Coleman Ministry Update

Never Actually "Mundane"

2009-05-27T09:59:00.000+02:00

Greetings from Luanshya!

Life here is never actually "mundane." There are always surprises on the horizon and that brings both good and bad experiences. A flying stone send from the vehicle ahead can crack a windscreen (windshield) in an instant creating a very interesting design right across my field of vision. For "just $1,000" I can get that replaced. I didn't know that "just" and "$1,000" could into the same sentence. This is not good news!

The current teachers’ strike is not a good thing, but we have had an increase in students coming into the Christian Resource Centre for the past week. Many of them come in school uniform because they go to school hoping that classes have resumed only to find that the teachers are still refusing to work. Consequently they come to the CRC to read the books we have. A number of new students have joined the Mail Box Club programme that Sherry oversees from the CRC. We are encouraged that people are sharing what they have learned through their lessons with others. This is good news.

Work among the youth continues. During these "days off from school" a number of high school boys have been spending their time in the Youth Centre keeping occupied with the various board and table games. This ministry has been a true blessing to many and we are pleased to be a part of keeping the youth out of the bars. Sherry has just begun lessons on the final chapter of Daniel during the weekly youth meetings. This week the young people will look at the first four verses of chapter 12 and next week conclude the chapter and book. It has been a long haul through the book of Daniel, but the youth have grasped some of the events that will be taking place in those last days as well as examples to live by through observing the life of Daniel. Pray for the young people of Luanshya as they seek truth.

In the Men's Bible Study last Sunday we examined Acts 4. Some of the questions included: What risks do we take when we try to witness to people about Christ? When, if ever, have you been challenged or threatened because of your beliefs? What steps can you take to better prepare yourself to explain the gospel to unbelievers? When has the testimony of another believer strengthened or encouraged you to boldly witness for Christ? Finally the question that stopped the class cold: Who is one person you can tell about Jesus’ offer of salvation this week? Each of the men was asked to name one person to whom they would talk about the Lord this week. The men had to look at their week and decide who would be approached about their eternity. One man said, "Several." I asked him to name one. He stumbled. When we think about reaching the "world" for Christ it seems easy. When we think about the individual and concentrate on how to reach that one person for Christ the question becomes personal. Ultimately each man mentioned a name of someone they would either invite to church or at least give a book about the Lord. It isn't evangelism if we aren't evangelists.

This week I will be in one of the rural churches. I went out to the village a few days ago to meet one of the leaders. The road is horrible and it will take nearly an hour to get there. I am glad I went then because I would have been 30 minutes late for the service – not unusual for them, but unheard of for me.

On a personal note, Colin finishes his course in San Antonio on Thursday. He is a "Aircraft Load Master". He now goes to Florida for a few days to learn how to parachute. Actually, he will learn how to land when parachuting. That is the hard part. Jumping from the plane is apparently "easy". Then he will spend a few weeks in Washington State learning how to live on bark and leaves. Then he will go to Oklahoma where he says "the wind comes rolling down the plain." After all the training he will be in Hawaii for 3 years. Thank you for praying for him during his training and for continuing those prayers as he is begins his assignment. With the excitement in Asia over the past few days this is cause for concern.

We appreciate your prayers on our behalf. With the planned ministries and the unplanned events, we know Who hold the future.

Together in His Service,
Patrick & Sherry

"Different"

2009-05-06T08:59:00.000+02:00

Greetings from Zambia!

I spent part of the first three days of this week doing something "different." (My children will attest that doing something different is not all that "different" for me.) I took each of the older three boys from the Lighthouse Children’s Home out to lunch. John is 6 months away from his 18th birthday; Dickson has 10 months to go until his 18th birthday; Shadreck will turn 18 in 16 months. This means that all three boys will make a decision about what they want to do in the next few months. We have said that the children can stay in the Lighthouse Children’s Home after they reach their 18th birthday with a few conditions:

First, they must continue in school thought the 12th Grade. All three of these boys will be older than 20 when they graduate from 12th grade. They will become legal adults at 18, but if they want to stay in the home, eat our food, sleep on our beds and go to schools that we pay school fees for them to attend, then they have to stay in school – and pass their exams. At 18 they go from "wards" to "houseguests." All have agreed to this condition.

