The week before the Maphungwane children’s camp, the pastor phoned to say 42 children had paid their camp fee and he was expecting just a few more to attend. To be sure I had plenty of supplies I prepared for 60. When the total was taken approximately 65 children attended the third children’s camp October 22-24. Numbers are nice but unfortunately, the church did not provide enough workers to help with the camp. Even so we did survive!! We praise the Lord for His blessings and continued presence throughout the 2 ½ days of camp. Sunday morning was very special as the children were the worship leaders for the service. They did a great job and were so excited to have such an important part in the worship.
Pray the members of the Maphungwane Baptist Church will support a strong discipleship program for their children.
--Another highlight of the Sunday morning service at Mphungwane was a baptism service. Three adults were obedient to the Lord in baptism. Pray these will understand the importance of following Jesus even though the Christian lifestyle will conflict with the Swazi culture and traditions.
--During our holiday at the Kruger Game Reserve October 26-29, we were able to see all the BIG FIVE (elephant, cape buffalo, white rhino (we also saw the black rhino), lion and leopard)!! Being an avid bird watcher I was also thrilled with the many varieties that we saw and able to identify. Our drive around the park was so relaxing and it was easy to enjoy God’s beautiful creation. We never tire of visiting the park and are never disappointed!!
--One thing I noticed was the dry condition of the park. The rains have not begun and upon our arrival on Tuesday we saw fields of burnt grass from a fire the day before caused by lightening. The grass and food for the animals was brown (or black from the fire) and many of the smaller drinking pools were dry. Pray the rains will start and will replenish the grass and drinking pools. Pray soon everything will be green instead of brown.
---Please continue to pray the rains will be plentiful throughout Swaziland. Pray the Swazi’s field of mealies will receive enough rain to provide food until the next growing season.
THIS WEEK’S EVENTS:
--The Swazi Team meets on the 2nd of November (minus the Hoskins attending 40/40). This is the first team meeting in several months. Pray as the team discusses future ministries and other business.
--The executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets Saturday Nov. 6th. Pray for the committee as they continue to discuss and plan future ministries and events.
NOVEMBER MINISTRY EVENTS:
-November 13th, the Shiselweni Baptist Association will meet at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Pray as this association continues to organize to meet on a regular basis.
--November 14th, the Thunzini Baptist Church will host a licensing service for their pastor, Nkosingiphile Dlamini. Pastor Dlamini has led this church for many years and is a strong leader and committed Christian. Pray for this very special service and the Lord will continue to bless Nkosingiphile and the Thunzini Baptist Church.
--THANKSGIVING DAY November 25th. The Swazi Team will celebrate this special day at the Myers.
SWAZI TEAM PRAYER CONCERNS:
-- Continue to remember Wayne’s sister, Patsy suffering from COPD and on oxygen. His brother Terry recently had his gall bladder removed. Pray his quarterly tests for the return of stage 4 cancer will show his cancer in remission. Pray for Wayne’s oldest brother having health issues related to his diabetes. Pray for Barbara’s brother-in-law as he continues to recover from his herniated disc surgery in 2009.
--Pray for Todd and Deborah Hoskins currently attending 40/40 (October 21-November 19). Please pray this will be a productive time of study and orientation.
--Please pray for the Allen family each Sunday as they worship with their Swazi brothers and sisters in the different Baptist churches. Swazis do not always attend church as a family and Steve and Monica want to be a strong example to those around them. The hard part is Nathan (2-year old) does not like to sit still very long and it can be quite challenging.
***Do You Know?
What country has been served the longest by Southern Baptist missionaries?
Answer: Nigeria, entered in 1850. In fact, Nigeria was Southern Baptists only mission field in Africa for 100 years.
It was a different Lottie Moon—Miss Moon—who sailed for China on November 8, 1877. In contrast to the eager neophyte run by faith alone four years ago, this woman was clothed in skill and confidence. She was a thoroughly professional missionary both in mind and emotion. Among the thirteen other missionaries on board the Tokio Maru, she was the object of respect.
She would settle in her private home, pick up a definite work as a schoolteacher, walk calmly in the face of danger, and speak and mingle comfortably with the Chinese people. With the ship gliding smoothly across troubled waters, Lottie Moon had a delightful trip. (From the book, The New Lottie Moon Story, 1980 Chapter 6)
It is time for your church to start promoting and setting a goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Pray for the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2010 LMCO so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
PRAYER REQUESTS FROM IMB OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
--Please continue praying for the IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead our organization.
AIDS UPDATE:
Pray as the trends of pregnancy out of wedlock, several sexual partners, more than one wife and relationships, and a disregard for God’s Word continue to dominate the lives of both Christian and non-Christian Swazis.
--Remember www.inhomecarekits.org or info@gobgr.org are your contact sites for information to help fill kits that help families care for their loved ones with AIDS. You or your church’s help is needed in 2011 to supply enough kits to meet the requests from IMB missionaries ministering to AIDS victims. Please pray about this critical need.
This week’s country focus: CHILE:
- Pray for unity amongst the fragmented evangelical congregations. There are estimated between 1500 and 5000 denominations, with one or two new ones starting each week. There is a need here also for reconciliation and humility.
--There is an attitude of contempt in the church for theological training and message preparation before services, resulting in poor teaching, legalism and a lack of appreciation for the Word. Pray for humility to recognize the need for training, and dependence on God for pastors combined with hard work and preparation.
--Pray for forgiveness in this deeply divided nation. The political problems of the past continue to be painful issues for many people. Christians are also divided on some of the issues; pray for reconciliation and unity.
- (Information from The Ultimate Goal (TUG) a project of SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place during June and July 2010.)
O God in heaven, you love us so completely that you even provide a means by which we can be released from pain and discouragement through laughter. How mind-bogglingly creative! Help us to rise up out of the dark corners of our soul and believe you have indeed provided medicine for joyful healing. May we take at least one dose every day. Amen --Marilyn Meberg
For you to revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. Malachi 4:2
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
November Prayer Calendar
Monday November 1: Many Swazis are hoping the rains will be plentiful this growing season. After the planting of their corn (mealie), strong and frequent rains are needed. As long as there is mealie, there is food. Pray there will be enough water in the rivers and streams to meet the people’s needs. Pray the rains will be plentiful throughout Swaziland. Pray the Swazi’s field of mealies will receive enough rain to provide food until the next growing season.
Tuesday November 2: The Swazi Team meets today (minus the Hoskins currently attending 40/40). This is the first team meeting in several months. Pray as the team discusses future ministries and other business, the Lord’s presence will be felt.
Wednesday November 3: Pray for Todd and Deborah Hoskins currently attending 40/40 (Oct. 21-Nov. 19). Please pray this will be a productive time of study and the Lord will use the Hoskins to reach those He has prepared.
Thursday November 4: What organization sets the goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering? Answer: The Woman’s Missionary Union
Has your church set the goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering? Every penny given to Lottie Moon is used to support your Southern Baptist missionaries as they share the gospel overseas. Pray for the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2010 LMCO so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
Friday November 5: Please pray for the Allen family each Sunday as they worship with their Swazi brothers and sisters in the different Baptist churches. Swazis do not always attend church as a family and Steve and Monica want to be a strong example to those around them. The hard part is Nathan (2-year old) does not like to sit still very long and it can be quite challenging.
Saturday November 6: The executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets today. Pray for the committee as they continue to discuss and plan future ministries and events.
Sunday November 7: The Allens report many Swazis are waiting baptism and ask for prayer for the right weather and opportunities for different churches to have their new believers follow Christ in believers baptism. One special person also waiting to be baptized is their daughter, Lacie. Lacie wanted to return to Swaziland to be baptized. Pray Lacie understands the importance of baptism in her life.
Monday November 8: She shared of her life as a young girl/woman before she became a child of the King. The details were chilling to those listening. While discussing the session that dealt with forgiveness she admitted that there was someone she has never been able to forgive until now. She mingled with the other ladies and everyone enjoyed getting to know her. This was her first Women’s Retreat but will probably not be her last. The Lord is working in her life as well as many Swazi Baptist women. Blessings were given during the Swazi Baptist Women’s Retreat October 14-16. Thank you for praying for this event. Pray each lady understood the importance of prayer and the need for a daily time of talking and listening to the Lord. Pray the Lord will continue to bless the lives of those who attended this year’s retreat.
Tuesday November 9: Missionary Wayne Myers has begun a TEE (Theological Education by Extension) class with the Mafucula and Vuvulane Baptist Churches. Approximately 15 individuals have shown an interest in this study. Pray the study will go well and will help those attending become strong committed leaders.
Wednesday November 10: For 2010 BGR (Baptist Global Response) requested help from SBC churches to fill 6,000 Home Health Care kits (5-gallon bucket that contains items that help patients keep clean and dry, items to protect their mat and mattress from soling and vitamins) but only were able to fill 1,500. Since Swaziland has one of the highest AIDS rates in the world, the Swazi Team requested 300 kits to help families care for their loved ones with AIDS but were only guaranteed 25-30 kits. BGR needs your help. If you or your church is interested in helping provide Home Health Care Kits for AIDS victims please contact www.inhomecarekits.org. Pray the use of these items by loving caregivers will show the love and compassion that Jesus Christ has for the terminally ill.
Thursday November 11: Planning has begun for a new Bible study group at the Swazi Citrus Farm in Tshaneni. Pray for this new area of work and for the Myers as they seek to glorify the Lord in this ministry
Friday November 12: Imagine every Sunday arriving to church to find no one to lead the service or preach the sermon. The faithful few that continue to attend every Sunday try to encourage others to come and support the church. Youth and children programs suffer or are non-existent. Pray for godly, strong and faithful leaders to take a stand for Christ and press on against deep rooted cultural beliefs as well as expectations from the family. Pray for a strong leader for every Swazi Baptist church.
Saturday November 13: Today the Shiselweni Baptist Association meets at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Pray as this association continues to organize to meet on a regular basis.
Sunday November 14: Today the Thunzini Baptist will conduct a special licensing service for their pastor Nkosingiphile Dlamini. Pastor Dlamini has led this church for many years and is a strong leader and committed Christian. Pray for this very special service and pray the Lord will continue to bless Nkosingiphile and the Thunzini Baptist Church.
Monday November 15: I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 Pray that the high appreciation of Jesus Christ as a prophet and miracle worker can be used of the Holy Spirit to open the hearts of the Muslims of Swaziland to accept Him as their Savior.
Tuesday November 16: Pray for God’s direction as the Allens seek an area to start a new outreach group in the Hhohho region.
Wednesday November 17: Pray for the person the Hawane Baptist Church paid to clear and grate the plot of land for building of their church structure. This individual has not begun the job he was paid to do.
Thursday November 18: Approximately 80 percent of the Swazi people claim to be Christian but true allegiance is more often to Swazi Traditional religion. Swazis are open to the gospel as long as the approach is culturally sensitive and respectful. Pray many Swazis will truly understand who Jesus is and follow Him completely putting aside traditions that conflict with the Christian way of life. Pray the King of Swaziland, his wives and children will have a chance to hear and understand the gospel message and what it means to be a Christian.
Friday November 19: Continue to remember Wayne Myers’ sister suffering from COPD and on oxygen. His brother, Terry recently had his gall bladder removed. Pray his quarterly tests for the return of stage 4 cancer will show his cancer in remission. Pray for Wayne’s oldest brother having health issues related to his diabetes. Pray for Barbara’s brother-in-law as he continues to recover from his herniated disc surgery in 2009.
Saturday November 20: Today Todd and Deborah Hoskins return to Swaziland after attending the intense missionary training 40/40. Pray for the beginning of new ministries and a deeper relationship with the Lord.
Sunday November 21: Pray for the controversy and conflicts that are happening at Victory Baptist Church due to leadership by one person. It is causing the folks to leave the church. Pray for the Allens as they seek the Lord’s direction in dealing with this sticky situation.
Monday November 22: It is acceptable in the Swazi culture for a man to be intimate with his fiancé before marriage to determine if she is fertile. If she cannot produce children he is not obligated to marry her. Pray the Swazi people will see this kind of cultural practice leads to the spread of HIV/AIDS. Pray the heart of the Swazi people will turn to the Lord.
Tuesday November 23: With the upcoming holidays, pray for missionaries all over the world not able to be with their extended families. Holidays are probably the times most missionaries can be homesick and missing family gatherings. Pray especially for the Hoskins as they face the holidays being overseas for the first time.
Wednesday November 24: Plans have begun for the Swazi Team’s end-of-the-year retreat. In the past, the time has enabled the Team to not only have great fellowship together, but also praise the Lord for His blessings the past year and a time of prayer for future work. We thank the Lord for this special time of celebration. Pray as the Team selects a date, venue and agenda for 2010’s retreat. Pray in all things the Lord will be glorified. (Update: Swazi Team Retreat will be in Nelspruit on 13-15 December.)
Thursday November 25: Thanksgiving Day!
Over the river and through the wood,
To grandfather’s house we go;
The horse knows the way
To carry the sleigh
Through the white and drifted snow.
We will not be going to grandfather’s house or traveling through drifting snow, but the Swazi Team will meet in Tshaneni to celebrate Thanksgivng Day. Pray for a time of fun, fellowship and giving thanks for the blessings the Lord daily provides us.
Friday November 26: SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN UNENGAGED PEOPLES:
Pray for the Jahanka people of Mali. There are not many of them and they are dying out. They are extremely strict Muslims, believing Muhammad to be their uncle. They are very proud of their strong Muslim heritage. Pray they will come in contact with believers and they will turn to the truth.
Saturday November 27: Too many lives are being lost to the Kingdom: About 25,000 people die every day—one person every three seconds--from hunger or hunger related causes, according to the United Nations. God cares about people in need—so many of them are His lost children. Pray God’s people will meet the challenge of addressing the many hunger needs around the world. Check these websites: www.gobgr.org and www.worldhungerfund.com.
Sunday November 28: WEEK OF PRAYER FOR INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS AND THE LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING (Nov. 28-Dec.5)
The sun shining on the sparkling waters of the San Francisco Bay when the Costa Rica steamed out at noon September 1, 1873. A cluster of long-faced missionaries of several denominations, all bound for the Orient, waved good-bye from the rear of the ship. These missionaries never expected to see the shore of America again or to embrace the loved ones left there.Lottie Moon, although on board, did not stand with this group. She had measured the realities of her departure weeks before. She was commissioned to stay in China until total breakdown or death. So she had cut her ties in Virginia and shed her tears along the central railroad route to the Pacific. Now the pain of leaving dimmed behind the future’s bright glow.
--Tuesday December 24, 1912, Harbor of Kobe, Japan Miss Lottie Moon age 72 died.
Both Christians and non-Christians wept at the news of her death. Those in Tengchow felt that injustice had been abused because she had not been allowed to die in the city. They hastened to erect a monument “to bequeath the love of Miss Lottie Moon, an American missionary. The Tengchow church remembers forever. (From the book, The New Lottie Moon Story, 1980)
Remember to lift up your IMB missionaries this week as they minister in various areas with many different people groups. May Lottie Moon’s legacy continue to live through the over 5,000 IMB missionaries throughout the world.
Monday November 29: Please continue praying for the IMB Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead our organization.
Tuesday November 30: Pray for the new church, Jikwene Baptist and pastor Musa Mamba. Last month Wayne Myers was introduced to the pastor. The church began about 5 months ago. Pray the Lord will be glorified in this new work.
Tuesday November 2: The Swazi Team meets today (minus the Hoskins currently attending 40/40). This is the first team meeting in several months. Pray as the team discusses future ministries and other business, the Lord’s presence will be felt.
Wednesday November 3: Pray for Todd and Deborah Hoskins currently attending 40/40 (Oct. 21-Nov. 19). Please pray this will be a productive time of study and the Lord will use the Hoskins to reach those He has prepared.
Thursday November 4: What organization sets the goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering? Answer: The Woman’s Missionary Union
Has your church set the goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering? Every penny given to Lottie Moon is used to support your Southern Baptist missionaries as they share the gospel overseas. Pray for the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2010 LMCO so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
Friday November 5: Please pray for the Allen family each Sunday as they worship with their Swazi brothers and sisters in the different Baptist churches. Swazis do not always attend church as a family and Steve and Monica want to be a strong example to those around them. The hard part is Nathan (2-year old) does not like to sit still very long and it can be quite challenging.
Saturday November 6: The executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets today. Pray for the committee as they continue to discuss and plan future ministries and events.
Sunday November 7: The Allens report many Swazis are waiting baptism and ask for prayer for the right weather and opportunities for different churches to have their new believers follow Christ in believers baptism. One special person also waiting to be baptized is their daughter, Lacie. Lacie wanted to return to Swaziland to be baptized. Pray Lacie understands the importance of baptism in her life.
Monday November 8: She shared of her life as a young girl/woman before she became a child of the King. The details were chilling to those listening. While discussing the session that dealt with forgiveness she admitted that there was someone she has never been able to forgive until now. She mingled with the other ladies and everyone enjoyed getting to know her. This was her first Women’s Retreat but will probably not be her last. The Lord is working in her life as well as many Swazi Baptist women. Blessings were given during the Swazi Baptist Women’s Retreat October 14-16. Thank you for praying for this event. Pray each lady understood the importance of prayer and the need for a daily time of talking and listening to the Lord. Pray the Lord will continue to bless the lives of those who attended this year’s retreat.
Tuesday November 9: Missionary Wayne Myers has begun a TEE (Theological Education by Extension) class with the Mafucula and Vuvulane Baptist Churches. Approximately 15 individuals have shown an interest in this study. Pray the study will go well and will help those attending become strong committed leaders.
