Happy Memorial Day!
This month we started what will become a regular teaching one Saturday each month at Big Bend Baptist Church. Todd will be teaching the youth and Deborah will be teaching the ladies. Please pray that God will give us wisdom as we begin to develop relationships in the area and help teach.
We participated in a church work day for Mphembekati Baptist Church. We helped clear the church’s new land that was full of guava trees. We had a lot of fun working hard with our friends and being able to admire the progress that was made.
Kym Pennington, the True Love Waits International consultant for Swaziland and Malawi, was able to stay with us for a few days this month and do a short version of the True Love Waits training in a couple of the local high schools. We really enjoyed being able to hear and participate in her presentation. Please pray that the locals who are trained in True Love Waits will have the opportunity to go back to the schools and give the complete presentation.
This Wednesday, the six college summer missionaries will be arriving in Swaziland. We are looking forward to their arrival and the blessing that they will be to our team and the Swazi people during their time here. Todd and I were able to join a volunteer team for only about a half an hour on Saturday while they were doing home visits in Lesibovu. It is such an encouragement to have volunteers come to spur on the work that has been started here. They are truly an inspiration to us. Please continue to pray for all of our extra help these next months.
Thank you for your support.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
June Prayer Calendar
Wednesday June 1: Hunter and Katy Hallock arrived in Swaziland on May 27 to serve with the Myers, Allens and Hoskins throughout the month of June in various ministry opportunities. Hunter has ministered in Swaziland several times but this is Katy’s first visit to the country. Pray Hunter and Katy will enjoy their time working and serving with the Swazi people.
Thursday June 2: Six summer missionaries arrived yesterday to begin their time of sharing the True Love Waits message in schools and with the Swazi Baptist churches. REH, Adam, Jonathon will stay on a homestead in the Velebantfu community and Tori, Tiffany and Elizabeth will stay on a homestead next to the Mgamudze Baptist Church. Pray the Lord will give wisdom to these as they seek His will with the TLW ministry. Pray each will be able to adjust to a totally different lifestyle and their physical, emotional and spiritual health will not suffer. Daily gathering of water, homes without electricity and living in camp-like conditions will be the norm for their stay.
Friday June 3: Please pray for the Swazi Baptist Youth Leaders’ Retreat this weekend (June 3-5). Hunter Johnson and Katy Hallock, volunteers from North Carolina and Makhosi Fakudze (pastor of the Vovovo Baptist Church) are leading this training event. The six summer missionaries will also be attending.
Saturday June 4: May 14th the Shiselweni Baptist Association met at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Please continue to pray for this association as the nine Swazi Baptist churches strive to meet together for encouragement and unity.
Sunday June 5: Please pray for the nineteen members of Mpolonjeni Baptist Union Church baptized on May 15th.. Pray these new believers will stand strong in their faith. Each person gave a verbal testimony of their faith in Christ during their baptism. God blessed with a beautiful sunny day after a cool rainy night.
Monday June 6: A Bible training school for church leaders is scheduled this week June 6-10 at the Phuzumoya Baptist Church in partnership with the South Coast Bible School (South Africa). Please pray for this training and for Steve Allen as he teaches a class on “Isaiah.”
Tuesday June 7: 648 In-Home Care Kits (BGR buckets) are on their way to Swaziland. The Swazi Team praises the Lord for His provision but also know with these buckets is the responsibility of distributing and ministering to AIDS victims and their families. Pray for the Swazi Team as we seek to train our church members on the use of the kits. Each kit is packed in a 5-gallon bucket filled with items such as multivitamins, sheets, a towel and washcloths, soap for sensitive skin, gloves for caregivers and much more. May many Swazi lives be touched by the giving and sharing of these kits. J For more information, go to http://www.inhomecarekit.org/ and click on the “Shopping List” page.
Wednesday June 8: “Who wants to go to heaven?” Smiling all those attending the Bible study at the new outreach group (MaCethuka) raised their hands. Thank you for praying for this new work that met for the first time on May 11th. Pray this new work at MaCethuka will develop into a strong Bible study. Pray more adults/youth and children will attend and understand about living the Christian life.
Thursday June 9: A mission team from Clear Creek Bible College ministered in Swaziland the last week of May. Please pray for follow-up with those who made decisions for the Lord through revival services, evangelistic homestead visits and Bible studies in new outreach areas in the Hhohho region.
Friday June 10: Last month (May 7th) the Baptist Convention of Swaziland elected new officers. Pray for these as they begin serving as leaders of the convention. Pray decisions will be made in an autonomous matter that will allow discussion. Pray for a spirit of unity and fellowship among the Swazi Baptist churches and the Swaziland Baptist Convention.
Saturday June 11: Pray for Lacie Allen today as she participates in an international gymnastics competition in Benoini (South Africa). Pray she will do her best and will enjoy her of time of competing.
Sunday June 12: June 12-15 a group from True Love Waits International will be in Swaziland to conduct research for a documentary on the work of the six summer missionaries spreading the True Love Waits message throughout Swaziland. Sharon, Cindi and Roxie will observe and conduct interviews with the missionaries as well as those attending True Love Waits trainings. Pray this work will be very productive for Sharon, Cindi and Roxie. Pray the work of the missionaries and the completion of this documentary will help educate Swazis to the causes of HIV/AIDS and how it affects their society as well as families. Pray each will understand that if we live the way the Lord ordains, we don’t have to die.
Monday June 13: After enjoying good and substantial rains in the spring and early summer, some areas in the country now find themselves in a drought situation possibly facing a famine in the coming year. Just when the crops needed rain the most, the rains stopped. Many will suffer when their food supplies run out before the next crops are ready to harvest. Pray those facing a hunger situation will be able to find assistance in feeding their families. Pray the next growing season will be one of plenty.
Tuesday June 14: In March Todd Hoskins began meeting each morning with a new friend for Bible study. As the study continues pray God will give Todd wisdom in his relationship and study with his Swazi friend.
Wednesday June 15: Thank you for your consistent prayer support for the King of Swaziland and his wives and children. Please continue to pray each will experience the gift of salvation and revival will take place throughout Swaziland.
Thursday June 16: Today four “Hands On” missionaries will arrive in Swaziland to begin 6 months of ministry sharing the True Love Waits message with Swazi Baptist churches and schools throughout Swaziland. After a four day orientation Sienna and Heather will stay in Mbabane and Brandi and Kim will travel to Tshaneni. As part of their college class work, Brandi and Kim will undergo a month of language study while staying on a Swazi homestead. Pray Sienna, Brandi, Kim and Heather will adjust well to life in Swaziland. Pray hearts and lives will be touched as God’s plan for marriage and purity is shared.
Friday June 17: Pray for Lacie Allen today on her 7th birthday!!
There are five Swazi Baptist churches in the Manzini area. Most of these are experiencing problems of poor leadership or doctrinal issues. As the Hoskins continue to develop friendships and working relationships with the pastors/leaders of these churches, pray these issues can be addressed and the outcome will be healthy and spiritually vibrant churches. Pray for wisdom for the Hoskins as they seek the Lord’s help and guidance with this large task!
Saturday June 18: Kym Pennington (True Love Waits International consultant) and Adam Coe will unite in marriage in Conway, Arkansas. The Swazi Team appreciates Kym’s work in training TLW presenters and promoting TLW ministry in Swaziland. Pray for Kym and Adam as they begin their lives together. The couple will reside in Conway, Oklahoma.
Sunday June 19: FATHERS’ DAY!!
Take time to talk and spend time with your father today!! Pray this day will indeed be special for fathers everywhere and each will feel the presence of the Lord throughout their special day!
Monday June 20: With the spread of the Muslim faith throughout Swaziland increasing Swazi Christians need to become more evangelistic in winning their friends, neighbors and family to the Lord. Pray for a renewed excitement and boldness among Swazi Christians to see their friends and loved ones come to know Jesus as their Savior. Pray the spread of the Muslim faith in Swaziland will be no more!!
Tuesday June 21: A volunteer youth team from the First Baptist Church, Washington, North Carolina will minister with the Allen family from June 21-June 30. This will be the first mission trip for many of these youth. Please pray for the team members and leaders as they minister and for the Swazis with whom they will be sharing.
Wednesday June 22: For years missionary Barbara Myers and several Swazis have worked to translate from English to siSwati adult, youth, older children, children and beginner Sunday School materials. In 2005 siSwati children and beginner’s Sunday School books were printed and are currently being used in our Swazi Baptist churches. Pray for Barbara as she strives to bring this big project to a satisfying end. Pray these materials will also be printed in book form that will be easily accessible to the Swazi Baptist churches.
Thursday June 23: SUB-SAHARAN AFFRICAN UNENGAGED PEOPLES: The BangeriMe cliff dwellers on the escarpment area of Mali remain isolated from the Gospel and isolated from much of the world. Please ask the Lord to embed a desire and an interest in the heart of someone to come and be God’s tool to “chip away the stone” and be His light to these who are embedded in their own animalistic culture. Story tellers are needed who are willing to travel the distance and climb the heights necessary for God’s love to be planted and cultivated.
Friday June 24: The customs of the African culture make it difficult for women to protect themselves against AIDS. Many women are faithful to their spouse but discover they are HIV-positive since it is culturally acceptable for men to have multiple wives and many sexual partners. Women facing poverty often believe sex is the only way they can get money to feed themselves and their families. Pray that women suffering from poverty will find employment or receive government assistance instead of giving sex in exchange for food and transport. Pray these women will commit themselves to Jesus Christ and receive eternal salvation regardless of their HIV status. (Hearing the Cries of the Hurting prayer booklet)
Saturday June 25: July 30-August 10, a volunteer team from Camp Worldlight, Florida GA/Acteens Camp is coming to serve with the Swazi children through Bible studies, games, crafts and songs in the Hhohho region. Please pray for Laura, Jill, Mindy, Ashley, Rachel, Aarika, Brooklyn and Anne.
Sunday June 26: Both the Luwhawhaweni and Vuvulane Baptist Churches have been given land to build church structures. Pray as these congregations plan towards their building projects. Through tithes and offerings may these new structures be completed. Pray also for the Mpembakati Baptist Church as the congregation moves ahead with the construction of their church building.
Monday June 27: June 27-29, the Myers, Hoskins and summer missionaries will take an enjoyable trip to the Kruger National Game Reserve. Pray Adam, REH, Jonathon, Tori, Tiffany and Elizabeth will see many animals as well as birds and will have a great experience admiring God’s creation.
Tuesday June 28: August 10-18 a 16-member volunteer team from the Euto Baptist Church (Marshville, NC) led by Bert and Lisa Warren will minister in the northeast section of Swaziland. Bert, Lisa, Jessie, Matthew and Sarah were part of the Swazi Team (2008-2009) before returning to the States due to Lisa’s father’s illness. The volunteer team’s ministries will include prayer walking, hut-to-hut visitation, ladies and youth retreats, children’s Bible studies, AIDS orphans ministry and other spirit led ministries. Pray for Bert, Lisa, Matthew, Zach, Landon, Keith, Jen, Nathan, Lisa, Harley, Kimberly, Brooke, Kathy, Kara, Amanda and Jenna as they prepare to work with the Swazi people. Pray for the Myers as they prepare for this team’s arrival.
Wednesday June 29: The National Youth Camp is scheduled for August 25-28. Every year youth from the Swazi Baptist churches come for an enjoyable time of Bible study, worship and fellowship. For many it is the highlight of their year. Pray for a great group this year. Pray the planning of the camp will continue to go well.
Thursday June 30: If one were to visit a Zionist church (traditional African religion) he or she would take their shoes off at the door. Members would be dressed in robes of white or blue or green. There probably would be a candle in the middle of the floor and as the service starts a circle of people would start jogging and chanting around in a circle for approximately 30-45 minutes. Afterwards would be a time of extended prayer with all the people praying on their knees or prostate on the ground. The praying is mournful and loud. There is quite a bit of congregational singing, an extended time of testifying and more than one sermon. Pray for the Zionists to come to a true understanding of their need for a personal relationship with Jesus and they will be able to separate themselves from the pagan practices of traditional religion. (So That Christ Might Dwell in Their Hearts Swazi People prayer booklet)
Thursday June 2: Six summer missionaries arrived yesterday to begin their time of sharing the True Love Waits message in schools and with the Swazi Baptist churches. REH, Adam, Jonathon will stay on a homestead in the Velebantfu community and Tori, Tiffany and Elizabeth will stay on a homestead next to the Mgamudze Baptist Church. Pray the Lord will give wisdom to these as they seek His will with the TLW ministry. Pray each will be able to adjust to a totally different lifestyle and their physical, emotional and spiritual health will not suffer. Daily gathering of water, homes without electricity and living in camp-like conditions will be the norm for their stay.
Friday June 3: Please pray for the Swazi Baptist Youth Leaders’ Retreat this weekend (June 3-5). Hunter Johnson and Katy Hallock, volunteers from North Carolina and Makhosi Fakudze (pastor of the Vovovo Baptist Church) are leading this training event. The six summer missionaries will also be attending.
Saturday June 4: May 14th the Shiselweni Baptist Association met at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Please continue to pray for this association as the nine Swazi Baptist churches strive to meet together for encouragement and unity.
Sunday June 5: Please pray for the nineteen members of Mpolonjeni Baptist Union Church baptized on May 15th.. Pray these new believers will stand strong in their faith. Each person gave a verbal testimony of their faith in Christ during their baptism. God blessed with a beautiful sunny day after a cool rainy night.
Monday June 6: A Bible training school for church leaders is scheduled this week June 6-10 at the Phuzumoya Baptist Church in partnership with the South Coast Bible School (South Africa). Please pray for this training and for Steve Allen as he teaches a class on “Isaiah.”
Tuesday June 7: 648 In-Home Care Kits (BGR buckets) are on their way to Swaziland. The Swazi Team praises the Lord for His provision but also know with these buckets is the responsibility of distributing and ministering to AIDS victims and their families. Pray for the Swazi Team as we seek to train our church members on the use of the kits. Each kit is packed in a 5-gallon bucket filled with items such as multivitamins, sheets, a towel and washcloths, soap for sensitive skin, gloves for caregivers and much more. May many Swazi lives be touched by the giving and sharing of these kits. J For more information, go to http://www.inhomecarekit.org/ and click on the “Shopping List” page.
Wednesday June 8: “Who wants to go to heaven?” Smiling all those attending the Bible study at the new outreach group (MaCethuka) raised their hands. Thank you for praying for this new work that met for the first time on May 11th. Pray this new work at MaCethuka will develop into a strong Bible study. Pray more adults/youth and children will attend and understand about living the Christian life.
Thursday June 9: A mission team from Clear Creek Bible College ministered in Swaziland the last week of May. Please pray for follow-up with those who made decisions for the Lord through revival services, evangelistic homestead visits and Bible studies in new outreach areas in the Hhohho region.
Friday June 10: Last month (May 7th) the Baptist Convention of Swaziland elected new officers. Pray for these as they begin serving as leaders of the convention. Pray decisions will be made in an autonomous matter that will allow discussion. Pray for a spirit of unity and fellowship among the Swazi Baptist churches and the Swaziland Baptist Convention.
Saturday June 11: Pray for Lacie Allen today as she participates in an international gymnastics competition in Benoini (South Africa). Pray she will do her best and will enjoy her of time of competing.
Sunday June 12: June 12-15 a group from True Love Waits International will be in Swaziland to conduct research for a documentary on the work of the six summer missionaries spreading the True Love Waits message throughout Swaziland. Sharon, Cindi and Roxie will observe and conduct interviews with the missionaries as well as those attending True Love Waits trainings. Pray this work will be very productive for Sharon, Cindi and Roxie. Pray the work of the missionaries and the completion of this documentary will help educate Swazis to the causes of HIV/AIDS and how it affects their society as well as families. Pray each will understand that if we live the way the Lord ordains, we don’t have to die.
Monday June 13: After enjoying good and substantial rains in the spring and early summer, some areas in the country now find themselves in a drought situation possibly facing a famine in the coming year. Just when the crops needed rain the most, the rains stopped. Many will suffer when their food supplies run out before the next crops are ready to harvest. Pray those facing a hunger situation will be able to find assistance in feeding their families. Pray the next growing season will be one of plenty.
Tuesday June 14: In March Todd Hoskins began meeting each morning with a new friend for Bible study. As the study continues pray God will give Todd wisdom in his relationship and study with his Swazi friend.
Wednesday June 15: Thank you for your consistent prayer support for the King of Swaziland and his wives and children. Please continue to pray each will experience the gift of salvation and revival will take place throughout Swaziland.
Thursday June 16: Today four “Hands On” missionaries will arrive in Swaziland to begin 6 months of ministry sharing the True Love Waits message with Swazi Baptist churches and schools throughout Swaziland. After a four day orientation Sienna and Heather will stay in Mbabane and Brandi and Kim will travel to Tshaneni. As part of their college class work, Brandi and Kim will undergo a month of language study while staying on a Swazi homestead. Pray Sienna, Brandi, Kim and Heather will adjust well to life in Swaziland. Pray hearts and lives will be touched as God’s plan for marriage and purity is shared.
Friday June 17: Pray for Lacie Allen today on her 7th birthday!!
There are five Swazi Baptist churches in the Manzini area. Most of these are experiencing problems of poor leadership or doctrinal issues. As the Hoskins continue to develop friendships and working relationships with the pastors/leaders of these churches, pray these issues can be addressed and the outcome will be healthy and spiritually vibrant churches. Pray for wisdom for the Hoskins as they seek the Lord’s help and guidance with this large task!
Saturday June 18: Kym Pennington (True Love Waits International consultant) and Adam Coe will unite in marriage in Conway, Arkansas. The Swazi Team appreciates Kym’s work in training TLW presenters and promoting TLW ministry in Swaziland. Pray for Kym and Adam as they begin their lives together. The couple will reside in Conway, Oklahoma.
Sunday June 19: FATHERS’ DAY!!
Take time to talk and spend time with your father today!! Pray this day will indeed be special for fathers everywhere and each will feel the presence of the Lord throughout their special day!