Second, they must not drink alcoholic beverages. The legal drinking age in Zambia is 18 years so most of the boys and many of the girls who are still in high school at 18 are allowed to go into bars and drink alcohol (and most 18-year-old young people in Zambia are still in high school if they passed the exams to get into high school). The result of this freedom is a general failure of most grade 12 students to get passing grades on their final exam. Some retake the exam the following year, but most simply consider themselves as having "completed" grade twelve. Sadly, many of them do foolish things while under the influence of alcohol and the cemeteries are proof of that fact.

Third, they must obey the rules of the house including care of the property, helping with kitchen duties and working in the garden. While they will be "houseguests" on paper, they are still responsible for their chores around the house. They will continue to make their own beds, wash and iron their own clothes and polish their own shoes.

Again, all three boys have agreed to these rules and want to stay in the Home to finish their education.

I asked each of them several questions: What they wanted to do. (Electronics, Engineering. Mechanics and Rugby were mentioned) What were their biggest concerns. (What happens after grade 12.) What would they change about their lives if they could. This last question stumped them. They would not change anything. All three said they realised they had been given a chance to succeed and the did not want to disappoint "Auntie Sherry" or me. I was humbled by these three boys who felt that their lives were "as good as it gets" because of the care and love they had received at the Lighthouse Children’s Home.

This does not mean they are perfect by any stretch of the imagination. They are boys and they do the dumb stuff that boys do. I remember being a boy (vaguely) and I remember raising two more. We have issues from time to time and I have had to walk between two of them now and then when tempers flared. Still, they have grown tremendously in the past 10 years physically, emotionally, academically and spiritually. They have learned to rely on each other for moral support and they know they can lean on either of us when times are difficult.

Sherry and I are very appreciative for your prayers – and support – for this particular ministry. Even in these troubled economic times the funds have been available to supply their food, pay for their school fees and provide for their basic needs. The lives you touch will someday lead Zambia.

Together in His Service,
Patrick & Sherry

The Bible Says

2009-04-15T09:54:00.001+02:00

Greetings from Zambia!

Funerals are never really a happy experience. This past week a dear friend and colleague suffered a stroke and slipped quietly into eternity. Bro Medford Chintende had worked as a mine administrator for many years until retiring early a few years ago and serving full time in his church. His funeral was remarkably different from so many that we have attended in past years. There were tears, of course, and the loss of husband, father and grandfather will be felt, but most of those who mourned did not mourn as those who have no hope. The theme of the sermons, poems and eulogy was that this is not a permanent "goodbye" – it is "See you later." The message of hope and the declaration of the Gospel by Bro Kohokola was strong and clear. Even the music declared that believers would be united at the resurrection of the saints when the Lord Jesus Christ calls His followers home. It was a blessing to see and hear these believers express their faith in the midst of their grief.

The Encounter Revival Ministry (ERM) team from Harrisburg, PA, USA, is visiting Luanshya in partnership with Bro Leonard Bwalya and the ERM team of Zambia. This is a group of 25 young adults who spend a year between high school and college travelling around the United States and making one trip to a mission field during the year. Mr Ardy Parlin has been working with this group for about 17 years. Bro Bwalya started the Zambian ERM team five years ago and has groups in Luanshya District as well as two neighbouring districts. He has over 60 young adults singing, preaching and teaching in churches and schools throughout the year.

The US team arrived last Tuesday with Bro Parlin and four other adult team leaders and have been all over Copperbelt Province singing in schools, preaching in churches and training church leaders. Today they are conducting a church leadership conference at the Christian Resource Centre in Luanshya. The 50 church leaders, elders and pastors were introduced to and encouraged in leadership principles, life strategies and practical Christian living as leaders. One major theme is that Christian leaders are to serve the Lord by serving others in the church and the community. Some of the young men were school boys when Sherry and I first arrived in Zambia and we have been able to watch them grow and mature both physically and spiritually to become leaders in their churches. It was a privilege to host this meeting. We were also able to introduce the men at the conference to the ministry of The Christian Resource Centre including the library, audio-visual materials and Bible Correspondence School. Please pray for the leadership of the churches here in Zambia. They face many of the same trials and temptations as those who lead in "developed" countries, but all too often they do not have the support of trained counsellors with whom they can share, encourage and receive encouragement.

