The enemy is NOT winning as we have seen over 60 people pray to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This past Sunday, we had their FIRST baptism service and it was an exciting time for everyone. We had eight people follow the Lord in believer's baptism. We know that many more are desiring baptism but was curious about the whole process. In a Zionist baptism, folks are dunked repeatedly and not just one time. We sense that several people were hesitant and probably a bit scared, too, to choose something going against their cultural beliefs. Pray for the ones that have accepted Jesus in recent months that they would grow each day following Him. Pray for the folks that followed in baptism this past Sunday as they share with their families and communities how Jesus has changed their lives. Pray, too, for leaders to rise within this new group for training to lead this new group as they grow into a church. Attached are a few photos of the recent baptism service.

Pray for Steve and I as we are prayerfully seeking the Lord about a new work area in the Hhohho region. We plan to do a prayer drive in the next month or so. Pray for God to guide us and for open doors and receptive hearts as we pray and talk with Swazis in different rural areas.

Pray for several churches that are currently trying to obtain plots for building new churches or shifting existing churches. Hawane Baptist is STILL waiting to have their plot of land marked by the community council. They will get ready to start building their church very soon. Victory Baptist and Ntsintsa Baptist were recently approved for new plots for their churches and both have begun building their new churches. Victory plans to move a bit closer to the main road and use most of the existing church materials. Ntsintsa Baptist has met in a Red Cross building since it was started in the 1990's and desires to have their own church. Mphembekati Baptist has to move their existing church due to being too close to a school. Peniel Baptist recently lost their church meeting place so they are seeking a new one temporarily until they can begin building their own structure.

SWAZI MISSION TEAM NEWS:
Pray for Wayne and Barbara Myers as they are moving this week to their new home and ministry in Swaziland. They are moving to Tshaneni from Nhlangano, where they have lived since 1994. Pray for the move to go well and the movers to arrive on time and accomplish everything quickly. It is about a 2.5 hours distance between where they had been living and now going to be. It is in the same region that they assist but on the other side of Swaziland. Pray for this new work area and for great relationships to be established with nationals. Wayne and Barbara are also preparing for their upcoming stateside time starting September 23 - end of the year. They will be in Kentucky and the southeast part of the USA for time with family and sharing in churches. They are still in need of borrowing a vehicle for their time in the USA. Please pray they are able to find one this week!

Please continue to pray for the Warren family as they are adjusting to being back in the USA. Pray for direction on employment and ministry opportunities for Bert and Lisa as well as for the kids (Jessie, Matthew and Sarah) as they are back in school again. Pray for Lisa's parents as they adjust to living in the Warren's house and for her father's improvement and rehabilitation after his stroke this past April. During kindergarten assessment Sarah’s pediatrician notice a weakness in her right eye. She was referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist and was prescribed eyeglasses as well as a “pirate” patch. She underwent a MRI on Friday and the family is waiting to hear the results today (Tuesday). She has a follow-up appointment on the 12th of October. Please pray for God’s will in this situation and that He will be glorified.

When we were home in the USA for our last stateside time, Monica's home church helped us come up with a way to remember to pray for the Swazi people. Will you join us in praying for them daily?

Pray for the Swazi people:
S-salvation please pray for the salvation of the people of Swaziland.
W-workers please pray God will provide workers (leaders) to lead Swazi Baptist churches.
A-AIDS please pray the Swazi people will understand how to stop the spread of AIDS.
Z- Zionism pray the Swazis will turn from Zionism (African Traditional Religion) to follow Christ.
I-increase pray the number of Swazi Baptist churches will increase.

FAMILY NEWS:
Thank you for all the prayers for Steve recently concerning his latest kidney stone attack. Steve is on his way to Johannesburg today (Tuesday) to see his urologist and more than likely, he is looking at having surgery this week to have it removed. He has not been in constant pain the last three weeks though so that is a huge praise. He did have a CT scan done recently and it was discovered that he has four more kidney stones "waiting" to come some day as well as cysts on his left kidney stone and liver. Pray for the doctors to have wisdom in everything this week and for Steve to have complete healing to his body. He has still been pressing on with ministry and life in general but know he is not quite himself. The kids and I stayed in Swaziland this time so pray as we are apart from one another. We will keep everyone updated as we are able to do so.

On September 29 - October 16, Lacie and I will be taking a short holiday to West Palm Beach, Florida, to visit with family and be there for Monica's cousin's (Tarrah and Jesse) wedding on October 10. Lacie is going to be one of their flower girls. She is way excited! Steve and Nathan will be staying in Swaziland as Steve already took part of his holiday time this year with his trip to Israel. Pray for all of us as we are separated from one another. Friends will be helping Steve with Nathan while I am gone. Plus, he is a great daddy anyway! :) Pray for safe travels for Lacie and I to the USA and back to Africa and special times with family and friends.

Pray for our family to have strength and wisdom as we balance family and ministry each day. Pray for our walks with the Lord to grow more and more and specifically direction for our family as we lead/teach Lacie and Nathan to love the Lord Jesus with all their hearts. Since the weekly church services are conducted in siSwati it is difficult for the children as they don't understand what is being said. Pray that we would continue to find ways to make weekly worship at home positive and meaningful for the children, especially Lacie.

During the third school term, we need to get Lacie's name on a list for grade 1 at one of the two private schools in our area. We hope to visit both schools in the month of September to make the final decision. Although Lacie is only starting kindergarten in January 2010, we will be gone for our Stateside for six months next year. We need to have Lacie on a list for school before the school year ends this year. We are leaning towards one school but we want her to be in the right school environment that will be best for Lacie.

As of now, the plan for our USA time next year is that we will be leaving South Africa around March 26 or 27, 2010, and landing in Charlotte, North Carolina. We have to be at a conference at home office April 5-10 in Richmond, VA. We will be in North Carolina for the first three months and Florida the last three months. We will return to the mission field around September 26 or 27, 2010, for another three years or so at this point. If anyone has contacts on a way we can borrow a vehicle for either our three months in North Carolina or three months in Florida or the whole six months, let us know. Also, Florida family and friends, we are also looking for a place to stay (house sit or rent) for our time in the West Palm Beach area as there really is not enough room for our whole family with anyone for quite that long. Probably will be in Florida around mid-late June - end of September. Pray for all the logistical planning and speaking schedule to be finalized in the coming months.

Steve and Sandile baptizing at Lesibovu

Folks waiting for church services to start at Lesibovu

Two adorable children hanging in the rural area

National Youth Camp 2009 - morning session

National Youth Committee 2009-2010 (some former reps, too!)

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter - September 14

IT’S MOVING DAY FOR THE MYERS (15th of September)!!
Tomorrow (Tuesday) the movers are scheduled to arrive at the Myers’ home in Nhlangano to help their move to Tshaneni. The packing is finally completed and we are more than ready to put this move behind us. It is a 2 ½ hour drive between the two points. I anticipate it will be a very long day!! Pray for the movers to arrive early and for the moving experience to end satisfactorily.

Our new address:
Wayne and Barbara Myers
P.O. Box 4480
Manzini
Swaziland
Phone: (268) 323-2311 ext. 240
**Please discontinue the use of the Nhlangano address.
**Since we are not sure whether we will be able to send emails from our new home, I may not be able to send the weekly prayer letter until we arrive stateside.

SPECIAL UPCOMING EVENT!!
Pray for the Shiselweni Youth Rally on the 18th and 19th of September at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Theme: “How Christian Youth Enjoy Life.” Sessions include Have a Desire…,
Youth Challenges and God’s Purpose/Plan for Your Life. Pray for those leading sessions and for the Velebantfu Baptist Church as they host this very special event. Pray the youth attending will understand what it means to follow Christ and make Him Lord of their lives.

--A price was given for the printing of the prayer booklet, “So That Christ Might Dwell in Their Hears.” The process of securing funding for the project is in place. Please pray the printing of the booklet will take place within the next few weeks. Pray also the prayer booklet will be in the hands of many prayer warriors for the Swazi people.

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
--Steven Allen has an appointment with his urologist in Jo’burg on the 15th of September concerning the kidney stone that refuses to move. It is uncertain how long he will be in Jo’burg. Monica and the children will remain in Swaziland. Please pray for Steven to be able to pass the kidney stone. Pray he will receive a “clean bill of health” from his urologist.

-During kindergarten assessment Sarah’s pediatrician notice a weakness in her right eye. She was referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist and was prescribed eyeglasses as well as a “pirate” patch. She underwent a MRI on Friday and the family is waiting to hear the results. She has a follow-up appointment on the 12th of October. Please pray for God’s will in this situation and that He will be glorified through it all.