Monday June 20: With the spread of the Muslim faith throughout Swaziland increasing Swazi Christians need to become more evangelistic in winning their friends, neighbors and family to the Lord. Pray for a renewed excitement and boldness among Swazi Christians to see their friends and loved ones come to know Jesus as their Savior. Pray the spread of the Muslim faith in Swaziland will be no more!!
Tuesday June 21: A volunteer youth team from the First Baptist Church, Washington, North Carolina will minister with the Allen family from June 21-June 30. This will be the first mission trip for many of these youth. Please pray for the team members and leaders as they minister and for the Swazis with whom they will be sharing.
Wednesday June 22: For years missionary Barbara Myers and several Swazis have worked to translate from English to siSwati adult, youth, older children, children and beginner Sunday School materials. In 2005 siSwati children and beginner’s Sunday School books were printed and are currently being used in our Swazi Baptist churches. Pray for Barbara as she strives to bring this big project to a satisfying end. Pray these materials will also be printed in book form that will be easily accessible to the Swazi Baptist churches.
Thursday June 23: SUB-SAHARAN AFFRICAN UNENGAGED PEOPLES: The BangeriMe cliff dwellers on the escarpment area of Mali remain isolated from the Gospel and isolated from much of the world. Please ask the Lord to embed a desire and an interest in the heart of someone to come and be God’s tool to “chip away the stone” and be His light to these who are embedded in their own animalistic culture. Story tellers are needed who are willing to travel the distance and climb the heights necessary for God’s love to be planted and cultivated.
Friday June 24: The customs of the African culture make it difficult for women to protect themselves against AIDS. Many women are faithful to their spouse but discover they are HIV-positive since it is culturally acceptable for men to have multiple wives and many sexual partners. Women facing poverty often believe sex is the only way they can get money to feed themselves and their families. Pray that women suffering from poverty will find employment or receive government assistance instead of giving sex in exchange for food and transport. Pray these women will commit themselves to Jesus Christ and receive eternal salvation regardless of their HIV status. (Hearing the Cries of the Hurting prayer booklet)
Saturday June 25: July 30-August 10, a volunteer team from Camp Worldlight, Florida GA/Acteens Camp is coming to serve with the Swazi children through Bible studies, games, crafts and songs in the Hhohho region. Please pray for Laura, Jill, Mindy, Ashley, Rachel, Aarika, Brooklyn and Anne.
Sunday June 26: Both the Luwhawhaweni and Vuvulane Baptist Churches have been given land to build church structures. Pray as these congregations plan towards their building projects. Through tithes and offerings may these new structures be completed. Pray also for the Mpembakati Baptist Church as the congregation moves ahead with the construction of their church building.
Monday June 27: June 27-29, the Myers, Hoskins and summer missionaries will take an enjoyable trip to the Kruger National Game Reserve. Pray Adam, REH, Jonathon, Tori, Tiffany and Elizabeth will see many animals as well as birds and will have a great experience admiring God’s creation.
Tuesday June 28: August 10-18 a 16-member volunteer team from the Euto Baptist Church (Marshville, NC) led by Bert and Lisa Warren will minister in the northeast section of Swaziland. Bert, Lisa, Jessie, Matthew and Sarah were part of the Swazi Team (2008-2009) before returning to the States due to Lisa’s father’s illness. The volunteer team’s ministries will include prayer walking, hut-to-hut visitation, ladies and youth retreats, children’s Bible studies, AIDS orphans ministry and other spirit led ministries. Pray for Bert, Lisa, Matthew, Zach, Landon, Keith, Jen, Nathan, Lisa, Harley, Kimberly, Brooke, Kathy, Kara, Amanda and Jenna as they prepare to work with the Swazi people. Pray for the Myers as they prepare for this team’s arrival.
Wednesday June 29: The National Youth Camp is scheduled for August 25-28. Every year youth from the Swazi Baptist churches come for an enjoyable time of Bible study, worship and fellowship. For many it is the highlight of their year. Pray for a great group this year. Pray the planning of the camp will continue to go well.
Thursday June 30: If one were to visit a Zionist church (traditional African religion) he or she would take their shoes off at the door. Members would be dressed in robes of white or blue or green. There probably would be a candle in the middle of the floor and as the service starts a circle of people would start jogging and chanting around in a circle for approximately 30-45 minutes. Afterwards would be a time of extended prayer with all the people praying on their knees or prostate on the ground. The praying is mournful and loud. There is quite a bit of congregational singing, an extended time of testifying and more than one sermon. Pray for the Zionists to come to a true understanding of their need for a personal relationship with Jesus and they will be able to separate themselves from the pagan practices of traditional religion. (So That Christ Might Dwell in Their Hearts Swazi People prayer booklet)
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
Jesus, my Teacher, guide me along your way and help me to piece together the jigsaw of life in your kingdom. When I make decisions, lead me to the heart of the matter, and when I face conflict, do not let my own panic drown out the still, small voice of your wisdom. (Author Unknown)
Our weekly prayer letter is early this week because of our trip to Jo’burg Thursday-Saturday (May 26-28) to collect two volunteers that will be working with the Swazi Team throughout Swaziland. Hunter Johnson and Katy Hallock will stay in Mbabane the first week of their time in the country assisting with the orientation of the six summer missionaries and co-leading the Youth Leaders Retreat June 3-5. June 6-10 they will be with the Myers. Hunter has been in Swaziland many times but this is Katy’s first visit. Pray Hunter and Katy’s flight will be uneventful. Pray they will enjoy their time working and serving with the Swazi people. Pray for our safe journey to and from Jo’burg.
Kym Pennington (True Love Waits International consultant) began leading her third TLW training event on Monday at Mafucula. History was made this week with 10 Swazis registering for the first TLW training in northeast Swaziland. 10 Swazis made the commitment to live lives pleasing to God and to teach others to do the same. This morning (as I type this prayer letter) the group is presenting the TLW message to the Mafucula Secondary School.
A report from Kym:
May 16-18, we had a training in Hawane (Hhohho region). We had a total of 12 ladies trained. It went excellent. The ladies were excited and planning their next meeting . We went to the Torbes Primary School and presented to 135 students from grades 5-7 and 113 signed commitment cards to stay pure.
May 19-20 we presented a portion of the presentation to a total of 10 classrooms and also share during assembly time (in Manzini). Over 300 students heard the good news and the team will be returning to present the rest of the message.
May 23-25 we are currently conducting training in the Lubumbo region. We had 10 come to for training and they are great presenters. We will present the message in a secondary school on Wednesday. I am very excited!!
Pray those trained will commit to living the “message” they will teach to others. Pray hearts will be moved through the teaching and hearing of the TLW message. Pray Kym’s flight to America (May 26th) will be uneventful.
June 18th is a special day for Kym Pennington and Adam Coe. It is their wedding day!! Pray for Kym and Adam as they begin their lives together.
Pray for Todd and Deborah Hoskins on their 3rd wedding anniversary, May 31st.
Wednesday, June 1st, the six summer missionaries will arrive in Swaziland to begin their time of sharing the True Love Waits message in schools and churches. Wednesday-Friday the group will undergo orientation in Mbabane. June 3-5, they will attend the Swazi Baptist National Youth Leaders’ Conference. Monday (6th) the group will travel to the Shiselweni region where REH, Adam and Jonathon will stay on a homestead in the Velebantfu community and Tori, Tiffany and Elizabeth will stay next to the Mgamudze Baptist Church. Daily gathering water, homes without electricity and living in camp-like conditions will be the norm for their stay. Pray for these missionaries as they prepare for their ministries in Swaziland. Pray they will be able to adjust to a totally different lifestyle. Pray their time in Swaziland will be filled with wonderful experiences and blessings!
Please pray for the National Swazi Baptist Youth Leaders Retreat June 3-5. Pray for Pastor Makhosi Fakudze (pastor of Vovovo Baptist Church) and Hunter and Katy as they lead. Pray youth leaders from all Swazi Baptist churches will attend.
Pray the members of the Swazi Team will adjust to working with the Lord’s provision of new workers for the harvest. The Team will increase from 8 members to 18 members (including the four “Hands On” girls).
--June 16th four “Hands On” missionaries will arrive to share the True Love Waits message throughout Swaziland. Sienna and Heather will stay in the Mbabane and Brandi and Kim in Tshaneni. Pray for Sienna, Heather, Brandi and Kim as they prepare for their time in Swaziland. Pray now for the hearts and lives that will be touched as God’s plan for marriage and purity is shared. Their term of service will end in December 2011.
---May 24-May 31 a volunteer team from Clear Creek Bible School was scheduled to arrive and work with the Allens in their newest work areas. Unfortunately, the team’s flight was cancelled. They are scheduled to arrive today in Jo’burg and Steve Allen will bring them to Swaziland. Because of this delay their ministry time is reduced by two days. Pray as the team arrives and begins their work, each will not dwell on their delay but will be able to concentrate on ministry with the Swazi people. Pray special blessings for Dan and Shannon, Steve and Sheri and Dr. Lucas.
June 12-15 a group from True Love Waits International will be in Swaziland to conduct research for a documentary on the work of the six summer missionaries spreading the True Love Waits message throughout Swaziland. Sharon, Cindi and Roxie will observe and conduct interviews with the missionaries as well as those attending a presentation of the True Love Waits message. Pray their time in Swaziland will be very productive for Sharon, Cindi and Roxie. Pray the work of the missionaries and the completion of documentary will help educate Swazis to the causes of HIV/AIDS and how it affects their society as well as families. Pray each will understand that if we live the way the Lord ordains, we don’t have to die.
--Continue to pray the 648 In-Home Care Kits (BGR buckets) will soon arrive in Swaziland. Pray for the Swazi Team as we seek to train our church members on the use of these kits.
Our weekly prayer letter is early this week because of our trip to Jo’burg Thursday-Saturday (May 26-28) to collect two volunteers that will be working with the Swazi Team throughout Swaziland. Hunter Johnson and Katy Hallock will stay in Mbabane the first week of their time in the country assisting with the orientation of the six summer missionaries and co-leading the Youth Leaders Retreat June 3-5. June 6-10 they will be with the Myers. Hunter has been in Swaziland many times but this is Katy’s first visit. Pray Hunter and Katy’s flight will be uneventful. Pray they will enjoy their time working and serving with the Swazi people. Pray for our safe journey to and from Jo’burg.
Kym Pennington (True Love Waits International consultant) began leading her third TLW training event on Monday at Mafucula. History was made this week with 10 Swazis registering for the first TLW training in northeast Swaziland. 10 Swazis made the commitment to live lives pleasing to God and to teach others to do the same. This morning (as I type this prayer letter) the group is presenting the TLW message to the Mafucula Secondary School.
A report from Kym:
May 16-18, we had a training in Hawane (Hhohho region). We had a total of 12 ladies trained. It went excellent. The ladies were excited and planning their next meeting . We went to the Torbes Primary School and presented to 135 students from grades 5-7 and 113 signed commitment cards to stay pure.
May 19-20 we presented a portion of the presentation to a total of 10 classrooms and also share during assembly time (in Manzini). Over 300 students heard the good news and the team will be returning to present the rest of the message.
May 23-25 we are currently conducting training in the Lubumbo region. We had 10 come to for training and they are great presenters. We will present the message in a secondary school on Wednesday. I am very excited!!
Pray those trained will commit to living the “message” they will teach to others. Pray hearts will be moved through the teaching and hearing of the TLW message. Pray Kym’s flight to America (May 26th) will be uneventful.
June 18th is a special day for Kym Pennington and Adam Coe. It is their wedding day!! Pray for Kym and Adam as they begin their lives together.
Pray for Todd and Deborah Hoskins on their 3rd wedding anniversary, May 31st.
Wednesday, June 1st, the six summer missionaries will arrive in Swaziland to begin their time of sharing the True Love Waits message in schools and churches. Wednesday-Friday the group will undergo orientation in Mbabane. June 3-5, they will attend the Swazi Baptist National Youth Leaders’ Conference. Monday (6th) the group will travel to the Shiselweni region where REH, Adam and Jonathon will stay on a homestead in the Velebantfu community and Tori, Tiffany and Elizabeth will stay next to the Mgamudze Baptist Church. Daily gathering water, homes without electricity and living in camp-like conditions will be the norm for their stay. Pray for these missionaries as they prepare for their ministries in Swaziland. Pray they will be able to adjust to a totally different lifestyle. Pray their time in Swaziland will be filled with wonderful experiences and blessings!
Please pray for the National Swazi Baptist Youth Leaders Retreat June 3-5. Pray for Pastor Makhosi Fakudze (pastor of Vovovo Baptist Church) and Hunter and Katy as they lead. Pray youth leaders from all Swazi Baptist churches will attend.
Pray the members of the Swazi Team will adjust to working with the Lord’s provision of new workers for the harvest. The Team will increase from 8 members to 18 members (including the four “Hands On” girls).
--June 16th four “Hands On” missionaries will arrive to share the True Love Waits message throughout Swaziland. Sienna and Heather will stay in the Mbabane and Brandi and Kim in Tshaneni. Pray for Sienna, Heather, Brandi and Kim as they prepare for their time in Swaziland. Pray now for the hearts and lives that will be touched as God’s plan for marriage and purity is shared. Their term of service will end in December 2011.
---May 24-May 31 a volunteer team from Clear Creek Bible School was scheduled to arrive and work with the Allens in their newest work areas. Unfortunately, the team’s flight was cancelled. They are scheduled to arrive today in Jo’burg and Steve Allen will bring them to Swaziland. Because of this delay their ministry time is reduced by two days. Pray as the team arrives and begins their work, each will not dwell on their delay but will be able to concentrate on ministry with the Swazi people. Pray special blessings for Dan and Shannon, Steve and Sheri and Dr. Lucas.
June 12-15 a group from True Love Waits International will be in Swaziland to conduct research for a documentary on the work of the six summer missionaries spreading the True Love Waits message throughout Swaziland. Sharon, Cindi and Roxie will observe and conduct interviews with the missionaries as well as those attending a presentation of the True Love Waits message. Pray their time in Swaziland will be very productive for Sharon, Cindi and Roxie. Pray the work of the missionaries and the completion of documentary will help educate Swazis to the causes of HIV/AIDS and how it affects their society as well as families. Pray each will understand that if we live the way the Lord ordains, we don’t have to die.
--Continue to pray the 648 In-Home Care Kits (BGR buckets) will soon arrive in Swaziland. Pray for the Swazi Team as we seek to train our church members on the use of these kits.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
My neighbor has recently come to visit quite often. She comes to play, eat and for company. Sometimes she stays all day and then returns to her home about 3:30. Other times she comes only for her breakfast. Her name is Sadie (I named her) and she is a three month old puppy. She is very rowdy and likes to jump on any unsuspecting person. She has a fondness for my arms and is constantly putting them in her mouth. I enjoy her company even though I don’t appreciate all her bad habits. Since most Swazi dogs are not fed and cared for as Americans pets, I have taken it upon myself to supplement her diet with scrapes and other goodies. She seems to appreciate my neighborly spirit!!
I also enjoyed a visit from the farm monkeys this week when they came and spent a whole afternoon. They seemed to be in a rather adventurous mood coming very close to the house, sitting on the window sills watching me as I worked. This also gave me a chance to study their faces. One little guy had very big ears and eyes and was quite funny looking. I watched a small monkey groom a bigger monkey. Several little ones played, hitting each other and running up and down the trees. It was a rather relaxing afternoon for me as I watched my friends. How I appreciate God’s creatures, great and small!!
We enjoyed a time of worship on Wednesday night with the MaCethuka group and Vuvulane Baptist Church. We also returned yesterday to MaCethuka for Bible study. I had been asked to begin a children’s Bible study and went yesterday not really expecting many children but was quite taken back when over 30 children appeared. We praise the Lord for this group and anticipate the Lord doing wonderful things with this Bible study. Thank you for praying for this new work. Pray interest will continue from this group at MaCethuka.
--Tomorrow we will conduct adult/youth and children’s Bible study at the Mafucula Baptist Church. The members of the church desire to know more of the Lord and His ways. Pray the time with this church will be special and uplifting.
--Kym Pennington, True Love Waits International consultant arrived in Swaziland last Sunday. She led a three-day TLW training event in the Hhohho region (16-18 of May). She is leading the same type of event in the Manzini region that will end tomorrow. Sunday she will make her way to Tshaneni to lead the three-day TLW training event (23-25 of May) for the Baptist churches in northeast Swaziland. Continue to pray for Kym as she trains TLW presenters. Pray each presenter will understand the importance of living a life that is pleasing to the Lord.
--May 26-28, Wayne and I will be in Jo’burg to collect two volunteers, Hunter Johnson and Katy Hallock that will serve with the Myers, Allens and Hoskins throughout the month of June in various ministry opportunities. Hunter has ministered in Swaziland several times but this is Katy’s first visit to the country. Pray Hunter and Katy will enjoy their time of working and serving with the Swazi people.
---May 24-31 a volunteer team from Clear Creek Bible College (Pineville, Ky.) arrives to work with the Allens in the Hhohho region. Pray for Dan and Shannon, Steve and Sheri and Dr. Lucas as they come to serve in Swaziland.
--June 1, six summer missionaries will arrive in Swaziland to begin their time of sharing the True Love Waits message with Swazi Baptist churches and schools (June-July). The Swazi Team welcomes Adam, REH, Jonathon, Tori, Elizabeth and Tiffany. Pray these missionaries will be spiritually prepared for the task the Lord has given them. Pray they will have good physical, emotional and spiritual health and will receive many blessings. Tori, Elizabeth and Tiffany will stay next to the Mgamudze Baptist Church and Adam, REH and Jonathon will be situated in the Velebantfu community. Daily gathering water, homes without electricity, living in camp-like conditions will be the norm for their stay. Pray each will be able to adjust to their new lifestyle.
--In June four “Hands On” missionaries will arrive to also teach and share the True Love Waits message throughout the country of Swaziland. Sienna and Kim will stay in Mbabane and Heather and Brandi will be in Tshaneni. Their term will end in December. Pray hearts and lives will be touched as God’s plan for marriage and purity is shared.