Wednesday November 10: For 2010 BGR (Baptist Global Response) requested help from SBC churches to fill 6,000 Home Health Care kits (5-gallon bucket that contains items that help patients keep clean and dry, items to protect their mat and mattress from soling and vitamins) but only were able to fill 1,500. Since Swaziland has one of the highest AIDS rates in the world, the Swazi Team requested 300 kits to help families care for their loved ones with AIDS but were only guaranteed 25-30 kits. BGR needs your help. If you or your church is interested in helping provide Home Health Care Kits for AIDS victims please contact www.inhomecarekits.org. Pray the use of these items by loving caregivers will show the love and compassion that Jesus Christ has for the terminally ill.
Thursday November 11: Planning has begun for a new Bible study group at the Swazi Citrus Farm in Tshaneni. Pray for this new area of work and for the Myers as they seek to glorify the Lord in this ministry
Friday November 12: Imagine every Sunday arriving to church to find no one to lead the service or preach the sermon. The faithful few that continue to attend every Sunday try to encourage others to come and support the church. Youth and children programs suffer or are non-existent. Pray for godly, strong and faithful leaders to take a stand for Christ and press on against deep rooted cultural beliefs as well as expectations from the family. Pray for a strong leader for every Swazi Baptist church.
Saturday November 13: Today the Shiselweni Baptist Association meets at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Pray as this association continues to organize to meet on a regular basis.
Sunday November 14: Today the Thunzini Baptist will conduct a special licensing service for their pastor Nkosingiphile Dlamini. Pastor Dlamini has led this church for many years and is a strong leader and committed Christian. Pray for this very special service and pray the Lord will continue to bless Nkosingiphile and the Thunzini Baptist Church.
Monday November 15: I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 Pray that the high appreciation of Jesus Christ as a prophet and miracle worker can be used of the Holy Spirit to open the hearts of the Muslims of Swaziland to accept Him as their Savior.
Tuesday November 16: Pray for God’s direction as the Allens seek an area to start a new outreach group in the Hhohho region.
Wednesday November 17: Pray for the person the Hawane Baptist Church paid to clear and grate the plot of land for building of their church structure. This individual has not begun the job he was paid to do.
Thursday November 18: Approximately 80 percent of the Swazi people claim to be Christian but true allegiance is more often to Swazi Traditional religion. Swazis are open to the gospel as long as the approach is culturally sensitive and respectful. Pray many Swazis will truly understand who Jesus is and follow Him completely putting aside traditions that conflict with the Christian way of life. Pray the King of Swaziland, his wives and children will have a chance to hear and understand the gospel message and what it means to be a Christian.
Friday November 19: Continue to remember Wayne Myers’ sister suffering from COPD and on oxygen. His brother, Terry recently had his gall bladder removed. Pray his quarterly tests for the return of stage 4 cancer will show his cancer in remission. Pray for Wayne’s oldest brother having health issues related to his diabetes. Pray for Barbara’s brother-in-law as he continues to recover from his herniated disc surgery in 2009.
Saturday November 20: Today Todd and Deborah Hoskins return to Swaziland after attending the intense missionary training 40/40. Pray for the beginning of new ministries and a deeper relationship with the Lord.
Sunday November 21: Pray for the controversy and conflicts that are happening at Victory Baptist Church due to leadership by one person. It is causing the folks to leave the church. Pray for the Allens as they seek the Lord’s direction in dealing with this sticky situation.
Monday November 22: It is acceptable in the Swazi culture for a man to be intimate with his fiancé before marriage to determine if she is fertile. If she cannot produce children he is not obligated to marry her. Pray the Swazi people will see this kind of cultural practice leads to the spread of HIV/AIDS. Pray the heart of the Swazi people will turn to the Lord.
Tuesday November 23: With the upcoming holidays, pray for missionaries all over the world not able to be with their extended families. Holidays are probably the times most missionaries can be homesick and missing family gatherings. Pray especially for the Hoskins as they face the holidays being overseas for the first time.
Wednesday November 24: Plans have begun for the Swazi Team’s end-of-the-year retreat. In the past, the time has enabled the Team to not only have great fellowship together, but also praise the Lord for His blessings the past year and a time of prayer for future work. We thank the Lord for this special time of celebration. Pray as the Team selects a date, venue and agenda for 2010’s retreat. Pray in all things the Lord will be glorified. (Update: Swazi Team Retreat will be in Nelspruit on 13-15 December.)
Thursday November 25: Thanksgiving Day!
Over the river and through the wood,
To grandfather’s house we go;
The horse knows the way
To carry the sleigh
Through the white and drifted snow.
We will not be going to grandfather’s house or traveling through drifting snow, but the Swazi Team will meet in Tshaneni to celebrate Thanksgivng Day. Pray for a time of fun, fellowship and giving thanks for the blessings the Lord daily provides us.
Friday November 26: SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN UNENGAGED PEOPLES:
Pray for the Jahanka people of Mali. There are not many of them and they are dying out. They are extremely strict Muslims, believing Muhammad to be their uncle. They are very proud of their strong Muslim heritage. Pray they will come in contact with believers and they will turn to the truth.
Saturday November 27: Too many lives are being lost to the Kingdom: About 25,000 people die every day—one person every three seconds--from hunger or hunger related causes, according to the United Nations. God cares about people in need—so many of them are His lost children. Pray God’s people will meet the challenge of addressing the many hunger needs around the world. Check these websites: www.gobgr.org and www.worldhungerfund.com.
Sunday November 28: WEEK OF PRAYER FOR INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS AND THE LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING (Nov. 28-Dec.5)
The sun shining on the sparkling waters of the San Francisco Bay when the Costa Rica steamed out at noon September 1, 1873. A cluster of long-faced missionaries of several denominations, all bound for the Orient, waved good-bye from the rear of the ship. These missionaries never expected to see the shore of America again or to embrace the loved ones left there.Lottie Moon, although on board, did not stand with this group. She had measured the realities of her departure weeks before. She was commissioned to stay in China until total breakdown or death. So she had cut her ties in Virginia and shed her tears along the central railroad route to the Pacific. Now the pain of leaving dimmed behind the future’s bright glow.
--Tuesday December 24, 1912, Harbor of Kobe, Japan Miss Lottie Moon age 72 died.
Both Christians and non-Christians wept at the news of her death. Those in Tengchow felt that injustice had been abused because she had not been allowed to die in the city. They hastened to erect a monument “to bequeath the love of Miss Lottie Moon, an American missionary. The Tengchow church remembers forever. (From the book, The New Lottie Moon Story, 1980)
Remember to lift up your IMB missionaries this week as they minister in various areas with many different people groups. May Lottie Moon’s legacy continue to live through the over 5,000 IMB missionaries throughout the world.
Monday November 29: Please continue praying for the IMB Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead our organization.
Tuesday November 30: Pray for the new church, Jikwene Baptist and pastor Musa Mamba. Last month Wayne Myers was introduced to the pastor. The church began about 5 months ago. Pray the Lord will be glorified in this new work.
Update on Allen Family
Sanibonani! (hello in siSwati!) We pray everyone is doing well.
We have had a wild, crazy and fun week but we are looking forward to getting onto some kind of a routine soon. Our newest missionaries, Todd and Deborah Hoskins, arrived in Swaziland last Thursday. It has been wonderful getting to spend time with them and introducing them to life in Swaziland. They just left for Johannesburg to catch a flight tomorrow (Wednesday) to Ethopia and then onwards to Burkina Faso for our company's bush camp training. They will return to Swaziland next month. Pray for safe travels and a great opportunity to learn more about Africa and all God wants to teach them. When I hugged them good-bye this morning, they said it was nice to know these good-byes were not going to be quite so long. Changes and transitions...always happening in our lives.
Our Baptist Swazi women's camp was last Thursday - Saturday and it all went very well. What a joy to worship with these ladies and sisters in Christ! Some shared the challenges of living for Christ in their homes and communites and all of them were challenged in their prayer lives as Barbara Myers taught them several sessions on prayer. The camp was given some bread for their meals and also many clothes and other items to share with the women. They were very grateful for the unexpected blessing from others. It was wonderful to see them receiving clothes, toiletry items and scarves they did not know would be coming their way. God is so good as the body of Christ works together!
While the women's camp was going on, our team leaders and friends, Wayne and Barbara Myers, came to stay with our family for those few days. It was a fun time for our team to be together. We have a team meeting (our first one in a long time!) on November 2 as we have much business to discuss. Pray for team unity as we make decisions for the remainder of 2010 and looking into 2011.
Our family has been contacted by several folks that are interested in coming to serve with us in 2011. Pray for us as we find accommodations for these volunteer teams and individuals and that we would have their itinerary to be exactly in the areas where God wants them to be serving. It is hard to think about 2011 but it will be here soon!If you have not heard by now, Lacie did get into Sifundzani Primary School and will be starting grade 1 in late January. She is now finishing up her grade 0/kindergarten year at Little Brown Hen Preschool and will graduate on 1 December. Pray for Lacie as she is adjusting to be back home, school, church, and friends. She is sad her preschool class will be dividing between different schools for grade 1 and also adjusting to being in siSwati speaking churches on Sunday. We know she is missing her Sunday School classes in the USA.
As always, we are very thankful for your prayers and support. Let us know of ways we can be praying for you, too. Check out our family blog for stories and further prayers updates:www.allensinafrica.blogspot.com
We have had a wild, crazy and fun week but we are looking forward to getting onto some kind of a routine soon. Our newest missionaries, Todd and Deborah Hoskins, arrived in Swaziland last Thursday. It has been wonderful getting to spend time with them and introducing them to life in Swaziland. They just left for Johannesburg to catch a flight tomorrow (Wednesday) to Ethopia and then onwards to Burkina Faso for our company's bush camp training. They will return to Swaziland next month. Pray for safe travels and a great opportunity to learn more about Africa and all God wants to teach them. When I hugged them good-bye this morning, they said it was nice to know these good-byes were not going to be quite so long. Changes and transitions...always happening in our lives.
Our Baptist Swazi women's camp was last Thursday - Saturday and it all went very well. What a joy to worship with these ladies and sisters in Christ! Some shared the challenges of living for Christ in their homes and communites and all of them were challenged in their prayer lives as Barbara Myers taught them several sessions on prayer. The camp was given some bread for their meals and also many clothes and other items to share with the women. They were very grateful for the unexpected blessing from others. It was wonderful to see them receiving clothes, toiletry items and scarves they did not know would be coming their way. God is so good as the body of Christ works together!
While the women's camp was going on, our team leaders and friends, Wayne and Barbara Myers, came to stay with our family for those few days. It was a fun time for our team to be together. We have a team meeting (our first one in a long time!) on November 2 as we have much business to discuss. Pray for team unity as we make decisions for the remainder of 2010 and looking into 2011.
Our family has been contacted by several folks that are interested in coming to serve with us in 2011. Pray for us as we find accommodations for these volunteer teams and individuals and that we would have their itinerary to be exactly in the areas where God wants them to be serving. It is hard to think about 2011 but it will be here soon!If you have not heard by now, Lacie did get into Sifundzani Primary School and will be starting grade 1 in late January. She is now finishing up her grade 0/kindergarten year at Little Brown Hen Preschool and will graduate on 1 December. Pray for Lacie as she is adjusting to be back home, school, church, and friends. She is sad her preschool class will be dividing between different schools for grade 1 and also adjusting to being in siSwati speaking churches on Sunday. We know she is missing her Sunday School classes in the USA.
As always, we are very thankful for your prayers and support. Let us know of ways we can be praying for you, too. Check out our family blog for stories and further prayers updates:www.allensinafrica.blogspot.com
Hello from the Hoskins
Hey everybody! We just wanted to let yall know that we have arrived safely in Swaziland yesterday morning. The country is beautiful! We are currently staying next door to another International Mission Board family - the Allens. They and our supervisors, Wayne and Barbara Myers, have worked on getting us acquainted to the area. Yesterday we tagged along on a grocery store trip. They have a Shop Rite here--it makes me feel like I'm at home. Todd drove the truck home last night in the rain driving on the right side of the car on the left side of the road. This morning I went to a ladies' church meeting, and this afternoon Todd and I went to a Bible study with a small church group. We are enjoying meeting new friends. We will be flying out on Wednesday for about a month of training out of the country. The training is for all new personnel to the Sub-Saharan African region. We will be training in the classroom and on the field with information more specific to our area. We will begin working with our SiSwati language tutor once we get back to Swaziland. Thank you so much for your continued prayers and encouragement.
We miss you!
Love,Deborah and Todd
We miss you!
Love,Deborah and Todd
Friday, October 22, 2010
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
You will find in your “closet of prayer” what you frequently lose when you are out in the world. The more you visit it, the more you will want to return. If you are faithful to your secret place, it will become your closest friend and bring your much comfort. The tears shed there bring cleansing.
--Thomas A. Kempis
With courage and the help of directions and their GPS, Todd and Deborah Hoskins made their way to Jo’burg on Tuesday. Wednesday they flew to Burkina Faso to begin their time of learning to live in Africa as well as developing relationships with the African people. Pray the Lord will continue to prepare them each day during their intensive African training. Pray each day will be full of wonderful blessings. 40/40 concludes on the 19th of November.
My computer is still in the shop. The processor needs to be replaced (again) and the technicians are having difficulty finding a chip that is needed. I am still using Wayne’s old laptop. The technicians hope to have the computer running sometime soon or as the Africans say, “Anytime from now!” L Pray I will soon have my computer back from the shop!!
--Today begins the third children’s camp (October 22-24) at the Mphungwane Baptist Church. The theme is “Let Us Talk To God.” The children will spend time listening to stories on Christ, Daniel and Hannah, worshipping Friday and Saturday evening using the Resurrection Eggs, singing, reading/acting out stories in the Bible, playing, coloring and having a good time. (I will be pitching my tent Friday and Saturday night.)
Through their camp experience, pray each child will be touched by the Lord.
--The Maphungwane Baptist Church will also conduct a baptism service Sunday morning. Pray as the church continues to reach the loss in the community. Pray for these being baptized to be committed to the Christian way of living.
--Wayne and I are looking forward to our four days and three nights at the Kruger National Game Reserve next week (Oct. 26-29). Please pray it will be a relaxing and peaceful experience.
NOVEMBER MINISTRY EVENTS:
--The Swazi Team meets on the 2nd of November (minus the Hoskins attending 40/40). This is the first team meeting in several months. Pray as the team discusses future ministries and other business.
--The executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets Saturday Nov. 4th. Pray for the committee as they continue to discuss and plan future ministries and events.
-November 13th, the Shiselweni Baptist Association will meet at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Pray as this association continues to organize to meet on a regular basis.
--November 14th, the Thunzini Baptist Church will host a licensing service for their pastor, Nkosingiphile Dlamini. Pastor Dlamini has led this church for many years and is a strong leader and committed Christian. Pray for this very special service and the Lord will continue to bless Nkosingiphile and the Thunzini Baptist Church.
SWAZI TEAM PRAYER CONCERNS:
-- Continue to remember Wayne’s sister, Patsy suffering from COPD and on oxygen. His brother Terry recently had his gall bladder removed. Pray his quarterly tests for the return of stage 4 cancer will show his cancer in remission. Pray for Wayne’s oldest brother having health issues related to his diabetes. Pray for Barbara’s brother-in-law as he continues to recover from his herniated disc surgery in 2009.
--Please pray for the Allen family each Sunday as they worship with their Swazi brothers and sisters in the different Baptist churches. Swazis do not always attend church as a family and Steve and Monica want to be a strong example to those around them. The hard part is Nathan (2-year old) does not like to sit still very long and it can be quite challenging.
---Please continue to pray the rains will be plentiful throughout Swaziland. Pray the Swazi’s field of mealies will receive enough rain to provide food until the next growing season.
***Do You Know?
Under which executive secretary of the Foreign Mission Board did both the missionary force and the number of mission fields triple?
Answer: Baker James Cauthen, 1954-1979
The sun was shining on the sparkling waters of the San Francisco Bay when the Costa Rica steamed out at noon September 1, 1873. A cluster of long-faced missionaries of several denominations, all bound for the Orient, waved good-bye from the rear of the ship. These missionaries never expected to see the shore of America again or to embrace the loved ones left there. Lottie Moon although on board, did not stand with this group. She had measured the realities of her departure weeks before. She was commissioned to stay in China until total breakdown or death. So she had cut her ties in Virginia and shed her tears along the central railroad route to the Pacific. Now the pain of leaving dimmed behind the future’s bright glow. (From the book, The New Lottie Moon Story, 1980)
It is time for your church to start promoting and setting a goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Pray for the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2010 LMCO so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
PRAYER REQUESTS FROM IMB OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
--Please continue praying for the IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead our organization.
AIDS UPDATE:
“The Lord will heal me. I don’t need to take my ARVs.” ARVs basically prolong the life of one with the AIDS virus. There is no cure for AIDS but with the help of these drugs patients live their lives as though they do not have AIDS. One of our friends told us that he feels the Lord has healed him and he no longer needs to take the ARVs. We pray that is so but the condition of his body tells us a different story. He has also convinced another friend with the AIDS virus that the Lord will heal him, and he too has quit taking the drugs. Pray the Lord will truly speak to these two concerning their future treatment of the AIDS virus. May He continue to lead and guide His children that walk the dark and uncertain path of AIDS.
--Remember www.inhomecarekits.org is your contact site to help fill kits that help families care for their loved ones with AIDS. You or your church’s help is needed to supply enough kits to meet the requests from IMB missionaries ministering to AIDS victims. Please pray about this critical need.
This week’s country focus: PORTUGAL:
- There has been little concern for world evangelization amongst Portuguese churches, even with the unique role they have to play with the Portuguese language being used widely in mission fields throughout the world. Pray for a burden for missions amongst Portuguese Christians.