The schools are closed for their regular holiday for the next three weeks. This means that students are travelling across Zambia visiting family while those in exam classes (grades 7, 9 and 12) are attending intensive review sessions preparing for exams in November and December. This also means that children are visiting the Christian Resource Centre throughout the day because they are not in class. This is a great opportunity for us to reach into their homes and lives and parents are pleased that they are here. Even children whose parents will not allow their children to attend a church other than the "family church" are happy to have the children come to the CRC because they know it is a safe atmosphere. The children are able to read, watch Christian film and play games in a drug-free, alcohol-free and temptation-free zone. Pray that we will be able to see lives changed.

This coming Sunday I will be preaching in another long-established church here in a township in the Luanshya area. I last preached in this church about five years ago. They have had a few questions come up in discussion in the church and they have asked for "clarification from the Bible". As churches grow people come in from various backgrounds and they wonder why things are "different" in churches that are Bible-centred as opposed to "denomination-centred." Many of the older members remembered the phrase I stress everywhere I preach: "The Bible Says..." They have asked me to return and emphasise what "The Bible Says" about particular questions. It may be a long day, but that is why we are here. Please pray for wisdom as I answer the questions presented.

The more we do, the more there seems to be to do. We are honoured to be able to be here and "do" what God has asked us to "do". Thank you for your prayers and support.

Together in His Service,

Patrick & Sherry

Indaba

2009-04-07T08:55:00.000+02:00

Greetings from Zambia!

This past Saturday the government of Zambia held the national Indaba (meeting) where representatives from various governmental and non-government organisations gathered to talk about the financial affairs of Zambia. Guests were invited from other countries and the vice chair of the World Bank was also in attendance. Many things were said, suggestions made and everyone had a "way forward" for the future. We don't actually know how many of these ideas will be put into action, but there was a frank discussion on issues of national and international concern. One of the issues floored was the fact that many of the plans for development are waylaid by bureaucrats who are comfortable with the status quo and simply fail to forward the proposals which, in some cases, have been sitting on their desks for years.

Sometimes in long established churches the same kind of neglect takes place. Last Sunday I visited a church on the outskirts of Ndola (20 miles from Luanshya) which had been started nearly 55 years ago. The members and leadership of the church were quite comfortable with their programs and the schedule of events was on a well-worn piece of paper that had seen many Sundays. As I preached, I talked about the fact that the Lord Jesus came to present something new to the world, but the organised religious leaders of the day were comfortable with the programs that they had known since childhood. Christ's new "love your enemy" philosophy contradicted the "Eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" mentality of the Scribes and Pharisees.

At the end of the service I spent two hours with the leaders in the church. They had many questions concerning church organisation and discipline. While discipline is important, it is also necessary to realise that those who have slipped into sin also need healing, not just punishment. Many in the church are more like police officers than doctors. They are ready to condemn rather than restore. We had a good time of bible study and prayer. They have asked me to return so we can continue the teaching. Please pray for this and other congregations as they leave their comfort zone and discover the true meaning of ministry.

Sherry's youth class will be meeting in two weeks time to discuss "The Living End" as seen from Daniel 8. A few weeks ago the young people learned about Nebuchadnezzar's statue. Daniel 8 reveals, in a sense, the nations represented by the statue, some of the events that will or have occurred since Daniel's day, and give a view of the impending end of this world as we know it. Many have been caught up in the studies and are expressing a deep concern for their friends an schoolmates, so much so that they have invited them to the meetings so they, too, can hear God's plan for the future, their future. Pray for the young people as they discover a new way of life, with vision.

Yesterday I had a meeting with Leonard Bwalya, the director of Encounter Zambia. This ministry is another “outside the box” outreach that works specifically with young adults. They are planning a two week series of meetings in the Copperbelt. I helped him design a brochure and tract for the outreach. We will be hosting one of their meetings in the Audio/Visual room of the Christian Resource Centre. This young man has a desire to reach the youth of Zambia and we are privileged to be a part of that dream in providing a facility and expertise.

As we enter this particular season, we remember the ultimate sacrifice that the Lord Jesus Christ freely made to purchase our salvation. We consider it an honour to serve Him in this place and thank you for making this service possible through your prayers and support.