-Pray for direction on employment/ministry opportunities for Bert and Lisa Warren. Pray for Lisa’s parents as they adjust to moving into the Warren’s home and for her father’s continued improvement and rehabilitation.

MEDICAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
-For Terry Myers whose cancer is in remission. Pray for his full recovery.
-For my niece’s husband’s mother who has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. A feeding tube has been placed. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage during this difficult time.
-For Kerry Harp who continues to recover from a motorcycle accident last year. Pray the Lord will wrap his loving arms around him and Kerry will feel His presence especially on days when he feels depressed.
Winter is over as well as the dry season in Swaziland. Swazis are beginning to look forward to the time when rain will refresh the earth and crops can be planted with the hope of a plentiful year. Pray this year will be a year of abundance of rain!!

AIDS UPDATE:
Recently we learned one of our Swazi friends’ 7-year old daughter is HIV positive. The father has also been told that he is HIV positive. Fortunately, the father has not experienced any additional health problems and the young girl is on medication and doing fine. This is another family that has become part of the HIV/AIDS’ statistic. Pray this family will continue to do well in view of their HIV status. Pray many other Swazi families will be able to receive the ARV’s that will prolong their lives.

IMB OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
-Ramadan is based on a lunar calendar and runs approximately August 21-September 19.
Though the Quran instructs Muslims to ready the books of God from before (that is, the Bible), many Muslims refuse to read it. Some fear the spiritual power of the Bible and are afraid that they will be cursed. Others fear that their reading will raise questions they cannot answer or that they will be persecuted for reading the Christian Holy Book. In addition, many believe that holy books must be read in formal Arabic—like the Arabic used in the Quran—despite the fact that most people do not speak or understand formal Arabic. Ask God to make His Word available and understandable to Arab-speakers both in printed forms and in oral forms (radio broadcasts, cassettes or CDs or recorded Scripture, the “JESUS” DVD). Ask God to create a hunger in the hearts of Muslims to know more about Jesus Christ and to grant them courage and boldness. Pray that millions of Muslims will hear or read God’s Word this year. Pray that it will bear eternal fruit in their lives.

--The IMB Board of Trustees will be meeting in Jacksonville, Fla., on September 14-16. The highlight of their gathering will be the appointment of 60 new missionaries on Wednesday night, September 16. May God’s guiding hand be upon all the decisions reached by the trustees, and His Spirit’s sustaining peace in the hearts of the appointees as they prepare for the appointment service. May their testimonies be used of God to call more laborers into the harvest.

September 24th we leave for our stateside assignment in Kentucky. We look forward to this special time with friends and family.
Stateside address:
Wayne and Barbara Myers
977 Hebron Road
Shelbyville, Ky. 40065
Phone: (502) 633-2936
Email addresses:
Wayne: wmyers@shelbywireless.net
Barbara: swazibam@shelbywireless.net

VERY SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST:
We ask you to continue to pray a vehicle will be provided for this special time (September 24-December 30). Our flight is next Thursday and we still do not have a vehicle lined up for our use stateside.
**********************

Pray for the Swazi people:
S-salvation please pray for the salvation of the people of Swaziland.
W-workers please pray God will provide workers (leaders) to lead Swazi Baptist churches.
A-AIDS please pray the Swazi people will understand how to stop the spread of AIDS.
Z- Zionism pray the Swazis will turn from Zionism (Africa Traditional Religion) to follow Christ.
I-increase pray the number of Swazi Baptist churches will increase.

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter - September 7, 2009

Thank you for praying for the 2009 Shiselweni Children’s Camp Monday-Wednesday (31 August -2 September). 57 campers registered for a time of learning more about the Bible. Time was spent learning the books of the Bible, learning Bible verses, Bible drills and evening children’s worship with children leading the choruses and choirs. It was a very special time for everyone. The weather was nice and warm and I did quite well staying in my tent!!

Attending a Christian Wedding…
The church was packed by the time the wedding finally started two and half hours late. People were singing, hand-clapping and dancing. The wedding service included a sermon, greeting from both the bride’s and groom’s families as well as from representatives of the church, the lightening of the unity candles in addition to the exchanging of vows and rings. Orange Fanta was poured into the glass to which was added an equal amount of Coca-Cola representing the thought that once the two were mixed it was impossible to separate them. Following the four hour wedding there was a reception and food for everyone. Pray the Swazis will understand what God expects of marriage and the marriage relationship. Pray for strong Swazi Christian marriages.

--Two Swazi weddings took place on Saturday, one in Nhlangano and the other at New Hope Baptist in Matsanjeni. Please pray these two couples will strive to have a Christian marriage and follow the ways of the Lord instead of Swazi culture and traditions.

--A price was given for the printing of the prayer booklet, “So That Christ Might Dwell in Their Hears.” The process of securing funding for the project is in place. Please pray the printing of the booklet will take place within the next few weeks. Pray also the prayer booklet will be in the hands of many prayer warriors for the Swazi people.

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
--Pray for Steven Allen who is continues to try and pass a kidney stone. Presently with the help of medication he is not in pain but would like this episode to become history!!

-During kindergarten assessment Sarah’s pediatrician notice a weakness in her right eye. She was referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist and was prescribed eyeglasses as well as a “pirate” patch for 6 hours a day for the next 6 weeks. Her vision is blurry when the good eye is covered. She is scheduled for a MRI Friday September 11th. Please pray for God’s will in this situation and that He will be glorified through it all.

-Pray for direction on employment/ministry opportunities for Bert and Lisa Warren. Pray for Lisa’s parents as they adjust to moving into the Warren’s home and for her father’s continued improvement and rehabilitation. Pray for smooth transition for Jessie, Matthew and Sarah who began school on August 25th.

MEDICAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
-For Terry Myers whose cancer is in remission. Pray for his full recovery.
-For my niece’s husband’s mother who has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. A feeding tube has been placed. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage during this difficult time.
-For Kerry Harp who continues to recover from a motorcycle accident last year. Pray the Lord will wrap his loving arms around him and Kerry will feel His presence especially on days when he feels depressed.

SPECIAL UPCOMING EVENT!!
Pray for the Shiselweni Youth Rally on the 18th and 19th of September at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Theme: “How Christian Youth Enjoy Life.” Sessions include Have a Desire…,
Youth Challenges and God’s Purpose/Plan for Your Life
Winter is over as well as the dry season in Swaziland. Pray this year will be a year of abundance of rain!!

IMB OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
-Ramadan is based on a lunar calendar and runs approximately August 21-September 19. For Muslim people all over the world, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan, is a holy month. They believe that the first verses of the Quran were revealed this month. During Ramadan, Muslims are expected to fast from all food and drink during the daylight hours; it is also a time for inner reflection, devotion to God, and self-control. Observing the fast during Ramadan is the third of the five pillars of Islam. Although Muslims believe that no one knows whether their good works will weigh more than their bad deeds when God determines the eternal destiny of each person, they believe that observing Ramadan results in significant merit. Pray that as Muslims seek God’s favor this month, He will reveal to them the magnitude of their sin and the impossibility of winning His favor by fasting. May they begin to seek His face and the forgiveness that only He can give.

The Pan…
As I was sorting through dishes and cooking utensils in the small guest house (room with kitchen and bathroom behind our house), I came across a pan that was part of my club aluminum set given to us as a wedding present almost 35 years ago. The pan was put in the “guesthouse” several years ago when cooking pots and spoons were needed for those staying on the property while we were away. I had forgotten about the pan. As I looked at the blackened sides and bottom from years of use, thoughts began to go through my mind. I thought of Wolf and Stormie who had been part of our lives for over 15 years and would not move with us to Tshaneni. I thought of loved ones lost since our coming to Africa, my father, grandmother, uncle and cousins and Wayne’s one brother and two sisters. I thought of all the Swazi people we had come to know in the Shiselweni region, the churches and Bible studies started. It seemed as though an era was ending, a chapter was closing, and the start of a new beginning. I held the pan close to me and promised a good washing. It would have a special place just as those I had lost over the years would always have a special place in my heart.

Packing continues for the Myers as we prepare to move to Tshaneni on the 15th of September.

Our new address:
Wayne and Barbara Myers
P.O. Box 4480
ManziniSwaziland
Phone: (268) 323-2311 ext. 240

September 24th we leave for our stateside assignment in Kentucky. We look forward to this special time with friends and family.
Stateside address:
Wayne and Barbara Myers
977 Hebron Road
Shelbyville, Ky. 40065
Phone: (502) 633-2936
Email addresses:
Wayne: wmyers@shelbywireless.net
Barbara: swazibam@shelbywireless.net

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST:
We ask you to continue to pray a vehicle will be provided for this special time (September 24-December 30).