-Estimated 90% of the population consult spirit mediums and witches. The teachings of Jehovah Witnesses, Mormons and New Age philosophies have gained a wide hearing. Pray for many people to be released and for discerning Christian leaders to be able to expose these false doctrines.
-Young people in Portugal are often spiritually neglected. Over 50% of them have experimented with drugs in some way. Pray for those working with drug addicts, and that the eyes of young people would be opened to the dangers inherent with drug dependency.
- (Information from The Ultimate Goal (TUG) a project of SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place during June and July 2010.)
--Thomas A. Kempis
With courage and the help of directions and their GPS, Todd and Deborah Hoskins made their way to Jo’burg on Tuesday. Wednesday they flew to Burkina Faso to begin their time of learning to live in Africa as well as developing relationships with the African people. Pray the Lord will continue to prepare them each day during their intensive African training. Pray each day will be full of wonderful blessings. 40/40 concludes on the 19th of November.
My computer is still in the shop. The processor needs to be replaced (again) and the technicians are having difficulty finding a chip that is needed. I am still using Wayne’s old laptop. The technicians hope to have the computer running sometime soon or as the Africans say, “Anytime from now!” L Pray I will soon have my computer back from the shop!!
--Today begins the third children’s camp (October 22-24) at the Mphungwane Baptist Church. The theme is “Let Us Talk To God.” The children will spend time listening to stories on Christ, Daniel and Hannah, worshipping Friday and Saturday evening using the Resurrection Eggs, singing, reading/acting out stories in the Bible, playing, coloring and having a good time. (I will be pitching my tent Friday and Saturday night.)
Through their camp experience, pray each child will be touched by the Lord.
--The Maphungwane Baptist Church will also conduct a baptism service Sunday morning. Pray as the church continues to reach the loss in the community. Pray for these being baptized to be committed to the Christian way of living.
--Wayne and I are looking forward to our four days and three nights at the Kruger National Game Reserve next week (Oct. 26-29). Please pray it will be a relaxing and peaceful experience.
NOVEMBER MINISTRY EVENTS:
--The Swazi Team meets on the 2nd of November (minus the Hoskins attending 40/40). This is the first team meeting in several months. Pray as the team discusses future ministries and other business.
--The executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets Saturday Nov. 4th. Pray for the committee as they continue to discuss and plan future ministries and events.
-November 13th, the Shiselweni Baptist Association will meet at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Pray as this association continues to organize to meet on a regular basis.
--November 14th, the Thunzini Baptist Church will host a licensing service for their pastor, Nkosingiphile Dlamini. Pastor Dlamini has led this church for many years and is a strong leader and committed Christian. Pray for this very special service and the Lord will continue to bless Nkosingiphile and the Thunzini Baptist Church.
SWAZI TEAM PRAYER CONCERNS:
-- Continue to remember Wayne’s sister, Patsy suffering from COPD and on oxygen. His brother Terry recently had his gall bladder removed. Pray his quarterly tests for the return of stage 4 cancer will show his cancer in remission. Pray for Wayne’s oldest brother having health issues related to his diabetes. Pray for Barbara’s brother-in-law as he continues to recover from his herniated disc surgery in 2009.
--Please pray for the Allen family each Sunday as they worship with their Swazi brothers and sisters in the different Baptist churches. Swazis do not always attend church as a family and Steve and Monica want to be a strong example to those around them. The hard part is Nathan (2-year old) does not like to sit still very long and it can be quite challenging.
---Please continue to pray the rains will be plentiful throughout Swaziland. Pray the Swazi’s field of mealies will receive enough rain to provide food until the next growing season.
***Do You Know?
Under which executive secretary of the Foreign Mission Board did both the missionary force and the number of mission fields triple?
Answer: Baker James Cauthen, 1954-1979
The sun was shining on the sparkling waters of the San Francisco Bay when the Costa Rica steamed out at noon September 1, 1873. A cluster of long-faced missionaries of several denominations, all bound for the Orient, waved good-bye from the rear of the ship. These missionaries never expected to see the shore of America again or to embrace the loved ones left there. Lottie Moon although on board, did not stand with this group. She had measured the realities of her departure weeks before. She was commissioned to stay in China until total breakdown or death. So she had cut her ties in Virginia and shed her tears along the central railroad route to the Pacific. Now the pain of leaving dimmed behind the future’s bright glow. (From the book, The New Lottie Moon Story, 1980)
It is time for your church to start promoting and setting a goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Pray for the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2010 LMCO so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
PRAYER REQUESTS FROM IMB OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
--Please continue praying for the IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead our organization.
AIDS UPDATE:
“The Lord will heal me. I don’t need to take my ARVs.” ARVs basically prolong the life of one with the AIDS virus. There is no cure for AIDS but with the help of these drugs patients live their lives as though they do not have AIDS. One of our friends told us that he feels the Lord has healed him and he no longer needs to take the ARVs. We pray that is so but the condition of his body tells us a different story. He has also convinced another friend with the AIDS virus that the Lord will heal him, and he too has quit taking the drugs. Pray the Lord will truly speak to these two concerning their future treatment of the AIDS virus. May He continue to lead and guide His children that walk the dark and uncertain path of AIDS.
--Remember www.inhomecarekits.org is your contact site to help fill kits that help families care for their loved ones with AIDS. You or your church’s help is needed to supply enough kits to meet the requests from IMB missionaries ministering to AIDS victims. Please pray about this critical need.
This week’s country focus: PORTUGAL:
- There has been little concern for world evangelization amongst Portuguese churches, even with the unique role they have to play with the Portuguese language being used widely in mission fields throughout the world. Pray for a burden for missions amongst Portuguese Christians.
-Estimated 90% of the population consult spirit mediums and witches. The teachings of Jehovah Witnesses, Mormons and New Age philosophies have gained a wide hearing. Pray for many people to be released and for discerning Christian leaders to be able to expose these false doctrines.
-Young people in Portugal are often spiritually neglected. Over 50% of them have experimented with drugs in some way. Pray for those working with drug addicts, and that the eyes of young people would be opened to the dangers inherent with drug dependency.
- (Information from The Ultimate Goal (TUG) a project of SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place during June and July 2010.)
Monday, October 18, 2010
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
We are happy to announce that Todd and Deborah Hoskins arrived in Swaziland on Thursday. We had the chance to meet and talk with them on Thursday and Friday and feel blessed the Lord has brought them our way. Please pray for an easy adjustment for Todd and Deborah to life in Swaziland.
Tomorrow, Todd and Deborah leave for Jo’burg. On Wednesday they fly to Burkina Faso to begin their time of intensive training on learning to live in Africa as well as developing relationships with the African people. Pray the Lord will prepare them for this type of training. Pray their life will be blessed. 40/40 concludes on the 19th of November.
--She shared of her life as a young girl/woman before she became a child of the King. The details were chilling to those listening. While discussing the session that dealt with forgiveness she admitted that there was someone she has never been able to forgive until now. She mingled with the other ladies and everyone enjoyed getting to know her. This was her first Women’s Retreat but will probably not be her last. The Lord is working in her life as well as many Swazi Baptist women. Blessings were given to us during the Swazi Baptist Women’s Retreat October 14-16. Thank you for praying for this event. Lives were touched including mine!!
Pray each lady understood the importance of prayer and the need for a daily time of talking and listening to the Lord. Pray the Lord will continue to bless the lives of those who attended this year’s retreat.
--Lacie Allen was accepted to the Sifundzani Primary School. She will begin first grade in January 2011.
My computer is still in the shop. The processor needs to be replaced (again) and the technicians are having difficulty finding a chip that is needed. I am still using Wayne’s old laptop. The technicians hope to have the computer running within a week. Pray I will soon have my computer back from the shop!!
--The third children’s camp is scheduled for this weekend, October 22-24 at the Mphungwane Baptist Church. The theme is “Let Us Talk To God.” The children will study stories on Christ, Daniel and Hannah who were great prayer warriors.
Pray the children will be able to take home the stories and their significance. Pray each will go home touched by the Lord.
--The Maphungwane Baptist Church will also conduct a baptism service Sunday morning. Pray as the church continues to reach the loss in the community. Pray for these being baptized to be committed to the Christian way of living.
Wayne began a TEE (Theological Education by Extension) class two weeks ago with the Mafucula and Vuvulane Baptist Churches. There are approximately 15 interested Swazis. Pray the study will go well and will help those attending become strong committed leaders.
NOVEMBER MINISTRY EVENTS:
--The Swazi Team meets on the 2nd of November (minus the Hoskins attending 40/40). This is the first team meeting in several months. Pray as the team discusses future ministries and other business.
-November 13, the Shiselweni Baptist Association will meet at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Pray as this association continues to organize to meet on a regular basis.
--November 14, the Thunzini Baptist Church will host a licensing service for their pastor, Nkosingiphile Dlamini. Pastor Dlamini has led this church for many years and is a strong leader and committed Christian. Pray for this very special service and the Lord will continue to bless Nkosingiphile and the Thunzini Baptist Church.
SWAZI TEAM PRAYER CONCERNS:
--The Myers are taking a little holiday to Kruger National Game Reserve October 26-29. Pray we will have a fun and relaxing time.
-- Continue to remember Wayne’s sister, Patsy suffering from COPD and on oxygen. -Pray also Wayne’s brother (Terry). Pray his quarterly tests will continue to show his cancer is in remission. -Pray Barbara’s brother-in-law, Gary Rutledge will continue to recover from his herniated disc surgery.
--The Allens report that many are waiting baptism and ask for prayer for the right weather and opportunities for different churches to have new believers follow Christ in believer’s baptism. One special person waiting to be baptized is their daughter, Lacie. Lacie wanted to return to Swaziland to be baptized. Pray Lacie understands the importance of baptism in her life.
***Do You Know?
What are the two central objectives of missionary labors?
**Answer:
Evangelism and church development.
It is time for your church to start promoting and setting a goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Every penny given to Lottie Moon is used to support your Southern Baptist missionaries as they share the Gospel overseas. The offering represents 54 percent of the International Mission Board’s total income. Pray for the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2010 LMCO so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
PRAYER REQUESTS FROM IMB OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
-Pray for the October 18-20 Impact Your World Conference being held at the International Learning Center in Rockville, Va. This conference helps churches to find answers to their questions about living out Acts 1:8. Guests will be able to dialog with missionaries, as well as with pastors who are effectively engaging in international missions, and receive tools that will help them in their missions journey.
--Please continue praying for the IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead our organization.
AIDS UPDATE:
With statistics showing that Swaziland continues to lose many Swazis to the AIDS pandemic, reports show that 60 to70 percent of the adult population are involved in multiple sexual relationships. There is a high prevalence of multiple concurrent partners. Studies show that concurrent multiple partners definitely influence the HIV infection rate. It seems that the people in Swaziland do not care about HIV or AIDS. Pray there will be an awakening among the Swazis concerning the dangers of their lifestyles that cause AIDS. (Information taken from the Swazi News).
--Remember www.inhomecarekits.org is your contact site to help fill kits that help families care for their loved ones with AIDS. You or your church’s help is needed to supply enough kits to meet the requests from IMB missionaries ministering to AIDS victims. Please pray concerning this critical need.
This week’s country focus: ALGERIA:
- Pray for political, religious and spiritual freedom for the Algerian people. The Berber people are increasingly seeking to reaffirm their identity and return to their cultural roots. Their forebears were once Christian, and many thousands of people have turned to Christ amongst the Kabyle-some through supernatural revelations of the Lord Jesus and others through personal evangelism.
--Pray also that the Berbers, who have the potential to sweep across the North of Africa with the gospel, would have the resources to realize their growing vision.
--Pray for Christian music, which is being composed and written in local languages and styles; it needs to be sent out across Algeria.
- (Information from The Ultimate Goal (TUG) a project of SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place during June and July 2010.)
My dearest Lord,
Be thou a bright flame before me,
Be thou a guiding star above me,
Be thou a smooth path beneath me,
Be thou a kindly shepherd behind me,
Today—tonight—and forever.
-Saint Columba
Tomorrow, Todd and Deborah leave for Jo’burg. On Wednesday they fly to Burkina Faso to begin their time of intensive training on learning to live in Africa as well as developing relationships with the African people. Pray the Lord will prepare them for this type of training. Pray their life will be blessed. 40/40 concludes on the 19th of November.
--She shared of her life as a young girl/woman before she became a child of the King. The details were chilling to those listening. While discussing the session that dealt with forgiveness she admitted that there was someone she has never been able to forgive until now. She mingled with the other ladies and everyone enjoyed getting to know her. This was her first Women’s Retreat but will probably not be her last. The Lord is working in her life as well as many Swazi Baptist women. Blessings were given to us during the Swazi Baptist Women’s Retreat October 14-16. Thank you for praying for this event. Lives were touched including mine!!
Pray each lady understood the importance of prayer and the need for a daily time of talking and listening to the Lord. Pray the Lord will continue to bless the lives of those who attended this year’s retreat.
--Lacie Allen was accepted to the Sifundzani Primary School. She will begin first grade in January 2011.
My computer is still in the shop. The processor needs to be replaced (again) and the technicians are having difficulty finding a chip that is needed. I am still using Wayne’s old laptop. The technicians hope to have the computer running within a week. Pray I will soon have my computer back from the shop!!
--The third children’s camp is scheduled for this weekend, October 22-24 at the Mphungwane Baptist Church. The theme is “Let Us Talk To God.” The children will study stories on Christ, Daniel and Hannah who were great prayer warriors.
Pray the children will be able to take home the stories and their significance. Pray each will go home touched by the Lord.
--The Maphungwane Baptist Church will also conduct a baptism service Sunday morning. Pray as the church continues to reach the loss in the community. Pray for these being baptized to be committed to the Christian way of living.
Wayne began a TEE (Theological Education by Extension) class two weeks ago with the Mafucula and Vuvulane Baptist Churches. There are approximately 15 interested Swazis. Pray the study will go well and will help those attending become strong committed leaders.
NOVEMBER MINISTRY EVENTS:
--The Swazi Team meets on the 2nd of November (minus the Hoskins attending 40/40). This is the first team meeting in several months. Pray as the team discusses future ministries and other business.
-November 13, the Shiselweni Baptist Association will meet at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Pray as this association continues to organize to meet on a regular basis.
--November 14, the Thunzini Baptist Church will host a licensing service for their pastor, Nkosingiphile Dlamini. Pastor Dlamini has led this church for many years and is a strong leader and committed Christian. Pray for this very special service and the Lord will continue to bless Nkosingiphile and the Thunzini Baptist Church.
SWAZI TEAM PRAYER CONCERNS:
--The Myers are taking a little holiday to Kruger National Game Reserve October 26-29. Pray we will have a fun and relaxing time.
-- Continue to remember Wayne’s sister, Patsy suffering from COPD and on oxygen. -Pray also Wayne’s brother (Terry). Pray his quarterly tests will continue to show his cancer is in remission. -Pray Barbara’s brother-in-law, Gary Rutledge will continue to recover from his herniated disc surgery.
--The Allens report that many are waiting baptism and ask for prayer for the right weather and opportunities for different churches to have new believers follow Christ in believer’s baptism. One special person waiting to be baptized is their daughter, Lacie. Lacie wanted to return to Swaziland to be baptized. Pray Lacie understands the importance of baptism in her life.
***Do You Know?
What are the two central objectives of missionary labors?
**Answer:
Evangelism and church development.
It is time for your church to start promoting and setting a goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Every penny given to Lottie Moon is used to support your Southern Baptist missionaries as they share the Gospel overseas. The offering represents 54 percent of the International Mission Board’s total income. Pray for the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2010 LMCO so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
PRAYER REQUESTS FROM IMB OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
-Pray for the October 18-20 Impact Your World Conference being held at the International Learning Center in Rockville, Va. This conference helps churches to find answers to their questions about living out Acts 1:8. Guests will be able to dialog with missionaries, as well as with pastors who are effectively engaging in international missions, and receive tools that will help them in their missions journey.
--Please continue praying for the IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead our organization.
AIDS UPDATE:
With statistics showing that Swaziland continues to lose many Swazis to the AIDS pandemic, reports show that 60 to70 percent of the adult population are involved in multiple sexual relationships. There is a high prevalence of multiple concurrent partners. Studies show that concurrent multiple partners definitely influence the HIV infection rate. It seems that the people in Swaziland do not care about HIV or AIDS. Pray there will be an awakening among the Swazis concerning the dangers of their lifestyles that cause AIDS. (Information taken from the Swazi News).
--Remember www.inhomecarekits.org is your contact site to help fill kits that help families care for their loved ones with AIDS. You or your church’s help is needed to supply enough kits to meet the requests from IMB missionaries ministering to AIDS victims. Please pray concerning this critical need.
This week’s country focus: ALGERIA:
- Pray for political, religious and spiritual freedom for the Algerian people. The Berber people are increasingly seeking to reaffirm their identity and return to their cultural roots. Their forebears were once Christian, and many thousands of people have turned to Christ amongst the Kabyle-some through supernatural revelations of the Lord Jesus and others through personal evangelism.
--Pray also that the Berbers, who have the potential to sweep across the North of Africa with the gospel, would have the resources to realize their growing vision.
--Pray for Christian music, which is being composed and written in local languages and styles; it needs to be sent out across Algeria.
- (Information from The Ultimate Goal (TUG) a project of SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place during June and July 2010.)
My dearest Lord,
Be thou a bright flame before me,
Be thou a guiding star above me,
Be thou a smooth path beneath me,
Be thou a kindly shepherd behind me,
Today—tonight—and forever.
-Saint Columba
Monday, October 11, 2010
Meet the Hoskins
Thanks for all your prayers for Lacie's entrance exam last week. All went very well and she did fantastic. We are now waiting to hear from the school if she has been accepted or not. At this point, it is a matter of space as the school only takes 60 students for two 1st grade classes. Praying for God's will to be shown to our family.This week, our mission family will be receiving new personnel...yeah!!!