FROM THE IMB’S OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
A missionary appointment service is planned for May 22 at Mandarin Baptist Church in Los Angeles, Louisiana. Please pray that God will use the testimonies of the appointees to call workers into the harvest.
This summer Baptist Global Response (BGR) has TWO opportunities for you and your church to get involved in “Hands On” missions around the world –
BGR In Home Care kits! There is still a huge need for these 5 gallon buckets full of items needed for hospice care in sub-Saharan Africa. God is using them in many countries as a way to share His love and hope in word and deed to those who are terminally ill, most are dying of AIDS. Go to http://www.inhomecarekit.org/ for more information or feel free to contact usJ (Note – these kits can be packed ANY time of year.)
BGR Kits for Kids – a giant zip lock bag full of school supplies that will be used around the world.
A GREAT project for your Vacation Bible School this summer!! (More information contact: http://www.gobgr.org/)
I also enjoyed a visit from the farm monkeys this week when they came and spent a whole afternoon. They seemed to be in a rather adventurous mood coming very close to the house, sitting on the window sills watching me as I worked. This also gave me a chance to study their faces. One little guy had very big ears and eyes and was quite funny looking. I watched a small monkey groom a bigger monkey. Several little ones played, hitting each other and running up and down the trees. It was a rather relaxing afternoon for me as I watched my friends. How I appreciate God’s creatures, great and small!!
We enjoyed a time of worship on Wednesday night with the MaCethuka group and Vuvulane Baptist Church. We also returned yesterday to MaCethuka for Bible study. I had been asked to begin a children’s Bible study and went yesterday not really expecting many children but was quite taken back when over 30 children appeared. We praise the Lord for this group and anticipate the Lord doing wonderful things with this Bible study. Thank you for praying for this new work. Pray interest will continue from this group at MaCethuka.
--Tomorrow we will conduct adult/youth and children’s Bible study at the Mafucula Baptist Church. The members of the church desire to know more of the Lord and His ways. Pray the time with this church will be special and uplifting.
--Kym Pennington, True Love Waits International consultant arrived in Swaziland last Sunday. She led a three-day TLW training event in the Hhohho region (16-18 of May). She is leading the same type of event in the Manzini region that will end tomorrow. Sunday she will make her way to Tshaneni to lead the three-day TLW training event (23-25 of May) for the Baptist churches in northeast Swaziland. Continue to pray for Kym as she trains TLW presenters. Pray each presenter will understand the importance of living a life that is pleasing to the Lord.
--May 26-28, Wayne and I will be in Jo’burg to collect two volunteers, Hunter Johnson and Katy Hallock that will serve with the Myers, Allens and Hoskins throughout the month of June in various ministry opportunities. Hunter has ministered in Swaziland several times but this is Katy’s first visit to the country. Pray Hunter and Katy will enjoy their time of working and serving with the Swazi people.
---May 24-31 a volunteer team from Clear Creek Bible College (Pineville, Ky.) arrives to work with the Allens in the Hhohho region. Pray for Dan and Shannon, Steve and Sheri and Dr. Lucas as they come to serve in Swaziland.
--June 1, six summer missionaries will arrive in Swaziland to begin their time of sharing the True Love Waits message with Swazi Baptist churches and schools (June-July). The Swazi Team welcomes Adam, REH, Jonathon, Tori, Elizabeth and Tiffany. Pray these missionaries will be spiritually prepared for the task the Lord has given them. Pray they will have good physical, emotional and spiritual health and will receive many blessings. Tori, Elizabeth and Tiffany will stay next to the Mgamudze Baptist Church and Adam, REH and Jonathon will be situated in the Velebantfu community. Daily gathering water, homes without electricity, living in camp-like conditions will be the norm for their stay. Pray each will be able to adjust to their new lifestyle.
--In June four “Hands On” missionaries will arrive to also teach and share the True Love Waits message throughout the country of Swaziland. Sienna and Kim will stay in Mbabane and Heather and Brandi will be in Tshaneni. Their term will end in December. Pray hearts and lives will be touched as God’s plan for marriage and purity is shared.
FROM THE IMB’S OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
A missionary appointment service is planned for May 22 at Mandarin Baptist Church in Los Angeles, Louisiana. Please pray that God will use the testimonies of the appointees to call workers into the harvest.
This summer Baptist Global Response (BGR) has TWO opportunities for you and your church to get involved in “Hands On” missions around the world –
BGR In Home Care kits! There is still a huge need for these 5 gallon buckets full of items needed for hospice care in sub-Saharan Africa. God is using them in many countries as a way to share His love and hope in word and deed to those who are terminally ill, most are dying of AIDS. Go to http://www.inhomecarekit.org/ for more information or feel free to contact usJ (Note – these kits can be packed ANY time of year.)
BGR Kits for Kids – a giant zip lock bag full of school supplies that will be used around the world.
A GREAT project for your Vacation Bible School this summer!! (More information contact: http://www.gobgr.org/)
Monday, May 16, 2011
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
Dear Lord God, who called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown: Give us faith to go out with a good courage, not knowing where we are going, but only that your hand is leading us, and your love supporting us; to the glory of your name. (Eric Milner White & G.W. Griggs)
Sunday (May 8th) was a beautiful day for a baptism service at the Vuvulane Baptist Church. A fierce thunderstorm Saturday night almost threatened the outdoor scheduled baptism but Sunday morning was warm and sunny. As the one individual prepared to be baptized it was most evident that he hadn’t a clue what he was to do. When he realized he was going to be in water, he looked at the pastor and asked if he should take off his trousers. This he did to my utter amazement. After giving his testimony he just stood there waiting. The pastor told him he must get in the water. Praise the Lord he did!! Please pray for this young man as he begins his spiritual journey. He knows so little of the Lord and His ways. Pray he will not become discouraged as he seeks to totally follow the Lord.
“Who wants to go to heaven?” Smiling all those attending the Bible study at the new outreach group at MaCethuka raised their hands. Thank you for praying for the beginning of this new work. Wednesday the group met for the first time. Next week we will try to involve the children in this special study. Pray the new work at MaCethuka will develop into a strong Bible study. Pray on Thursday (May 19th) more adults/youth will attend as well as children.
New officers of the Swaziland Baptist Convention were elected last Saturday May 7th. Pray for these as they begin serving as leaders in the convention. Pray decisions will be made in an autonomous matter that will allow discussion. Pray for a spirit of unity and fellowship among the Swazi Baptist churches and the Swaziland Baptist Convention.
MINISTRIES FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS:
--May 14th the Shiselweni Baptist Association meets at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Continue to pray for this association that strives to meet together for encouragement and unity. There are 9 Swazi Baptist churches in this association.
--May 21 we will conduct adult/youth and children’s Bible study at the Mafucula Baptist Church. The members of this church desire to know more of the Lord and His ways. Pray this time with this church will be special and uplifting. Plans are to meet with this church every other Thursday on a regular basis.
--May 26-28 the Myers will be in Jo’burg collecting two volunteers. Hunter and Katie will arrive in Swaziland to serve with the Myers, Allens and Hoskins throughout the month of June in various ministry opportunities. Hunter has ministered in Swaziland several times but this is Katie’s first visit to the country. Pray Hunter and Katie will enjoy their time of working and serving with the Swazi people. One ministry includes speaking/leading the National Youth Leaders Retreat in Manzini June 3-5. Pray for the Baptist youth leaders as they plan to attend this retreat. Pray Hunter and Katie’s time with these youth will be very special.
AIDS UPDATE:
--May 15, Kym Pennington, True Love Waits International consultant returns to Swaziland to lead three three-day TLW trainings: May 16-18 she will be in Mbabane; May 19-21 in Manzini and May 23-25 in northeast Swaziland. Pray for Kym as she leads three training events. Pray for the Swazi Team as they encourage attendees and prepare for these events.
--June 1, six summer missionaries will arrive in Swaziland to begin their time of sharing the True Love Waits message with Swazi Baptist churches and schools (June-July). The Swazi Team welcomes Adam, REH, Jonathon, Torie, Elizabeth and Tiffany. Pray these missionaries will be spiritually prepared for the task the Lord has given to them. Pray they will have good physical, emotional and spiritual health and will receive many blessings. Torie, Elizabeth and Tiffany will stay next to the Mgamudze Baptist Church and Adam, REH and Jonathon will be situated in the Velebantfu community. Daily gathering water, homes without electricity, living in camp-like conditions will be the norm for their stay. Pray each will be able to adjust to a new lifestyle.
--In June four “Hands On” missionaries will arrive to also teach and share the True Love Waits message through the country of Swaziland. Sienna, Kim, Brandi and Heather will stay in Tshaneni and Mbabane for six months ministering to and with the Swazi people. Their term will end in December. Pray hearts and lives will be touched as God’s plan for marriage and purity is shared.
--Update on the BGR In-Home Health Care Kits…The Kits are on the move but the Swazi Team doesn’t know when word will reach us or when they will arrive in the country. Pray we soon will receive the 648 In-Home Care Kits in Swaziland!!
Please continue to pray for our computer situation. I still do not have my computer from the shop and we have heard nothing this week from the technicians. Pray this situation will soon be resolved.
FROM THE IMB’S OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
Intercede for the IMB Board of Trustees and assigned staff who will be meeting in Richmond, Virginia on May 19-20. May the Lord direct their thoughts and actions.
Sunday (May 8th) was a beautiful day for a baptism service at the Vuvulane Baptist Church. A fierce thunderstorm Saturday night almost threatened the outdoor scheduled baptism but Sunday morning was warm and sunny. As the one individual prepared to be baptized it was most evident that he hadn’t a clue what he was to do. When he realized he was going to be in water, he looked at the pastor and asked if he should take off his trousers. This he did to my utter amazement. After giving his testimony he just stood there waiting. The pastor told him he must get in the water. Praise the Lord he did!! Please pray for this young man as he begins his spiritual journey. He knows so little of the Lord and His ways. Pray he will not become discouraged as he seeks to totally follow the Lord.
“Who wants to go to heaven?” Smiling all those attending the Bible study at the new outreach group at MaCethuka raised their hands. Thank you for praying for the beginning of this new work. Wednesday the group met for the first time. Next week we will try to involve the children in this special study. Pray the new work at MaCethuka will develop into a strong Bible study. Pray on Thursday (May 19th) more adults/youth will attend as well as children.
New officers of the Swaziland Baptist Convention were elected last Saturday May 7th. Pray for these as they begin serving as leaders in the convention. Pray decisions will be made in an autonomous matter that will allow discussion. Pray for a spirit of unity and fellowship among the Swazi Baptist churches and the Swaziland Baptist Convention.
MINISTRIES FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS:
--May 14th the Shiselweni Baptist Association meets at the Velebantfu Baptist Church. Continue to pray for this association that strives to meet together for encouragement and unity. There are 9 Swazi Baptist churches in this association.
--May 21 we will conduct adult/youth and children’s Bible study at the Mafucula Baptist Church. The members of this church desire to know more of the Lord and His ways. Pray this time with this church will be special and uplifting. Plans are to meet with this church every other Thursday on a regular basis.
--May 26-28 the Myers will be in Jo’burg collecting two volunteers. Hunter and Katie will arrive in Swaziland to serve with the Myers, Allens and Hoskins throughout the month of June in various ministry opportunities. Hunter has ministered in Swaziland several times but this is Katie’s first visit to the country. Pray Hunter and Katie will enjoy their time of working and serving with the Swazi people. One ministry includes speaking/leading the National Youth Leaders Retreat in Manzini June 3-5. Pray for the Baptist youth leaders as they plan to attend this retreat. Pray Hunter and Katie’s time with these youth will be very special.
AIDS UPDATE:
--May 15, Kym Pennington, True Love Waits International consultant returns to Swaziland to lead three three-day TLW trainings: May 16-18 she will be in Mbabane; May 19-21 in Manzini and May 23-25 in northeast Swaziland. Pray for Kym as she leads three training events. Pray for the Swazi Team as they encourage attendees and prepare for these events.
--June 1, six summer missionaries will arrive in Swaziland to begin their time of sharing the True Love Waits message with Swazi Baptist churches and schools (June-July). The Swazi Team welcomes Adam, REH, Jonathon, Torie, Elizabeth and Tiffany. Pray these missionaries will be spiritually prepared for the task the Lord has given to them. Pray they will have good physical, emotional and spiritual health and will receive many blessings. Torie, Elizabeth and Tiffany will stay next to the Mgamudze Baptist Church and Adam, REH and Jonathon will be situated in the Velebantfu community. Daily gathering water, homes without electricity, living in camp-like conditions will be the norm for their stay. Pray each will be able to adjust to a new lifestyle.
--In June four “Hands On” missionaries will arrive to also teach and share the True Love Waits message through the country of Swaziland. Sienna, Kim, Brandi and Heather will stay in Tshaneni and Mbabane for six months ministering to and with the Swazi people. Their term will end in December. Pray hearts and lives will be touched as God’s plan for marriage and purity is shared.
--Update on the BGR In-Home Health Care Kits…The Kits are on the move but the Swazi Team doesn’t know when word will reach us or when they will arrive in the country. Pray we soon will receive the 648 In-Home Care Kits in Swaziland!!
Please continue to pray for our computer situation. I still do not have my computer from the shop and we have heard nothing this week from the technicians. Pray this situation will soon be resolved.
FROM THE IMB’S OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
Intercede for the IMB Board of Trustees and assigned staff who will be meeting in Richmond, Virginia on May 19-20. May the Lord direct their thoughts and actions.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
MOTHER’S DAY
MOTHER’S DAY IS REMEMBRANCE DAY
And we pause on The Path of the Year
To pay honor and worshipful tribute
To the Mother our heart holds dear…
For, whether here or in heaven,
Her love is our haven and guide,
For always the memory of Mother
Is a beacon light shining inside…
Time cannot destroy her memory
And years can never erase
The tenderness and the beauty
Of the love in a Mother’s face…
And, when we think of our Mother,
We dray nearer to God above,
For only God in His Greatness
Could fashion a MOTHER’S LOVE.
-Helen Steiner Rice
Remember Sunday May 8th is Mother’s Day!!
Pray for godly mothers in the USA, Swaziland, Africa and throughout the world. May each mother’s actions and thoughts reflect the heart of the loving God and Savior.
For the last few months prayer has been requested for the start of a Bible study in the community of MaCethuka (approximately 5 kms from the Vuvulane Baptist Church). It has been difficult to meet with this group (who requested the Bible study) for various reasons. Yesterday (Thursday) Wayne went to the community to “touch base” with the interested parties. The plan is to soon begin meeting every other Wednesday and enlist the help of the Vuvulane Baptist Church. Pray this Bible study will soon begin with many attending. Pray through the teaching of God’s Word many will understand what it means to be a Christian and will allow Jesus to lead and guide their every step.
--Tomorrow May 7th, the executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets. One item on the agenda is to evaluate the National Easter Services in April. Pray for this group as they prayerfully reflect on the 2011 Easter Services. Pray for a time of unity and consensus.
--Sunday May 8th, the Vuvulane Baptist Church will conduct a baptism service. What a joy for the church to baptize those who recently came to know the Lord as their Savior. May the lives of these be a witness to the saving power of our Lord Jesus Christ!!
--Continue to pray for our computer situation. I still do not have my computer from the shop. Wayne and I are taking turns on the one working computer (2000 Dell laptop). This has been a very busy time for Wayne requiring many hours of computer work. Pray a light will soon shine on this situation!!
--Pray the 648 In-Home Health Care Kits will soon be transported to Swaziland from Durban, South Afria!!
SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST:
After enjoying good and substantial rains in the spring and early summer, some areas of the country now find themselves in a drought situation possibly facing a famine in the coming year. Just when the crops needed rain the most, the rains stopped. Many will suffer this winter when they food sources run out before the next crop is ready to harvest. Pray those facing a hunger situation will be able to find assistance in feeding their families. Pray the next growing season will be one of plenty.
FROM THE IMB’S OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
--Please lift up in prayer the 67 missionary adults and 39 missionary kids who began their eight-week pre-departure field orientation on April 25. May these weeks at IMB’s learning center be a blessing to them and ultimately to the peoples among whom they are called to serve. Pray especially that each missionary will receive their visa approval in a very timely manner.
--Thank God for the 41 retiring missionaries who will be in Richmond, Virginia, for the May 10-15 Emeritus Missionary Conference. May He bless them in extraordinary ways during the coming days of transition.
KITS FOR KIDS…Connecting Kids Who Care With Kids in Need!!
This summer Baptist Global Response is partnering with LifeWay Christian Resources in the Vacation Bible School missions project. Kids in Vacation Bible Schools all over the United States will be collecting school supplies for “Kits for Kids”. There’s even a website of resources for churches at http://www.vbskitsforkids.com/. Check it out!! Maybe this is something your VBS would like to do.
WHERE’S THE CHICKEN??? UPDATE:
Last week in our prayer letter I shared of a possible theft of 9 bags of chicken portions. Attendees were awakened just after midnight Saturday night or should I say Sunday morning to have their bags searched for the missing chicken. It was thought perhaps the cooks had cooked too much chicken on Saturday night thus accounting for the missing chicken. NOT SO!! According to one who purchased the chicken for Saturday night and Sunday lunch, extra chicken was purchased to insure there would be enough for everyone. “We did not cook too much chicken. We cooked what we were told to cook,” according to one very offended cook. With all evidence in, it looks as though the missing chicken portions were deliberately taken from the safety of the kitchen sometime Saturday afternoon. The only part of this mystery that goes unsolved is “Who took the chicken?” Oh well, it looks as though we will never know the answer to that question!!
MOTHER’S DAY IS REMEMBRANCE DAY
And we pause on The Path of the Year
To pay honor and worshipful tribute
To the Mother our heart holds dear…
For, whether here or in heaven,
Her love is our haven and guide,
For always the memory of Mother
Is a beacon light shining inside…
Time cannot destroy her memory
And years can never erase
The tenderness and the beauty
Of the love in a Mother’s face…
And, when we think of our Mother,
We dray nearer to God above,
For only God in His Greatness
Could fashion a MOTHER’S LOVE.