***PLEASE DISCONTINUE SENDING MAIL TO THE NHLANGANO ADDRESS AND BEGIN USING EITHER THE MANZINI ADDRESS OR KENTUCKY ADDRESS.

Warrens Family Update - September 2009

Hello prayer partners, friends and family ...

Can you believe it's been ONE month since we landed back in Charlotte .... time is flying! It has been quite a busy month to say the least. We are moved back into our home in New Salem and would like to thank each of you personally for holding us close in your hearts and prayers, to everyone who gave of themselves and their time to help prepare our house for our arrival, and to each of you for all your love, support, and gifts! We just continue to be so overwhelmed by all of your love for our family. A simple "thank you" you just does not say enough what we feel ... Where we are TODAY, and PRAYER REQUESTS .... ~ There was a delay in moving my parents due to Dad starting his next round of rehab therapy before we could arrive and settle back in. They would like this session to be completed before him moving, so we are waiting to hear back on a specific date, but it looks as if they may be moving in the next 2 weeks (hopefully). Thank you for continuing to remember them in your prayers also! ~ Bert and I are seeking and praying through employment and ministry opportunities, please continue praying for direction and discernment as we have begun "knocking" on doors to see what God has in store. ~ Jessie, Matthew and Sarah are all enrolled back in school. Jessie has began 8th grade, Matthew moved to the Middle School to begin 6th grade, and Sarah is starting out in Kindergarten!! The kids are adjusting well to being back in the States, and are enjoying school, so far (lol!). Jessie just celebrated his 14th birthday yesterday too ... how quickly they grow up!

~ We do have a special prayer request to share concerning Sarah. During her kindergarten assessment her pediatrician noticed that there was a weakness in her right eye. She was referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist, and went for her appointment this past Tuesday. She was prescribed eyeglasses, and will be doing "pirate" patch therapy for 6 hours a day for the next 6 weeks, in hopes of strengthening her right eye. There is no history of this in our family, and her doctor showed some concern as to where this problem may be originating. She has now been scheduled to have a MRI next Friday, September 11th. They have told us it will be at least 3 days before the test results are available to her doctor, and then relayed to us. She is scheduled for a follow-up visit on October 12 in Charlotte as well. Please pray for Sarah as she begins this patch therapy. When we cover her good eye everything is so blurry and she cannot see well at all, which is proving to be very frustrating for her. Please pray for God's will in this situation, and that He will be glorified through it all.

We love you all, and thank you for continuing to remember our family in your prayers as we continue to "settle" back into life here in the States. We will continue to post updates on the family blog too ... we'd love to stay in touch and continue hearing from YOU too !!!!

Please also continue to remember our Swazi Team in your prayers as well, and be sure to check out their blog for updates and prayer requests ... www.swaziprayerbytes.blogspot.com or www.swazimissions.org.

May you all have a beautiful Labor Day weekend!
Serving Him together,

~ The Warren Family
~bert, lisa, jessie, matthew & sarah

US Mailing Address:
Bert & Lisa Warren6612 Pleasant Hill Church RoadMarshville, NC 28103

Family Email: warrensinafrica@gmail.com
Family Blog: www.warrensinswaziland.blogspot.com

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter - August 31, 2009

Thank you for praying for the National Youth Camp this past weekend (August 27-30) for all the youth of the Baptist churches. The theme was “God Chooses Me” based on Ephesians 1:4-5. The camp was a wonderful time for everyone and we praise God for all the lives that have been forever changed by His love for each of us. Pray the youth will continue to seek God first in all things and grow in their walks with the Lord.

AIDS UPDATE:
We enjoyed our time with Kelly Woody last week. She was able to meet with Swazis trained to present the True Love Waits message and Swazis interested in participating in the True Love Waits ministry in the Shiselweni Region. Pray for Kelly as she works with Swazis and missionaries to establish a strong True Love Waits program in Swaziland.

PRAY FOR THIS BIG EVENT!!
Today begins the Shiselweni Region’s Children’s Camps (August 31-September 2). The Camp’s theme is “Learning About the Bible” and the venue is the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Children from all the Swazi Baptist churches are invited to attend this camp. Camp fee is 10,00 emalangeni. Pray for the Lord’s preparation in the lives of those leading and helping with this camp. Pray the children will enjoy every moment of learning of fun.
--During last year’s camps I ventured sleeping in a tent and carrying my own water. This year I will do the same. Pray for me as I prepare to “rough it” for two nights deep in the Swazi bush!! J

--The executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets on Saturday the 5th of September. Pray this meeting will reflect the desire to glorify the Lord in all that is said and done. Pray for good attendance of those on the executive committee.

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
--Pray for Steven Allen who is continues to try and pass a kidney stone. Presently with the help of medication he is not in pain but would like this episode to become history!!
-Pray for direction on employment/ministry opportunities for Bert and Lisa Warren. Pray for Lisa’s parents as they adjust to moving into the Warren’s home and for her father’s continued improvement and rehabilitation. Pray for smooth transition for Jessie, Matthew and Sarah who begin school tomorrow (August 25th).

MEDICAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
-For Terry Myers whose cancer is in remission. Pray for his full recovery.
-For my niece’s husband’s mother who has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. A feeding tube has been placed. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage during this difficult time.
-For Kerry Harp who continues to recover from a motorcycle accident last year. Pray the Lord will wrap his loving arms around him and Kerry will feel His presence especially on days when he feels depressed.

SPECIAL UPCOMING EVENT!!
Pray for the Shiselweni Youth Rally on the 18th and 19th of September at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Theme: “How Christian Youth Enjoy Life.” Sessions include Have a Desire…,
Youth Challenges and God’s Purpose/Plan for Your Life

Winter is over as well as the dry season in Swaziland. Swazis are beginning to look forward to the time when rain will refresh the earth and crops can be planted with the hope of a plentiful year. Pray this year will be a year of abundance!!

HERE COMES THE BRIDES!!!
Saturday the 5th of September three weddings are taking place. Two are occurring in the Shiselweni Region and one in the states.
· Duma Dlamini and Letshiwe Shabangu will wed at the Nhalangano Vocational Center (attended the Nhlangano Baptist Church).
· Mthokosisi Dlamini and Dudu Vilane will wed at the New Hope Baptist Church.

Over the last couple of years we have asked you to pray for Brian Grayson’s recovery from a cancer nodule on his throat. Brian is doing great and is also getting married!!
Tenessa “Tess” Ann Crawford and Brian Ray Grayson will wed on the fifth of September at the Pine Creek Lodge, Nacogdoches, Tx.

Please pray for these couples as they commit their lives to each other. Pray Christ will be the center of their marriages and lives.


IMB OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
-Ramadan is based on a lunar calendar and runs approximately August 21-September 19. For Muslim people all over the world, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan, is a holy month. They believe that the first verses of the Quran were revealed this month. During Ramadan, Muslims are expected to fast from all food and drink during the daylight hours; it is also a time for inner reflection, devotion to God, and self-control. Observing the fast during Ramadan is the third of the five pillars of Islam. Although Muslims believe that no one knows whether their good works will weigh more than their bad deeds when God determines the eternal destiny of each person, they believe that observing Ramadan results in significant merit. Pray that as Muslims seek God’s favor this month, He will reveal to them the magnitude of their sin and the impossibility of winning His favor by fasting. May they begin to seek His face and the forgiveness that only He can give.

MYERS CORNER!!
Packing continues for the Myers as we prepare to move to Tshaneni on the 15th of September.
Our new address:
Wayne and Barbara Myers
P.O. Box 4480
Manzini
Swaziland
Phone: (268) 323-2311 ext. 240

September 24th we leave for our stateside assignment in Kentucky. We look forward to this special time with friends and family.
Stateside address:
Wayne and Barbara Myers
977 Hebron Road
Shelbyville, Ky. 40065
Phone: (502) 633-2936
Email addresses:
Wayne: wmyers@shelbywireless.net
Barbara: swazibam@shelbywireless.net

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST:
We ask you to continue to pray a vehicle will be provided for this special time (September 24-December 30).

***PLEASE DISCONTINUE SENDING MAIL TO THE NHLANGANO ADDRESS AND BEGIN USING EITHER THE MANZINI ADDRESS OR KENTUCKY ADDRESS.


The number one way to be pleasing to God and approved by man is to be the servant of all. Our servant assignment from God is to give honor and preference to one another. –Elizabeth George

Swazi Team Prayer Calendar September 2009

Tuesday September 1: Kelly Woody, True Love Waits International consultant, has been in Swaziland since mid-August meeting with our leaders and teaching True Love Waits presentations. She will meet with a couple today for training in the Lubumbo region connecting with another Great Commission organization. Plans are being made to form a National True Love Waits committee with representatives from our Baptist churches as well as other Great Commission Organizations. Pray a strong True Love Waits program will be established in Swaziland.