They are Todd and Deborah Hoskins and will be serving a two-year assignment with our company. They will live next door to our family for a short time and then the plan is for them to move down to Manzini to be more centrally located. They will be doing church planting/developing in the Manzini area as well developing rural "schools" for leadership training, discipleship classes, etc. We look forward to all God has planned for their time in Swaziland.
Pray for Todd and Deborah as they are saying good-bye to family and friends for a couple years. They will fly out of the USA on Tuesday, arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa on Wednesday, spend night at our Baptist guest house and arrive in Swaziland on Thursday morning on the 7:40am flight, our time. Whew, they will need a few days of rest to get over all those travels! :) They will only be in Swaziland for several days before they head to Burkina Faso and Ghana for our company's 40/40 bush camp training.We look forward to sharing more about Todd and Deborah in future updates! As always, thank you for your prayers!!!!
They are Todd and Deborah Hoskins and will be serving a two-year assignment with our company. They will live next door to our family for a short time and then the plan is for them to move down to Manzini to be more centrally located. They will be doing church planting/developing in the Manzini area as well developing rural "schools" for leadership training, discipleship classes, etc. We look forward to all God has planned for their time in Swaziland.
Pray for Todd and Deborah as they are saying good-bye to family and friends for a couple years. They will fly out of the USA on Tuesday, arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa on Wednesday, spend night at our Baptist guest house and arrive in Swaziland on Thursday morning on the 7:40am flight, our time. Whew, they will need a few days of rest to get over all those travels! :) They will only be in Swaziland for several days before they head to Burkina Faso and Ghana for our company's 40/40 bush camp training.We look forward to sharing more about Todd and Deborah in future updates! As always, thank you for your prayers!!!!
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
With hearts full of sadness we had to say goodbye to our Noel (our female dog) this week due to the progression of her bone cancer. We buried her under one of the big trees in the corner of our yard. She will be missed by all of us including Bubba (our male dog).
--On Sunday October 3, the Mafucula Baptist Church baptized 5 new Christians. Pray these will understand their commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ and live lives pleasing to Him.
Thank you for praying for the rain to fall throughout Swaziland. The Lord sent refreshing rain this week. Please continue to pray the rains will be plentiful during the growing season (October-April).
TWO BIG EVENTS THIS WEEK!!
-Todd and Deborah Hoskins leave for Swaziland on the 12th of October. The Hoskins are 2-year missionaries serving as church planters and developing rural church training schools for pastors and lay leaders. Pray Todd and Deborah’s flight will be uneventful. Pray they will have an easy adjustment to life in Swaziland.
-“Evening and morning and at noon I will pray and cry aloud. And He shall hear my voice.” (Psalm 55:17) October 14-16, 2010 is the National Swazi Baptist Women’s Retreat at the Manzini Baptist Church. The theme is “I Will Cry Unto the Lord” and the scripture verse is Psalm 55:17. So many Swazis do not know the importance of a personal prayer life or that they can even pray outside the church. Pray those attending will understand the true meaning of prayer and the need of a daily time of talking and listening to the Lord. Pray each attendee will learn to cry unto the Lord anytime and anywhere.
OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER MINISTRY EVENTS:
--October 21-November 19, Todd and Deborah Hoskins will attend the on-field orientation 40/40 in Burkino Faso (West Africa). 40/40 is an intensive time of learning to live in Africa as well as developing relationships with the African people. Begin praying for Todd and Deborah’s preparation for this type of training and wonderful blessings will occur.
The third children’s camp is scheduled for October 22-24 at the Mphungwane Baptist Church. The theme is “Let Us Talk To God.” The children will study stories on Christ, Daniel and Hannah who were great prayer warriors.
Pray the children will be able to take home the stories and their significance. Pray each will go home touched by the Lord.
-November 13, the Shiselweni Baptist Association will meet at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Pray as this association continues to organize to meet on a regular basis.
--November 14, the Thunzini Baptist Church will host a licensing service for their pastor, Nkosingiphile Dlamini. Pastor Dlamini has led this church for many years and is a strong leader and committed Christian. Pray for this very special service and the Lord will continue to bless Nkosingiphile and the Thunzini Baptist Church.
SWAZI TEAM PRAYER CONCERNS:
--Lacie Allen’s school entrance exam was on Thursday the 7th. She breezed through it as we knew she would!! Pray Lacie will not encounter any problems gaining entrance to the Sifundzane Primary School in January 2011 (1st grade).
--The Myers are taking a little holiday to Kruger National Game Reserve October 26-29. Pray we will have a fun and relaxing time.
-- Continue to remember Wayne’s sister, Patsy suffering from COPD and on oxygen. -Pray also Wayne’s brother (Terry). Pray his quarterly tests will continue to show his cancer is in remission. -Pray Barbara’s brother-in-law, Gary Rutledge will continue to recover from his herniated disc surgery.
**WORLD HUNGER SUNDAY IS TOMORROW, OCTOBER 10TH, but your church can have a World Hunger emphasis any time of the year!!
October 10th is World Hunger Sunday, when many churches collect funds to support hunger needs around the world. Other congregations address needs at other times in other ways. Whenever and however you focus on hunger issues, are you ready? BGR, (Baptist Global Response) in partnership with worldhunger.com provides lots of information and resources to help you battle the world hunger giant.
Resources are available under the “Get Involved” tab at www.gobgr.org: awareness and fund-raising event ideas, those wonderful bread banks, a downloadable prayer guide and more. Also a number of excellent resources can be found at www.worldhungerfund.com.
Too many lives are being lost to the Kingdom: About 25,000 people die every day—one person every three seconds—from hunger or hunger-related causes, according to the United Nations. God cares about people in need—so many of them are his lost children.
***Do You Know?
What organization sets the goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering?
**Answer:
The Woman’s Missionary Union.
It is time for your church to start promoting and setting a goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Every penny given to Lottie Moon is used to support your Southern Baptist missionaries as they share the Gospel overseas. The offering represents 54 percent of the International Mission Board’s total income. Pray for the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2010 LMCO so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
PRAYER REQUESTS FROM IMB OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
-Pray for the October 18-20 Impact Your World Conference being held at the International Learning Center in Rockville, Va. This conference helps churches to find answers to their questions about living out Acts 1:8. Guests will be able to dialog with missionaries, as well as with pastors who are effectively engaging in international missions, and receive tools that will help them in their missions journey.
--Please continue praying for the IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead our organization.
AIDS UPDATE:
For 2010 BGR requested help from SBC churches to fill 6,000 kits but only were able to fill 1500 kit. Since Swaziland has one of the highest AIDS rates in the world, The Swazi Team requested 300 kits to help families care for their loved ones but were only guaranteed 25-50 kits. BGR (as well as the Swazi Team) needs your help. If you or your church is interested in helping to provide In-Home Care Kits to families with love ones dying of AIDS please contact www.inhomecarekits.org
--Pray that the use of these items by loving caregivers will show the love and compassion that Jesus Christ has for the terminally ill.
--COWBOY RODEO CHURCH (Spencer Co, Ky) has moved!! Due to additional events that hindered worship, the Rodeo Church moved from the Red Barn to the Spencer County High School. Contacts have been made. Pray these contacts will encourage more people to attend on Sunday evenings.
This week’s country focus: GREECE:
- Pray for the breaking down of prejudice, blindness and fear surrounding evangelical Christianity. Discrimination, harassment and persecution of minorities still happen, especially against those who proselytize: Evangelicals, Pentecostals, Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses. Pray for cultural and legal equality amongst the different groups, and the constitution to be changed to guarantee full religious freedom.
--Pray for Christians to have the courage to witness about Jesus, even when they are despised and persecuted. Pray that believers would remain steadfast in their faith, and would have opportunities to grow in their faith though fellowship with other believers.
--Pray for people living on the 200 or so inhabited Greek Islands. The majority of these communities are without an Evangelical witness, and many people have never even heard a clear presentation of the Gospel.- (Information from The Ultimate Goal (TUG) a project of SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place during June and July 2010.)
--On Sunday October 3, the Mafucula Baptist Church baptized 5 new Christians. Pray these will understand their commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ and live lives pleasing to Him.
Thank you for praying for the rain to fall throughout Swaziland. The Lord sent refreshing rain this week. Please continue to pray the rains will be plentiful during the growing season (October-April).
TWO BIG EVENTS THIS WEEK!!
-Todd and Deborah Hoskins leave for Swaziland on the 12th of October. The Hoskins are 2-year missionaries serving as church planters and developing rural church training schools for pastors and lay leaders. Pray Todd and Deborah’s flight will be uneventful. Pray they will have an easy adjustment to life in Swaziland.
-“Evening and morning and at noon I will pray and cry aloud. And He shall hear my voice.” (Psalm 55:17) October 14-16, 2010 is the National Swazi Baptist Women’s Retreat at the Manzini Baptist Church. The theme is “I Will Cry Unto the Lord” and the scripture verse is Psalm 55:17. So many Swazis do not know the importance of a personal prayer life or that they can even pray outside the church. Pray those attending will understand the true meaning of prayer and the need of a daily time of talking and listening to the Lord. Pray each attendee will learn to cry unto the Lord anytime and anywhere.
OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER MINISTRY EVENTS:
--October 21-November 19, Todd and Deborah Hoskins will attend the on-field orientation 40/40 in Burkino Faso (West Africa). 40/40 is an intensive time of learning to live in Africa as well as developing relationships with the African people. Begin praying for Todd and Deborah’s preparation for this type of training and wonderful blessings will occur.
The third children’s camp is scheduled for October 22-24 at the Mphungwane Baptist Church. The theme is “Let Us Talk To God.” The children will study stories on Christ, Daniel and Hannah who were great prayer warriors.
Pray the children will be able to take home the stories and their significance. Pray each will go home touched by the Lord.
-November 13, the Shiselweni Baptist Association will meet at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Pray as this association continues to organize to meet on a regular basis.
--November 14, the Thunzini Baptist Church will host a licensing service for their pastor, Nkosingiphile Dlamini. Pastor Dlamini has led this church for many years and is a strong leader and committed Christian. Pray for this very special service and the Lord will continue to bless Nkosingiphile and the Thunzini Baptist Church.
SWAZI TEAM PRAYER CONCERNS:
--Lacie Allen’s school entrance exam was on Thursday the 7th. She breezed through it as we knew she would!! Pray Lacie will not encounter any problems gaining entrance to the Sifundzane Primary School in January 2011 (1st grade).
--The Myers are taking a little holiday to Kruger National Game Reserve October 26-29. Pray we will have a fun and relaxing time.
-- Continue to remember Wayne’s sister, Patsy suffering from COPD and on oxygen. -Pray also Wayne’s brother (Terry). Pray his quarterly tests will continue to show his cancer is in remission. -Pray Barbara’s brother-in-law, Gary Rutledge will continue to recover from his herniated disc surgery.
**WORLD HUNGER SUNDAY IS TOMORROW, OCTOBER 10TH, but your church can have a World Hunger emphasis any time of the year!!
October 10th is World Hunger Sunday, when many churches collect funds to support hunger needs around the world. Other congregations address needs at other times in other ways. Whenever and however you focus on hunger issues, are you ready? BGR, (Baptist Global Response) in partnership with worldhunger.com provides lots of information and resources to help you battle the world hunger giant.
Resources are available under the “Get Involved” tab at www.gobgr.org: awareness and fund-raising event ideas, those wonderful bread banks, a downloadable prayer guide and more. Also a number of excellent resources can be found at www.worldhungerfund.com.
Too many lives are being lost to the Kingdom: About 25,000 people die every day—one person every three seconds—from hunger or hunger-related causes, according to the United Nations. God cares about people in need—so many of them are his lost children.
***Do You Know?
What organization sets the goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering?
**Answer:
The Woman’s Missionary Union.
It is time for your church to start promoting and setting a goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Every penny given to Lottie Moon is used to support your Southern Baptist missionaries as they share the Gospel overseas. The offering represents 54 percent of the International Mission Board’s total income. Pray for the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2010 LMCO so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
PRAYER REQUESTS FROM IMB OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
-Pray for the October 18-20 Impact Your World Conference being held at the International Learning Center in Rockville, Va. This conference helps churches to find answers to their questions about living out Acts 1:8. Guests will be able to dialog with missionaries, as well as with pastors who are effectively engaging in international missions, and receive tools that will help them in their missions journey.
--Please continue praying for the IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead our organization.
AIDS UPDATE:
For 2010 BGR requested help from SBC churches to fill 6,000 kits but only were able to fill 1500 kit. Since Swaziland has one of the highest AIDS rates in the world, The Swazi Team requested 300 kits to help families care for their loved ones but were only guaranteed 25-50 kits. BGR (as well as the Swazi Team) needs your help. If you or your church is interested in helping to provide In-Home Care Kits to families with love ones dying of AIDS please contact www.inhomecarekits.org
--Pray that the use of these items by loving caregivers will show the love and compassion that Jesus Christ has for the terminally ill.
--COWBOY RODEO CHURCH (Spencer Co, Ky) has moved!! Due to additional events that hindered worship, the Rodeo Church moved from the Red Barn to the Spencer County High School. Contacts have been made. Pray these contacts will encourage more people to attend on Sunday evenings.
This week’s country focus: GREECE:
- Pray for the breaking down of prejudice, blindness and fear surrounding evangelical Christianity. Discrimination, harassment and persecution of minorities still happen, especially against those who proselytize: Evangelicals, Pentecostals, Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses. Pray for cultural and legal equality amongst the different groups, and the constitution to be changed to guarantee full religious freedom.
--Pray for Christians to have the courage to witness about Jesus, even when they are despised and persecuted. Pray that believers would remain steadfast in their faith, and would have opportunities to grow in their faith though fellowship with other believers.
--Pray for people living on the 200 or so inhabited Greek Islands. The majority of these communities are without an Evangelical witness, and many people have never even heard a clear presentation of the Gospel.- (Information from The Ultimate Goal (TUG) a project of SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place during June and July 2010.)
Lacie's Schooling
We have been so blessed to have Lacie in a small, preschool since she was three years old. It is literally five minutes away from our house with great teachers. They have Christian principles, even though it is not technically a Christian school. She has great friends there and we have loved the environment for her. Kindergarten or Grade 0 is the oldest class at the preschools here in Swaziland. Lacie is now preparing to start Grade 1 in late January, when our new school year opens. The school year for us is all-year round, January - December, with three term breaks.
Right now, Lacie is on the list to get into Sifunduzani Primary School and we hear great reports from others that it is an excellent, private school. Primary schools are grade 1 - 7 so our little Lacie will be quite the little fish in a big pond next year.She will be taking her entrance exam on Thursday morning at 10:00am, our time. It is more of a time to see how Lacie does with listening skills, see where she is at with her basic learning skills, interacting with adults and so forth. We know she will do fine but she is a bit nervous. She is afraid she will be asked to repeat kindergarten, which is so not true. We should find out fairly soon if Lacie has been accepted into the school and finalize the plans for her to start in January. Pray that if this is where Lacie is to be in school that everything will work out. If it is not, God would close the doors tightly. If she is not to attend there, give us direction on other options. We have homeschooling as an option but not sure if that is the right one for us right now, either. Education is so important and we know we are at crossroads to an important decision concerning Lacie. We appreciate all your prayers and any advice of others as well.
We sent this out to our Facebook group last week and Lacie has now taken her entrance exam. She did fantastic and we are now waiting to hear from the school if she has been accepted. Thank you for all your prayers!
Right now, Lacie is on the list to get into Sifunduzani Primary School and we hear great reports from others that it is an excellent, private school. Primary schools are grade 1 - 7 so our little Lacie will be quite the little fish in a big pond next year.She will be taking her entrance exam on Thursday morning at 10:00am, our time. It is more of a time to see how Lacie does with listening skills, see where she is at with her basic learning skills, interacting with adults and so forth. We know she will do fine but she is a bit nervous. She is afraid she will be asked to repeat kindergarten, which is so not true. We should find out fairly soon if Lacie has been accepted into the school and finalize the plans for her to start in January. Pray that if this is where Lacie is to be in school that everything will work out. If it is not, God would close the doors tightly. If she is not to attend there, give us direction on other options. We have homeschooling as an option but not sure if that is the right one for us right now, either. Education is so important and we know we are at crossroads to an important decision concerning Lacie. We appreciate all your prayers and any advice of others as well.
We sent this out to our Facebook group last week and Lacie has now taken her entrance exam. She did fantastic and we are now waiting to hear from the school if she has been accepted. Thank you for all your prayers!
Allen Family Back in Swaziland
It is still hard to believe that this time last week, we were still in West Palm Beach, Florida finishing up packing and saying our final good-byes to family and friends. We wanted to say thank you for all your prayers for our family as we traveled back to Swaziland on Sunday/Monday on the plane and then driving in our mission truck on Tuesday to Swaziland. The kids did AMAZING on all the flights and Nathan even took two long sleeps on the international 15+ hour flight to South Africa. Praise the Lord!
Lacie returned to school on Wednesday after our family arrived back in Swaziland on Tuesday. She was warmly greeted by her classmates and enjoyed being back into her routine. We have been slowly unpacking more and more each day and getting the house back in order. Nathan is just happy to be playing with his cars.
Steve has jumped back into some of his Bible studies, mostly just re-connecting with the Swazis and hearing how God has worked in their lives. Our family plans to attend Hawane Baptist Church in the morning at their invitation and we are looking forward to being with them for worship. The youth leaders in our area were at the mission property this morning for a meeting in preparations for our annual youth retreat for our area in December.
