Allen's African Adventures - January 2008

Psalm 28:6 - 7

"Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplication.  The Lord is my strength and my shield;

my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exalts and with my song I shall thank Him."

Happy New Year!!!  We pray that you and your families are starting the new year off to a great start.  We are eagerly anticipating all that God has in store for our family this year.  We wanted to update you on a few things in our life, both ministry and family.

- The new work area of Nkhaba has great potential and the people seem hungry to learn more about God's word.  With the recent holidays and folks being away, the Bible studies have been a bit inconsistent.  Pray for the Bible study group to re-connect and for a deeper desire to share with their community about Jesus Christ.

We were told last week by one of the chiefs that it was uncertain if we could keep meeting in the community building.  However, we found out today that several want to keep the Bible study going and Prince Dlamini will be talking to the chief soon concerning the meeting place.  Keep praying for God's direction and wisdom as we walk by faith in reaching the Swazis for Jesus.

- We asked for prayer back in November concerning leadership in our Baptist churches. Because of the need for further leadership in our churches, Steven will be starting a new leadership class (TEE) this Saturday at 2pm at Ntsintsa Baptist Church.  Ntsintsa is located between two of our other churches so there is great possibility of several key leaders from three churches gathering for further leadership training.  Pray for the right people to make this training a priority in their lives and to take their training back to their different churches.  We are excited to see what God has planned for His people in His timing!

- Continue to pray for our co-workers and mission family as they faithfully serve the Lord...Kimber Ringler; Julia Tarr; Truman, Becky, Samantha and Trey Oakley; Wayne and Barbara Myers.  We are blessed to be part of a wonderful mission team!  Pray for strength and balance as we all are seeking the Lord daily in our lives.

- It is hard to believe but Easter will be here before we know it.  The Baptist Convention of Swaziland has already begun plans for the annual Easter services for all our churches.  This is a special time for our churches to gather together for worship, teaching and fellowship.  The services are being planned for March 20 - 23, 2008 in the Hhohho region (where we live) for this year.  Although it will be in our area of ministry, our family will more than likely not be here for the services with the anticipated arrival of Baby Allen in March.  Steven is trying hard to work with the committee in getting everything planned in advance for these special services.  Pray for all the final details to come together soon and for continued unity among those making important planning decisions.

- On Saturday, January 19, the National Youth Committee will be meeting to begin discussion about the National Youth Leader's Retreat in June as well as preliminary plans for the National Youth Camp in August.  Pray for the committee as they discuss, plan and seek the Lord concerning these two important events for our Swazi youth.

As of now, we have not heard of anyone wanting to bring a volunteer team to lead the National Youth Camp this year.  If there is anyone interested, please contact us as soon as possible for further discussion.

- Monica and Baby Boy Allen are hanging in there and Monica has been laying low as much as possible.  It has not been easy for her to back off from ministry as well as most every day routine activities, too, but it will all be worth it before too long.  Steven has been a gem taking care of the family as well as doing his best to continue ministry plans.  Tomorrow, our family will be traveling to Johannesburg for a check-up with the doctor.  Pray for safety as we travel and for a good report from the doctor on Thursday morning.  We anticipate returning back to Swaziland on Thursday afternoon. 

Lacie's Little Notes:

The weather here in Swaziland has been quite warm as we are in our summer months.  My daddy and mommy got me a small swimming pool for Christmas and I love being in the water practically every day!  I have a new room in our house.  At first, I was not too sure about making the move to a new room but when I realized all my things were being moved, too, I was quite excited.  My new baby brother will have my old room when he arrives so he can be closer to my daddy and mommy's room.  I am looking forward to preschool starting again on January 29.  I will be in a new class with a new teacher and will be attending Monday - Friday in the mornings.  I am also very excited about my new baby brother coming in about two months.  Whenever I sing (which is quite often!), my baby brother likes to kick and move around my mommy's tummy as if he is saying, "Hi Sis!"  Our family cannot wait to meet him!

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

Let us know of ways we can be praying for you and your families!

Thank you for your faithful prayer support!!!

Steven, Monica, Lacie and Baby Boy Allen

IMB missionaries serving in Swaziland