Wednesday September 2: God tells us that we must rest when we are weary and the Allen family is going to do just that…rest a few days in South Africa (September 1-3). Pray for the Allen family’s safety and fun times together getting away from normal ministry routines in Swaziland.

Thursday September 3: Pray for direction on employment/ministry opportunities for Bert and Lisa Warren. Pray for Lisa’s parents as they adjust to moving into the Warrens’ home and for her father’s continued improvement and rehabilitation. Pray for smooth transition for Jessie, Matthew and Sarah as they attend schools in Union County.

Friday September 4: For the last 15 years Wayne and Barbara Myers have lived and ministered in Nhlangano and the Shiselweni region. Now they feel the Lord is moving them to Tshaneni Swaziland to continue with the ministry. The Myers hoped to be moved before their departure for the States on the 24th of Sept. This is a big move for Wayne and Barbara. Pray they will easily make this new change in their lives. Pray they will be able to have the packing completed and in the Tshaneni house by the middle of September.

Saturday September 5: The executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets today. Pray this meeting will reflect the desire to glorify the Lord in all that is said and done. Pray for good attendance of those on the executive committee.

Sunday September 6: Continue to pray for all our Baptist churches without pastoral leadership. Pray these churches will remain one body and faithful in serving one another as they patiently wait on the Lord to provide the right person to lead these churches.

Monday September 7: Winter is over as well as the dry season in Swaziland. Swazis are beginning to look forward to the time when rain will refresh the earth and crops can be planted with the hope of a plentiful year. Pray this year will be a year of abundance.

Tuesday September 8: Lacie Allen returns to school after term break for her last term of this school year. Pray she has a great school term with her teachers, friends and enjoys learning new things every day.

Wednesday September 9: Ramadan is based on a lunar calendar and runs approximately August 21-September 19. During these days, an author of a Teach Yourself Islam book says, “The Muslim becomes master of his or her own body and appetites.” Intercede these adherents of a strict belief will put their faith in the true Master, the Lord Jesus.

Thursday September 10: Thank you for praying for the National Youth Camp August 27-30 for all the youth of the Baptist churches. The theme was “God Chooses Me” based on Ephesians 1:4-5. The camp was a wonderful time for everyone and we praise God for all the lives that have been forever changed by His love for each of us. Pray the youth will continue to seek God first in all things and grow in their walks with the Lord.

Friday September 11: During the third school term, the Allens need to get Lacie’s name on a list for grade 1 at one of the private schools in our area. Although Lacie is only starting kindergarten in January 2010, the Allens will be stateside for six months next year and Lacie’s name needs to be on a list for school before the school year ends this year. Pray the right school can be found for Lacie before the end of the year.

Saturday September 12: Pray for Wayne Myers’ brother, Terry whose stage 4 cancer is in remission. Pray for his full recovery from cancer. Pray also for Barbara’s niece’s husband’s mother suffering from Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage for the family during this difficult time.

Sunday September 13: Pray for the new outreach group in Lesibovu, south of Manzini where Steven Allen started a new Bible study in February. He is averaging about 50 people each Saturday afternoon and the group is asking when they can start meeting on Sunday mornings. Pray for God’s wisdom in guiding each step for the Allens with this new group. Even now, pray for leaders that would rise within the group to be trained in the near future. There have been over 50 people that have accepted Jesus Christ during these Bible studies. Praise the Lord! There have been several afternoon services and more people have accepted Jesus Christ and few have requested baptism.

Monday September 14: Quote from an AIDS victim: I was so devastated upon first learning my HIV positive status I wanted to commit suicide. I did not ever imagine that I could be useful to my country, my continent and the world at large. Many that are still hiding have the opportunity like me to show others that hope is still there. Let us come out and come together, in the church and everywhere and spread the message of hope. Pray that people will not be silent concerning the cause of AIDS and the need for Christ to help change lives. Pray people will have the courage to speak honestly about AIDS and why God wants our behavior to reflect His guidance.

Tuesday September 15: Pray for the Allen family to have strength and wisdom as Steve and Monica balance family and ministry each day. Pray for their walks with the Lord to grow more and more and specifically direction for family as Lacie and Nathan are taught to love the Lord Jesus with all their hearts. Since the weekly church services are conducted in siSwati it is difficult for the children to understand what is being sad. Pray Steve and Monica will continue to find ways to make weekly worship at home positive and meaningful for the children especially Lacie.

Wednesday September 16: Pray the strongholds that keep the King of Swaziland, his wives and children from accepting Jesus as their Savior will be broken. Pray each will have a chance to hear and understand what it means to be a Christian.

Thursday September 17: Pray for wisdom on the next step of where God wants Steven Allen to pursue seeking a new work area. After much prayer and seeing other established evangelical work in the Nkhaba area God has closed the doors to continue the outreach Bible study.

Friday September 18: Pray for the Shiselweni Youth Rally today and tomorrow at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Theme: “How Christian Youth Enjoy Life.” Sessions include Have a Desire…; Youth Challenges; God’s Purpose/Plan for Your Life.

Saturday September 19: Pray for the Swazi Team as they prayerfully work on personnel job requests for folks to come serve alongside us in Swaziland. Even now be praying for the people God wants to send to work with our Swazi mission team and the Swazi people to further his kingdom.

Sunday September 20: Ntuthwakazi Baptist Church conducted revival services in August. Ntuthwakazi is deep in the rural area of Swaziland where culture and traditions reign supreme. Pray those who attended and heard God’s Word preached will allow the Lord to touch their hearts. May true revival take place in this community and in people’s hearts.

Monday September 21: Pray for several churches that are currently trying to obtain plots for building new churches or shifting existing churches. Hawane Baptist is STILL waiting to have their plot of land marked by the community council. Victory Baptist plans to move a bit closer to the main road. Ntsintsa has met in a Red Cross building since it started in the 1990s and desires to have their own church. Mphembekati has to move their existing church due to being too close to a school. Peniel lost their church meeting place so they are seeking a new one temporarily until they can begin building their own structure.

Tuesday September 22: Sipho is HIV positive. After testifying during a worship service at the Nhlangano Baptist Church, the pastor led a time of prayer for him. There are many Siphos in Swaziland. Unfortunately, many of them do not have a relationship with the Lord. Many are afraid to share their HIV status with friends and family. Many do not have anyone to pray for them. Pray for the Lord to continue to wrap his loving arms around Sipho. Pray the many who do not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior will have time to make things right.

Wednesday September 23: Pray many Swazi children will have an opportunity to attend school and secure a future that provides sufficiently for their needs. Pray every child in Swaziland will feel he or she is a child of promise.

Thursday September 24: Wayne and Barbara Myers leave today for their 3-month stateside assignment in Kentucky. Pray for them as they begin their long flight to the states. Pray for a relaxing and full-filled time with family and friends.

Friday September 25: Pray for the plight of women in Swaziland and for laws to be passed giving more rights and choices. Pray Swazi men will not be able to abuse women in the absence of laws protecting women from such behavior.

Saturday September 26: Lottie Moon was an outspoken missionary who put Christmas and mission gift giving together. The mission field, China was 360 million people strong upon her arrival. She was one of six Southern Baptist workers sent there. For every tireless missions teacher, field worker and supporter who promotes the offering that bears her name, Lottie’s work indeed lives on. Please pray for the Lord’s direction concerning your contribution to the 2009 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.

Sunday September 27: Pray the Lord will burden the hearts of the Swazi church leaders to develop a strong prayer relationship with him. Pray prayer will be an important ministry in every Swazi Baptist church.

Monday September 28: The Myers leave today for a week at the International Mission Center, Rockville, Va. participating in their stateside conference (9/28-10/3). Pray their time at ILC will be helpful and enjoyable.

Tuesday September 29: Monica and Lacie Allen are flying to the USA today for a short holiday with Monica’s family and to attend her cousin’s wedding in West Palm Beach, Fla. Lacie will be one of the flower girls. Pray for safety and fun travels together and great times with lots of family.

Wednesday September 30:
Young Swazi men who know what the Bible expects but are still unwilling to change from immoral lifestyles are a strong barrier to spreading the gospel in Swaziland. A young pastor committed adultery while separated from his wife and children. Knowing his behavior was wrong and disqualified him from being a pastor, he resigned as pastor of a Swazi Baptist church and married the lady in an unchristian way. This man began the church in which he was pastor as well as another church in the community. Pray committed Christian men will give their lives totally to the Lord, depending upon the Lord to deliver them from the bondage of the flesh. Pray for the Lord to provide strong Biblical leaders to lead Swazi Baptist churches.
--Please pray the prayer booklet for the Swazi people “So That Christ Will Dwell In Their Hearts” will be soon be printed.