As we get back into ministry, pray for
- our family as we adjust back to our lives here in Swaziland- God's clear direction to know new work areas
- upcoming National Women's Retreat on October 14-16 with Barbara Myers, our friend and co-worker on our Swazi mission family, leading the sessions on prayer.
- our Swazi mission family is getting new missionaries, Todd and Deborah Hoskins, arriving in Swaziland on October 14. Pray for their final days in the USA and special times with family and friends. We are excited to see our mission family growing once again.
- Lacie is taking her entrance exam to start grade 1 at Sifundzani Primary School in January. She will do great but she is a bit nervous.Lacie is finishing up her kindergarten (grade 0) school year right now.
We are blessed and thankful for Al and Belinda Jordan that covered our ministry work and stayed in our house for the past six months. We were able to be with them briefly before they departed back to the USA. We cannot put into words how much we appreciated their willingness to serve our Lord in Swaziland the past several months.
Check out our family blog at: www.allensinafrica.blogspot.com for more stories and sign up to be a follower to keep us accountable in writing stories more often.
Lacie returned to school on Wednesday after our family arrived back in Swaziland on Tuesday. She was warmly greeted by her classmates and enjoyed being back into her routine. We have been slowly unpacking more and more each day and getting the house back in order. Nathan is just happy to be playing with his cars.
Steve has jumped back into some of his Bible studies, mostly just re-connecting with the Swazis and hearing how God has worked in their lives. Our family plans to attend Hawane Baptist Church in the morning at their invitation and we are looking forward to being with them for worship. The youth leaders in our area were at the mission property this morning for a meeting in preparations for our annual youth retreat for our area in December.
As we get back into ministry, pray for
- our family as we adjust back to our lives here in Swaziland- God's clear direction to know new work areas
- upcoming National Women's Retreat on October 14-16 with Barbara Myers, our friend and co-worker on our Swazi mission family, leading the sessions on prayer.
- our Swazi mission family is getting new missionaries, Todd and Deborah Hoskins, arriving in Swaziland on October 14. Pray for their final days in the USA and special times with family and friends. We are excited to see our mission family growing once again.
- Lacie is taking her entrance exam to start grade 1 at Sifundzani Primary School in January. She will do great but she is a bit nervous.Lacie is finishing up her kindergarten (grade 0) school year right now.
We are blessed and thankful for Al and Belinda Jordan that covered our ministry work and stayed in our house for the past six months. We were able to be with them briefly before they departed back to the USA. We cannot put into words how much we appreciated their willingness to serve our Lord in Swaziland the past several months.
Check out our family blog at: www.allensinafrica.blogspot.com for more stories and sign up to be a follower to keep us accountable in writing stories more often.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Monthly Prayer Calendar - October
Friday October 1: After serving six months in Swaziland for missionaries Steve and Monica Allen, Al and Belinda Jordan leave today from Jo’burg for the states arriving in Austin, Texas tomorrow. Pray for a safe flight and fast adjustment back to life in the states.
Saturday October 2: The executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets today. Pray each committee member will understand his or her job description. Pray this meeting will be a time of discussion and planning for the 2011 budget and other ministries.
Sunday October 3: “My own conversion is the result of prayer, long, affectionate, earnest, importune. Parents prayed for me; God heard their cries, and here I am to preach the Gospel.” (Charles Haddon Spurgeon, 1834-92). Pray the Lord will be able to draw strong spiritual leaders from the congregations of the Swazi Baptist churches. Pray many Swazis will truly understand what it means to be a Christian.
Monday October 4: Steve, Monica, Lacie and Nathan Allen arrived in Swaziland on the 28th of September after six months in the states (stateside assignment). Pray for an easy adjustment to Swazi life and the Lord will direct them to the right ministries over the next couple of years.
Tuesday October 5: Winter is over as well as the dry season in Swaziland. Swazis anticipate the arrival of the refreshing rains and the beginning of planting crops and gardens. Pray the rains will be plentiful and adequate this season to meet the basic needs of the people and sustain their crops and gardens.
Wednesday October 6: Continue to remember members of the Myers’ family dealing with medical problems. Pray for Wayne’s brother Terry, currently in remission from stage 4 cancer, sister Patsy with COPD and Barbara’s brother-in-law in recovery from herniated disc surgery (last year).
Thursday October 7: Pray for Lacie Allen as she finishes her Kindergarten year. Lacie will be taking an entrance exam in the next couple of weeks. Pray she will do well and there will be no complications in her starting school at Sifundzane Primary School for 1st grade in January 2011.
Friday October 8: Pray for Deborah Hoskins’ sister, Susanna today on her birthday!! Pray this day will be a time of celebration and quality family time for Deborah and her family before the Hoskins leave for Swaziland.
Saturday October 9: Please continue praying for the IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as the seek God’s man to lead our organization.
Sunday October 10: Continue to pray for Hawane and Lesibovu Baptist Churches as both congregations strive to reach their goals needed for the construction of their church structures. Pray weekly giving toward these projects will allow construction to soon begin.
Monday October 11: The BGR (Baptist Global Response) In-Home Care Kits are provided for terminally ill patients with AIDS. The kits are centered around a five gallon heavy duty bucket with a lid that seals. Inside the bucket are items that will assist in keeping patients clean and dry, items to protect their mat and mattress from soiling and vitamins to help keep their immune systems strong. Pray the use of these items by loving care givers will show the love and compassion that Jesus Christ has for the terminally ill. Southern Baptists have an opportunity to participate in this project through local churches and associations in partnership with BGR. If you or your church would like to help fill the In-Home Care Kits please contact www.inhomecarekits.org
Tuesday October 12: Pray for Barbara Myers today on her birthday!! Todd and Deborah Hoskins leave for Swaziland today. The Hoskins are 2-year missionaries serving as church planters and developing rural church training schools for pastors and lay leaders. Pray for a safe journey and easy adjustment to life in Swaziland.
Wednesday October 13: Pray for Todd Hoskins’ mother today on her birthday!!Pray the Lord will give Todd’s mother peace and joy on her special day, especially with Todd and Deborah leaving for Swaziland the day before.
Thursday October 14: “Evening and morning and at noon I will pray and cry aloud. And He shall hear by voice.” (Psalm 55:17) October 14-16 is the National Swazi Baptist Women’s Retreat at the Manzini Baptist Church. The theme is “I Will Cry Unto the Lord” and the scripture verse is Psalm 55:17. So many Swazis do not know the importance of a personal prayer life or that they can even pray outside the church. Pray for missionary Barbara Myers as she leads four sessions on the importance of prayer in our lives. Pray those attending will understand the true meaning of prayer and the need of a daily time of talking and listening to the Lord. Pray each attendee will learn to cry unto the Lord anytime and anywhere.
Friday October 15: September 10-11 missionary Wayne Myers led a training event for the pastors/lay leaders of the Swazi Baptist churches in the Shiselweni region. Approximately 20 attended the two-day training. Pray those who attended will utilize what they were taught in their churches. Pray every Swazi Baptist church in the Shiselweni region will be led by a strong pastor or leader.
Saturday October 16: Who was the first executive director of the Foreign Mission Board? James B. Taylor, a former Baptist minister in Richmond, Va., who served 1846-1871.It is time to set your 2010 church goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Pray for faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2010 LMCO so missionaries can continue to be sent to minister to many lost and dying people.
Sunday October 17: Pray the Lord will burden the hearts of the Swazi church leaders to develop strong prayer relationships with Him. Pray prayer will be an important ministry in every Swazi Baptist church.
Monday October 18: Pray salvation will come to the house of the King of Swaziland, his wives and children. Pray true revival will take place in this country.
Tuesday October 19: Pray for protection for girls living in situations that are not safe and lead to sexual abuse and possible death. Pray the Swazi government will take notice of the plight of women and children and will seek to pass laws that protect them. Pray for a safer place to live for children that will allow them to have a future.
Wednesday October 20: The Hoskins leave today to attend the on-field orientation 40/40 in Burkina Faso (West Africa) October 21-November 19. 40/40 is an extensive time of training to live in Africa as well as developing relationships with the African people. Pray Todd and Deborah will be prepared for this type of training and wonderful blessings will occur.
Thursday October 21: Trying to start and sustain homestead churches is difficult. Challenges include not wanting to be identified as Zionists (African Traditional Religion), feeling the church is not “theirs” but belongs to the homestead family and feeling the church imposes on the family by meeting each week. Pray Christian Swazis will understand the need to reach their neighbors for Jesus. Pray these challenges will not keep them from organizing and meeting on a regular basis.
Friday October 22: Today begins the first Maphungwane Baptist Church children’s camp (Oct. 22-24). The theme is “Let Us Talk to God.” The children will study stories on Christ, Daniel and Hannah who were great prayer warriors. Pray the children will be able to take home the stories and their significance. Pray each will go home touched by the Lord.
Saturday October 23: Ramadan is over and those of the Muslim faith have returned to their normal routines as life goes on. Pray during their time of spiritual seeking and fasting (Ramadan) their hearts were open to hear the voice of the Lord. Pray many will begin seeking to know the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Sunday October 24: Pray the Lord will provide a pastor for the New Hope Baptist Church (without a pastor for over three years). Pray the faithful will continue to be fruitful and the adults will strive to teach the youth and children the ways of God.
Monday October 25: SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN UNENGAGED PEOPLES: Please pray for the Luyana of Namibia. The Luyana, who live in the northern part of the Kalahari Basin and speak Kwangali, experience abundant wildlife and blooming plant life during the rainy season but also watch the dry season blow in, parching everything that remains. Pray that Luyana will come to know the majesty and splendor of our Lord and call on Him for eternal salvation.
Tuesday October 26: October 26-29 the Myers are taking a holiday and visiting the Kruger National Game Reserve (South Africa). Pray for a restful time of enjoying God’s creation.
Wednesday October 27: Please pray as the trends of pregnancy out of wedlock, several sexual partners, more than one wife and relationships, and a disregard for God’s Word continues to dominate the lives of both Christian and non-Christian Swazis.
Thursday October 28: Understanding the importance of a Christian lifestyle, several older ladies in our Swazi Baptist churches have requested to be married the Christian way. Many in Swaziland are married in the Swazi Traditional Way (condoning unchristian practices) or not at all. These who wanted to make things right in the eyes of the Lord, walked down the aisle dressed in their white wedding gowns on the arms of their (non-believing) husbands. Pray for these who have committed their marriages to the Lord. Pray many more Christian weddings will take place in our Swazi Baptist churches.
Friday October 29: The Shiselweni Baptist Association is in the process of meeting on a regular basis and understanding proper procedures in discussing business matters. Pray for Pastor Nkosingiphile Dlamini as he organizes and leads the meetings on a regular basis. Pray for Wayne Myers as he continues to train the association on how to conduct their meetings and discuss their business. The next Shiselweni Association meeting is November 13.
Saturday October 30: Pray those of the African Traditional Religion/Zionism will come to a true understanding of their need for a personal relationship with Jesus and will be able to separate themselves from the pagan practices of traditional religion.
Sunday October 31: “It is the heroes and heroines who are out of sight and who labour in prayer who make it possible for those who are in sight to do their work and win.” G. Campbell Morgan (1863-1945) pastor of the Westminster Chapel, London. Thank you faithful prayer warriors who pray for us missionaries and the Swazi people. Pray we will continue working and praying together for the many lost Swazis who do not know the Lord as their Savior.
Saturday October 2: The executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets today. Pray each committee member will understand his or her job description. Pray this meeting will be a time of discussion and planning for the 2011 budget and other ministries.
Sunday October 3: “My own conversion is the result of prayer, long, affectionate, earnest, importune. Parents prayed for me; God heard their cries, and here I am to preach the Gospel.” (Charles Haddon Spurgeon, 1834-92). Pray the Lord will be able to draw strong spiritual leaders from the congregations of the Swazi Baptist churches. Pray many Swazis will truly understand what it means to be a Christian.
Monday October 4: Steve, Monica, Lacie and Nathan Allen arrived in Swaziland on the 28th of September after six months in the states (stateside assignment). Pray for an easy adjustment to Swazi life and the Lord will direct them to the right ministries over the next couple of years.
Tuesday October 5: Winter is over as well as the dry season in Swaziland. Swazis anticipate the arrival of the refreshing rains and the beginning of planting crops and gardens. Pray the rains will be plentiful and adequate this season to meet the basic needs of the people and sustain their crops and gardens.
Wednesday October 6: Continue to remember members of the Myers’ family dealing with medical problems. Pray for Wayne’s brother Terry, currently in remission from stage 4 cancer, sister Patsy with COPD and Barbara’s brother-in-law in recovery from herniated disc surgery (last year).
Thursday October 7: Pray for Lacie Allen as she finishes her Kindergarten year. Lacie will be taking an entrance exam in the next couple of weeks. Pray she will do well and there will be no complications in her starting school at Sifundzane Primary School for 1st grade in January 2011.
Friday October 8: Pray for Deborah Hoskins’ sister, Susanna today on her birthday!! Pray this day will be a time of celebration and quality family time for Deborah and her family before the Hoskins leave for Swaziland.
Saturday October 9: Please continue praying for the IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as the seek God’s man to lead our organization.
Sunday October 10: Continue to pray for Hawane and Lesibovu Baptist Churches as both congregations strive to reach their goals needed for the construction of their church structures. Pray weekly giving toward these projects will allow construction to soon begin.
Monday October 11: The BGR (Baptist Global Response) In-Home Care Kits are provided for terminally ill patients with AIDS. The kits are centered around a five gallon heavy duty bucket with a lid that seals. Inside the bucket are items that will assist in keeping patients clean and dry, items to protect their mat and mattress from soiling and vitamins to help keep their immune systems strong. Pray the use of these items by loving care givers will show the love and compassion that Jesus Christ has for the terminally ill. Southern Baptists have an opportunity to participate in this project through local churches and associations in partnership with BGR. If you or your church would like to help fill the In-Home Care Kits please contact www.inhomecarekits.org
Tuesday October 12: Pray for Barbara Myers today on her birthday!! Todd and Deborah Hoskins leave for Swaziland today. The Hoskins are 2-year missionaries serving as church planters and developing rural church training schools for pastors and lay leaders. Pray for a safe journey and easy adjustment to life in Swaziland.
Wednesday October 13: Pray for Todd Hoskins’ mother today on her birthday!!Pray the Lord will give Todd’s mother peace and joy on her special day, especially with Todd and Deborah leaving for Swaziland the day before.
Thursday October 14: “Evening and morning and at noon I will pray and cry aloud. And He shall hear by voice.” (Psalm 55:17) October 14-16 is the National Swazi Baptist Women’s Retreat at the Manzini Baptist Church. The theme is “I Will Cry Unto the Lord” and the scripture verse is Psalm 55:17. So many Swazis do not know the importance of a personal prayer life or that they can even pray outside the church. Pray for missionary Barbara Myers as she leads four sessions on the importance of prayer in our lives. Pray those attending will understand the true meaning of prayer and the need of a daily time of talking and listening to the Lord. Pray each attendee will learn to cry unto the Lord anytime and anywhere.
Friday October 15: September 10-11 missionary Wayne Myers led a training event for the pastors/lay leaders of the Swazi Baptist churches in the Shiselweni region. Approximately 20 attended the two-day training. Pray those who attended will utilize what they were taught in their churches. Pray every Swazi Baptist church in the Shiselweni region will be led by a strong pastor or leader.
Saturday October 16: Who was the first executive director of the Foreign Mission Board? James B. Taylor, a former Baptist minister in Richmond, Va., who served 1846-1871.It is time to set your 2010 church goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Pray for faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2010 LMCO so missionaries can continue to be sent to minister to many lost and dying people.
Sunday October 17: Pray the Lord will burden the hearts of the Swazi church leaders to develop strong prayer relationships with Him. Pray prayer will be an important ministry in every Swazi Baptist church.
Monday October 18: Pray salvation will come to the house of the King of Swaziland, his wives and children. Pray true revival will take place in this country.
Tuesday October 19: Pray for protection for girls living in situations that are not safe and lead to sexual abuse and possible death. Pray the Swazi government will take notice of the plight of women and children and will seek to pass laws that protect them. Pray for a safer place to live for children that will allow them to have a future.
Wednesday October 20: The Hoskins leave today to attend the on-field orientation 40/40 in Burkina Faso (West Africa) October 21-November 19. 40/40 is an extensive time of training to live in Africa as well as developing relationships with the African people. Pray Todd and Deborah will be prepared for this type of training and wonderful blessings will occur.
Thursday October 21: Trying to start and sustain homestead churches is difficult. Challenges include not wanting to be identified as Zionists (African Traditional Religion), feeling the church is not “theirs” but belongs to the homestead family and feeling the church imposes on the family by meeting each week. Pray Christian Swazis will understand the need to reach their neighbors for Jesus. Pray these challenges will not keep them from organizing and meeting on a regular basis.
Friday October 22: Today begins the first Maphungwane Baptist Church children’s camp (Oct. 22-24). The theme is “Let Us Talk to God.” The children will study stories on Christ, Daniel and Hannah who were great prayer warriors. Pray the children will be able to take home the stories and their significance. Pray each will go home touched by the Lord.
Saturday October 23: Ramadan is over and those of the Muslim faith have returned to their normal routines as life goes on. Pray during their time of spiritual seeking and fasting (Ramadan) their hearts were open to hear the voice of the Lord. Pray many will begin seeking to know the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Sunday October 24: Pray the Lord will provide a pastor for the New Hope Baptist Church (without a pastor for over three years). Pray the faithful will continue to be fruitful and the adults will strive to teach the youth and children the ways of God.