Together in His Service,
Patrick & Sherry

No Foolin

2009-04-01T13:08:00.000+02:00

Greetings from Luanshya!

When I was a boy I would get up early on 1st April and exchange the salt and sugar in the kitchen. It became a “custom” in our home. It just wasn’t April Fool’s Day with one of my brothers (or my Dad) putting salt on the corn flakes. As we get older the pranks change (and we get concerned about sugar on anything!). I can remember glue on a pencil, nailing a chair to the floor and even removing the tyres from a friend’s car while he was at work. All of this was done in good fun, but when our communication breaks down it isn’t funny. Sadly, our Internet access has been poor for several weeks and nobody could find the problem. Yesterday the antennae on top of our house finally fell off the mast. Apparently it was loose and the reception was affected. Currently it is hanging by the coaxial cable and there is zero Internet connect so this is being written for future transmission – we hope before the week end...

Having no Internet access also means no email, no SKYPE, no FACEBOOK and no Google searches for sermon and lesson illustrations, but it does not slow the ministry down much here. We are still providing counselling and meeting new people every day in the Christian Resource Centre. I spent 1 ½ hours with young Mr Jere this week in discipleship. His answers to the questions are becoming more in depth and his questions concerning the Christian life are deeper every time we get together. He is looking for work to pay for his last year of school to finish his accounting course. Please pray with us about this need.

The youth continue in their Friday study with Sherry in the book of Daniel. They are studying about the anti-christ and this always generates a lot of questions. Sherry avoids speculating on who might be alive today that could fit that description. We do know, however, that the Saviour’s arrival is imminent and our first priority is to reach all we can for that event. Several of the young people have been bringing friends to the youth meeting. We are encouraged to see them concerned about their classmates.

This Sunday I’ll be preaching at one of the oldest churches in the area. This particular assembly of believers began over 50 years ago. The leadership is completely in Zambian hands – as it should be – but they came and asked specifically for me to preach on the Passover and how it relates to Christians today and to help them reconcile a difference that has developed in the congregation. It will be a long day, but I am pleased that they have placed their confidence in me to help them come to a peaceful and Biblical resolution. I will appreciate your prayers as we seek the Lord’s will in this situation.

Sherry continues to improve after her surgery. For the first time in over ten years she can lift her left arm above her head. This is an answer to many prayers and we appreciate you for remembering her. The “physio-terrorist” (his word) said the process would take several months so Sherry is faithfully following the protocol and looking forward to a complete recovery!

Between the first paragraph and this last one the ZAMNET technician came and reconnected the antennae so the Internet is back up. However, moments ago a storm started pounding complete with lightning and thunder so we are about to shut everything down… Good news – Bad news!

The great news is that we know that we have a great team of supporters with us in this work and we thank you for making it possible for us to represent you here in Zambia

Together in His Service,

Patrick & Sherry

“We are loved.”

2009-02-25T12:50:00.000+02:00

Greetings from Zambia!

It has been a few weeks since our last update. This is due to busy schedules and Internet issues. ZAMNET has been having problems for several months and our connection has been intermittent and poor. This past week the system was “spammed” and the entire mail server was shut down. We mention this because much of our incoming mail was lost in “cyberspace” so if you sent a message and we didn’t respond, please send it again. We have come to rely on the Internet as a form of communication and information gathering. In 1985 a letter took 6-8 weeks to go from Zaïre to the States. The response was equally slow. The turn-around time was 3-5 months. Today we are accustomed to responses coming within the hour (when time zones allow) and “instant messages” via FACEBOOK. It is truly a different world!

Two Sundays ago a young man came to me after the service and said he really wanted to be baptised. We spent some time together and he will follow the Lord in believer’s baptism in two week’s time. This gives him time to invite his family and friends to witness this event. He is very excited about this next step in his spiritual life.

Last Sunday I preached to a new congregation meeting in a school. The school is called “Twatemwa Basic School” so the new assembly of believers will use “Twatemwa” in their name. It means “We are loved.” I think it is a great name for a church. Nearly a third of the congregation of 101 people (including 25 babies) spoke Swahili so I felt right at home. The people have been meeting in the school for about 3 months. They asked me to spend time with them teaching them from the Bible. I gave them 500 gospel tracts and promised to arrange a schedule when we can meet for a Bible Institute. They also made a simple request: The would like to have some plastic communion cups. Even as a new church they realise the importance of remembering the Lord’s Supper. I don’t have any at the moment, but perhaps that can be sorted out soon.