-Helen Steiner Rice
Remember Sunday May 8th is Mother’s Day!!
Pray for godly mothers in the USA, Swaziland, Africa and throughout the world. May each mother’s actions and thoughts reflect the heart of the loving God and Savior.
For the last few months prayer has been requested for the start of a Bible study in the community of MaCethuka (approximately 5 kms from the Vuvulane Baptist Church). It has been difficult to meet with this group (who requested the Bible study) for various reasons. Yesterday (Thursday) Wayne went to the community to “touch base” with the interested parties. The plan is to soon begin meeting every other Wednesday and enlist the help of the Vuvulane Baptist Church. Pray this Bible study will soon begin with many attending. Pray through the teaching of God’s Word many will understand what it means to be a Christian and will allow Jesus to lead and guide their every step.
--Tomorrow May 7th, the executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets. One item on the agenda is to evaluate the National Easter Services in April. Pray for this group as they prayerfully reflect on the 2011 Easter Services. Pray for a time of unity and consensus.
--Sunday May 8th, the Vuvulane Baptist Church will conduct a baptism service. What a joy for the church to baptize those who recently came to know the Lord as their Savior. May the lives of these be a witness to the saving power of our Lord Jesus Christ!!
--Continue to pray for our computer situation. I still do not have my computer from the shop. Wayne and I are taking turns on the one working computer (2000 Dell laptop). This has been a very busy time for Wayne requiring many hours of computer work. Pray a light will soon shine on this situation!!
--Pray the 648 In-Home Health Care Kits will soon be transported to Swaziland from Durban, South Afria!!
SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST:
After enjoying good and substantial rains in the spring and early summer, some areas of the country now find themselves in a drought situation possibly facing a famine in the coming year. Just when the crops needed rain the most, the rains stopped. Many will suffer this winter when they food sources run out before the next crop is ready to harvest. Pray those facing a hunger situation will be able to find assistance in feeding their families. Pray the next growing season will be one of plenty.
FROM THE IMB’S OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
--Please lift up in prayer the 67 missionary adults and 39 missionary kids who began their eight-week pre-departure field orientation on April 25. May these weeks at IMB’s learning center be a blessing to them and ultimately to the peoples among whom they are called to serve. Pray especially that each missionary will receive their visa approval in a very timely manner.
--Thank God for the 41 retiring missionaries who will be in Richmond, Virginia, for the May 10-15 Emeritus Missionary Conference. May He bless them in extraordinary ways during the coming days of transition.
KITS FOR KIDS…Connecting Kids Who Care With Kids in Need!!
This summer Baptist Global Response is partnering with LifeWay Christian Resources in the Vacation Bible School missions project. Kids in Vacation Bible Schools all over the United States will be collecting school supplies for “Kits for Kids”. There’s even a website of resources for churches at http://www.vbskitsforkids.com/. Check it out!! Maybe this is something your VBS would like to do.
WHERE’S THE CHICKEN??? UPDATE:
Last week in our prayer letter I shared of a possible theft of 9 bags of chicken portions. Attendees were awakened just after midnight Saturday night or should I say Sunday morning to have their bags searched for the missing chicken. It was thought perhaps the cooks had cooked too much chicken on Saturday night thus accounting for the missing chicken. NOT SO!! According to one who purchased the chicken for Saturday night and Sunday lunch, extra chicken was purchased to insure there would be enough for everyone. “We did not cook too much chicken. We cooked what we were told to cook,” according to one very offended cook. With all evidence in, it looks as though the missing chicken portions were deliberately taken from the safety of the kitchen sometime Saturday afternoon. The only part of this mystery that goes unsolved is “Who took the chicken?” Oh well, it looks as though we will never know the answer to that question!!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Saturday, April 30, 2011
May Prayer Calendar
Sunday May 1: Pray for different baptism services that need to occur before the weather turns too cold. (Baptism is held outside). The Allens have rescheduled some due to late rains. Pray the Victory Baptist Church will be able to conduct their baptism service today!!
Monday May 2: Thank you for praying for the strikes scheduled April 13, 14 and 15 in Swaziland. Protestors were encouraged to converge on the city of Manzini to protest the extravagant spending of the monarchy as well as their desire to elect own leaders and officials. Soldiers, policemen and protestors were gearing up for a big showdown. Thank goodness it did not occur. There were incidents of police and soldiers tangling with the protestors. The city of Manzini was tightly blocked so outsiders could not enter to join in the protesting. This displeased the unions and they have vowed that another strike will be called. Nothing was really solved and discontentment continues. Pray the political situation in Swaziland will reach a peaceful solution.
Tuesday May 3: Lacie Allen returns to school for Term 2. Pray she adjusts quickly into the school routine and continues to do well in Grade 1.
Wednesday May 4: The Swazi Team praises the Lord on word that the Minister of Finance has given the okay for the 648 In-Home Care Kits (BGR buckets) to enter the country tax free!! Presently BGR is determining the best method to get the buckets to Swaziland. Pray the buckets will be easily transported from Durban, South Africa to Swaziland as quickly as possible. Pray for the Swazi Team as they seek to train our church members on the use of the buckets with AIDS victims and their families.
Thursday May 5: Praise God for the past few months of discipleship training at Peace Baptist Church. The Allens ask prayer for this faithful group of women that have led this church mostly on their own since 2002. Pray for God to raise up a faithful man of integrity to lead this church!
Friday May 6: April 21-24 the Swazi Baptist National Easter Services met in Manzini with over 150 attending. The agenda included convention reports, Bible studies, a full-scale children’s program, worship, testimonies and wonderful music. Most attendees arrived on Thursday evening with their blankets, bags and Bibles. They found their “sleeping spot” and prepared for three nights and four days of sharing and fellowshipping with members of approximately 25 of the 30 Swazi Baptist churches. Plenty of laughter and singing could be heard throughout the “camp”! Pray a spirit of unity among the Swazi Baptist churches and Swazi Baptist Convention will continue. Pray the ‘Spirit of Easter’ will be with us all year long!!
Saturday May 7: The executive committee of the Baptist Mission of Swaziland meets today. One item on the agenda is to evaluate the National Easter Services in April. Pray for this group as they prayerfully reflect on the 2011 Easter services. Pray for a time of unity and consensus.
Sunday May 8: Mothers’ Day!!
Dear Lord, I do not ask that thou should’st give me some high work of thine,
some noble calling or wondrous task;
Give me a little hand to hold in mine:
Give me a little child to point the way over the strange, sweet path that leads to thee.
Give me two shining eyes thy face to see.
The only crown I ask, dear Lord, to wear is this:
that I may teach my little child.
I do not ask that I may ever stand the wise, the worthy, or the great;
I only ask that softly, hand in hand, my child and I may enter at the gate. (Author Unknown)
Pray for godly mothers in the USA, Swaziland, Africa and throughout the world. May each mother’s actions and thoughts reflect the heart of the loving God and Savior.
Monday May 9: In March the Mpembakati Baptist Church was officially granted land for a church building. A knot was ceremoniously tied in the tall grass to mark the spot. Pray for this church as the congregation moves ahead with the construction of their church building.
Tuesday May 10: Nathan Allen returns to school today for Term 2. Pray he will continue to enjoy school and have great times with children his own age.
Wednesday May 11: “Although our family and mission team are excited and blessed with the various summer missionaries, volunteer teams and short-term missionaries coming to serve with us in Swaziland, pray our family (Allens) will balance family and ministry well in the months ahead. Pray for our children (Lacie and Nathan) especially during this busy season and for us (Steve and Monica) as parents to be sensitive to their needs at all times.”
Thursday May 12: The Luwhawhaweni Baptist Church recently lost one of its original members. She was HIV positive and suffered a stroke. She always had a smile and even though she walked with a slight limp (from a previous stroke) she regularly attended church and Friday Bible study. She will be missed. Pray for the family of this lady (34 years old with three children) as they deal with their loss. Pray for the Luwhawhaweni Baptist Church that continues to lose members to the AIDS pandemic.
Friday May 13: For the last few months prayer has been requested for the start of a Bible study in the community of MaCethuka (approximately 5 kms from the Vuvulane Baptist Church). It has been difficult to meet with this group (who requested the Bible study) for various reasons. Pray Satan will not succeed in keeping this Bible study from beginning. Pray the Lord will be the victor.
Saturday May 14: The Shiselweni Baptist Association meets today. Continue to pray for this association that strives to meet together for encouragement and unity. There are 9 Swazi Baptist churches in this region.
Sunday May 15: Kym Pennington, True Love Waits International consultant returns to Swaziland today to lead three three-day True Love Waits Trainings,; 16-18 in Mbabane, 19-21 in Manzini and 23-25 in the Shiselweni or North Lubumbo region. Pray for Kym as she leads these three training events. Pray for the Swazi Team as they encourage possible attendees and prepare for these events.
Monday May 16: We never know what to expect the first time we begin a Bible study or new work but praise the Lord for over 100 people waiting to hear the truth of God’s Word from Steve Allen in the Ngowane area! Pray for God to continue opening doors in this new community and praise God that the indvuna and community leaders gave their blessings for the Bible study to begin.
Tuesday May 17: The children gathered in the room ready to sing, study and have fun. Laughter could still be heard even after the teacher began talking. There is so much to teach these children and so much for them to learn about Jesus, the Bible, Christian living and church life. The task must begin when they are young so they can develop into strong committed Swazi Christian leaders. Pray the 30 Swazi Baptist churches will take seriously the responsibility of teaching and training their children. May each Swazi Baptist church have a strong children’s program.
Wednesday May 18: Please pray salvation will come to the house of the King of Swaziland, his wives and children. Pray true revival will take place in the country.
Thursday May 19: For years missionary Barbara Myers and several Swazis have worked to translate from English to siSwati adult, youth, older children, children and beginner Sunday School materials. In 2005 siSwati children and beginner’s Sunday School books were printed and are currently being used in our Swazi Baptist churches. Pray for Barbara as she strives to bring this big project to a satisfying end. Pray these materials will also be printed in book form that will easily be accessable to the Swazi Baptist churches.
Friday May 20: SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN UNENGAGED PEOPLES: The Subia of Namibia live in the far northeastern corner of the country, an area called the Caprivi Strip. Farming is the mainstay of their economy but they also have herds of cattle, sheep and goats. The Subia believe that their ancestral spirits will harm anyone who does not honor them or who disregards tribal tradition in some way. Fear dominates their lives. Pray that someone will take the Gospel to the Subia so they may know the freedom of Christ. Pray that many will experience new life.
Saturday May 21: A few weeks ago after worship, members of the Vuvulane Baptist Church visited a sick lady in the community. When Wayne Myers first entered the room he did not see her emaciated body and walked right past her. Perhaps it will be a matter of time before this lady succumbs to her illness. The sign of loss is everywhere. Homesteads are either caring for a sick loved one or burying a loss family member. The only occupants of some homesteads are children with no one to care for them. What is their hope? For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 Pray those dying with AIDS will have a chance to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior before it is too late.
Sunday May 22: The lack of pastors continues to be one of the biggest problems facing our Swazi Baptist churches. Many of the churches continue to meet under lay leadership (often the women) who get discouraged that God has not provided them with pastoral leadership. Please pray God will develop leaders for these congregations.
Monday May 23: The Muslim creed simply states “There is no god but Allah and Mohammed is His prophet.” When making this statement the believer announces his or her faith in all God’s messengers and the scripture they brought. Muslim is a growing faith in Swaziland. Please pray the peace of God will dwell in the heart of the Swazi people and the Muslim faith will not be allowed to gain strength. Pray that ordinary daily events will be used by God to point Muslims to Him.
Tuesday May 24: May 24-May 31 a volunteer team from Clear Creek Bible College (Pineville, Ky.) arrives to work with the Allens in the Hhohho region. Please pray for Dan and Shannon, Steve and Sheri and Dr. Lucas as they come to serve in Swaziland. The team will primarily minister in the two newest work areas in this region.
Wednesday May 25: Pray for Thomas Yawn (Deborah Hoskins’ brother) today on his birthday!!
Pray Thomas will have a very happy birthday!!
--The Hoskins enjoyed their time with friends Tia and Caleb who visited last month. Tia and Caleb were able to see the different ministries throughout Swaziland and South Africa. Todd and Deborah hope they visit again!!
Thursday May 26: Next month four “Hands On” missionaries involved with True Love Waits ministries will arrive in Swaziland. Sienna, Brandi, Kim and Heather will stay in Tshaneni and Mbabane for six months ministering to and with the Swazi people. Their term will end in December. Pray for these missionaries as they prepare for their time in Swaziland. Pray hearts and lives will be touched as God’s plan for marriage and purity is shared.
Friday May 27: Today Hunter Johnson and Katie Halllack arrive from the states (May 27-June 30). Hunter and Katie will serve with the Myers, Allens and Hoskins throughout the month of June in various ministry opportunities. Pray Hunter and Katie will enjoy their time of ministry in Swaziland. One ministry includes speaking/leading the National Youth Leaders Retreat on June 3-5. Pray for all the Swazi Baptist Youth leaders as the plan to attend this retreat. Pray Hunter and Katie’s time with these youth will be very special.
Saturday May 28: With the new True Love Waits missionaries arriving in June, dynamics will change for the Swazi Team. Instead of 8 team members, the number will increase to 18. Pray the Myers, Allens and Hoskins will be able to adjust to working with the Lord’s provision of new workers for the harvest. Pray mighty blessings will occur.
Sunday May 29: Both the Luwhawhaweni and Vuvulane Baptist Churches (North Lubumbo) have been given land to build church structures. Pray as these congregations plan towards their building projects. Through tithes and offerings, may these new structures be completed.
Monday May 30: Medical care for the Swazi people is not always available due to clinics with no doctors or adequate supply of medications, nurses diagnosing and prescribing medications, hospitals usually are over crowded and patients sleep on the floor, family must care for the patients’ needs while in the hospital, cleanliness is a concern and many still consult sangomas and witch doctors. Pray the government of Swaziland will see the need to provide doctors in clinics and a supply of medications will be adequate. Pray Swazis will not seek the use of traditional methods for medical care.
Tuesday May 31: Pray for Todd and Deborah Hoskins today on their 3rd Wedding Annversary!!
Today the six summer missionaries (June-July) arrive in Swaziland to begin their time of sharing the True Love Waits message with Swazi churches and schools. The Swazi Team welcomes Jonathon, Ronald, Victoria, Adam, Elizabeth and Tiffany. Pray these missionaries will be spiritually prepared for the task the Lord has given each of them. Pray they will have good physical, emotional and spiritual health and will receive many blessings.
Monday May 2: Thank you for praying for the strikes scheduled April 13, 14 and 15 in Swaziland. Protestors were encouraged to converge on the city of Manzini to protest the extravagant spending of the monarchy as well as their desire to elect own leaders and officials. Soldiers, policemen and protestors were gearing up for a big showdown. Thank goodness it did not occur. There were incidents of police and soldiers tangling with the protestors. The city of Manzini was tightly blocked so outsiders could not enter to join in the protesting. This displeased the unions and they have vowed that another strike will be called. Nothing was really solved and discontentment continues. Pray the political situation in Swaziland will reach a peaceful solution.
Tuesday May 3: Lacie Allen returns to school for Term 2. Pray she adjusts quickly into the school routine and continues to do well in Grade 1.
Wednesday May 4: The Swazi Team praises the Lord on word that the Minister of Finance has given the okay for the 648 In-Home Care Kits (BGR buckets) to enter the country tax free!! Presently BGR is determining the best method to get the buckets to Swaziland. Pray the buckets will be easily transported from Durban, South Africa to Swaziland as quickly as possible. Pray for the Swazi Team as they seek to train our church members on the use of the buckets with AIDS victims and their families.
Thursday May 5: Praise God for the past few months of discipleship training at Peace Baptist Church. The Allens ask prayer for this faithful group of women that have led this church mostly on their own since 2002. Pray for God to raise up a faithful man of integrity to lead this church!
Friday May 6: April 21-24 the Swazi Baptist National Easter Services met in Manzini with over 150 attending. The agenda included convention reports, Bible studies, a full-scale children’s program, worship, testimonies and wonderful music. Most attendees arrived on Thursday evening with their blankets, bags and Bibles. They found their “sleeping spot” and prepared for three nights and four days of sharing and fellowshipping with members of approximately 25 of the 30 Swazi Baptist churches. Plenty of laughter and singing could be heard throughout the “camp”! Pray a spirit of unity among the Swazi Baptist churches and Swazi Baptist Convention will continue. Pray the ‘Spirit of Easter’ will be with us all year long!!
Saturday May 7: The executive committee of the Baptist Mission of Swaziland meets today. One item on the agenda is to evaluate the National Easter Services in April. Pray for this group as they prayerfully reflect on the 2011 Easter services. Pray for a time of unity and consensus.
Sunday May 8: Mothers’ Day!!
Dear Lord, I do not ask that thou should’st give me some high work of thine,
some noble calling or wondrous task;
Give me a little hand to hold in mine:
Give me a little child to point the way over the strange, sweet path that leads to thee.
Give me two shining eyes thy face to see.
The only crown I ask, dear Lord, to wear is this:
that I may teach my little child.
I do not ask that I may ever stand the wise, the worthy, or the great;
I only ask that softly, hand in hand, my child and I may enter at the gate. (Author Unknown)
Pray for godly mothers in the USA, Swaziland, Africa and throughout the world. May each mother’s actions and thoughts reflect the heart of the loving God and Savior.
Monday May 9: In March the Mpembakati Baptist Church was officially granted land for a church building. A knot was ceremoniously tied in the tall grass to mark the spot. Pray for this church as the congregation moves ahead with the construction of their church building.
Tuesday May 10: Nathan Allen returns to school today for Term 2. Pray he will continue to enjoy school and have great times with children his own age.
Wednesday May 11: “Although our family and mission team are excited and blessed with the various summer missionaries, volunteer teams and short-term missionaries coming to serve with us in Swaziland, pray our family (Allens) will balance family and ministry well in the months ahead. Pray for our children (Lacie and Nathan) especially during this busy season and for us (Steve and Monica) as parents to be sensitive to their needs at all times.”