Monday October 25: SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN UNENGAGED PEOPLES: Please pray for the Luyana of Namibia. The Luyana, who live in the northern part of the Kalahari Basin and speak Kwangali, experience abundant wildlife and blooming plant life during the rainy season but also watch the dry season blow in, parching everything that remains. Pray that Luyana will come to know the majesty and splendor of our Lord and call on Him for eternal salvation.
Tuesday October 26: October 26-29 the Myers are taking a holiday and visiting the Kruger National Game Reserve (South Africa). Pray for a restful time of enjoying God’s creation.
Wednesday October 27: Please pray as the trends of pregnancy out of wedlock, several sexual partners, more than one wife and relationships, and a disregard for God’s Word continues to dominate the lives of both Christian and non-Christian Swazis.
Thursday October 28: Understanding the importance of a Christian lifestyle, several older ladies in our Swazi Baptist churches have requested to be married the Christian way. Many in Swaziland are married in the Swazi Traditional Way (condoning unchristian practices) or not at all. These who wanted to make things right in the eyes of the Lord, walked down the aisle dressed in their white wedding gowns on the arms of their (non-believing) husbands. Pray for these who have committed their marriages to the Lord. Pray many more Christian weddings will take place in our Swazi Baptist churches.
Friday October 29: The Shiselweni Baptist Association is in the process of meeting on a regular basis and understanding proper procedures in discussing business matters. Pray for Pastor Nkosingiphile Dlamini as he organizes and leads the meetings on a regular basis. Pray for Wayne Myers as he continues to train the association on how to conduct their meetings and discuss their business. The next Shiselweni Association meeting is November 13.
Saturday October 30: Pray those of the African Traditional Religion/Zionism will come to a true understanding of their need for a personal relationship with Jesus and will be able to separate themselves from the pagan practices of traditional religion.
Sunday October 31: “It is the heroes and heroines who are out of sight and who labour in prayer who make it possible for those who are in sight to do their work and win.” G. Campbell Morgan (1863-1945) pastor of the Westminster Chapel, London. Thank you faithful prayer warriors who pray for us missionaries and the Swazi people. Pray we will continue working and praying together for the many lost Swazis who do not know the Lord as their Savior.
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
PRAY FOR TODD HOSKINS TODAY ONHIS BIRTHDAY!!
Todd and Deborah leave for Swaziland on the 12th of October. The Hoskins are 2-year missionariesserving as church planters and developing rural church training schools for pastors and lay leaders. Pray for Todd and Deborah as they continue to say goodbyes to friends and family.
SPEAKING OF SAYING GOODBYES…The Swazi Team thanks the Lord for Al andBelinda Jordan serving in Swaziland during theAllens’ stateside assignment. We appreciatetheir willingness to sacrificially serve withthe Swazi people. They did a fantastic job!! The Jordans leave Swaziland on the 30th ofSeptember (Thursday) for Jo’burg. They leaveJo’burg for the states on the 1st of Octoberand are scheduled to arrive in Austin, Texas on the 2nd. Pray their journey home will be uneventful. Pray Al and Belinda will leaveSwaziland with joy and blessings in their hearts.
BUT WE SAY WELCOME BACK TO THE ALLENFAMILY!! Steve, Monica, Lacie and Nathan arrive in Swaziland on the 28th of September after their six month stateside assignment. Lacie has beencounting the number of sleeps until their return. Pray for an easy adjustment to Swazi life and the Lord will direct them to the right ministries over the next couple of years. Pray for Lacie as she returns to her Kindergarten class. Lacie will be taking an entrance exam for first grade in the next couple of weeks. Pray she will do well and there will be no complications in her starting school at Sifundzane Primary School in January2011.
--Tomorrow (26h of September) the MountainBaptist Church (Mafucula) will conduct a
baptism service. 11 individuals are scheduled to be baptized. Pray fort he church as they prepare to baptize these new Christians.
--Saturday the 2nd of October the executive committee of the Baptist Convention meets. Pray each committee member will understand his or her job description. Pray this meeting will be a time of discussion and planning for the 2011 budget and other ministries.
Winter is over as well as the dryseason in Swaziland. Swazis anticipate the arrival of the refreshing rains and the beginning of planting crops and gardens. Pray the rains will be plentiful and adequate this season to meet the basic needs of the people and sustain their crops and gardens.
And Satan trembles when he sees, The weakest saint upon his knees.
--William Cowper
OCTOBER MINISTRY EVENTS:
-“Evening and morning and at noon I will pray and cry aloud. And He shall hear my voice.” (Psalm 55:17) October 14-16, 2010 is the National Swazi Baptist Women’s Retreat at the Manzini Baptist Church. The theme is “I Will Cry Unto the Lord” and the scripture verse is Psalm 55:17. So many Swazis do not know the importance of a personal prayer life or that they can even pray outside the church. Pray for missionary Barbara Myers as the leads four sessions on the importance of prayer in our lives. Pray those attending will understand the true meaning of prayer and the need of a daily time of talking and listening to the Lord. Pray each attendee will learn to cry unto the Lord anytime and anywhere.
--October 21-November 10, Todd and Deborah Hoskins will attend the on-field orientation40/40 in Burkino Faso (West Africa). 40/40 is an intensive time of learning to live in Africaas well as developing relationships with the African people. Begin praying for Todd and Deborah’s preparation for this type of training and wonderful blessings will occur.
--A third children’s camp is scheduled for October 22-24 at the Mphungwane BaptistChurch. The children will study stories on Christ, Daniel and Hannah who were great prayer warriors. Pray the children will be able to take home the stories and their significance. Pray each will go home touched by the Lord.
--October 26-29, we are taking a little holiday to our favorite place in the whole wide
world, Kruger!! Pray we will have a great and relaxing time.
SWAZI TEAM PRAYER CONCERNS:
-- Continue to remember Wayne’s sister, Patsy suffering from COPD and on oxygen.
-Pray also Wayne’s brother (Terry). Pray his quarterly tests will continue to show his canceris in remission.
-Pray Barbara’s brother-in-law, Gary Rutledge will continue to recover from his herniated disc surgery.
Thank you for giving to the 2009 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Pray for the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2010 LMCO so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
--Please continue praying for the IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead our organization.
AIDS UPDATE:BGR (Baptist Global Response) is requesting help from our Southern Baptist churches to fill In-Home Care Kits for the care of terminally ill AIDS patients. These kits center around a five gallon heavy duty bucket with a lid that seals. Inside the bucket are items that will assist in keeping patients clean and dry, items to protect their mat or mattress from soiling, and vitamins to help keep their immune systems strong. Information for packing these kits is available on the Baptist Global Response websitewww.inhomecarekit.org . On this site you will find the following information….A. How to complete the In-Home Care KitProject• Introduction and Commitments• Shopping List• Assembly Directions• Prayer Guide• Collection Site Contacts VideoB. Promotional Materials• How to these items help?• Bulletin Insert• Poster• Press Release• Myths about AIDS in Africa.
In 2010 BGR requested help from SBC churchesto fill 6,000 kits but only were able to fill 1500.The Swazi Team requested 300 kits but was only guaranteed 25-50. BGR needs yourhelp in providing these kits to AIDS patients andfamilies.
This week’s country focus: PARAGUAY:
-The spiritual life of Paraguay has long been dominated by the Catholic Church. There is a lot of superstitious traditionalism, devotion to Mary and occult related bondage. Pray that spiritual eyes would be opened, and people would be set free from bondage.
-Most of Paraguay’s protestants are amongst immigrant groups—the German speaking Mennonites, Ukrainian Baptists and Korean Presbyterians. Nominalism is a problem amongst these groups. Pray for renewed vigor for these people, as well as for more Paraguayans to be reached with the Gospel.
-Praise God for the work amongst Indian minority peoples which has been largely successful. Pray for young churches, and more tribal groups to bereached.- (Information from The Ultimate Goal (TUG) a project of
SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place duringJune and July 2010.)
Todd and Deborah leave for Swaziland on the 12th of October. The Hoskins are 2-year missionariesserving as church planters and developing rural church training schools for pastors and lay leaders. Pray for Todd and Deborah as they continue to say goodbyes to friends and family.
SPEAKING OF SAYING GOODBYES…The Swazi Team thanks the Lord for Al andBelinda Jordan serving in Swaziland during theAllens’ stateside assignment. We appreciatetheir willingness to sacrificially serve withthe Swazi people. They did a fantastic job!! The Jordans leave Swaziland on the 30th ofSeptember (Thursday) for Jo’burg. They leaveJo’burg for the states on the 1st of Octoberand are scheduled to arrive in Austin, Texas on the 2nd. Pray their journey home will be uneventful. Pray Al and Belinda will leaveSwaziland with joy and blessings in their hearts.
BUT WE SAY WELCOME BACK TO THE ALLENFAMILY!! Steve, Monica, Lacie and Nathan arrive in Swaziland on the 28th of September after their six month stateside assignment. Lacie has beencounting the number of sleeps until their return. Pray for an easy adjustment to Swazi life and the Lord will direct them to the right ministries over the next couple of years. Pray for Lacie as she returns to her Kindergarten class. Lacie will be taking an entrance exam for first grade in the next couple of weeks. Pray she will do well and there will be no complications in her starting school at Sifundzane Primary School in January2011.
--Tomorrow (26h of September) the MountainBaptist Church (Mafucula) will conduct a
baptism service. 11 individuals are scheduled to be baptized. Pray fort he church as they prepare to baptize these new Christians.
--Saturday the 2nd of October the executive committee of the Baptist Convention meets. Pray each committee member will understand his or her job description. Pray this meeting will be a time of discussion and planning for the 2011 budget and other ministries.
Winter is over as well as the dryseason in Swaziland. Swazis anticipate the arrival of the refreshing rains and the beginning of planting crops and gardens. Pray the rains will be plentiful and adequate this season to meet the basic needs of the people and sustain their crops and gardens.
And Satan trembles when he sees, The weakest saint upon his knees.
--William Cowper
OCTOBER MINISTRY EVENTS:
-“Evening and morning and at noon I will pray and cry aloud. And He shall hear my voice.” (Psalm 55:17) October 14-16, 2010 is the National Swazi Baptist Women’s Retreat at the Manzini Baptist Church. The theme is “I Will Cry Unto the Lord” and the scripture verse is Psalm 55:17. So many Swazis do not know the importance of a personal prayer life or that they can even pray outside the church. Pray for missionary Barbara Myers as the leads four sessions on the importance of prayer in our lives. Pray those attending will understand the true meaning of prayer and the need of a daily time of talking and listening to the Lord. Pray each attendee will learn to cry unto the Lord anytime and anywhere.
--October 21-November 10, Todd and Deborah Hoskins will attend the on-field orientation40/40 in Burkino Faso (West Africa). 40/40 is an intensive time of learning to live in Africaas well as developing relationships with the African people. Begin praying for Todd and Deborah’s preparation for this type of training and wonderful blessings will occur.
--A third children’s camp is scheduled for October 22-24 at the Mphungwane BaptistChurch. The children will study stories on Christ, Daniel and Hannah who were great prayer warriors. Pray the children will be able to take home the stories and their significance. Pray each will go home touched by the Lord.
--October 26-29, we are taking a little holiday to our favorite place in the whole wide
world, Kruger!! Pray we will have a great and relaxing time.
SWAZI TEAM PRAYER CONCERNS:
-- Continue to remember Wayne’s sister, Patsy suffering from COPD and on oxygen.
-Pray also Wayne’s brother (Terry). Pray his quarterly tests will continue to show his canceris in remission.
-Pray Barbara’s brother-in-law, Gary Rutledge will continue to recover from his herniated disc surgery.
Thank you for giving to the 2009 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Pray for the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2010 LMCO so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
--Please continue praying for the IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead our organization.
AIDS UPDATE:BGR (Baptist Global Response) is requesting help from our Southern Baptist churches to fill In-Home Care Kits for the care of terminally ill AIDS patients. These kits center around a five gallon heavy duty bucket with a lid that seals. Inside the bucket are items that will assist in keeping patients clean and dry, items to protect their mat or mattress from soiling, and vitamins to help keep their immune systems strong. Information for packing these kits is available on the Baptist Global Response websitewww.inhomecarekit.org . On this site you will find the following information….A. How to complete the In-Home Care KitProject• Introduction and Commitments• Shopping List• Assembly Directions• Prayer Guide• Collection Site Contacts VideoB. Promotional Materials• How to these items help?• Bulletin Insert• Poster• Press Release• Myths about AIDS in Africa.
In 2010 BGR requested help from SBC churchesto fill 6,000 kits but only were able to fill 1500.The Swazi Team requested 300 kits but was only guaranteed 25-50. BGR needs yourhelp in providing these kits to AIDS patients andfamilies.
This week’s country focus: PARAGUAY:
-The spiritual life of Paraguay has long been dominated by the Catholic Church. There is a lot of superstitious traditionalism, devotion to Mary and occult related bondage. Pray that spiritual eyes would be opened, and people would be set free from bondage.
-Most of Paraguay’s protestants are amongst immigrant groups—the German speaking Mennonites, Ukrainian Baptists and Korean Presbyterians. Nominalism is a problem amongst these groups. Pray for renewed vigor for these people, as well as for more Paraguayans to be reached with the Gospel.
-Praise God for the work amongst Indian minority peoples which has been largely successful. Pray for young churches, and more tribal groups to bereached.- (Information from The Ultimate Goal (TUG) a project of
SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place duringJune and July 2010.)
Friday, September 17, 2010
Jordan's Swaziland News
The National Youth Camp was a wonderful success due, first of all, to the Lord Jesus, then to the planning of the National Youth Committee and also to the leading of the team from FBC Belton. The team did a great job with Bible study sessions, worship and recreation. They connected beautifully with the youth and leaders. We were also blessed to have Kym Pennington with us for camp. Kym is the True Love Waits International representative to Swaziland. It was very evident you were praying for the camp and the team. Thank you. Continue praying for the youth in Swaziland as they have many challenges culturally, physically and spiritually. We took the team on some cultural excursions including markets, the cultural village, a bush Bible study, a Swazi worship and a game reserve.
As you know, we are filling in for missionaries Steve and Monica Allen. The Allen’s are waiting for medical clearance to return to the field. The plan is for them to leave the US September 24 arriving in Swaziland September 26. Please pray the Allen’s medical clearance will come through without delay so they can return according to plan. Side note: The Allen's received medical clearance and will be arriving in Swaziland on the 28th.)
We are beginning to say our goodbyes to our Swazi friends and the churches. The Swazis have endeared themselves to us so it is difficult saying goodbye. Pray for our four remaining weeks in Swaziland and for Al in particular as he prepares for six more Bible studies and four sermons.
Living in a third world country makes us appreciate even more how blessed we are to live in the United States. As we keep up with the news from our beloved America we are so saddened to see the rapid decline of our nation away from the godly principles on which it was founded. We have often thought how the word “bless” in the song “God Bless America” should be replaced with “God Save America”. God has blessed America many times over and we have turned our backs on Him. So now it is time to repent and plead with God to save America. That is our prayer before and after we return to the land we love. Join us in daily lifting our nation to the Father.
This will probably be our last newsletter so we take this opportunity to say thank you for taking this journey with us the past six months. Your prayers and encouraging notes have sustained us more than you will ever know. We pray this blessing on you from Numbers 6:24-26. “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.”
Inkhosi Inibusise (God bless you)
Al and Belinda Jordan
As you know, we are filling in for missionaries Steve and Monica Allen. The Allen’s are waiting for medical clearance to return to the field. The plan is for them to leave the US September 24 arriving in Swaziland September 26. Please pray the Allen’s medical clearance will come through without delay so they can return according to plan. Side note: The Allen's received medical clearance and will be arriving in Swaziland on the 28th.)
We are beginning to say our goodbyes to our Swazi friends and the churches. The Swazis have endeared themselves to us so it is difficult saying goodbye. Pray for our four remaining weeks in Swaziland and for Al in particular as he prepares for six more Bible studies and four sermons.
Living in a third world country makes us appreciate even more how blessed we are to live in the United States. As we keep up with the news from our beloved America we are so saddened to see the rapid decline of our nation away from the godly principles on which it was founded. We have often thought how the word “bless” in the song “God Bless America” should be replaced with “God Save America”. God has blessed America many times over and we have turned our backs on Him. So now it is time to repent and plead with God to save America. That is our prayer before and after we return to the land we love. Join us in daily lifting our nation to the Father.
This will probably be our last newsletter so we take this opportunity to say thank you for taking this journey with us the past six months. Your prayers and encouraging notes have sustained us more than you will ever know. We pray this blessing on you from Numbers 6:24-26. “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.”
Inkhosi Inibusise (God bless you)
Al and Belinda Jordan
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
Last week I reported of my computer woes and was undecided whether to have the computer fixed or to purchase a new one. During the week Wayne tried another computer shop in the Manzini. The shop was not able to help us but did refer us to another shop that did help. The diagnosis was a damaged graphics card and bad processor. I am now able to boot up my computer but upon closer inspection found the keyboard is not functioning. I use a mouse and external keyboard but we do plan to take the computer back to the office for repairs. Hopefully, this will be the last you hear for a long while of my computer woes. Please pray everything will be fixed on my computer and I will be able to stay functioning for a very long time!!
***Did you know???
How are “tentmakers” involved in missions?
OCTOBER MINISTRY EVENTS:
-“Evening and morning and at noon I will pray and cry aloud. And He shall hear my voice.” (Psalm 55:17) October 14-16, 2010 is the National Swazi Baptist Women’s Retreat at the Manzini Baptist Church. The theme is “I Will Cry Unto the Lord” and the scripture verse is Psalm 55:17. So many Swazis do not know the importance of a personal prayer life or that they can even pray outside the church. Pray for missionary Barbara Myers as the leads four sessions on the importance of a prayer in our lives. Pray those attending will understand the true meaning of prayer and the need of a daily time of talking and listening to the Lord. Pray each attendee will learn to cry unto the Lord anytime and anywhere.