Update on Steve Allen

Dear Prayer Partners,

Thanks for many emails voicing prayers and support for Steve and our family. Steve was released from the Mbabane Clinic last night around 6pm, our time. He is doing pretty well for the most part, thanks to great meds! Praise the Lord! He still has not passed the kidney stone yet but at least he is not in a great deal of pain at the moment. Our plan is to still wait for another 24-48 hours to see if Steve can pass the stone on his own. The doctor here has advised him to see his urologist in a few days, if the stone has not passed. We are really praying we do not have to make a medical trip to Johannesburg for Steve to have the kidney stone removed surgically.

Our National Youth Camp starts on Thursday and ends on Sunday of this week. We are busy with final preparations and logistical support on our side. We are praying we do not have to miss this important, annual event for our Swazi youth. However, we are trusting God through everything and that His plans will be revealed in His timing. Both of us have peace about the whole situation.

Thanks again for your faithful prayers and support!

We did update our family blog with a funny but prayerful post about the kidney stones as well as Monica's mom's birthday today.
www.allensinafrica.blogspot.com

Blessings and prayers,
Steve, Monica, Lacie and Nathan Allen

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter - August 24, 2009

UPDATE ON STEVEN ALLEN:
We wanted to update everyone on how Steven is doing this evening (Sunday). The doctor released him from the Mbabane clinic around 6pm, our time. Praise the Lord! He was able to get some relief from the pain around mid-morning and rested the day at the clinic. No, he has still not passed the kidney stone yet but he has the meds now to help him get through the pain. The plan is to wait and see if Steven can pass the stone on his own within the next 24-48 hours. If not, it looks like we will be heading to Johannesburg to see his urologist with probably needing surgery with this stone.
We are praying we can avoid the medical trip to South Africa. We will keep you updated as we are able to do so on how things are going with our family.
Monica has responsibilities with the National Youth Camp scheduled this weekend. Please pray Steve will pass the stone sometime today and the Allens will not have to journey to Johannesburg.
Pray also for Lacie who has also been under the weather.


AIDS UPDATE:
Kelly Woody arrived yesterday to begin her ministry in the Shiselweni region. Today she is meeting with those who have trained to present the True Love Waits message. Tomorrow she will meet with those interested in participating in the True Love Waits ministry in the Shiselweni region. Pray for Kelly as she works with Swazis and missionaries to establish a strong True Love Waits program in Swaziland. Pray her time with the National Youth Camp this weekend will be very beneficial.

Please pray I will receive the help needed to get the prayer booklet “That Christ Might Dwell In Their Hearts” printed. Pray the booklet will be a wonderful tool for prayer support for the Swazi people.

PRAY FOR THIS BIG EVENT!!
Each year the Swazi Baptist churches have the opportunity to send their youth to the National Youth Camp. This year’s camp is August 27-30, 2009. Venue is the Mbekelweni Lutheran High School (near Manzini). The theme is “God Chooses Me” based on Ephesians 1:4-5. The camp’s main speaker is Lad Chapman missionary friend serving with Children’s Cup. (Lad’s wife Crystal and Monica Allen were in the same youth group at the First Baptist Church West Palm Beach, Florida.) Pray for Pastor Lad Chapman as he prepares and leads the sessions for the National Youth Camp. Pray for the national speakers who will be sharing in other teaching times. Pray that the hearts of the Swazi youth would be open and responsive to the word that God has for them.

NEXT WEEK’S BIG EVENT:
“Learning About the Bible” is the theme for the Shiselweni Region’s 2009 Children’s Camp scheduled at the Velebantfu Baptist Church, 31st of August through 2nd of September. Children from all the Swazi Baptist churches are invited to attend this camp. Camp fee is 10.00 emalageni. Pray all teaching and logistics for a camp of over 100 children will go well. Pray for the Lord’s preparation in the lives of those leading and helping with each camp. Pray the children will begin to look forward to this time of learning and having fun.

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST:
-Pray for direction on employment/ministry opportunities for Bert and Lisa Warren. Pray for Lisa’s parents as they adjust to moving into the Warren’s home and for her father’s continued improvement and rehabilitation. Pray for smooth transition for Jessie, Matthew and Sarah who begin school tomorrow (August 25th).

MEDICAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
-For Terry Myers whose cancer is in remission. Pray for his full recovery.
-For my niece’s husband’s mother who has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. A feeding tube has been placed. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage during this difficult time.
-For Kerry Harp who continues to recover from a motorcycle accident last year. Pray the Lord will wrap his loving arms around him and Kerry will feel His presence especially on days when he feels depressed.

IMB OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
--The next Candidate Interview Conference is August 24-28. Please pray for the 38 candidates as they seek God’s direction for their lives. Intercede also for the staff that will be counseling them during these important days.
-Ramadan is based on a lunar calendar and runs approximately August 21-September 19. During these days, an author of a Teach Yourself Islam says, “The Muslim becomes Master of his or her own body and appetites.” Intercede for these adherents of a strict belief that they will put their faith in the true Master, the Lord Jesus. (PrayerLine August 21)

MYERS CORNER!!
We have lots to share with you this week concerning our lives and prayer needs. First of all we announced last week that we were moving to Tshaneni Swaziland the middle of September. This area of the northeast section of Swaziland is very open to the spread of the gospel and discipleship of the believers. Please pray we will be open to the Lord’s direction in serving Him in this area of Swaziland. Pray as we continue to sort and pack in preparation for our move.
Pray for the Swazi Baptist churches in the Shiselweni region will seek to be strong and develop leadership within their congregations.
Our address:
Wayne and Barbara Myers
P.O. Box 4480
Manzini
Swaziland
Phone: (268) 323-2311

After almost 15 ½ years of loving and enjoying our Wolf, we had to say goodbye to him on Saturday. His health had been declining and last week it was apparent he would not be with us much longer. We are so thankful he died naturally and is buried next to our Stormie (died 11/19/06).

September 24th we leave for our stateside assignment in Kentucky. We look forward to this special time with friends and family.
Stateside address:
Wayne and Barbara Myers
977 Hebron Road
Shelbyville, Ky. 40065
Phone: (502) 633-2936 EXT. 240
Email addresses:
Wayne: wmyers@shelbywireless.net
Barbara: swazibam@shelbywireless.net

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST:
We ask you to continue to pray a vehicle will be provided for this special time (September 24-December 30).

***PLEASE DISCONTINUE SENDING MAIL TO THE NHLANGANO ADDRESS AND BEGIN USING EITHER THE MANZINI ADDRESS OR KENTUCKY ADDRESS.


Check these special Swazi sites:
www.swaziprayerbytes.blogspot.com
www.swazimissions.org
To receive a daily list prayer needs of IMB missionaries around the world subscribe to www.subscribe.org or imb@imb.org.

Pray for Steve Allen

Dear Prayer Partners,

Yes, it a little after 4am here in Swaziland and I just got home from admitting Steve to the Mbabane Clinic with a kidney stone. He says this one is worse than the other one he had last month. Our clinic here in Mbabane is fine and they are doing all the can to help him with his pain. Pray he is able to pass the stone on his own and quickly. Otherwise, we may be looking at having to get him to South Africa, where medical care is available to help him pass the stone. He was hurting when I left him but glad we have somewhere close by to get him immediate attention. I will keep you updated as I am able to do so.

Our National Youth Camp is this coming week and lots is on our plates for ministry. We serve a mighty God that is bigger than anything in our lives and we are trusting God to give Steve complete healing in His perfect time. Pray for our family's protection, health and safety as we know the attacks of the enemy are real and happening quite often in recent days.

We covet your prayers and praise God that we are able to call upon our faithful prayer partners to pray specifically for Steve and our family today and in the days ahead.

Our family has had quite a crazy last 24 hours....check out our family blog at www.allensinafrica.blogspot.com for the first part of it all.

Blessings and prayers,
Monica Allen
IMB missionary to Swaziland

Day in the Life of the Allen Family

Thought you might be interested in learning how crazy life can get for our family....It all started last night when Steve got a call from one of our pastors that they needed him to be at a meeting with the community council/elders of one of churches first thing this morning. The meeting was for the council to show and mark the land for the church's new plot. Steve had to leave the our house by 7am to collect our folks and be ready for the meeting by 8am. Steve dressed up for the meeting as this is expected since he is a pastor and was on his way early. By 9am, the ladies of the church brought out tea and sandwiches for a tea break. By 10:30am, the elders still had not come (which is typical with Africans as they are normally not on any set schedules) but Steve had a Bible study to head to by 12:30pm. The ladies of the church told them to go ahead and leave as the elders were now in another meeting and did not know when they would be finished. Steve took our folks back to catch their bus home and he headed home for a quick bite to eat.