Thursday May 12: The Luwhawhaweni Baptist Church recently lost one of its original members. She was HIV positive and suffered a stroke. She always had a smile and even though she walked with a slight limp (from a previous stroke) she regularly attended church and Friday Bible study. She will be missed. Pray for the family of this lady (34 years old with three children) as they deal with their loss. Pray for the Luwhawhaweni Baptist Church that continues to lose members to the AIDS pandemic.
Friday May 13: For the last few months prayer has been requested for the start of a Bible study in the community of MaCethuka (approximately 5 kms from the Vuvulane Baptist Church). It has been difficult to meet with this group (who requested the Bible study) for various reasons. Pray Satan will not succeed in keeping this Bible study from beginning. Pray the Lord will be the victor.
Saturday May 14: The Shiselweni Baptist Association meets today. Continue to pray for this association that strives to meet together for encouragement and unity. There are 9 Swazi Baptist churches in this region.
Sunday May 15: Kym Pennington, True Love Waits International consultant returns to Swaziland today to lead three three-day True Love Waits Trainings,; 16-18 in Mbabane, 19-21 in Manzini and 23-25 in the Shiselweni or North Lubumbo region. Pray for Kym as she leads these three training events. Pray for the Swazi Team as they encourage possible attendees and prepare for these events.
Monday May 16: We never know what to expect the first time we begin a Bible study or new work but praise the Lord for over 100 people waiting to hear the truth of God’s Word from Steve Allen in the Ngowane area! Pray for God to continue opening doors in this new community and praise God that the indvuna and community leaders gave their blessings for the Bible study to begin.
Tuesday May 17: The children gathered in the room ready to sing, study and have fun. Laughter could still be heard even after the teacher began talking. There is so much to teach these children and so much for them to learn about Jesus, the Bible, Christian living and church life. The task must begin when they are young so they can develop into strong committed Swazi Christian leaders. Pray the 30 Swazi Baptist churches will take seriously the responsibility of teaching and training their children. May each Swazi Baptist church have a strong children’s program.
Wednesday May 18: Please pray salvation will come to the house of the King of Swaziland, his wives and children. Pray true revival will take place in the country.
Thursday May 19: For years missionary Barbara Myers and several Swazis have worked to translate from English to siSwati adult, youth, older children, children and beginner Sunday School materials. In 2005 siSwati children and beginner’s Sunday School books were printed and are currently being used in our Swazi Baptist churches. Pray for Barbara as she strives to bring this big project to a satisfying end. Pray these materials will also be printed in book form that will easily be accessable to the Swazi Baptist churches.
Friday May 20: SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN UNENGAGED PEOPLES: The Subia of Namibia live in the far northeastern corner of the country, an area called the Caprivi Strip. Farming is the mainstay of their economy but they also have herds of cattle, sheep and goats. The Subia believe that their ancestral spirits will harm anyone who does not honor them or who disregards tribal tradition in some way. Fear dominates their lives. Pray that someone will take the Gospel to the Subia so they may know the freedom of Christ. Pray that many will experience new life.
Saturday May 21: A few weeks ago after worship, members of the Vuvulane Baptist Church visited a sick lady in the community. When Wayne Myers first entered the room he did not see her emaciated body and walked right past her. Perhaps it will be a matter of time before this lady succumbs to her illness. The sign of loss is everywhere. Homesteads are either caring for a sick loved one or burying a loss family member. The only occupants of some homesteads are children with no one to care for them. What is their hope? For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 Pray those dying with AIDS will have a chance to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior before it is too late.
Sunday May 22: The lack of pastors continues to be one of the biggest problems facing our Swazi Baptist churches. Many of the churches continue to meet under lay leadership (often the women) who get discouraged that God has not provided them with pastoral leadership. Please pray God will develop leaders for these congregations.
Monday May 23: The Muslim creed simply states “There is no god but Allah and Mohammed is His prophet.” When making this statement the believer announces his or her faith in all God’s messengers and the scripture they brought. Muslim is a growing faith in Swaziland. Please pray the peace of God will dwell in the heart of the Swazi people and the Muslim faith will not be allowed to gain strength. Pray that ordinary daily events will be used by God to point Muslims to Him.
Tuesday May 24: May 24-May 31 a volunteer team from Clear Creek Bible College (Pineville, Ky.) arrives to work with the Allens in the Hhohho region. Please pray for Dan and Shannon, Steve and Sheri and Dr. Lucas as they come to serve in Swaziland. The team will primarily minister in the two newest work areas in this region.
Wednesday May 25: Pray for Thomas Yawn (Deborah Hoskins’ brother) today on his birthday!!
Pray Thomas will have a very happy birthday!!
--The Hoskins enjoyed their time with friends Tia and Caleb who visited last month. Tia and Caleb were able to see the different ministries throughout Swaziland and South Africa. Todd and Deborah hope they visit again!!
Thursday May 26: Next month four “Hands On” missionaries involved with True Love Waits ministries will arrive in Swaziland. Sienna, Brandi, Kim and Heather will stay in Tshaneni and Mbabane for six months ministering to and with the Swazi people. Their term will end in December. Pray for these missionaries as they prepare for their time in Swaziland. Pray hearts and lives will be touched as God’s plan for marriage and purity is shared.
Friday May 27: Today Hunter Johnson and Katie Halllack arrive from the states (May 27-June 30). Hunter and Katie will serve with the Myers, Allens and Hoskins throughout the month of June in various ministry opportunities. Pray Hunter and Katie will enjoy their time of ministry in Swaziland. One ministry includes speaking/leading the National Youth Leaders Retreat on June 3-5. Pray for all the Swazi Baptist Youth leaders as the plan to attend this retreat. Pray Hunter and Katie’s time with these youth will be very special.
Saturday May 28: With the new True Love Waits missionaries arriving in June, dynamics will change for the Swazi Team. Instead of 8 team members, the number will increase to 18. Pray the Myers, Allens and Hoskins will be able to adjust to working with the Lord’s provision of new workers for the harvest. Pray mighty blessings will occur.
Sunday May 29: Both the Luwhawhaweni and Vuvulane Baptist Churches (North Lubumbo) have been given land to build church structures. Pray as these congregations plan towards their building projects. Through tithes and offerings, may these new structures be completed.
Monday May 30: Medical care for the Swazi people is not always available due to clinics with no doctors or adequate supply of medications, nurses diagnosing and prescribing medications, hospitals usually are over crowded and patients sleep on the floor, family must care for the patients’ needs while in the hospital, cleanliness is a concern and many still consult sangomas and witch doctors. Pray the government of Swaziland will see the need to provide doctors in clinics and a supply of medications will be adequate. Pray Swazis will not seek the use of traditional methods for medical care.
Tuesday May 31: Pray for Todd and Deborah Hoskins today on their 3rd Wedding Annversary!!
Today the six summer missionaries (June-July) arrive in Swaziland to begin their time of sharing the True Love Waits message with Swazi churches and schools. The Swazi Team welcomes Jonathon, Ronald, Victoria, Adam, Elizabeth and Tiffany. Pray these missionaries will be spiritually prepared for the task the Lord has given each of them. Pray they will have good physical, emotional and spiritual health and will receive many blessings.
April Update from Hoskins
Thank you for your prayers for the cluster meeting in Johannesburg. We had a wonderful time with our coworkers from all over southern Africa. Todd was particularly delighted that a group from First Baptist Orlando came to lead us in worship. He attended First Baptist Orlando while he worked at Disney a few years back, so worshiping with them was like a taste of home. I think he must have paid them beforehand to play all of his favorite songs.
Easter is the largest celebration of the year here in Swaziland. Last week we had a gathering of about 200 people from all the Baptist churches in the country. The churches put together a continuous agenda of worship, teaching, and fellowship that lasted from Thursday through Easter Sunday. Some of the ladies cooked for the entire group, so we got to eat a lot of good traditional cooking, and Deborah learned a few more secrets from the Swazi kitchen. We were able to use our vehicle to transport some people from the deep rural area, who had never been able to attend an Easter service before. Todd was also able to bring his friend, Lucky Dlamini. It was the first Easter Service he had ever attended too.
Summertime in the United States will be bringing a lot of extra hands to work with us here in Swaziland. Six college summer missionaries will be in Swaziland for two months sharing the message of True Love Waits in the rural areas. Four Hands On missionaries will be here for six months beginning in June working with True Love Waits. Having these workers come with the specific mission of True Love Waits is an answer to prayer for this country that is devastated by HIV/AIDS.
Please be in prayer for the missionaries coming this summer. Please pray for opportunities for them to share God’s love. Along with those already mentioned, there will also be a several teams visiting and working in different areas all over the country. Extra hands require extra work, but we are excited about how God can use our growing team, and we are excited that we may be seeing some of you soon!
Thank you for your support.
Easter is the largest celebration of the year here in Swaziland. Last week we had a gathering of about 200 people from all the Baptist churches in the country. The churches put together a continuous agenda of worship, teaching, and fellowship that lasted from Thursday through Easter Sunday. Some of the ladies cooked for the entire group, so we got to eat a lot of good traditional cooking, and Deborah learned a few more secrets from the Swazi kitchen. We were able to use our vehicle to transport some people from the deep rural area, who had never been able to attend an Easter service before. Todd was also able to bring his friend, Lucky Dlamini. It was the first Easter Service he had ever attended too.
Summertime in the United States will be bringing a lot of extra hands to work with us here in Swaziland. Six college summer missionaries will be in Swaziland for two months sharing the message of True Love Waits in the rural areas. Four Hands On missionaries will be here for six months beginning in June working with True Love Waits. Having these workers come with the specific mission of True Love Waits is an answer to prayer for this country that is devastated by HIV/AIDS.
Please be in prayer for the missionaries coming this summer. Please pray for opportunities for them to share God’s love. Along with those already mentioned, there will also be a several teams visiting and working in different areas all over the country. Extra hands require extra work, but we are excited about how God can use our growing team, and we are excited that we may be seeing some of you soon!
Thank you for your support.
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
The National Swazi Baptist Easter Services last Thursday-Sunday (April 21-24) are now history. The services were conducted at a school in the Manzini area and over 150 attended. The agenda included convention reports, Bible studies, a full-scale children’s program, worship, testimonies and wonderful music. Most attendees arrived on Thursday evening with their blankets, bags and Bibles. They found their “sleeping spot” and prepared for three nights and four days of sharing and fellowshipping with members of approximately 25 of the 30 Swazi Baptist churches. Plenty of laughter and singing could be heard throughout the “camp”! Pray a spirit of unity among the Swazi Baptist churches and Swazi Baptist Convention will continue. Pray the “Spirit of Easter” will be with us all year long!
I was asked to help provide a children’s program that began on Thursday evening and ended on Saturday evening. The children presented a play on the last week of Jesus’ life and resurrection during the worship on Sunday morning. I had wonderful Swazi helpers and was blessed by their commitment to our task. The children gathered in our room ready to sing, study and have fun. Laughter could be heard even after the teacher began talking. There is so much to teach these children and so much to learn about Jesus, the Bible, Christian living and church life. The task must begin when they are young so they can develop into strong committed Swazi Christian leaders. Pray the 30 Swazi Baptist churches will take seriously the responsibility of teaching and training their children. Pray each Swazi Baptist church will desire to have a strong children’s program.
WHERE’S THE CHICKEN???
Remember the commercial a couple of decades ago for a hamburger chain with the grandma that yelled “Where’s the Beef?” The participants or our Easter services found themselves looking not for the beef but for the chicken. Saturday night 9 bags of chicken portions mysteriously disappeared. Whispers of where was the chicken, who took the chicken, what happened to the chicken were being heard around the camp. It was a true mystery!! So mysterious in fact that around midnight the sleeping attendees were roused from their sleep and their bags searched for the missing bags of chicken portions!! Alias, the missing chicken continued to be missing since it was not found among the searched belongings. Instead of whispers, complete vocal comments could be heard the next day around the camp. One brave soul even condemned the search since at Saturday night’s supper there was an enormous amount of chicken. So much in fact extra pieces were being freely given. Could this be the missing chicken? Did the cook’s accidently cook all the chicken instead of Saturday night’s allotment? Oh well, I guess the mystery of the missing chicken portions will continue to be a mystery since no one is admitting to the crime. So we can say in unison “Where’s the Chicken?”
As I type this prayer letter the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton is taking place. Many people line the streets to see the participants of the wedding, the Queen, and the wedding couple. What a spectacular affair. Tomorrow (April 30), another wedding is taking place. The couple is not royalty but hard working Swazis who have been together for many years and have several children together. He is the pastor of the Ntuthwakazi Baptist Church. The Mkhiliphis desire to be obedient to the Lord and have a Christian wedding. Plans and preparations are being completed. Other Swazi Baptist pastors are part of the program and ceremony. There is excitement everywhere. Pray for this couple as they invite their friends, family, church members and community to their Christian wedding tomorrow at the Ntuthwakazi Baptist Church. May their wedding be a wonderful witness to their family and the Ntuthwakazi community.
--Saturday May 7, the executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets. One item on the agenda is to evaluate the National Easter Services in April. Pray for this group as they prayerfully reflect on the 2011 Easter Services. Pray for a time of unity and consensus.
--May 15, Kym Pennington, True Love Waits International consultant returns to Swaziland to lead three three-day TLW trainings; 16-18 in Mbabane, 19-21 in Manzini and 23-25 in the Shiselweni or North Lubumbo region. Pray for Kym as she leads these three training events. Pray for the Swazi team as they encourage possible attendees and prepare for these events.
AIDS UPDATE:
Please continue to pray the In-Home Care Kits (BGR buckets) will soon make their way to Swaziland from Durban, South Africa. Pray for the Swazi team as they seek to train our church members on the use of the buckets with AIDS victims and their families.
COMPUTER UPDATE:
We are still experiencing computer woes. After 6 months, I still do not have my computer. Wayne has talked with the “head man” of the group who has given Wayne an update on the situation, but every time they talk it is a different update. He did tell Wayne he is talking with the technician that is working on the computer but I don’t particularly trust him and still have great concerns. I don’t know who has the computer. L Please continue praying that the ending to this situation will be a friendly one.
--We will take Wayne’s computer to Jo’burg for repairs the end of May. We are both using his old but trustworthy Dell laptop and adjusting to having to take turns on the computer!!
I was asked to help provide a children’s program that began on Thursday evening and ended on Saturday evening. The children presented a play on the last week of Jesus’ life and resurrection during the worship on Sunday morning. I had wonderful Swazi helpers and was blessed by their commitment to our task. The children gathered in our room ready to sing, study and have fun. Laughter could be heard even after the teacher began talking. There is so much to teach these children and so much to learn about Jesus, the Bible, Christian living and church life. The task must begin when they are young so they can develop into strong committed Swazi Christian leaders. Pray the 30 Swazi Baptist churches will take seriously the responsibility of teaching and training their children. Pray each Swazi Baptist church will desire to have a strong children’s program.
WHERE’S THE CHICKEN???
Remember the commercial a couple of decades ago for a hamburger chain with the grandma that yelled “Where’s the Beef?” The participants or our Easter services found themselves looking not for the beef but for the chicken. Saturday night 9 bags of chicken portions mysteriously disappeared. Whispers of where was the chicken, who took the chicken, what happened to the chicken were being heard around the camp. It was a true mystery!! So mysterious in fact that around midnight the sleeping attendees were roused from their sleep and their bags searched for the missing bags of chicken portions!! Alias, the missing chicken continued to be missing since it was not found among the searched belongings. Instead of whispers, complete vocal comments could be heard the next day around the camp. One brave soul even condemned the search since at Saturday night’s supper there was an enormous amount of chicken. So much in fact extra pieces were being freely given. Could this be the missing chicken? Did the cook’s accidently cook all the chicken instead of Saturday night’s allotment? Oh well, I guess the mystery of the missing chicken portions will continue to be a mystery since no one is admitting to the crime. So we can say in unison “Where’s the Chicken?”
As I type this prayer letter the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton is taking place. Many people line the streets to see the participants of the wedding, the Queen, and the wedding couple. What a spectacular affair. Tomorrow (April 30), another wedding is taking place. The couple is not royalty but hard working Swazis who have been together for many years and have several children together. He is the pastor of the Ntuthwakazi Baptist Church. The Mkhiliphis desire to be obedient to the Lord and have a Christian wedding. Plans and preparations are being completed. Other Swazi Baptist pastors are part of the program and ceremony. There is excitement everywhere. Pray for this couple as they invite their friends, family, church members and community to their Christian wedding tomorrow at the Ntuthwakazi Baptist Church. May their wedding be a wonderful witness to their family and the Ntuthwakazi community.
--Saturday May 7, the executive committee of the Baptist Convention of Swaziland meets. One item on the agenda is to evaluate the National Easter Services in April. Pray for this group as they prayerfully reflect on the 2011 Easter Services. Pray for a time of unity and consensus.
--May 15, Kym Pennington, True Love Waits International consultant returns to Swaziland to lead three three-day TLW trainings; 16-18 in Mbabane, 19-21 in Manzini and 23-25 in the Shiselweni or North Lubumbo region. Pray for Kym as she leads these three training events. Pray for the Swazi team as they encourage possible attendees and prepare for these events.
AIDS UPDATE:
Please continue to pray the In-Home Care Kits (BGR buckets) will soon make their way to Swaziland from Durban, South Africa. Pray for the Swazi team as they seek to train our church members on the use of the buckets with AIDS victims and their families.
COMPUTER UPDATE:
We are still experiencing computer woes. After 6 months, I still do not have my computer. Wayne has talked with the “head man” of the group who has given Wayne an update on the situation, but every time they talk it is a different update. He did tell Wayne he is talking with the technician that is working on the computer but I don’t particularly trust him and still have great concerns. I don’t know who has the computer. L Please continue praying that the ending to this situation will be a friendly one.