--October 21-November 10, Todd and Deborah Hoskins will attend the on-field orientation 40/40 in Burkino Faso (West Africa). 40/40 is an intensive time of learning to live in Africa as well as developing relationships with the African people. Begin praying for Todd and Deborah’s preparation for this type of training and wonderful blessings will occur.
--A third children’s camp is scheduled for October 22-24 at the Mphungwane Baptist Church. Wayne and I are meeting with the pastor on Tuesday to sit down and go over the schedule and other particulars of the camp. Pray for this meeting and pray the church will understand the need to send children between the ages of 6-11 (only). Pray many blessings will flow from this third camp.
--October 26-28, we are taking a little holiday to our favorite place in the whole wide world, Kruger!! Pray we will have a great and relaxing time.
SWAZI TEAM PRAYER CONCERNS:
--The Allens received their medical clearance and are in the throes of packing and returning to Swaziland. They will leave the states on the 26th of September and be in Swaziland by the 28th. Please pray as they pack, sort and prepare for their return journey to Swaziland. Lacie has been counting the number of sleeps (Swazi term) until she returns to her home and school.
--The Hoskins are currently attending a time of orientation at the International Learning Center and will be commissioned on the 22nd of September. Pray for Todd and Deborah as they prepare for their ministry in Swaziland. The Hoskins will arrive in Swaziland around the 13th or 14th of Swaziland.
--Pray for Al and Belinda Jordan as they begin saying goodbyes to their Swazi friends and the Swazi Baptist churches in which they ministered. The Jordans leave Swaziland on the 30th of September for Jo’burg. On the 1st of October they begin the long flight home.
-- Continue to remember Wayne’s sister, Patsy suffering from COPD and on oxygen. -Pray also Wayne’s brother (Terry). Pray his quarterly tests will continue to show his cancer is in remission. -Pray Barbara’s brother-in-law, Gary Rutledge will continue to recover from his herniated disc surgery and for Barbara’s nephew-in-law’s mother diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
***Answer to the Do You Know question:
By taking the gospel to limited-access or closed countries where traditional missionaries are unable to work. Like the apostle Paul who supported himself by making tents, Christians throughout history have employed their trades in distant areas and had key roles in witnessing and starting churches.
Thank you for giving to the 2009 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Pray for the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2010 LMCO so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
AIDS UPDATE:
The Swazi Team is currently developing strategies for possible student volunteers next summer to help strengthen the True Love Waits program in Swaziland. Pray for wisdom in developing these strategies. Pray the students’ gifts and talents will be fully utilized in these strategies and ministries.
COMPANY NEWS AND EVENTS:
--IMB Board of Trustee Meeting and New Missionary Appointment-Please pray for IMB trustees and staff as they gather in Tampa, Fla., on September 14-15. May they be sensitive to God’s voice and resolute in following His leadership. Thank God for the 55 new missionaries who will be appointed at Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon, Fla., on September 15. Pray their testimonies will inspire others to seek God’s direction concerning ministry overseas.
--Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C., is the location for IMB’s September 16-18 Missions EXPO. This event is designed to help interested missionary candidates explore the role God has for them in reaching the lost. Pray for participants to discover the field to which the Lord of the harvest is directing them. Intercede for IMB staff who desire to give godly counsel to these candidates.
--Please continue praying for the IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as the seek God’s man to lead our organization.
This week’s country focus: DENMARK:
-Denmark needs a fresh visitation from God. Whilst many people are members of church, faith is not real or living to many of them. Pray that the Holy Spirit would make Christ real to people who have turned to secular or new age thinking.
--There are many Muslim groups settling in Denmark who have been previously unreached, and now require a bit of extra attention to help them learn the truth. Pray that Danish Christians might be motivated to reach out to them.
--There is not a strong missions vision in the Danish church, with many congregations being devastated by non-mission, liberal theologies. Pray that the Lord would give new vision to his people, and lay a burden for missions on many hearts.
- (Information from The Ultimate Goal (TUG) a project of SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place during June and July 2010.)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
May the love of the Lord Jesus
draw us to himself.
May the power of the Lord Jesus
strengthen us in his service.
May the joy of the Lord Jesus
fill our souls.
May the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
-William Temple
How great is your goodness,
which you stored up
for those who fear you
which you bestow in the sight of men
on those who take refuge in you.
Psalm 31:19
***Did you know???
How are “tentmakers” involved in missions?
OCTOBER MINISTRY EVENTS:
-“Evening and morning and at noon I will pray and cry aloud. And He shall hear my voice.” (Psalm 55:17) October 14-16, 2010 is the National Swazi Baptist Women’s Retreat at the Manzini Baptist Church. The theme is “I Will Cry Unto the Lord” and the scripture verse is Psalm 55:17. So many Swazis do not know the importance of a personal prayer life or that they can even pray outside the church. Pray for missionary Barbara Myers as the leads four sessions on the importance of a prayer in our lives. Pray those attending will understand the true meaning of prayer and the need of a daily time of talking and listening to the Lord. Pray each attendee will learn to cry unto the Lord anytime and anywhere.
--October 21-November 10, Todd and Deborah Hoskins will attend the on-field orientation 40/40 in Burkino Faso (West Africa). 40/40 is an intensive time of learning to live in Africa as well as developing relationships with the African people. Begin praying for Todd and Deborah’s preparation for this type of training and wonderful blessings will occur.
--A third children’s camp is scheduled for October 22-24 at the Mphungwane Baptist Church. Wayne and I are meeting with the pastor on Tuesday to sit down and go over the schedule and other particulars of the camp. Pray for this meeting and pray the church will understand the need to send children between the ages of 6-11 (only). Pray many blessings will flow from this third camp.
--October 26-28, we are taking a little holiday to our favorite place in the whole wide world, Kruger!! Pray we will have a great and relaxing time.
SWAZI TEAM PRAYER CONCERNS:
--The Allens received their medical clearance and are in the throes of packing and returning to Swaziland. They will leave the states on the 26th of September and be in Swaziland by the 28th. Please pray as they pack, sort and prepare for their return journey to Swaziland. Lacie has been counting the number of sleeps (Swazi term) until she returns to her home and school.
--The Hoskins are currently attending a time of orientation at the International Learning Center and will be commissioned on the 22nd of September. Pray for Todd and Deborah as they prepare for their ministry in Swaziland. The Hoskins will arrive in Swaziland around the 13th or 14th of Swaziland.
--Pray for Al and Belinda Jordan as they begin saying goodbyes to their Swazi friends and the Swazi Baptist churches in which they ministered. The Jordans leave Swaziland on the 30th of September for Jo’burg. On the 1st of October they begin the long flight home.
-- Continue to remember Wayne’s sister, Patsy suffering from COPD and on oxygen. -Pray also Wayne’s brother (Terry). Pray his quarterly tests will continue to show his cancer is in remission. -Pray Barbara’s brother-in-law, Gary Rutledge will continue to recover from his herniated disc surgery and for Barbara’s nephew-in-law’s mother diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
***Answer to the Do You Know question:
By taking the gospel to limited-access or closed countries where traditional missionaries are unable to work. Like the apostle Paul who supported himself by making tents, Christians throughout history have employed their trades in distant areas and had key roles in witnessing and starting churches.
Thank you for giving to the 2009 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Pray for the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2010 LMCO so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
AIDS UPDATE:
The Swazi Team is currently developing strategies for possible student volunteers next summer to help strengthen the True Love Waits program in Swaziland. Pray for wisdom in developing these strategies. Pray the students’ gifts and talents will be fully utilized in these strategies and ministries.
COMPANY NEWS AND EVENTS:
--IMB Board of Trustee Meeting and New Missionary Appointment-Please pray for IMB trustees and staff as they gather in Tampa, Fla., on September 14-15. May they be sensitive to God’s voice and resolute in following His leadership. Thank God for the 55 new missionaries who will be appointed at Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon, Fla., on September 15. Pray their testimonies will inspire others to seek God’s direction concerning ministry overseas.
--Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C., is the location for IMB’s September 16-18 Missions EXPO. This event is designed to help interested missionary candidates explore the role God has for them in reaching the lost. Pray for participants to discover the field to which the Lord of the harvest is directing them. Intercede for IMB staff who desire to give godly counsel to these candidates.
--Please continue praying for the IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as the seek God’s man to lead our organization.
This week’s country focus: DENMARK:
-Denmark needs a fresh visitation from God. Whilst many people are members of church, faith is not real or living to many of them. Pray that the Holy Spirit would make Christ real to people who have turned to secular or new age thinking.
--There are many Muslim groups settling in Denmark who have been previously unreached, and now require a bit of extra attention to help them learn the truth. Pray that Danish Christians might be motivated to reach out to them.
--There is not a strong missions vision in the Danish church, with many congregations being devastated by non-mission, liberal theologies. Pray that the Lord would give new vision to his people, and lay a burden for missions on many hearts.
- (Information from The Ultimate Goal (TUG) a project of SASCOL and is the outreach initiative taking place during June and July 2010.)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
May the love of the Lord Jesus
draw us to himself.
May the power of the Lord Jesus
strengthen us in his service.
May the joy of the Lord Jesus
fill our souls.
May the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
-William Temple
How great is your goodness,
which you stored up
for those who fear you
which you bestow in the sight of men
on those who take refuge in you.
Psalm 31:19
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
So sorry you did not hear from us last week and receive the Swazitalk weekly prayer letter. Last Thursday when I tried to boot up my computer, it refused to come on. Wayne took it to a computer shop and was told we had a big problem (which means big bucks!!). Last night Wayne was able to get my computer on and I now have my address book on Wayne’s old laptop computer which enables me to send the prayer letter (even though the format is different). We don’t know what our next step will be concerning my 2007 Dell computer that besides this problem, crashed when we first booted it up in 2007 and crashed again in 2008. Please pray for us as we decide whether to fix the computer or try to get a new one. Thanks!!
--Thursday August 26-29 was the National Youth Camp!! Approximately 180 youth from the all the Swazi Baptist churches registered. The volunteer team from the First Baptist Church in Belton, Texas led many of the sessions. Wayne attended (pitching his tent) and was pleased with the overall camp and felt the ministry of the team and those leading the sessions was affirmative. Thank you for praying!! Please continue to pray for the youth of the Swazi Baptist churches to see the need to commit their lives totally to the Lord even when culture differs.
--The second children’s camp met at the New Hope Baptist Church (Shiselweni region) on Monday-Wednesday (Aug. 30-Sept. 1). Approximately 50 children attended this camp. Overall I felt the camp went well. We were able to accomplish what we planned even though there were a few mishaps. Tuesday the big tent we used for children’s evening worship and sleeping area for the boys fell down due to strong winds. We were able to find places for the boys to sleep that night. During the evening worship the generator ran out of petrol and we used a lantern for light. But the children were unfazed since most of them do not have electricity in their homes.
I think one of the most spiritually touching part of our worship was Annah Thwala telling the crucifixion story using the Resurrection Eggs. If you are not familiar with this tool, there are 12 plastic eggs. In each egg (except for one) there is a little item that attributes to the lesson. The teacher opens up the egg, shows the item and then begins to tell the story. Wednesday morning Annah felt she needed to retell the story due to the interruption of the loss of light and other things. So as each egg was opened the children told her what the item represented and also she organized the children to act out the event represented by each egg. It was truly darling. At the end Jesus had been wrapped in cloth and put in the tomb. Soldiers (Swazi soldiers) guarded the tomb but when the last egg was opened, it was empty (as was Jesus’ tomb). We all clapped our hands and laughed with joy. What a wonderful way to tell the most wonderful story of all!! Please pray the Swazi Baptist churches will see the importance of providing spiritual education for their children. Pray every Swazi Baptist church will have a strong children’s program.
SPECIAL TRAINING EVENT: Friday-Saturday (September 10-11) lay leaders and pastors of Swazi Baptist churches in the Shiselweni region will meet for a time of training and also encouragement. Pray our leaders and pastors will show an interest in this time of training and will commit to attend.
SWAZI TEAM PRAYER CONCERNS:
--Continue to pray the Allens will soon receive their medical clearance to return to Swaziland.
--Continue to pray for Todd and Deborah Hoskins as they attend a time of orientation at the International Learning Center. The Hoskins are scheduled to arrive in Swaziland on the 8th of October.
**Do you know??-What couple were Southern Baptist’s first permanent missionaries to Brazil??--William and Ann Bagby. The Bagbys arrived in Brazil in 1881. In October 1882 they, with the Z.C. Taylors, organized the first Baptist church for Brazilians. The Bagbys served as missionaries in Brazil for 61 years. Five of their children also became missionaries.Thank you for giving to the 2009 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Pray for the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2010 LMCO so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
--Also, please continue praying for the IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead our organization.
RAMADAN: AUGUST 11-SEPTEMBER 10I watched as the young girl dressed in the long black robes worn by the followers of Allah, left the mosque. It was Ramadan and many Swazi Muslims were fasting and praying to Allah. My heart ached to see so many Swazis embracing the Muslim faith. I prayed as I watched the young girl walk away that she would learn the truth can only be found in Jesus Christ. Pray the evil one will be bound as he attempts to stop the efforts of faithful Christians as they witness to their Muslim friends. Pray this one and others like her will come to the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This Week’s Country Focus: SERBIA-Pray for peace in the region of Kosovo, and throughout Serbia. Much hurt and resentment is held onto by both sides; pray that God would do a work of reconciliation in the lives of Serbs and Kosovo Albanians. Pray for national leaders to be raised up who have the courage to make things right.-There are very few Serbian evangelical believers, however, there has been growth after the witness of Christian help during time of conflict. Pray for continued growth in commitment, outreach and numbers.-The Kosovo Albanian population is almost entirely Muslim, although there has been growth in the Christian church in recent years as well. Pray that new believers may grow in grace and become mature and effective witnesses to Muslims.
--Thursday August 26-29 was the National Youth Camp!! Approximately 180 youth from the all the Swazi Baptist churches registered. The volunteer team from the First Baptist Church in Belton, Texas led many of the sessions. Wayne attended (pitching his tent) and was pleased with the overall camp and felt the ministry of the team and those leading the sessions was affirmative. Thank you for praying!! Please continue to pray for the youth of the Swazi Baptist churches to see the need to commit their lives totally to the Lord even when culture differs.
--The second children’s camp met at the New Hope Baptist Church (Shiselweni region) on Monday-Wednesday (Aug. 30-Sept. 1). Approximately 50 children attended this camp. Overall I felt the camp went well. We were able to accomplish what we planned even though there were a few mishaps. Tuesday the big tent we used for children’s evening worship and sleeping area for the boys fell down due to strong winds. We were able to find places for the boys to sleep that night. During the evening worship the generator ran out of petrol and we used a lantern for light. But the children were unfazed since most of them do not have electricity in their homes.
I think one of the most spiritually touching part of our worship was Annah Thwala telling the crucifixion story using the Resurrection Eggs. If you are not familiar with this tool, there are 12 plastic eggs. In each egg (except for one) there is a little item that attributes to the lesson. The teacher opens up the egg, shows the item and then begins to tell the story. Wednesday morning Annah felt she needed to retell the story due to the interruption of the loss of light and other things. So as each egg was opened the children told her what the item represented and also she organized the children to act out the event represented by each egg. It was truly darling. At the end Jesus had been wrapped in cloth and put in the tomb. Soldiers (Swazi soldiers) guarded the tomb but when the last egg was opened, it was empty (as was Jesus’ tomb). We all clapped our hands and laughed with joy. What a wonderful way to tell the most wonderful story of all!! Please pray the Swazi Baptist churches will see the importance of providing spiritual education for their children. Pray every Swazi Baptist church will have a strong children’s program.
SPECIAL TRAINING EVENT: Friday-Saturday (September 10-11) lay leaders and pastors of Swazi Baptist churches in the Shiselweni region will meet for a time of training and also encouragement. Pray our leaders and pastors will show an interest in this time of training and will commit to attend.
SWAZI TEAM PRAYER CONCERNS:
--Continue to pray the Allens will soon receive their medical clearance to return to Swaziland.
--Continue to pray for Todd and Deborah Hoskins as they attend a time of orientation at the International Learning Center. The Hoskins are scheduled to arrive in Swaziland on the 8th of October.
**Do you know??-What couple were Southern Baptist’s first permanent missionaries to Brazil??--William and Ann Bagby. The Bagbys arrived in Brazil in 1881. In October 1882 they, with the Z.C. Taylors, organized the first Baptist church for Brazilians. The Bagbys served as missionaries in Brazil for 61 years. Five of their children also became missionaries.Thank you for giving to the 2009 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Pray for the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2010 LMCO so missionaries can be sent to minister to many lost and dying people and nations.
--Also, please continue praying for the IMB’s Presidential Search Committee as they seek God’s man to lead our organization.
RAMADAN: AUGUST 11-SEPTEMBER 10I watched as the young girl dressed in the long black robes worn by the followers of Allah, left the mosque. It was Ramadan and many Swazi Muslims were fasting and praying to Allah. My heart ached to see so many Swazis embracing the Muslim faith. I prayed as I watched the young girl walk away that she would learn the truth can only be found in Jesus Christ. Pray the evil one will be bound as he attempts to stop the efforts of faithful Christians as they witness to their Muslim friends. Pray this one and others like her will come to the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This Week’s Country Focus: SERBIA-Pray for peace in the region of Kosovo, and throughout Serbia. Much hurt and resentment is held onto by both sides; pray that God would do a work of reconciliation in the lives of Serbs and Kosovo Albanians. Pray for national leaders to be raised up who have the courage to make things right.-There are very few Serbian evangelical believers, however, there has been growth after the witness of Christian help during time of conflict. Pray for continued growth in commitment, outreach and numbers.-The Kosovo Albanian population is almost entirely Muslim, although there has been growth in the Christian church in recent years as well. Pray that new believers may grow in grace and become mature and effective witnesses to Muslims.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
September Team Prayer Calendar
Wednesday September 1: The Allens are scheduled to share with several Bible study groups over the next month before leaving the USA. Pray God will “raise up” more prayer warriors for the Swazi people and Swazi Team.