Kelly Woody, our True Love Waits International consultant, is here with us in our area and along with three of our Swazis, were going with Steve to Bible study at Lesibovu. Kelly planned to teach the True Love Waits presentation with the adults and youth and Steve and Ntombi were going to lead the children at Bible study. Well...the left on time and Steve, Kelly and Maria headed to our local grocery store, Spar (great meeting place as it is not far from the bus rank/station), to collect Ntombi and Jane for the Bible study. However, they got to the Spar parking lot and discovered they had a flat tire on the mission truck. Steve changed the tire in the parking lot and then discovered the spare tire was flat, too! Big time bummer! So...the plans to get to Bible study, unfortunately, did not happen today. It is always difficult to cancel Bible study out in the rural areas because folks are waiting all along the roads to be collected for the Bible study time. Praise the Lord, we do have a cell phone (amazing that so many folks have cell phones but yet no running water or electricity at their homes!) for one of the men that attends the study faithfully each week so he was able to tell folks nearby that the study had to be cancelled today. Too bad, we had not no way to get word to the kids waiting on the side of the roads. Hopefully, they did not wait too long for Steve today and realized he was not going to make it.

Meanwhile back at the Allen homefront with Monica the kids (Lacie and Nathan)....We were eating our lunch, which was not much for Lacie as she has been under the weather, and watching the monkeys in our backyard (yes, we do live in Africa!). Nathan is our bread boy and wants bread at every meal. Monica was eating such a healthy meal of hot dogs and potato chips! :( Nathan had his usual yogurt, fruit and bread. We have been blessed with great eaters and Nathan loves to eat! :) He was shoveling in his bread roll (small part had gotten hard and Monica did not realize it!), which is normal, but this time, he began to choke. He had a large piece stuck and it was not coming out. Amazingly, Monica stayed calm (for the most part!) and immediately flipped Nathan upside down and hit his back about five times. Praise the Lord, the piece of food eventually came out. Monica was praying and praying to the Lord to help Nathan get the food out so he could breathe again. It was a scary few moments but praise the Lord, Nathan is OK! After it was over, Nathan was crying, Monica was shaking and Lacie was hugging us all! What a precious big sister!!!We decided it was a night to get take-away (carry-out) from Nando's restaurant (chicken place), which is a real treat for our family. Kids are bathed, dinner is over and we are now watching a family movie. Steve is working on his artifacts collection and Monica is finishing writing this short story about our family.Whew....we say all this to tell you that there is no "normal" or "typical" day in the life of our family, which we are sure if the case with most families. We are often asked, "What is the typical day of a missionary?" so here is one day....God is always teaching us new things each day and we are so thankful for His grace, love, mercy and unending faithfulness. Even though things do not always turn out as we plan, God's plans are bigger and better than we can ever dream or want for our lives, even in the simple and daily things of life.

So....how has your day been? :)

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter - August 17, 2009

“Learning About the Bible” is the theme for the Shiselweni Region’s 2009 Children’s Camp. Two camps were scheduled the first beginning today and ending on Wednesday. Unfortunately due to lack of communication and miss communication, the first camp had to be cancelled. However, the second camp is scheduled at the Velebantfu Baptist Church, 31st of August through 2nd of September. Children from all the Swazi Baptist churches are invited to attend this camp. It will be a fun time with all the children being together. Pray all preparations for teaching and logistics for a camp of over 100 children will go well. Pray for the Lord’s preparation in the lives of those leading and helping with each camp. Pray the children will begin to look forward to this time of learning and having fun!

- Kelly Woody arrived in Swaziland on the 14th of August to assist the Swazi Team with True Love Waits and to teach about TLW at the National Youth Camp (Aug. 27-30). Kelly will be with us in the Shiselweni region next week, August 24-26. Pray for Kelly as she works with Swazis and missionaries to establish a strong True Love Waits program in Swaziland. Pray for her time with the National Youth Camp will be very beneficial.

IMPORTANT NEWS TO ANNOUNCE!!
For the last 15 years we have lived and ministered in Nhlangano and the Shiselweni region. Now, we feel the Lord is moving us to another area of the country to continue with the ministry. We are currently packing boxes for our move to Tshaneni. Hopefully, we can be organized and moved before our departure for the states on the 24th of September.
This is a big move for us and we ask you to pray as we make this new change in our lives. Pray we will be able to have the packing completed and in the Tshaneni house by the middle of September.
The area of the northeast section of Swaziland is very open to the spread of the gospel and discipleship of the believers. Please pray we will be open to the Lord’s direction in serving Him in this area of Swaziland. Pray the churches in the Shiselweni region will seek to be strong and develop leadership within their congregations.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY:
--For direction on employment/ministry opportunities for Bert and Lisa Warren. Pray for Lisa’s parents as they adjust to moving into the Warren’s home and for her father’s continued improvement and rehabilitation. Pray for smooth transition for Jessie, Matthew and Sarah as they enroll back into Union County schools and begin on August 25th.
-For Terry Myers whose cancer is in remission. Pray for his full recovery.
-For my niece’s husband’s mother who has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. A feeding tube has been placed. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage during this difficult time.
-For Kerry Harp who continues to recover from a motorcycle accident last year. Pray the Lord will wrap his loving arms around him and Kerry will feel His presence especially on days when he feels depressed.

Each year the Swazi Baptist churches have the opportunity to send their youth to the National Youth Camp. This year’s camp is August 27-30, 2009. Venue is the Mbekelweni Lutheran High School (near Manzini). The theme is “God Chooses Me” based on Ephesians 1:4-5. The camp’s main speaker is Lad Chapman missionary friend serving with Children’s Cup. Pray for Pastor Lad Chapman as he prepares and leads the sessions for the National Youth Camp. Pray for the national speakers who will be sharing in other teaching times. Pray that the hearts of the Swazi youth would be open and responsive to the word that God has for them.

Our time stateside is fast approaching. We do ask that you continue to pray a vehicle will be provided for this special time (September 24-December 30).

Receiving the refreshing rain…
When winter is over (June-August) the dry season in Swaziland also comes to an end. There is very little if any rain during the winter. The grass is yellow and dry, the rivers are low and the people look forward to receiving the refreshing rain that begins in September. Without the rain the people cannot plant or sustain their crops and will experience extreme food shortage. Some sections of the country very seldom receive enough rain to meet the people’s basic needs. Pray every year the rainfall will be plentiful throughout the country. Pray yearly crops and gardens can be planted and there will be enough water to meet the needs of the people.

Please pray I will receive the help needed to get the prayer booklet “That Christ Might Dwell In Their Hearts” printed. Pray the booklet will be a wonderful tool for prayer support for the Swazi people.

ANOTHER CANCELLATION:
The follow-up teaching on the charismatic tendencies and practices in the Swazi Baptist churches scheduled for September 11-12, has been cancelled. Pray this teaching will be rescheduled in January or February 2010.

AIDS UPDATE:
Yesterday Sipho testified at the Nhlangano Baptist Church that he was HIV positive. Because of his HIV positive status he was having difficulty walking but the Lord was helping him with this problem. He is also praying for the Lord’s healing from HIV condition. Sipho, a member of the Nthuthwakazi Baptist Church is currently staying with a member of the Nhlangano Baptist Church. During the worship service Pastor Gamadze led a time of prayer for Sipho. There are many Siphos in Swaziland. Unfortunately, many of them do not have a relationship with the Lord. Many are afraid to share their HIV status with friends and family. Many do not have anyone to pray for him. Pray for the Lord to continue to wrap his loving arms around Sipho. Pray for the many who do not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior will have time to make things right.
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, O Lord, I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8

IMB OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
--The ISC/Journeyman/Masters Debriefing Conference is scheduled for 74 adults and 13 children on August 18-22. May this be a wonderful celebration of ministry accomplished and of personal equipping for whatever God has in store for them in the future.
--The next Candidate Interview Conference is August 24-28. Please pray for the 38 candidates as they seek God’s direction for their lives. Intercede also for the staff that will be counseling them during these important days.

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter - August 10, 2009

Our week in Kruger was absolutely wonderful!! I wished we could have stayed longer. The weather was perfect (very warm and sunny). We spent days riding around the Kruger Game Reserve hoping to see the BIG FIVE (elephant, white rhino, cape buffalo, leopard and lion) and anything else interesting. We also saw many different varieties of birds. On the last day we drove to a particular area near where we were staying and saw a dead giraffe. It had evidently died of disease or old age. Later in the day as we went back to the spot we saw vultures (white-faced vultures) and a hyena enjoying a wonderful feast. When we returned the next day on our way out of the park, the vultures and hyena were still eating. It was a real “National Geographic” moment!! On the same afternoon we also saw two leopards in two different trees as well as two female lions with three lion cubs.