--We will take Wayne’s computer to Jo’burg for repairs the end of May. We are both using his old but trustworthy Dell laptop and adjusting to having to take turns on the computer!!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
The week began with quite a bit of uncertainty. A strike had been called by the labor unions and facebook participants for April 13, 14 and 15. Soldiers and policemen as well as protestors were gearing up for a big show-down. Thank goodness it did not occur. There were incidents of police and soldiers tangling with the protestors. The cities of Manzini and Mbabane were tightly blocked so outsiders could not come in to join in protesting. This displeased the unions and they have vowed that another strike will be called. The event was covered by the South African news. One clip showed King Mswati watching the protestors, dressed in Swazi traditional dress. One wonders what was going through his mind as he watched the protestors dance for political change. South Africa trade union also voiced their displeasure in the outcome of the strike. “We will not allow any goods to come into Swaziland.” We don’t when that will happen and hope it does not. Nothing was really solved and discontentment continues. Pray the political situation in Swaziland will reach a peaceful solution. Grievances include displeasure by the extravagant spending of the King, his 13 wives and numerable children and the desire to chose own leaders and officials.
Happy Birthday to Steven Allen on the 20th of April. Pray Steve will have a very special day!!
--Tuesday the Swazi Team will meet at the home of the Hoskins’ to discuss accommodations and ministry of the six summer missionaries and four “Hands On” missionaries arriving in June to share the True Love Waits message with schools and churches. The summer missionaries with be in Swaziland during June and July. The “Hands On” missionaries will arrive in June and leave the middle of December. Pray for these missionaries as they prepare to work and live in Swaziland. Pray for the Swazi Team as we prepare to host them!!
--The Swazi Team praises the Lord on word that the Minister of Finance has given the okay for the 648 In-Home Care Kits (BGR buckets) to enter Swaziland tax free!!! Presently, BGR is determining the best method to get the buckets into Swaziland. Pray the buckets will be easily transported from Durban, South Africa to Swaziland as quickly as possible. Pray for the Swazi Team as we seek to train our church members on the use of the buckets with AIDS victims and their families.
What are the In Home Care kits? It is a compilation of medical and hygiene supplies that Baptist Global Response (BGR) is asking US churches, groups or individuals to provide to assist caregivers of home-bound, terminally ill patients. An In-Home Care Kit is designed to be delivered individually to a sick person’s home to show the love of Christ in a tangible way. The Kit is packed in a 5-gallon bucket filled with items like multivitamins, sheets, a towel and washcloths, soap for sensitive skin, gloves for caregivers and much more. For more information about the kit, go to http://www.inhomecarekit.org/ and go to the “Shopping List” page. Also the “How do these items help?” page will give you some suggestions about how we use the items in the kit.
KITS FOR KIDS…Connecting Kids Who Care With Kids in Need!!
This summer Baptist Global Response is partnering with LifeWay Christian Resources in the Vacation Bible School missions project. Kids in Vacation Bible Schools all over the United States will be collecting school supplies for “Kits for Kids.” There’s even a website of resources for churches at http://www.vbskitsforkids.com/. Check it out!! Maybe this is something your VBS would like to do.
AND CHRIST WAS CRUCIFIED ANEW
Not only once, and long ago,
There on Golgotha’s rugged side,
Has Christ, the Lord been crucified
Because He loved a lost world so.
But hourly souls, sin-satisfied,Mock His great love,
flout His commands,
And drive nails deep into His hands,
And thrust the spear within His side.
--John Richard Moreland
Celebrate God’s gift to man on Good Friday April 22 and Easter Sunday April 24!!
Pray for the National Good Friday/Easter Services that begin on the 21st of April and conclude on Easter Sunday. The theme is the “Power of the Resurrection” and sessions will be provided for adult/youth and children as well as evening worship. Pray the 2011 Good Friday/Easter Services will be a blessing to those attending. May everyone understand the true meaning and purpose of the Christ’s crucifixion and His resurrection.
AIDS UPDATE:
--The Luwahhawhhweni Baptist Church lost a member this week. She was one of the original members of the small congregation and she was HIV positive. She always had a smile and even though she walked with a slight limp (from a previous stroke) she regularly attended church and Friday Bible study. She will be missed. Pray for the family of this lady (34 years old with three children) as they deal with their loss. Pray for the Luwhhawhhaweni Baptist Church that continues to loss members to the AIDS pandemic. Another member (with symptoms of AIDS) has also been sick and in the hospital. Pray she will gain strength and recover from her illness.
--Last Sunday after worship services the adults of the Vuvulane Baptist Church visited a very sick lady in the community. When Wayne first entered the room he did not see her emaciated body and walked right past her. She too showed signs of AIDS. Pray for this lady. Perhaps it will be a matter of time before she succumbs to her illness. The sign of loss is everywhere. Homesteads are either caring for a sick loved one or burying a loss family member. The only occupants of some homesteads are children with no one to care for them. What is their hope? For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 Pray those dying with AIDS will have a chance to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior before it is too late.
Happy Birthday to Steven Allen on the 20th of April. Pray Steve will have a very special day!!
--Tuesday the Swazi Team will meet at the home of the Hoskins’ to discuss accommodations and ministry of the six summer missionaries and four “Hands On” missionaries arriving in June to share the True Love Waits message with schools and churches. The summer missionaries with be in Swaziland during June and July. The “Hands On” missionaries will arrive in June and leave the middle of December. Pray for these missionaries as they prepare to work and live in Swaziland. Pray for the Swazi Team as we prepare to host them!!
--The Swazi Team praises the Lord on word that the Minister of Finance has given the okay for the 648 In-Home Care Kits (BGR buckets) to enter Swaziland tax free!!! Presently, BGR is determining the best method to get the buckets into Swaziland. Pray the buckets will be easily transported from Durban, South Africa to Swaziland as quickly as possible. Pray for the Swazi Team as we seek to train our church members on the use of the buckets with AIDS victims and their families.
What are the In Home Care kits? It is a compilation of medical and hygiene supplies that Baptist Global Response (BGR) is asking US churches, groups or individuals to provide to assist caregivers of home-bound, terminally ill patients. An In-Home Care Kit is designed to be delivered individually to a sick person’s home to show the love of Christ in a tangible way. The Kit is packed in a 5-gallon bucket filled with items like multivitamins, sheets, a towel and washcloths, soap for sensitive skin, gloves for caregivers and much more. For more information about the kit, go to http://www.inhomecarekit.org/ and go to the “Shopping List” page. Also the “How do these items help?” page will give you some suggestions about how we use the items in the kit.
KITS FOR KIDS…Connecting Kids Who Care With Kids in Need!!
This summer Baptist Global Response is partnering with LifeWay Christian Resources in the Vacation Bible School missions project. Kids in Vacation Bible Schools all over the United States will be collecting school supplies for “Kits for Kids.” There’s even a website of resources for churches at http://www.vbskitsforkids.com/. Check it out!! Maybe this is something your VBS would like to do.
AND CHRIST WAS CRUCIFIED ANEW
Not only once, and long ago,
There on Golgotha’s rugged side,
Has Christ, the Lord been crucified
Because He loved a lost world so.
But hourly souls, sin-satisfied,Mock His great love,
flout His commands,
And drive nails deep into His hands,
And thrust the spear within His side.
--John Richard Moreland
Celebrate God’s gift to man on Good Friday April 22 and Easter Sunday April 24!!
Pray for the National Good Friday/Easter Services that begin on the 21st of April and conclude on Easter Sunday. The theme is the “Power of the Resurrection” and sessions will be provided for adult/youth and children as well as evening worship. Pray the 2011 Good Friday/Easter Services will be a blessing to those attending. May everyone understand the true meaning and purpose of the Christ’s crucifixion and His resurrection.
AIDS UPDATE:
--The Luwahhawhhweni Baptist Church lost a member this week. She was one of the original members of the small congregation and she was HIV positive. She always had a smile and even though she walked with a slight limp (from a previous stroke) she regularly attended church and Friday Bible study. She will be missed. Pray for the family of this lady (34 years old with three children) as they deal with their loss. Pray for the Luwhhawhhaweni Baptist Church that continues to loss members to the AIDS pandemic. Another member (with symptoms of AIDS) has also been sick and in the hospital. Pray she will gain strength and recover from her illness.
--Last Sunday after worship services the adults of the Vuvulane Baptist Church visited a very sick lady in the community. When Wayne first entered the room he did not see her emaciated body and walked right past her. She too showed signs of AIDS. Pray for this lady. Perhaps it will be a matter of time before she succumbs to her illness. The sign of loss is everywhere. Homesteads are either caring for a sick loved one or burying a loss family member. The only occupants of some homesteads are children with no one to care for them. What is their hope? For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 Pray those dying with AIDS will have a chance to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior before it is too late.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
An Update to an Update for the Allens
Dear Prayer Warriors,
Greetings from Swaziland! So much is happening right now that we wanted to update everyone on several items...
Praises/Prayer Concerns:
- Steven is leading a baptism service at Peace Baptist Church today and praising God that the weather is beautiful. Pray for those that are being baptized that they will stay strong in their new relationship with Jesus!
-Kids and I are home today as Lacie has yet another ear infection and keeping her low for the weekend to rest. She is doing much better and plans to return to school this week. Schools begin their term break after this week (schools close from April 15 - May 3 or May 10, depending on the school).
- Steven was able to visit the new work area with some of the members from Hawane Baptist Church this past Thursday. He was also able to meet the indvuna, chief's assistant, and was granted permission to proceed starting a Bible study. God keeps opening the doors! Pray for this new work to grow strong with a solid foundation of God's Word and Truth!
- Our recent missionary meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, was one of the best mission meetings we have ever attended. So many of us came to the meeting tired and worn out but left with a very refreshed heart and spirit to press on with all God has for our various ministries. We thank First Baptist Orlando for sharing with us in preaching, worship and leading our children. You all were amazing and God used you!
- Praise the Lord that we received word from the Minister of Finance that the container of 648 in-home care kits can come into the country tax free! Woo! Hoo! Pray now for the tranportation issues to get the container from Durban (nearest port to us and only one day drive) to us quickly. Pray for our team as we seek to train our churches in passing them out to the right people that needs these buckets.
- Our churches are busy planning our annual Easters services (Thursday - Sunday, April 22-25) as it is a time of them to come together for preaching, worship and fellowship. The group that met for the Convention was small but they were able to proceed with making final decisions for the services. Pray each life will be touched in a special way during the Easter services.
- Pray for our missionary team as we are looking towards a very busy American summer months with lots of volunteers and teams coming to serve with us, especially from May - August.
SPECIAL REQUEST: (sent out by our prayer advocate, Barbara Myers) In recent weeks political developments throughout the Middle East and Africa have been major headlines. As country after country struggles with inner conflict and turmoil, others watch hoping it will not happen to them. April 12, 13 and 14 the trade union in Swaziland has called for strikes in Mbabane, Manzini and Nhlangano. Although strikes and discontentment are not new to Swaziland, in view of current events there is need for concern. Political heads of our country are calling the strikes against the law and rumors of military preparedness are spreading. What will be the outcome? Please pray these strikes will not end in riots and the military/police will not be called to provide order. Chaos usually follows when the military or police get involved. Pray peace will prevail over the nation of Swaziland.
Our family is busy planning ahead with petrol for vehicles, generators, groceries, running necessary errands over the weekend and Monday. We will try to write with an update during these days if we still have electricity, phone and internet. It is all in God's hands!!!
Let us hear from you as you are able to write!
Thank you for your faithful prayer support!!!
Steven, Monica, Lacie and Nathan Allen
Greetings from Swaziland! So much is happening right now that we wanted to update everyone on several items...
Praises/Prayer Concerns:
- Steven is leading a baptism service at Peace Baptist Church today and praising God that the weather is beautiful. Pray for those that are being baptized that they will stay strong in their new relationship with Jesus!
-Kids and I are home today as Lacie has yet another ear infection and keeping her low for the weekend to rest. She is doing much better and plans to return to school this week. Schools begin their term break after this week (schools close from April 15 - May 3 or May 10, depending on the school).
- Steven was able to visit the new work area with some of the members from Hawane Baptist Church this past Thursday. He was also able to meet the indvuna, chief's assistant, and was granted permission to proceed starting a Bible study. God keeps opening the doors! Pray for this new work to grow strong with a solid foundation of God's Word and Truth!
- Our recent missionary meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, was one of the best mission meetings we have ever attended. So many of us came to the meeting tired and worn out but left with a very refreshed heart and spirit to press on with all God has for our various ministries. We thank First Baptist Orlando for sharing with us in preaching, worship and leading our children. You all were amazing and God used you!
- Praise the Lord that we received word from the Minister of Finance that the container of 648 in-home care kits can come into the country tax free! Woo! Hoo! Pray now for the tranportation issues to get the container from Durban (nearest port to us and only one day drive) to us quickly. Pray for our team as we seek to train our churches in passing them out to the right people that needs these buckets.
- Our churches are busy planning our annual Easters services (Thursday - Sunday, April 22-25) as it is a time of them to come together for preaching, worship and fellowship. The group that met for the Convention was small but they were able to proceed with making final decisions for the services. Pray each life will be touched in a special way during the Easter services.
- Pray for our missionary team as we are looking towards a very busy American summer months with lots of volunteers and teams coming to serve with us, especially from May - August.
SPECIAL REQUEST: (sent out by our prayer advocate, Barbara Myers) In recent weeks political developments throughout the Middle East and Africa have been major headlines. As country after country struggles with inner conflict and turmoil, others watch hoping it will not happen to them. April 12, 13 and 14 the trade union in Swaziland has called for strikes in Mbabane, Manzini and Nhlangano. Although strikes and discontentment are not new to Swaziland, in view of current events there is need for concern. Political heads of our country are calling the strikes against the law and rumors of military preparedness are spreading. What will be the outcome? Please pray these strikes will not end in riots and the military/police will not be called to provide order. Chaos usually follows when the military or police get involved. Pray peace will prevail over the nation of Swaziland.
Our family is busy planning ahead with petrol for vehicles, generators, groceries, running necessary errands over the weekend and Monday. We will try to write with an update during these days if we still have electricity, phone and internet. It is all in God's hands!!!
Let us hear from you as you are able to write!
Thank you for your faithful prayer support!!!
Steven, Monica, Lacie and Nathan Allen
Friday, April 8, 2011
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
“To the Praise of His Glory” was the theme of the 2011 Two Oceans Cluster meeting in Jo’burg March 30-April 4. What a wonderful time of praise and worship led by the First Baptist Church, Orlando, Fla. I can’t begin to tell you how my life was touched by the music and sermons that were shared with us. It gave my life the spiritual boost it so much needed. Ministering and serving is not about us, but about our Lord Jesus Christ, it is about HIM. Pray I will remember these words as I rise and prepare for each day. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:11 These meetings also provided a wonderful time of fellowship and reconnecting with our missionary colleagues that serve in South Africa, Indian Ocean Islands and Namibia. Please pray the Lord will continue to provide wisdom and discernment for these missionaries. Pray blessings will fall on their ministries and their lives.
We were in the middle of a meal and conversation when one of our missionary friends brought a young girl to our table. She preceded to say, “This young girl wanted to meet missionaries on the Swazi Team. Her parents were missionaries in Swaziland and she was born in Swaziland. Her name is Sarah Michelle Howard.” Oh what a joy to be able to see Sarah Michelle. I had been thinking of the family that was part of the “Swaziland Mission” 1992-1996. I remember Sarah Michelle when she was very small. Now she is 19 years old and was part of the volunteer team from the First Baptist Church of Orlando, Florida. The Lord continues to bless! We had a nice conversation with plenty of hugs!!
--Monday-Wednesday (April 4-6), Wayne and I attended the Community Development Training led by Mark and Susan Hatfield of BGR (Baptist Global Response). Basically our training helped us to see how to begin needed projects in communities using good “missiology” with avoidance of dependency. The Swazis have so many needs but they are also quick to look to others to provide for their needs. Pray the Swazi Team will seek the Lord’s guidance as we try to meet the needs of those around us without encouraging dependency.
SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST:
In recent weeks political developments throughout the Middle East and Africa have been major headlines. As country after country struggles with inner conflict and turmoil, others watch hoping it will not happen to them. April 12, 13 and 14 the trade union in Swaziland has called for strikes in Mbabane, Manzini and Nhlangano. Although strikes and discontentment are not new to Swaziland, in view of current events there is need for concern. Political heads of our country are calling the strikes against the law and rumors of military preparedness are spreading. What will be the outcome? Please pray these strikes will not end in riots and the military/police will not be called to provide order. Chaos usually follows when the military or police get involved. Pray peace will prevail over the nation of Swaziland.
--Saturday (9th of April) the Baptist Convention of Swaziland will meet to finalize plans for the National Easter Services April 21-24. Pray planning will be concluded and everyone will prepare for a time of fellowship and worship. The theme of this year’s services is “The Power of the Resurrection.” Sessions will be provided for adult/youth and children as well as evening worship. Pray the 2011 Good Friday/Easter Services will be a blessing to those attending. Pray for a wonderful time of unity and worship.
MY RISEN LORD
My risen Lord, I feel Thy strong protection;
I see Thee stand among the graves today;
“I am the Way, the Life, the Resurrection,” I hear Thee say.
And all the burdens I have carried sadly Grow light as blossoms on an April day;
My cross becomes a staff, I journey gladly This Easter day.
--Author Unknown
MEDICAL UPDATE:
Here is an update on my nephew JC Miracle who was diagnosed with pancreatitis. JC was on a feeding tube for a while but now seems to be doing okay. JC seems to be doing pretty good now. The Dr. told us not to be surprised if he has a relapse in 3-4 months. He said that with chronic pancreatitis you could expect a relapse every 3-4 months for the first couple of years afterwards. So, just keep praying that it is healed and doesn't come back. Thank You!!
AIDS UPDATE:
Continue to pray for the six summer missionaries and four “Hands On” missionaries as they prepare to minister in Swaziland sharing the True Love Waits message in churches and schools. The six summer missionaries will be in Swaziland June and July. The four “Hands On” missionaries will arrive in June and depart in December. Pray also for True Love Waits International consultant, Kym Pennington as she leads three (3-day) training events in Swaziland in May. May hearts be touched and changed and the AIDS pandemic will loosen its grip on the Swazi people.