Thursday September 2: Pray for Jessie Warren today on his 15th birthday!!
August 28th was set aside for prayer and fasting for clear direction for the IMB presidential search team as well as the North American Board also seeking a president. Please join us in praying the Lord will provide wisdom to the committee members as they continue to seek His chosen servants to lead these two important organizations.
Friday September 3: Todd and Deborah Hoskins are attending a time orientation at the International Learning Center. Please pray they will continue to have ears to hear the Lord’s teachings and will also be able to focus on Him despite the stress of deadlines and fears of upcoming changes.
Saturday September 4: The executive committee of the Swaziland Baptist Convention meets today. Pray for a wonderful time of praying, planning and preparing the 2011 budget.
Sunday September 5: The pastors of the Nhlangano and Thunzini Baptist Churches are working together to provide pastoral support and leadership to the Zikotheni Baptist Church currently without a pastor. Pray for Pastor Dlamini and Pastor Gamadze as they commit to leading the Zikotheni Baptist Church. Pray the Lord will provide a committed Christian man for this church.
--Pray for all our Swazi Baptist churches as many are without strong leadership. May God raise up godly men and women to faithfully serve Him every day.
Monday September 6: RAMADAN August 11-September 10:
I watched as a young girl dressed in the long black robes worn by the followers of Allah left the mosque. It was Ramadan and many Swazi Muslims were fasting and praying to Allah. My heart ached to see so many Swazis embracing the Muslim faith. I prayed as the young girl walked down the street that she would learn the truth can only be found in Jesus Christ. Pray the evil one will be bound as he attempts to stop the efforts of faithful Christians as they witness to their Muslim friends. Pray this one and others like her will come to the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Tuesday September 7: In August two children camps (3 days-2 nights) were held, one in the Shiselweni region and the other in the Lubumbo region. The theme was “Let’s Talk to God” and the theme scripture was Psalm 55:17. Our prayer was for each child to take home the stories and their significance and each child would also be touched by the Lord. Hopefully this was accomplished. Pray the Swazi Baptist churches will see the importance of providing spiritual education for their children. Pray every Swazi Baptist church will have a strong children’s program.
Wednesday September 8: The Shiselweni Baptist Association met on the 30th of July to regroup and begin meeting on a regular basis. Please pray for Nkosingiphile Dlamini as he leads the Shiselweni Baptist Association. Pray for a sense of unity among all the Baptist churches in the Shiselweni region.
Thursday September 9: Swazi pastors and leaders continue to be drawn into the currently popular and abundant heretical teachings they hear on the radio and from other churches. Pray the true teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ will touch the hearts of our Swazi Baptist leaders and pastors. Pray for more God-called men to hear and respond unconditionally to God’s call on their lives.
Friday September 10: A training event for pastors and lay leaders is scheduled for today and tomorrow (Sept. 10-11) in the Shiselweni region. Pray for good attendance.
Saturday September 11: Kym Pennington, new True Love Waits International consultant was able to meet/eat with the Jordans and Myers on the 20th of August. The Swazi Team is interested in developing a strong TLW program in Swaziland. During our time together we discussed ways in which to make this happen. Pray for Kym as she begins this ministry in Swaziland. Pray this will be the beginning of a wonderful working relationship between Kym, the Swazis and the Swazi Team.
Sunday September 12: The Warrens are organizing a volunteer team to work with the Mountain Baptist Church (Mafucula) as well as other ministries in August 2011. Today the Swaziland Mission Team is meeting to continue to organize. Pray for the current members of the team as they continue praying and seeking God’s will for next year’s mission trip and also for fundraising events that will begin in October.
Monday September 13: Today the Allens are sharing with senior adults at the First Baptist Church West Palm Beach, Fla. Pray for this very special time. Pray many of these adults will commit to pray for the Swazi people.
Tuesday September 14: Today the Allens are sharing with the senior adults of the Palm Springs Baptist Church. Pray for Steve and Monica as they share concerning the work with the Swazi people.
Wednesday September 15: Continue to pray the strongholds that keep the King of Swaziland, his wives and children from accepting Jesus as Savior will be broken.
Thursday September 16: What was the Southern Baptist Convention’s first foreign mission field and who was the first foreign missionary? China and S.C. Clopton was appointed to that country in 1845. Pray for the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2010 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering so missionaries can continue to be sent to many lost and dying people and nations.
Friday September 17: The Allens write, “Praise God for an amazing stateside assignment for our family these past months. We have been truly blessed. We are thankful for all the places we have shared about the Swazi people. Our family plans to depart from the USA September 24 and arrive in Swaziland on the 26th, pending final medical clearance. Pray for sweet goodbyes with family and friends. Pray for the long plane ride back to Africa and Lacie and Nathan will do well with all the travels.”
Saturday September 18: Thank you for praying for the Swazi Baptist National Youth Camp August 26-29 for all the youth of the Baptist churches. The theme was “Running Towards the Super Goal”. 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 walk with Him.
Sunday September 19: Last month two were baptized during the Vuvulane Baptist Church’s baptismal service. Please pray for these two to be Christ’s true witnesses. The Vuvulane Baptist Church was also given land for a church building. Pray the church will begin organizing a plan for building their church structure.
Monday September 20: 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 21: SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN UNENGAGED PEOPLES: Fervent prayer is needed for the Gor people of Chad. Each day that passes, the Gor go about their day without hearing the Good News. Their souls are at stake, and they desperately need you to intercede. Please stop now and come before the Father to lift up the Gor. Pray that the Gospel will spread among them and that God will stir the hearts of the children to go and reach the Gor for Christ.
Wednesday September 22: Today Todd and Deborah Hoskins will be commissioned as IMB missionaries at the International Learning Center. The Swazi Team is thankful for the commitment of the Hoskins to the ministry with the Swazi people. They are scheduled to arrive on the 8th of October. Pray for today’s commissioning service and its importance for Todd and Deborah. Continue to pray for their spiritual preparation for their work in Swaziland.
Thursday September 23: A new gel to prevent HIV infection has been discovered. Use of the vaginal gel containing the antiretroviral drug tenofovir reduced a woman’s chance of becoming infected with the HIV during sex by 39 percent. Pray further studies can be done to determine the efficiency of this gel. Pray many lives will be able to be saved through this gel as well as antiretroviral drugs.
Friday September 24: Volunteer teams are preparing for a time of work and ministry in Swaziland in 2011. Pray each team will be prepared to share with the Swazi people and may 2011 be a wonderful year for volunteers committing to join the Lord’s work in Swaziland.
Saturday September 25: Pray for Todd Hoskins today on his birthday!!
The day will be spent with Todd’s parents. Pray Todd and Deborah will be able to spend quality time with Todd’s parents today as they continue the goodbye process.
Sunday September 26: A young pastor finds himself in a position that is not good. He is single and was sent by his family to stay with his sister-in-law whose husband died. In Swazi culture it is acceptable and some instances required for a brother of a deceased husband to wed the widow. This is not the case with this couple and the young man understands he must have a good testimony inside and outside the church. He wants to do right but is in no position financially to move to another place. Pray this young pastor will find the means to make the move. Pray he will be able to lead the church as Christ would lead.
Monday September 27: Pray the Allen family will adjust quickly to returning to Swaziland an for God to direct them to the right ministries over the next couple of years.
-Continue to pray for Lacie as she returns to school to finish her kindergarten year. Lacie will also be taking an entrance exam in the next couple of weeks. Pray she do well and there will be no complications in her starting school at Sifundzane Primary School for 1st grade in January 2011.
Tuesday September 28: The National Swazi Ladies’ Retreat is drawing closer (October 14-16). The venue is the Manzini Baptist Church. The theme is “I Will Cry Unto The Lord” and scripture verse if Psalm 55:17. Pray for Barbara Myers to be spiritually prepared to lead four sessions on prayer. So many Swazis do not know the importance of a personal prayer life or they can pray outside the church. Pray those attending will understand the true meaning of prayer and the need for a personal prayer life.
Wednesday September 29: October 21-November 19, Todd and Deborah Hoskins will attend the on-field orientation 40/40 in Burkino Faso (West Africa). 40/40 is an intensive time of learning to live in Africa as well as developing relationships with the African people. Begin praying for Todd and Deborah’s preparation to this type of training and wonderful blessings will occur.
Thursday September 30: The Swazi Team thanks the Lord for Al and Belinda Jordan serving in Swaziland during the Allens’ stateside assignment. We appreciate their willingness to sacrificially serve with the Swazi people. They did a fantastic job!! Today the Jordans leave Swaziland to fly back to the states from Jo’burg on the 1st of October. Pray their journey home will be uneventful. Pray Al and Belinda will leave Swaziland with joy and blessings in their hearts.
Thursday September 2: Pray for Jessie Warren today on his 15th birthday!!
August 28th was set aside for prayer and fasting for clear direction for the IMB presidential search team as well as the North American Board also seeking a president. Please join us in praying the Lord will provide wisdom to the committee members as they continue to seek His chosen servants to lead these two important organizations.
Friday September 3: Todd and Deborah Hoskins are attending a time orientation at the International Learning Center. Please pray they will continue to have ears to hear the Lord’s teachings and will also be able to focus on Him despite the stress of deadlines and fears of upcoming changes.
Saturday September 4: The executive committee of the Swaziland Baptist Convention meets today. Pray for a wonderful time of praying, planning and preparing the 2011 budget.
Sunday September 5: The pastors of the Nhlangano and Thunzini Baptist Churches are working together to provide pastoral support and leadership to the Zikotheni Baptist Church currently without a pastor. Pray for Pastor Dlamini and Pastor Gamadze as they commit to leading the Zikotheni Baptist Church. Pray the Lord will provide a committed Christian man for this church.
--Pray for all our Swazi Baptist churches as many are without strong leadership. May God raise up godly men and women to faithfully serve Him every day.
Monday September 6: RAMADAN August 11-September 10:
I watched as a young girl dressed in the long black robes worn by the followers of Allah left the mosque. It was Ramadan and many Swazi Muslims were fasting and praying to Allah. My heart ached to see so many Swazis embracing the Muslim faith. I prayed as the young girl walked down the street that she would learn the truth can only be found in Jesus Christ. Pray the evil one will be bound as he attempts to stop the efforts of faithful Christians as they witness to their Muslim friends. Pray this one and others like her will come to the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Tuesday September 7: In August two children camps (3 days-2 nights) were held, one in the Shiselweni region and the other in the Lubumbo region. The theme was “Let’s Talk to God” and the theme scripture was Psalm 55:17. Our prayer was for each child to take home the stories and their significance and each child would also be touched by the Lord. Hopefully this was accomplished. Pray the Swazi Baptist churches will see the importance of providing spiritual education for their children. Pray every Swazi Baptist church will have a strong children’s program.
Wednesday September 8: The Shiselweni Baptist Association met on the 30th of July to regroup and begin meeting on a regular basis. Please pray for Nkosingiphile Dlamini as he leads the Shiselweni Baptist Association. Pray for a sense of unity among all the Baptist churches in the Shiselweni region.
Thursday September 9: Swazi pastors and leaders continue to be drawn into the currently popular and abundant heretical teachings they hear on the radio and from other churches. Pray the true teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ will touch the hearts of our Swazi Baptist leaders and pastors. Pray for more God-called men to hear and respond unconditionally to God’s call on their lives.
Friday September 10: A training event for pastors and lay leaders is scheduled for today and tomorrow (Sept. 10-11) in the Shiselweni region. Pray for good attendance.
Saturday September 11: Kym Pennington, new True Love Waits International consultant was able to meet/eat with the Jordans and Myers on the 20th of August. The Swazi Team is interested in developing a strong TLW program in Swaziland. During our time together we discussed ways in which to make this happen. Pray for Kym as she begins this ministry in Swaziland. Pray this will be the beginning of a wonderful working relationship between Kym, the Swazis and the Swazi Team.
Sunday September 12: The Warrens are organizing a volunteer team to work with the Mountain Baptist Church (Mafucula) as well as other ministries in August 2011. Today the Swaziland Mission Team is meeting to continue to organize. Pray for the current members of the team as they continue praying and seeking God’s will for next year’s mission trip and also for fundraising events that will begin in October.
Monday September 13: Today the Allens are sharing with senior adults at the First Baptist Church West Palm Beach, Fla. Pray for this very special time. Pray many of these adults will commit to pray for the Swazi people.
Tuesday September 14: Today the Allens are sharing with the senior adults of the Palm Springs Baptist Church. Pray for Steve and Monica as they share concerning the work with the Swazi people.
Wednesday September 15: Continue to pray the strongholds that keep the King of Swaziland, his wives and children from accepting Jesus as Savior will be broken.
Thursday September 16: What was the Southern Baptist Convention’s first foreign mission field and who was the first foreign missionary? China and S.C. Clopton was appointed to that country in 1845. Pray for the faithfulness of Southern Baptist churches to give to the 2010 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering so missionaries can continue to be sent to many lost and dying people and nations.
Friday September 17: The Allens write, “Praise God for an amazing stateside assignment for our family these past months. We have been truly blessed. We are thankful for all the places we have shared about the Swazi people. Our family plans to depart from the USA September 24 and arrive in Swaziland on the 26th, pending final medical clearance. Pray for sweet goodbyes with family and friends. Pray for the long plane ride back to Africa and Lacie and Nathan will do well with all the travels.”
Saturday September 18: Thank you for praying for the Swazi Baptist National Youth Camp August 26-29 for all the youth of the Baptist churches. The theme was “Running Towards the Super Goal”. 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 walk with Him.
Sunday September 19: Last month two were baptized during the Vuvulane Baptist Church’s baptismal service. Please pray for these two to be Christ’s true witnesses. The Vuvulane Baptist Church was also given land for a church building. Pray the church will begin organizing a plan for building their church structure.
Monday September 20: 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 21: SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN UNENGAGED PEOPLES: Fervent prayer is needed for the Gor people of Chad. Each day that passes, the Gor go about their day without hearing the Good News. Their souls are at stake, and they desperately need you to intercede. Please stop now and come before the Father to lift up the Gor. Pray that the Gospel will spread among them and that God will stir the hearts of the children to go and reach the Gor for Christ.
Wednesday September 22: Today Todd and Deborah Hoskins will be commissioned as IMB missionaries at the International Learning Center. The Swazi Team is thankful for the commitment of the Hoskins to the ministry with the Swazi people. They are scheduled to arrive on the 8th of October. Pray for today’s commissioning service and its importance for Todd and Deborah. Continue to pray for their spiritual preparation for their work in Swaziland.
Thursday September 23: A new gel to prevent HIV infection has been discovered. Use of the vaginal gel containing the antiretroviral drug tenofovir reduced a woman’s chance of becoming infected with the HIV during sex by 39 percent. Pray further studies can be done to determine the efficiency of this gel. Pray many lives will be able to be saved through this gel as well as antiretroviral drugs.
Friday September 24: Volunteer teams are preparing for a time of work and ministry in Swaziland in 2011. Pray each team will be prepared to share with the Swazi people and may 2011 be a wonderful year for volunteers committing to join the Lord’s work in Swaziland.
Saturday September 25: Pray for Todd Hoskins today on his birthday!!
The day will be spent with Todd’s parents. Pray Todd and Deborah will be able to spend quality time with Todd’s parents today as they continue the goodbye process.
Sunday September 26: A young pastor finds himself in a position that is not good. He is single and was sent by his family to stay with his sister-in-law whose husband died. In Swazi culture it is acceptable and some instances required for a brother of a deceased husband to wed the widow. This is not the case with this couple and the young man understands he must have a good testimony inside and outside the church. He wants to do right but is in no position financially to move to another place. Pray this young pastor will find the means to make the move. Pray he will be able to lead the church as Christ would lead.
Monday September 27: Pray the Allen family will adjust quickly to returning to Swaziland an for God to direct them to the right ministries over the next couple of years.
-Continue to pray for Lacie as she returns to school to finish her kindergarten year. Lacie will also be taking an entrance exam in the next couple of weeks. Pray she do well and there will be no complications in her starting school at Sifundzane Primary School for 1st grade in January 2011.
Tuesday September 28: The National Swazi Ladies’ Retreat is drawing closer (October 14-16). The venue is the Manzini Baptist Church. The theme is “I Will Cry Unto The Lord” and scripture verse if Psalm 55:17. Pray for Barbara Myers to be spiritually prepared to lead four sessions on prayer. So many Swazis do not know the importance of a personal prayer life or they can pray outside the church. Pray those attending will understand the true meaning of prayer and the need for a personal prayer life.
Wednesday September 29: October 21-November 19, Todd and Deborah Hoskins will attend the on-field orientation 40/40 in Burkino Faso (West Africa). 40/40 is an intensive time of learning to live in Africa as well as developing relationships with the African people. Begin praying for Todd and Deborah’s preparation to this type of training and wonderful blessings will occur.
Thursday September 30: The Swazi Team thanks the Lord for Al and Belinda Jordan serving in Swaziland during the Allens’ stateside assignment. We appreciate their willingness to sacrificially serve with the Swazi people. They did a fantastic job!! Today the Jordans leave Swaziland to fly back to the states from Jo’burg on the 1st of October. Pray their journey home will be uneventful. Pray Al and Belinda will leave Swaziland with joy and blessings in their hearts.
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