Saying Goodbye….
The Warrens were able to leave Swaziland on the 5th as planned. Their flight to the states was on the 6th and they arrived in Charlotte, NC around 10:00am on the 7th. Please pray for direction on employment/ministry opportunities for Bert and Lisa. Pray for Lisa’s parents as they adjust to moving into the Warren’s home and for her father’s continued improvement and rehabilitation. Pray for smooth transition for Jessie, Matthew and Sarah as they enroll back into Union County schools and begin on August 25th.

- Kelly Woody returns to Swaziland this week on the 14th of August to assist the Swazi Team
with True Love Waits and to teach about TLW at the National Youth Camp (Aug. 27-30). Pray for Kelly as she prepares to work with Swazis and missionaries to establish a strong True Love Waits program in Swaziland.

MEDICAL PRAYER CONCERNS:
-Continue to pray for Terry Myers whose cancer is in remission. Pray for his full recovery from cancer.
--Pray for my niece’s husband’s mother who has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. A feeding tube has been placed. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage during this difficult time.
--Pray also for Kerry Harp who continues to recover from a motorcycle accident last year. Pray the Lord will wrap his loving arms around him and Kerry will feel His presence especially on days when he feels depressed.

“Learning About the Bible” is the theme for the Shiselweni Region’s 2009 Children’s Camp. The first camp is scheduled to meet at the New Hope Baptist Church on 17-19 (next week) of August and the second camp August 31-September 2 at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. The first camp is earlier than last year so please pray the weather will not be extremely cool for overnight sleeping in the church for the campers. Pray for the Lord’s preparation in the lives of those leading and helping with each camp. Pray the children will begin to look forward to this time of learning and having fun!

Please pray I will receive the help needed to get the prayer booklet “That Christ Might Dwell In Their Hearts” printed. Pray the booklet will be a wonderful tool for prayer support for the Swazi people.

-More and more of the small businesses in Nhlangano are being operated by Indian Muslims from South Africa who promise help with school fees and jobs if recipients convert to the Muslim faith. Pray Swazis will not be easily misled by the Muslim faith. Pray for a stronger and bolder witness of the believers in Nhlangano and all of Swaziland.

AIDS UPDATE:
With shame and much guilt a church leader confessed he had participated in premarital sex. “I feel like David after his encounter with Bathsheba. I am so ashamed and I ask for your forgiveness.” Such courage and maturity to come and confess to the missionary, but what about AIDS? A mother comes to the missionary house and after greeting each other she begins to cry. “My children have not done right? My daughter had to recently withdraw from school because she is not married and pregnant.” The mother was heartbroken and her distress was quite evident and she too asks forgiveness, but what about AIDS? The missionary stood by the bed of an emaciated man. This man had been a leader in one of the Swazi Baptist churches. His wife had died several months before after being sick for a long time. Looking into the face that was devoid of expression, the missionary heard the man say “I am dying.” In a matter of time his suffering will be over. What about AIDS? As education is being shared and cultures and traditions are being questioned, the battle rages as Swazi people continue to live lives that spread the disease. Our society is in trouble and is being carried into the vortex of suffering, shame, guilt and death. What about AIDS? Please pray the Swazi people will understand the lifestyle that follow tradition and culture is not pleasing to the Lord. Pray for a spiritual awakening throughout the country of Swaziland.

IMB OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
Continue to pray for the Field Personnel Orientation session that began on the 27th of July and ends on the 24th of September. May the 247 adults and 103 children involved be richly blessed through the fellowship, worship and instruction.

Each year the Swazi Baptist churches have the opportunity to send their youth to the National Youth Camp. This year’s camp is August 27-30, 2009. Venue is the Mbekelweni Lutheran High School (near Manzini). The theme is “God Chooses Me” based on Ephesians 1:4-5. The camp’s main speaker is Lad Chapman missionary friend serving with Children’s Cup. Pray for Pastor Lad Chapman as he prepares and leads the sessions for the National Youth Camp. Pray for the national speakers who will be sharing in other teaching times. Pray that the hearts of the Swazi youth would be open and responsive to the word that God has for them.

--Because of the concern for charismatic tendencies and practices displayed at the National Easter Services, teaching was scheduled by the Baptist Convention of Swaziland May 22nd-23rd. September 11-12 a follow-up teaching is scheduled. Please pray for Wayne Myers and Steven Allen as they prepare for a time of additional information sharing
and question and answer time. Pray for a better understanding of those attending concerning Baptist beliefs. Pray members from our Baptist churches will commit to making their churches stronger in Baptist beliefs as well as Christian believers

Continue to pray for us as we continue to prepare for our departure on the 24th of September to begin our stateside assignment.
--Pray we will also be able to secure a vehicle for our time in the states. (September 24th-December 30th).

Allen's African Adventures - August 2009

Dear Prayer Partners,

Thank you for praying last week for the first Sunday worship service in the community of Lesibovu. Steve started a chronological Bible storying class in this area in February. There was definitely spiritual warfare in play Sunday. All of the family members were fighting colds. Thunderstorms and torrential rains began in the early hours Sunday morning in what should still be our dry season. Half of a major concrete bridge on the way to Lesibovu suffered a collapse. At a place where the road crosses what is usually a wide, dry river bed, the water was flowing about a foot deep. Despite the rains and high water, Steve made it to the church for the service. Thirty people braved the inclement weather to come to the service and one man prayed to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. This is a huge praise as men are typically hard to reach in Swazi culture. This makes the 50th profession of faith in the Lesibovu community since the Bible study started. Please pray that those who have made professions of faith would remain faithful to the commitments that they have made. Pray that Steve would be able to effectively disciple these new believers. Pray that a church would be started in this community and that leadership would develop internally.

Steve had a wonderful experience on his two-week archaeological trip to Israel last month. He participated in a project at the biblical site of Tel Gezer, sponsored by Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and the Israel Antiquities Authority. Steve used vacation time to pursue one of his long-time passions - archaeology. He has really missed his former profession and enjoyed getting back into the dirt again. He had the opportunity to uncover walls and lots of artifacts of Gezer from the time when the city was destroyed by the Assyrians in the 8th century B. C. When Steve's artistic abilities were discovered he was immediately put to work doing artifact illustrations, which will be used in next year's publication of the site progress report. In addition to working at the archaeological site during the week, weekend historical and archaeological fieldtrips were taken to biblical sites such as Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Caesarea Maritima, Megiddo, Hazor, Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Herodiom, and Capernaum. While visiting the Jordan River, Steve was asked by two of the archaeological project participants if he would baptize them. After questioning them about their salvation he did baptize them in the Jordan, with fish nibbling at their toes. That was a truly memorable experience. The trip was life changing and contributed a lot to Steve's understanding of places that were key in the biblical story. (A couple of photos from the Gezer excavation are attached at the end of this message.)

Our team is sad to report that our fellow team members, the Warren family, have had to end their term early to return to the states, due to a medical issue in Lisa's immediate family. Lisa's father, Lloyd Claiborne, suffered a stroke several months ago and is being released from the medical facility where he has been treated. Lisa is an only child and her mother is not physically able to handle the care of the continuing needs of her husband on her own. Please pray for Bert. Lisa, Jesse, Matthew and Sarah as they returned to the states this week. Pray for their readjustment to life in the states, for employment, schooling for the children, and for the strength and wisdom to know how to minister to the needs of the father. Mr. and Mrs. Claiborne will be moving to live with the Warrens. Please pray for the adjustments for all of the family members to these new living conditions.

Our family was blessed to have three guests for part of the summer. Monica's mother, Polly Trice, was able to spend about five weeks in Swaziland with our family during her summer break from her job as a school nurse. It was great having her here to spend time with the family. Our children do not usually have the opportunity to spend extended time with family, so it was a special treat for Nathan and Lacie to have Gogo Polly here. Part of her trip overlapped the time that Steve was away in Israel, which gave Monica help with the children and special times together as mother/daughter. Hunter and Brinkley Johnson, from First Baptist Church, Washington, North Carolina spent about a month ministering with our family, the Warrens and the Myers this summer (winter on our side). Steve has known both of these young ladies since 1995, when they began attending the same church. Both of these sisters have been to Swaziland multiple times. This was Hunter's third summer to spend in Swaziland and Brinkley's first trip that was not part of a team. They ministered in a wide range of teaching roles and locations among our Baptist churches in addition to working with mission partners from another denomination with medical clinics. Hunter also was the keynote speaker for the annual planning retreat in preparation for the Swaziland National Youth Camp. It was great having Gogo Polly Trice and the Johnson sisters with our family.