IMB’S OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
--Please lift up IMB’s affinity group strategists and overseas leadership team as they come together on April 10 for a week of strategic planning.
--IMB’s semi-annual Personnel Support Director’s Meeting is scheduled to be held in Lima, Peru on April 11-13. Pray for wisdom as discussions take place and decisions are made regarding how better to support field personnel in the areas of medical care, member care, education of their children, and the various elements of strategic support training.
We were in the middle of a meal and conversation when one of our missionary friends brought a young girl to our table. She preceded to say, “This young girl wanted to meet missionaries on the Swazi Team. Her parents were missionaries in Swaziland and she was born in Swaziland. Her name is Sarah Michelle Howard.” Oh what a joy to be able to see Sarah Michelle. I had been thinking of the family that was part of the “Swaziland Mission” 1992-1996. I remember Sarah Michelle when she was very small. Now she is 19 years old and was part of the volunteer team from the First Baptist Church of Orlando, Florida. The Lord continues to bless! We had a nice conversation with plenty of hugs!!
--Monday-Wednesday (April 4-6), Wayne and I attended the Community Development Training led by Mark and Susan Hatfield of BGR (Baptist Global Response). Basically our training helped us to see how to begin needed projects in communities using good “missiology” with avoidance of dependency. The Swazis have so many needs but they are also quick to look to others to provide for their needs. Pray the Swazi Team will seek the Lord’s guidance as we try to meet the needs of those around us without encouraging dependency.
SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST:
In recent weeks political developments throughout the Middle East and Africa have been major headlines. As country after country struggles with inner conflict and turmoil, others watch hoping it will not happen to them. April 12, 13 and 14 the trade union in Swaziland has called for strikes in Mbabane, Manzini and Nhlangano. Although strikes and discontentment are not new to Swaziland, in view of current events there is need for concern. Political heads of our country are calling the strikes against the law and rumors of military preparedness are spreading. What will be the outcome? Please pray these strikes will not end in riots and the military/police will not be called to provide order. Chaos usually follows when the military or police get involved. Pray peace will prevail over the nation of Swaziland.
--Saturday (9th of April) the Baptist Convention of Swaziland will meet to finalize plans for the National Easter Services April 21-24. Pray planning will be concluded and everyone will prepare for a time of fellowship and worship. The theme of this year’s services is “The Power of the Resurrection.” Sessions will be provided for adult/youth and children as well as evening worship. Pray the 2011 Good Friday/Easter Services will be a blessing to those attending. Pray for a wonderful time of unity and worship.
MY RISEN LORD
My risen Lord, I feel Thy strong protection;
I see Thee stand among the graves today;
“I am the Way, the Life, the Resurrection,” I hear Thee say.
And all the burdens I have carried sadly Grow light as blossoms on an April day;
My cross becomes a staff, I journey gladly This Easter day.
--Author Unknown
MEDICAL UPDATE:
Here is an update on my nephew JC Miracle who was diagnosed with pancreatitis. JC was on a feeding tube for a while but now seems to be doing okay. JC seems to be doing pretty good now. The Dr. told us not to be surprised if he has a relapse in 3-4 months. He said that with chronic pancreatitis you could expect a relapse every 3-4 months for the first couple of years afterwards. So, just keep praying that it is healed and doesn't come back. Thank You!!
AIDS UPDATE:
Continue to pray for the six summer missionaries and four “Hands On” missionaries as they prepare to minister in Swaziland sharing the True Love Waits message in churches and schools. The six summer missionaries will be in Swaziland June and July. The four “Hands On” missionaries will arrive in June and depart in December. Pray also for True Love Waits International consultant, Kym Pennington as she leads three (3-day) training events in Swaziland in May. May hearts be touched and changed and the AIDS pandemic will loosen its grip on the Swazi people.
IMB’S OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
--Please lift up IMB’s affinity group strategists and overseas leadership team as they come together on April 10 for a week of strategic planning.
--IMB’s semi-annual Personnel Support Director’s Meeting is scheduled to be held in Lima, Peru on April 11-13. Pray for wisdom as discussions take place and decisions are made regarding how better to support field personnel in the areas of medical care, member care, education of their children, and the various elements of strategic support training.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
March Update from the Allen Family
Dear Prayer Warriors,
Greetings from Swaziland! Life has been busy and keeping us going but wanted to share a few praises and prayer concerns with everyone.
Praises/Prayer Concerns:
- Recent baptism service at Hawane Baptist Church on March 20, we saw 9 people baptized, including our daughter, Lacie. Praise the Lord! Check out my photos and a short video on my home page on Facebook.
- After much prayer, prayer drives and seeking the Lord, God is opening a door for a possible new work outside of Piggs Peak. The contact is through one of the families that attends Hawane Baptist Church. We were scheduled to visit there last week but the family needed to postpone until next week. Pray God opens the door completely if this is HIS plan to start a new outreach group that could move into a new church.
- Lesibovu Baptist Church is now finished with the walls of their new church building. They now will work on the roof and windows. Go God!
- Mphembekati Baptist Church has been relocated to a new piece of property as their church was too close to the community school. Pray for the church to continue to be a light in their community.
- Our family, along with missionaries from all over South Africa and the Indian Ocean islands, will be gathering this week in Johannesburg for our annual mission meeting. First Baptist of Orlando has sent a team to lead us in preaching, worship, encouragement and helping take care of our children with their own VBS type classes. Pray for safety as everyone travels, good health for the whole meeting...we typically seem to catch something at these meetings! :(, God to be with us in everything, great fellowship and refreshment for all.
- We are in the waiting mode to receive a container (approx. 600 buckets) of home care kits with Baptist Global Respones (BGR) into Swaziland. Our governement has approved the container to come in but we are waiting to see how much is the cost or if any. Pray the finance office will make a decision very soon and for them to find favor with seeing how these buckets will greatly assist their country. Pray for our team as we seek to train our churches in passing them out to the right people that needs these buckets.
- Our churches are busy planning our annual Easters services (Thursday - Sunday, April 22-25) as it is a time of them to come together for preaching, worship and fellowship. Many loose ends needs to be finalized and pray for our Convention as they make final decisions at their meeting this Saturday morning.
- Pray for our missionary team as we are looking towards a very busy American summer months with lots of volunteers and teams coming to serve with us, especially from May - August.
Let us hear from you as you are able to write!
Greetings from Swaziland! Life has been busy and keeping us going but wanted to share a few praises and prayer concerns with everyone.
Praises/Prayer Concerns:
- Recent baptism service at Hawane Baptist Church on March 20, we saw 9 people baptized, including our daughter, Lacie. Praise the Lord! Check out my photos and a short video on my home page on Facebook.
- After much prayer, prayer drives and seeking the Lord, God is opening a door for a possible new work outside of Piggs Peak. The contact is through one of the families that attends Hawane Baptist Church. We were scheduled to visit there last week but the family needed to postpone until next week. Pray God opens the door completely if this is HIS plan to start a new outreach group that could move into a new church.
- Lesibovu Baptist Church is now finished with the walls of their new church building. They now will work on the roof and windows. Go God!
- Mphembekati Baptist Church has been relocated to a new piece of property as their church was too close to the community school. Pray for the church to continue to be a light in their community.
- Our family, along with missionaries from all over South Africa and the Indian Ocean islands, will be gathering this week in Johannesburg for our annual mission meeting. First Baptist of Orlando has sent a team to lead us in preaching, worship, encouragement and helping take care of our children with their own VBS type classes. Pray for safety as everyone travels, good health for the whole meeting...we typically seem to catch something at these meetings! :(, God to be with us in everything, great fellowship and refreshment for all.
- We are in the waiting mode to receive a container (approx. 600 buckets) of home care kits with Baptist Global Respones (BGR) into Swaziland. Our governement has approved the container to come in but we are waiting to see how much is the cost or if any. Pray the finance office will make a decision very soon and for them to find favor with seeing how these buckets will greatly assist their country. Pray for our team as we seek to train our churches in passing them out to the right people that needs these buckets.
- Our churches are busy planning our annual Easters services (Thursday - Sunday, April 22-25) as it is a time of them to come together for preaching, worship and fellowship. Many loose ends needs to be finalized and pray for our Convention as they make final decisions at their meeting this Saturday morning.
- Pray for our missionary team as we are looking towards a very busy American summer months with lots of volunteers and teams coming to serve with us, especially from May - August.
Let us hear from you as you are able to write!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
March Update from Hoskins
Hello everyone!
The field trip with the children from church to the radio station downstairs was so wonderful! Todd said that it was the best field trip he’s ever been on. The kids got to be on the radio and did a wonderful job reciting their memory verses and singing the songs they had practiced. I enjoyed beign at their choir practices the two weeks prior to the trip. Everyone had a great time singing together, and I was able to learn the songs myself. Thirty-four children came to the radio station and to our house for hot dogs afterwards. I think everyone enjoyed themselves immensely, with Todd and me being at the front of that list.
Our church was officially given new land by the chief’s council last Saturday. A knot was ceremoniously tied in the tall grass to mark the spot. We should soon be moving to the new land, which is currently full of guava trees. I think the moving process will involve a lot of snacking!
You may remember us mentioning Lucky, the security guard across the street. Todd and Lucky began going through a Bible study together in the mornings when he comes over after his night shift. The study is called the Life of Christ and it looks at Jesus’s life and teachings chronologically.
In other news, a partnership between the largest Baptist Church in Swaziland (Phuzumoya) and a South African Bible School has been formed to bring an extension program to Swaziland. This is a big step in the right direction for leadership and pastoral education, but it also comes with its share of new challenges. With the South African school now involved, Todd will be able to focus more of his time on different regions and those unable to attend.
We will be at a cluster meeting with other IMB missionaries serving in southern Africa from March 30th through April 3rd in Johannesburg. Please pray that this is a good time of encouragement and refreshment for us and our team.
Thank you for your support!
The field trip with the children from church to the radio station downstairs was so wonderful! Todd said that it was the best field trip he’s ever been on. The kids got to be on the radio and did a wonderful job reciting their memory verses and singing the songs they had practiced. I enjoyed beign at their choir practices the two weeks prior to the trip. Everyone had a great time singing together, and I was able to learn the songs myself. Thirty-four children came to the radio station and to our house for hot dogs afterwards. I think everyone enjoyed themselves immensely, with Todd and me being at the front of that list.
Our church was officially given new land by the chief’s council last Saturday. A knot was ceremoniously tied in the tall grass to mark the spot. We should soon be moving to the new land, which is currently full of guava trees. I think the moving process will involve a lot of snacking!
You may remember us mentioning Lucky, the security guard across the street. Todd and Lucky began going through a Bible study together in the mornings when he comes over after his night shift. The study is called the Life of Christ and it looks at Jesus’s life and teachings chronologically.
In other news, a partnership between the largest Baptist Church in Swaziland (Phuzumoya) and a South African Bible School has been formed to bring an extension program to Swaziland. This is a big step in the right direction for leadership and pastoral education, but it also comes with its share of new challenges. With the South African school now involved, Todd will be able to focus more of his time on different regions and those unable to attend.
We will be at a cluster meeting with other IMB missionaries serving in southern Africa from March 30th through April 3rd in Johannesburg. Please pray that this is a good time of encouragement and refreshment for us and our team.
Thank you for your support!
Monday, March 28, 2011
April Prayer Calendar
APRIL 2011 PRAYER CALENDAR
The Swazi Team
Friday April 1:
March 31-April 7, Todd and Deborah Hoskins’ friend, Tia from Georgia and her son Caleb will be in Swaziland for a visit. Please pray for safe travel. Pray they will have an enjoyable and meaningful trip as they see various ministries.
Saturday April 2:
Praise the Lord the Allens’ crate arrived in March and they continue to sort through everything. Pray for the Allens as they go through the house and decide what items to give away that no longer are needed to make room for the new items from their crate.
Sunday April 3:
Pray for the new outreach Bible study in northwest Swaziland in the rural area near Piggs Peak. Individuals from this area contacted missionary Steve Allen through friends at Hawane Baptist Church pleading for a Bible study to be started. This new study group is about 40 kilometers north of any previous work. Pray many people will attend this new outreach and come to faith in the Lord.
Monday April 4:
April 4-6, the Myers are attending the Community Development Training (sponsored by Baptist Global Response-BGR) in Jo’burg, South Africa. Pray this training will be helpful in ministering to the various needs of the Swazis.
Tuesday April 5:
Susanna Yawn’s (Deborah Hoskins’ sister) appointment with her heredity specialist went well. It is fairly certain that she does have retinitis pigmentosa. Susanna and the rest of the family seem to be doing well. Pray for Susanna as she deals with this new development in her life. May the Lord walk beside her each step of the way.
Wednesday April 6:
On March 16th, the Board of Trustees of the International Mission Board (IMB) voted to accept Tom Elliff as the new President of the IMB. Please pray for the Elliffs as they begin a new chapter in their lives. Ask the Lord to provide wisdom for Tom as he leads the IMB.
Thursday April 7:
A former pastor of the Velebantfu Baptist Church was told years ago that he was HIV positive. Before his marriage both he and his wife had other sexual partners. This pastor was taking the anti-retro viral drug (prolongs the life of AIDS victims) until a few months ago when he discontinued the use of the drug because he felt the Lord had healed him. Unfortunately, his symptoms have continued and he was recently admitted to the psychiatric ward of the hospital due to irrational speech and behavior. Unless he begins his ARVs, there is nothing that can be done for him. Pray this pastor will be able to hear when the Lord speaks to Him concerning the needed treatment. Pray for this family as they deal with this situation.
Friday April 8:
Pray affordable and beneficial training will be provided for Swazi leaders and pastors to help with their leadership tasks and responsibilities. From this training pray spiritually strong Swazi Baptist churches will develop.
Saturday April 9:
Please continue to pray for Wayne Myers’ brother, Terry with stage 4 cancer in remission, sister Patsy with COPD and her husband Jim and sister Lynda with various health issues. Pray also for Barbara’s great-nephew recovering from pancreatitis.
Sunday April 10:
Five individuals from the Peace Baptist Church will be baptized today. Please pray for these new believers as they take this public step of obedience to Christ. Pray for good weather and autumn temperatures will remain warm.
Monday April 11:
Pray God will give Deborah Hoskins wisdom as she helps with the older children’s Sunday School at the Mphembekati Baptist Church. The children of the Mphembekati Baptist Church recently took a tour of the Voice of the Church (TransWorld Radio) with snacks at the Hoskins’ apartment afterwards. The trip was a huge success! Everyone had a great time and the children recited verses and sung songs on the radio!!
Tuesday April 12:
Recently missionary Wayne Myers received a phone call from a youth of the Big Bend Baptist Church. He told Wayne his grandfather and other family members were telling him to take a wife. Wayne encouraged the youth to consider the need to take a wife that is Christian and of like faith. So many Swazi youth are pressured by family members to take a wife and have children to ensure the continuation of the family name. Pray this young man will seek the Lord first before taking this big step. Pray the Lord will give him peace and comfort as they walk through this together.
Wednesday April 13:
Pray the Bible study in the community of Macethuka (approximately 5 kilometers from the Vuvulane Baptist Church) will soon begin. A group from the area requested a Bible study since it was too far for families with small children to walk to the Vuvulane Baptist Church. Pray a strong work will begin in this area that will reach the many loss Swazis for the Lord.
Thursday April 14:
Todd Hoskins meets with a friend each morning to study a basic Bible study on who is Jesus. Please pray that God will give Todd wisdom in his interactions and study with his friend.
Friday April 15:
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.
Saturday April 16:
Pray God will reveal Himself to the Swazis following the Muslim faith. Pray Swazi Christians will be a light in the darkness sharing the love of Jesus with their people.
Sunday April 17:
Five individuals from the Victory Baptist Church will be baptized today. Please pray for these new believers as they begin their walk with the Lord. Since baptisms are done outside, pray for warm autumn temperatures.
Monday April 18:
Kym Pennington, True Love Waits International consultant returns to Swaziland in May to conduct three three-day TLW trainings. The first training is scheduled for the 15th-17th; the second 19th-21st and the third training 23rd-25th. Pray for Kym as she prepares for this time of training. Pray for the Swazi Team as they encourage possible attendees and prepare for these training events.
Tuesday April 19:
Pray for King Mswati today on his birthday. Pray the strongholds that keep him, his wives and children from accepting Christ will be broken and they will commit their lives to serving Jesus.
Wednesday April 20: Pray for Steve Allen today on his birthday!!
Two men from the Peniel Baptist Church recently came to Steve to tell him they want to assist with preaching at Swazi Baptist churches (Hhohho region) currently without pastors. This is an answer to prayer and the Allens are excited for these new workers to join the ministry. Pray for a wonderful working relationship between these two committed Christian men and the Allens.
Thursday April 21:
April 21-24 the National Good Friday/Easter Services begin in Manzini. “To the Praise of His Glory” is the theme and sessions are provided or adult/youth and children as well as evening worship. Pray the 2011 Good Friday/Easter Services will be a blessing to those attending. Pray for a wonderful time of unity and rejoicing.
Friday April 22: GOOD FRIDAY!!
Swazis do not have a word for Easter. When asked what word is used when talking about Easter, Good Friday is the answer. How sad to not know that hope did not end with the crucifixion. Without celebrating the resurrection they have left Him in the grave. Pray Swazis will see their hope lies in a resurrected Savior who is not in the grave!!
Saturday April 23:
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN UNENGAGED PEOPLES: Day after day the Zengaga people of Senegal live their lives without hearing “the words of prophecy” because there is no one to tell them. There is no known Bible in their language. There are no teachers and no preachers—no one to help them hear the Good News of Jesus. Please pray God will burden one or more of His churches to be missionaries to the Zengaga people of Senegal.
Sunday April 24: EASTER SUNDAY!!
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes.
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to reign,
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah Christ arose!