We spent a couple of days over the past week travelling to and from Lusaka (the capitol city of Zambia). Sherry received a message that her “Entry Permit” had been approved, but her file had been misplaced. We made duplicates of all the papers and delivered them to the appropriate immigration officer. We return to the office five days later to collect her permit. This certifies Sherry as a “permanent resident” of Zambia. She has been here for over 18 years and the officer said “Welcome Home!” Zambia is, indeed, “home” to us and we are pleased that this milestone has been reached and her contribution to the community has been recognised.

Sherry also has a prayer request. She has had a persistent pain in her left shoulder for some time. Two weeks ago it got to the point that she could not move her arm without severe pain so she called the doctor. X-rays were taken and there is an obtrusive calcium build-up on both the upper arm and shoulder. She had extensive physiotherapy at the local hospital, but the doctor said surgery was required. He said it could not be done in Luanshya so we are going to go to South Africa next week to see an orthopaedic surgeon there. Friends of ours there have made the appointment and assure us that the surgeon has the highest recommendation in Johannesburg. Please pray for Sherry (and me) as we travel to Johannesburg for this operation. From what we have been able to ascertain it should be “routine” – but any time someone cuts it is not “routine” for me!

Blessing and challenges – Both come our way and we are thankful for those who stand with us in this ministry.

Together in His Service,

Patrick & Sherry

Rains

2009-02-11T08:32:00.000+02:00

Greetings from Luanshya, Zambia.

The rains continue to come, but so do the blessings of serving here. This past week we have had several visits from across the spectrum of the Zambian society.

Bro Lumayi asked me to speak at a new congregation which is meeting in a school situated in one of the largest townships around Luanshya. The name of the school is “Twatemwa” – “We are loved” and the new assembly of believers will be using that in the name of the church when it is ultimately organised. Bro Lumayi was instrumental in starting another church several years ago and it is wonderful to see Zambian leaders accepting the responsibility to reach their own communities for the Lord Jesus Christ. This is what we have been teaching for over 20 years! It has to start with dedicated local believers!

Within a few days came a visit from Bro Lukonsolo who came on behalf of one of the oldest churches in the Copperbelt Province in a place called Twapia. He said the church was in need of some specific teaching on three particular topics. There is some “discussion” about certain issues that were brought up recently and he had “heard from Bro Katandula” (The man with whom I started two churches in the Luanshya District) that they could rely on me to present answers from the Bible. Please pray for me as I spend a few days teaching and preaching in this rural setting.

Yesterday we had a visit from Mr Mukoshi, a “traditional judge” who works in villages as an itinerate magistrate. He hears cases on a very local level involving village disputes and conflicts. He comes into the Christian Resource Centre periodically to get answers from the Bible for his cases. His current study is on the blessings of God for peacemakers in the home. He said there is a great concern for “human rights” and many of these assumed “rights” by one individual seem to overstep the “rights” of another. Sherry made the comment that the Bible does not speak of “human rights” and the only “right” we have to go to Heaven is through the acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as Messiah and Saviour according to John 14:6. Mr Mukoshi said that was exactly what he needed and he left to return to “court.”

We are often amazed at the opportunity God gives to us to share His truth in Zambia. We serve the young and elderly, the new and the established, the urban and the rural almost every week. We asked God to “expand our territory” when He brought us together over 11 years ago. Sherry said to me when she was in the process of accepting my proposal for marriage – a simple “yes” would not suffice – that if we could not do more as a couple than we were as individuals, then we should not be married because God did not send us all the way around the globe to cut our ministries in half. Our ministry continues to grow. We are presented with open doors that are new outreaches for the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thank you for your support and prayers as we continue…

Together in His Service,

Patrick & Sherry

Rains

2009-02-04T13:43:00.000+02:00

4th February 2009

Greetings from Luanshya, Zambia.

The rains are heavier than anyone can remember and the Zambian Meteorology Society (yes, we have one) says the rains are going to get heavier still during February. This is, of course, good news for a place that has experienced drought for several years so the Zambians are actually "complaining" about the rain, but it makes life difficult when rural roads are knee-deep in mud and almost everyone is walking from place to place.