Please pray for the Swaziland Baptist National Youth Camp which will be held August 27-30 at Mbekelweni Lutheran High School. The main camp speaker will be Lad Chapman, who works with Children's Cup, an orphan ministry in Swaziland. Lad's wife, Crystal, and Monica were in the same youth group at FBC West Palm Beach, Florida in the states before they both ended up in Swaziland years later. The camp theme this year is "God Chooses Me," based on Ephesians 1:4-5. Please pray for Pastor Chapman as he prepares and leads the sessions for the National Youth Camp. Pray for the national speakers who will be sharing in other teaching times. Pray that the hearts of the Swazi youth would be open and responsive to the word that God has for them.

***Remember, we live in Africa and there is no guarantee that our e-mails are received or even sent out correctly. If you have written and not heard from us, please write again. We would rather receive e-mails two times than not at all.***

Family Blog - www.allensinafrica.blogspot.com - leave us a comment so we know you stopped by to visit! - Be looking for new stories shortly....
Skype - allensinafrica
Monica is part of Facebook so if you are on, let her know. Steve has joined, too, so look him up.

Blessings and love,
Steven, Monica, Lacie and Nathan Allen
IMB missionaries to Swaziland

What a cutie! :)

Hanging with Gogo Polly during her visit to Swaziland

Steve having the time of his life....doing archeology!

Tel Gezer Archeological Project

Hunter and Brinkley Johnson receving their gifts from Maria Shandu

at the National Youth Leader's Retreat in June 2009.

Warren Family News - August 2009

Good morning family, friends and prayer partners ...

These last few weeks have flown by so quickly, and now the time has come. Our bags are sitting in the hall waiting to be loaded, and hard goodbyes have been said. We will leave this Wednesday to travel to Johannesburg, South Africa, and will be staying overnight with one of our dear colleagues before departure. Our flight is scheduled to depart on Thursday, August 6th, at 6pm (our time), and will be arriving in Charlotte, NC, on Friday, August 7th, 10 am (EST).

We can't put into words just how much we have appreciated all of your love and prayers throughout this past year, and especially these last 3 weeks. Your calls and emails have meant so much to us, thank you for continuing to lift us up, and encourage us as we begin this next chapter of our lives. As you all know, goodbyes are never easy, but we are so thankful that God has granted us such sweet times with our mission family and Swazi friends before we leave.

As we come to mind, please remember these special requests:

* Travel safety to Jo'burg, and our return flights to the States (Johannesburg, SA to Washington, DC; Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC)

* Sweet goodbyes with our mission family in Johannesburg

* Our Swaziland mission family, The Myers and the Allens ... pray for their strength and direction as they continue to serve the Lord throughout this beautiful country.
Also, pray for the Lord to call others to join them here in sharing the Gospel, the fields ARE truly white and ready for harvest.

* Direction on employment/ministry opportunities for us as we return to the States

* My parents as they adjust to moving into our home, and for Dad's continued improvement and rehabilitation

* Smooth transition for Jessie, Matthew and Sarah as they enroll back into Union County schools and begin school on August 25th


We look forward to staying in touch with you all, and cherish your friendship. Again, thank you for all the many, many ways you have ministered to our family,
and for all your love, support and prayers!

Serving Him together,

~ The Warren Family
~bert, lisa, jessie, matthew & sarah

Myers Weekly Prayer Letter - August 1, 2009

LEAVE ME NOT
Still let Thy wisdom be my guide,
Nor take Thy flight from me away;
Still with me let Thy grace abide,
That I from Thee may never stray.
Let Thy Word richly in me dwell,
Thy peace and love my portion be;
My joy to endure and do Thy will,
Till perfect I am found in Thee.
--John Wesley

Early tomorrow morning (August 2) Wayne and I leave for a week’s holiday/vacation at the Kruger National Game Reserve. We will drive to a section we have never visited before and slowly work our way down staying at various sites along the way. We will return to Swaziland on the 8th of August (Saturday).
Pray for a safe journey (no vehicle problems) and for us to have a most wonderful time.

-There is very little internet coverage in the Kruger National Game Reserve so we will not be checking or sending emails next week.

Saying Goodbye….
--I n April Lisa Warren’s father suffered a stroke and has been in rehabilitation care centers. Due to insurance limitations he will return to his home on August 3rd. After much prayer the Warrens feel God leading them to return to the States to care for Lisa’s father (Lisa is the only child). They will leave Swaziland on the 5th of August. The Swazi Team including the Warrens met for the last time on Tuesday during the team’s quarterly meeting. We will miss them. Please pray for direction and discernment in all aspects of life from preparing their home to handle Lisa’s dad’s special needs to placing Jessie, Matthew and Sarah back in school as well as Bert and Lisa finding employment.

Price of Power
One year during Parliamentary elections the King of Swaziland made this statement: “During election times, we tend to lose our grandmothers, grandparents and young children. They just disappear!” To what was the King referring? Many people believe that some parliamentarians are desperate enough for power to become elected they have people killed and certain body parts roasted with pieces of flesh and ground to a powder to make traditional medicine or a charm. Pray that God’s light will banish the darkness in Swaziland and many Swazis will see the light of Jesus and not culture (such as ritual murder) as a way of life.

Please pray I will receive the help needed to get the prayer booklet “That Christ Might Dwell In Their Hearts” printed. Pray the booklet will be a wonderful tool for prayer support for the Swazi people.

MEDICAL PRAYER CONCERNS:
-Continue to pray for Terry Myers whose cancer is in remission. Pray for his full recovery from cancer.
--Pray for my niece’s husband’s
mother who has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. A feeding tube has been placed. Pray for the Lord’s strength and courage during this difficult time.
--Pray also for Kerry Harp who continues to recover from a motorcycle accident last year. Pray the Lord will wrap his loving arms around him and Kerry will feel His presence especially on days when he feels depressed.

AIDS UPDATE:
Quote from an AIDS victim: I was so devastated upon first learning my HIV positive status I wanted to commit suicide. I did not ever imagine that I could ever be useful to my country, my continent and the world at large. Many that are still hiding have the opportunity like me to show others that hope is still there. Let us come out and come together, in the church and everywhere and spread the message of hope. Pray that people will not be silent concerning the cause of AIDS and the need for Christ to help change lives. Pray people will have the courage to speak honestly about AIDS and why God wants our behavior to reflect His guidance.

IMB OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
July 1st the IMB (International Mission Board) began a new epoch of change from geographic regions to global affinity groups. (Affinity groups are large groupings of related people that share similar origins and cultures.) Please pray for IMB personnel as they transition to new administrative structures, leadership, relations and ministry possibilities. Ask God to speak into missionary hearts, revealing His vision for reaching the massive number of people groups who have yet to hear or respond to the Good News of Jesus Christ.

UPCOMING EVENTS
-In April Kelly Woody, True Love Waits International consultant visited the Swazi Team members in their areas of work. Kelly returns to Swaziland around the 16th of August to assist the Swazi Team with True Love Waits and to teach about TLW at the National Youth Camp (Aug. 27-30). Pray for Kelly as she prepares to work with Swazis and missionaries to establish a strong True Love Waits program in Swaziland.

“Learning About the Bible” is the theme for the Shiselweni Region’s 2009 Children’s Camp. The first camp is scheduled to meet at the New Hope Baptist Church on 17-19 of August and the second camp August 31-September 2 at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Pray for the Lord’s preparation in the lives of those leading and helping with each camp. Pray the children will begin to look forward to this time of learning and having fun!

Each year the Swazi Baptist churches have the opportunity to send their youth to the National Youth Camp. This year’s camp is August 27-30, 2009. The theme is “God Chooses Me” based on Ephesians 1:4-5. The camp’s main speaker is Lad Chapman missionary friend serving with Children’s Cup. Pray for a venue to be confirmed this week. Pray the annual National Youth Camp will reach many Swazi youth for the Lord. Pray those who attend will daily seek the Lord’s face and will constantly strive to understand the Lord’s will for their lives.

--Because of the concern for charismatic tendencies and practices displayed at the National Easter Services, teaching was scheduled by the Baptist Convention of Swaziland May 22nd-23rd. September 11-12 a follow-up teaching is scheduled. Please pray for Wayne Myers and Steven Allen as they prepare for a time of additional information sharing
and question and answer time. Pray for a better understanding of those attending concerning Baptist beliefs. Pray members from our Baptist churches will commit to making their churches stronger in Baptist beliefs as well as Christian believers

Continue to pray for us as we continue to prepare for our departure on the 24th of September to begin our stateside assignment.
--Pray we will also be able to secure a vehicle for our time in the states. (September 24th-December 30th).