(Robert Lowry)
Pray the Swazis will understand the significance of the resurrection. May they accept the victory found in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Monday April 25:
Seven True Love Waits missionaries will minister in Swaziland June and July (2011) sharing the True Love Waits message in churches and schools. Four “Hands On” missionaries will arrive in June and August to also share the True Love Waits message throughout the country. The “Hands On” missionaries will be in Swaziland until May 2012. Pray the Lord will continue preparing these missionaries for their task of sharing the TLW message in Swaziland. May hearts be touched and changed and the AIDS pandemic will lose its grip on the Swazi people.
Tuesday April 26:
With the new True Love Waits missionaries arriving in June, dynamics will change for the Swazi Team. Instead of 3 families (8 team members), the numbers will increase to 14 families (22 members). Pray the Myers, Allens and Hoskins will be able to adjust to working with the Lord’s provision of new workers for the harvest. Pray mighty blessings will occur!
Wednesday April 27:
Due to the shipment of Home Health Care Kits (assist AIDS victims) being denied entry into South Africa, the shipment was given the “OKAY” to enter Swaziland. The Swazi Team is blessed to receive these kits (BGR buckets). Pray for members of the Swazi Team as they begin preparing and training Swazi Baptist churches on the use of the buckets to help AIDS families care for their loved ones. Pray these victims will know they are loved by caring people and especially the Lord.
Thursday April 28:
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.
Friday April 29:
The last week of May two volunteers, Hunter and Katy will arrive in Swaziland for a time of ministry and for Hunter the reuniting with many Swazi friends. Hunter as well as her sister Brinkley and father Jimmy have made many trips to Swaziland as volunteers. During their first week they will work in the Tshaneni area with the Myers and the month of June will find them ministering with the Allens in Mbabane and Hoskins in Manzini. Pray for Hunter and Katy as they prepare for their ministry in Swaziland. May this be a wonderful experience for Katy’s first trip to Swaziland and for Hunter as she returns to Swaziland.
Saturday April 30:
Pastor Mkhiliphi and his wife have been together for many years with many children. When young they were married in the Swazi traditional way but now wish to be obedient to the Lord and have a Christian wedding. Pray for this couple as they invite their friends, family, church members and community to their Christian wedding today at the Ntuthwakazi Baptist Church. May their wedding be a wonderful witness to their family and the Ntuthwakazi community.
The Swazi Team
Friday April 1:
March 31-April 7, Todd and Deborah Hoskins’ friend, Tia from Georgia and her son Caleb will be in Swaziland for a visit. Please pray for safe travel. Pray they will have an enjoyable and meaningful trip as they see various ministries.
Saturday April 2:
Praise the Lord the Allens’ crate arrived in March and they continue to sort through everything. Pray for the Allens as they go through the house and decide what items to give away that no longer are needed to make room for the new items from their crate.
Sunday April 3:
Pray for the new outreach Bible study in northwest Swaziland in the rural area near Piggs Peak. Individuals from this area contacted missionary Steve Allen through friends at Hawane Baptist Church pleading for a Bible study to be started. This new study group is about 40 kilometers north of any previous work. Pray many people will attend this new outreach and come to faith in the Lord.
Monday April 4:
April 4-6, the Myers are attending the Community Development Training (sponsored by Baptist Global Response-BGR) in Jo’burg, South Africa. Pray this training will be helpful in ministering to the various needs of the Swazis.
Tuesday April 5:
Susanna Yawn’s (Deborah Hoskins’ sister) appointment with her heredity specialist went well. It is fairly certain that she does have retinitis pigmentosa. Susanna and the rest of the family seem to be doing well. Pray for Susanna as she deals with this new development in her life. May the Lord walk beside her each step of the way.
Wednesday April 6:
On March 16th, the Board of Trustees of the International Mission Board (IMB) voted to accept Tom Elliff as the new President of the IMB. Please pray for the Elliffs as they begin a new chapter in their lives. Ask the Lord to provide wisdom for Tom as he leads the IMB.
Thursday April 7:
A former pastor of the Velebantfu Baptist Church was told years ago that he was HIV positive. Before his marriage both he and his wife had other sexual partners. This pastor was taking the anti-retro viral drug (prolongs the life of AIDS victims) until a few months ago when he discontinued the use of the drug because he felt the Lord had healed him. Unfortunately, his symptoms have continued and he was recently admitted to the psychiatric ward of the hospital due to irrational speech and behavior. Unless he begins his ARVs, there is nothing that can be done for him. Pray this pastor will be able to hear when the Lord speaks to Him concerning the needed treatment. Pray for this family as they deal with this situation.
Friday April 8:
Pray affordable and beneficial training will be provided for Swazi leaders and pastors to help with their leadership tasks and responsibilities. From this training pray spiritually strong Swazi Baptist churches will develop.
Saturday April 9:
Please continue to pray for Wayne Myers’ brother, Terry with stage 4 cancer in remission, sister Patsy with COPD and her husband Jim and sister Lynda with various health issues. Pray also for Barbara’s great-nephew recovering from pancreatitis.
Sunday April 10:
Five individuals from the Peace Baptist Church will be baptized today. Please pray for these new believers as they take this public step of obedience to Christ. Pray for good weather and autumn temperatures will remain warm.
Monday April 11:
Pray God will give Deborah Hoskins wisdom as she helps with the older children’s Sunday School at the Mphembekati Baptist Church. The children of the Mphembekati Baptist Church recently took a tour of the Voice of the Church (TransWorld Radio) with snacks at the Hoskins’ apartment afterwards. The trip was a huge success! Everyone had a great time and the children recited verses and sung songs on the radio!!
Tuesday April 12:
Recently missionary Wayne Myers received a phone call from a youth of the Big Bend Baptist Church. He told Wayne his grandfather and other family members were telling him to take a wife. Wayne encouraged the youth to consider the need to take a wife that is Christian and of like faith. So many Swazi youth are pressured by family members to take a wife and have children to ensure the continuation of the family name. Pray this young man will seek the Lord first before taking this big step. Pray the Lord will give him peace and comfort as they walk through this together.
Wednesday April 13:
Pray the Bible study in the community of Macethuka (approximately 5 kilometers from the Vuvulane Baptist Church) will soon begin. A group from the area requested a Bible study since it was too far for families with small children to walk to the Vuvulane Baptist Church. Pray a strong work will begin in this area that will reach the many loss Swazis for the Lord.
Thursday April 14:
Todd Hoskins meets with a friend each morning to study a basic Bible study on who is Jesus. Please pray that God will give Todd wisdom in his interactions and study with his friend.
Friday April 15:
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.
Saturday April 16:
Pray God will reveal Himself to the Swazis following the Muslim faith. Pray Swazi Christians will be a light in the darkness sharing the love of Jesus with their people.
Sunday April 17:
Five individuals from the Victory Baptist Church will be baptized today. Please pray for these new believers as they begin their walk with the Lord. Since baptisms are done outside, pray for warm autumn temperatures.
Monday April 18:
Kym Pennington, True Love Waits International consultant returns to Swaziland in May to conduct three three-day TLW trainings. The first training is scheduled for the 15th-17th; the second 19th-21st and the third training 23rd-25th. Pray for Kym as she prepares for this time of training. Pray for the Swazi Team as they encourage possible attendees and prepare for these training events.
Tuesday April 19:
Pray for King Mswati today on his birthday. Pray the strongholds that keep him, his wives and children from accepting Christ will be broken and they will commit their lives to serving Jesus.
Wednesday April 20: Pray for Steve Allen today on his birthday!!
Two men from the Peniel Baptist Church recently came to Steve to tell him they want to assist with preaching at Swazi Baptist churches (Hhohho region) currently without pastors. This is an answer to prayer and the Allens are excited for these new workers to join the ministry. Pray for a wonderful working relationship between these two committed Christian men and the Allens.
Thursday April 21:
April 21-24 the National Good Friday/Easter Services begin in Manzini. “To the Praise of His Glory” is the theme and sessions are provided or adult/youth and children as well as evening worship. Pray the 2011 Good Friday/Easter Services will be a blessing to those attending. Pray for a wonderful time of unity and rejoicing.
Friday April 22: GOOD FRIDAY!!
Swazis do not have a word for Easter. When asked what word is used when talking about Easter, Good Friday is the answer. How sad to not know that hope did not end with the crucifixion. Without celebrating the resurrection they have left Him in the grave. Pray Swazis will see their hope lies in a resurrected Savior who is not in the grave!!
Saturday April 23:
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN UNENGAGED PEOPLES: Day after day the Zengaga people of Senegal live their lives without hearing “the words of prophecy” because there is no one to tell them. There is no known Bible in their language. There are no teachers and no preachers—no one to help them hear the Good News of Jesus. Please pray God will burden one or more of His churches to be missionaries to the Zengaga people of Senegal.
Sunday April 24: EASTER SUNDAY!!
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes.
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to reign,
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah Christ arose!
(Robert Lowry)
Pray the Swazis will understand the significance of the resurrection. May they accept the victory found in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Monday April 25:
Seven True Love Waits missionaries will minister in Swaziland June and July (2011) sharing the True Love Waits message in churches and schools. Four “Hands On” missionaries will arrive in June and August to also share the True Love Waits message throughout the country. The “Hands On” missionaries will be in Swaziland until May 2012. Pray the Lord will continue preparing these missionaries for their task of sharing the TLW message in Swaziland. May hearts be touched and changed and the AIDS pandemic will lose its grip on the Swazi people.
Tuesday April 26:
With the new True Love Waits missionaries arriving in June, dynamics will change for the Swazi Team. Instead of 3 families (8 team members), the numbers will increase to 14 families (22 members). Pray the Myers, Allens and Hoskins will be able to adjust to working with the Lord’s provision of new workers for the harvest. Pray mighty blessings will occur!
Wednesday April 27:
Due to the shipment of Home Health Care Kits (assist AIDS victims) being denied entry into South Africa, the shipment was given the “OKAY” to enter Swaziland. The Swazi Team is blessed to receive these kits (BGR buckets). Pray for members of the Swazi Team as they begin preparing and training Swazi Baptist churches on the use of the buckets to help AIDS families care for their loved ones. Pray these victims will know they are loved by caring people and especially the Lord.
Thursday April 28:
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.
Friday April 29:
The last week of May two volunteers, Hunter and Katy will arrive in Swaziland for a time of ministry and for Hunter the reuniting with many Swazi friends. Hunter as well as her sister Brinkley and father Jimmy have made many trips to Swaziland as volunteers. During their first week they will work in the Tshaneni area with the Myers and the month of June will find them ministering with the Allens in Mbabane and Hoskins in Manzini. Pray for Hunter and Katy as they prepare for their ministry in Swaziland. May this be a wonderful experience for Katy’s first trip to Swaziland and for Hunter as she returns to Swaziland.
Saturday April 30:
Pastor Mkhiliphi and his wife have been together for many years with many children. When young they were married in the Swazi traditional way but now wish to be obedient to the Lord and have a Christian wedding. Pray for this couple as they invite their friends, family, church members and community to their Christian wedding today at the Ntuthwakazi Baptist Church. May their wedding be a wonderful witness to their family and the Ntuthwakazi community.
Myers Weekly Prayer Letter
The Vuvulane Baptist Church begins a weekend revival (Fri.-Sun.). Saturday (26th of March) morning from 9:00-1:00 the children and youth will meet for Bible studies. The revival will conclude at morning worship on Sunday. Pray this will be a big spiritual boost for those that attend the Vuvulane Baptist Church. Pray children and youth will attend the Bible studies offered and it will be a great weekend for everyone.
--March 30-April 4, the Swazi Team will attend the Two Oceans Cluster Strategy Meeting at the Birchwood Conference Center in Jo’burg. The First Baptist Church of Orlando, Fla., will provide volunteers to work with the missionary children and lead in worship services. Missionaries from South Africa and Swaziland will gather for a time of reconnecting with missionary colleagues, praying for missionary needs and information gathering. Pray for spiritual preparedness for the missionaries attending, volunteers ministering and leadership leading.
--April 4-6, Wayne and I will attend the Community Development Training sponsored by the Baptist Global Response (BGR) in Jo’burg, South Africa. Pray this training will be helpful to the Swazi Team as we seek ways to minister to the Swazi people.
***Because we will be in Jo’burg for a week (March 30-April 6), next week’s prayer letter will not be sent.
HIS HANDS
The hands of Christ Seem very frail,
For they were broken By a nail.
But only they Reach heaven at last Whom these frail,
broken Hands hold fast.
--John Richard Moreland
Swazis do not have a word for Easter. When asked what word is used when talking about Easter, Good Friday is the answer. How sad not to know that hope did not end with the crucifixion. Without celebrating the resurrection they have left Him in the grave. Pray Swazis will see their hope lies in a resurrected Savior who is not in the grave!!
April 21-24 is the National Good Friday/Easter Services in Manzini. “To the Praise of His Glory” is the theme and sessions are provided for adult/youth and children as well as evening worship. Pray the 2011 Good Friday/Easter Services will be a blessing to those attending. Pray for a wonderful time of unity and rejoicing!!
AIDS UPDATE:
With the threat of AIDS destroying Swaziland’s youthful generation, there is a great need for a strong True Love Waits program in the country. The Swazi Team is happy to say the Lord is providing laborers for this task. In May, True Love Waits International consultant, Kym Pennington will conduct three three-day True Love Waits training events. In June-July, seven summer missionaries will minister in Swaziland sharing the True Love Waits message in churches and schools. Four “Hands On” missionaries will also arrive in June and August to share the TLW message throughout the country. Pray the Lord will continue preparing these missionaries for their task of sharing the TLW message in Swaziland. May hearts be touches and changed and the AIDS pandemic will loosen its grip on the Swazi people. With the new True Love Waits missionaries arriving in June, dynamics will change for the Swazi Team. Instead of 3 families (8 members), the numbers will increase to 14 families (19members). Pray the Myers, Allens and Hoskins will be able to adjust to working with the Lord’s provision of new workers for the harvest. Pray mighty blessings will occur!!
IMB’S OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
-A Mission Expo to which 36 interested missions candidates have been invited is scheduled to occur in Louisville, Ky., on March 24-26. Please intercede for these men and women as they seek God’s will concerning overseas missionary service.
-IMB’s Leadership Forum Retreat will be held at Natural Bridge, Va., on March 28 through April 1. Please pray for IMB’s president, vice-presidents, associate vice-presidents, and directors during this time of spiritual enrichment and professional dialogue. -This busy month will conclude with Indabas, the Sub-Saharan African Mini Summit at South Haven Baptist Church, Springfiled, Mo. For centuries in southern Africa, Zulu chiefs have called together their people to discuss important issues at meetings called “indabas.” That’s an appropriate name for a conference that will focus attention on the lostness of Sub-Saharan Africa. Ask God to deluge this conference with blessings.
--March 30-April 4, the Swazi Team will attend the Two Oceans Cluster Strategy Meeting at the Birchwood Conference Center in Jo’burg. The First Baptist Church of Orlando, Fla., will provide volunteers to work with the missionary children and lead in worship services. Missionaries from South Africa and Swaziland will gather for a time of reconnecting with missionary colleagues, praying for missionary needs and information gathering. Pray for spiritual preparedness for the missionaries attending, volunteers ministering and leadership leading.
--April 4-6, Wayne and I will attend the Community Development Training sponsored by the Baptist Global Response (BGR) in Jo’burg, South Africa. Pray this training will be helpful to the Swazi Team as we seek ways to minister to the Swazi people.
***Because we will be in Jo’burg for a week (March 30-April 6), next week’s prayer letter will not be sent.
HIS HANDS
The hands of Christ Seem very frail,
For they were broken By a nail.
But only they Reach heaven at last Whom these frail,
broken Hands hold fast.
--John Richard Moreland
Swazis do not have a word for Easter. When asked what word is used when talking about Easter, Good Friday is the answer. How sad not to know that hope did not end with the crucifixion. Without celebrating the resurrection they have left Him in the grave. Pray Swazis will see their hope lies in a resurrected Savior who is not in the grave!!
April 21-24 is the National Good Friday/Easter Services in Manzini. “To the Praise of His Glory” is the theme and sessions are provided for adult/youth and children as well as evening worship. Pray the 2011 Good Friday/Easter Services will be a blessing to those attending. Pray for a wonderful time of unity and rejoicing!!
AIDS UPDATE:
With the threat of AIDS destroying Swaziland’s youthful generation, there is a great need for a strong True Love Waits program in the country. The Swazi Team is happy to say the Lord is providing laborers for this task. In May, True Love Waits International consultant, Kym Pennington will conduct three three-day True Love Waits training events. In June-July, seven summer missionaries will minister in Swaziland sharing the True Love Waits message in churches and schools. Four “Hands On” missionaries will also arrive in June and August to share the TLW message throughout the country. Pray the Lord will continue preparing these missionaries for their task of sharing the TLW message in Swaziland. May hearts be touches and changed and the AIDS pandemic will loosen its grip on the Swazi people. With the new True Love Waits missionaries arriving in June, dynamics will change for the Swazi Team. Instead of 3 families (8 members), the numbers will increase to 14 families (19members). Pray the Myers, Allens and Hoskins will be able to adjust to working with the Lord’s provision of new workers for the harvest. Pray mighty blessings will occur!!
IMB’S OFFICE OF GLOBAL PRAYER STRATEGY:
-A Mission Expo to which 36 interested missions candidates have been invited is scheduled to occur in Louisville, Ky., on March 24-26. Please intercede for these men and women as they seek God’s will concerning overseas missionary service.
-IMB’s Leadership Forum Retreat will be held at Natural Bridge, Va., on March 28 through April 1. Please pray for IMB’s president, vice-presidents, associate vice-presidents, and directors during this time of spiritual enrichment and professional dialogue. -This busy month will conclude with Indabas, the Sub-Saharan African Mini Summit at South Haven Baptist Church, Springfiled, Mo. For centuries in southern Africa, Zulu chiefs have called together their people to discuss important issues at meetings called “indabas.” That’s an appropriate name for a conference that will focus attention on the lostness of Sub-Saharan Africa. Ask God to deluge this conference with blessings.
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