The Luanshya Copper Mine is officially closed meaning that over a thousand miners are out of work and several small companies that supplied the mine with special services are also on "forced leave" until "someone" - either a new investor or the government - comes in to restart the mining operation. There have been several suggestions, but according to one of the Zambian administrators this morning nothing has been approved yet. This is not the first time this has happened in Luanshya and the people here are cautiously optimistic that the mine will open again, but time is always the question. Please pray for the situation here. Zambians are, by nature, patient, but hungry people are desperate people.

Sherry was surrounded by several dozen school children this morning in front of the Christian Resource Centre. The teachers had an "In-Service Seminar" so classes were dismissed and the youngsters wanted to start "The Mail Box Club" lessons. Word of Mouth advertising has helped to increase the enrolment and this is great news. Many of these children are introduced to the truth of the Bible by "The Mailbox Club" Bible correspondence programme and carry these lessons to school every day. Just this week Sherry was stopped by a former student who is now an adult. He thanked her for making the Bible available to him when he was just a youngster. We want to thank YOU for making this possible!

John Banda from the Lighthouse Children's Home came to us this week with a very serious request. At his new school they are offering a computer class. He has not taken much interest in computers in the past even though we have two in the Christian Resource Centre. When he saw Andrew and Nancy enjoying their computer access he wanted to know more. His classes cost less that $10 per month and he was pleading with us to let him take the classes. Of course, we are thrilled that he wants to study something new and agreed. He is excited! We just received news that one of our first "wards" from 12 years ago is now working with computers in Lusaka (the capital of Zambia) and doing very well - both in his work and in his church there. As we see the children grow physically, academically and spiritually we are encouraged in what God has allowed us to do.

There are challenges every day. There are also victories that we are able to share. Thank you for praying for us through the challenges and celebrating with us in the victories!

Together in His Service,

Patrick & Sherry

hustle and bustle

2009-01-21T10:13:00.000+02:00

Greetings from Luanshya!

Sherry and I spent a few days out of town last week visiting old friends. It was nice to get away for a few days then we came back to the hustle and bustle of a new school year. The children at the Lighthouse Children's Home are back in school but some have yet to get their complete uniform requirements because the schools have run out of supplies. Some of those schools also do not have the necessary books and we have had to supply those as well. It is always a challenge putting children in school and even more so when supplies are limited. Please pray for these youngsters and their schoolmates.

We hope, in the next few weeks, to be able to present the Mailbox Club Program in several of the area schools. Our target group will be grades 5 through 12 this year. Obviously, we already have a number of students but with the start of a new school year, many more young people move into the region. The school principles are always willing to allow us access to the children and this is an open door that we cannot ignore.

The Christian Resource Centre continues to be utilized by both young people and adults. Many are curious about what we have to offer but most are serious students of the Word and looking for resource material for personal Bible study and lesson preparation. As we develop the audio/visual room, we are sure many more will take advantage of the opportunity to learn.

The rains have seriously affected some areas of ministry. We have had torrential storms over the last several days preventing those who participate in discipleship and counselling from attending. Every road is flooded and even paved roads are showing signs of deterioration. We know this is a seasonal phenomenon so we are not discouraged by cancelled meetings. Please pray for those who are unable to meet these commitments to do weather.

On the evening of the Presidential inauguration of Barack Obama we had a group of Zambian friends at our home to witness the occasion. They had a lot of questions about the American political system and were very impressed by the fact that the transition was peaceful an amiable. They noticed the fact that President Obama thanked President Bush for his help during the transition period and that he, President Obama, greeted Senator McCain during the proceedings. These actions greatly contrast with the proceedings of many African nations when it comes to handing over leadership to another political party. We are thankful that America continues to be the model. Such a testimony bodes well for us as we move among community leaders in Zambia and opens many doors for sharing the peace that comes from our Saviour.

Thank you for praying for us and those whom we come into contact every day.

In His Service,
Patrick & Sherry

A Flurry of Activity

2009-01-07T08:35:00.000+02:00

Greetings from Luanshya!

2009 has started with a flurry of activity. We are in the process of preparing five teenagers for school. New uniforms, shoes, books and supplies have to be purchased. We have five students in four different schools making it even more interesting. We appreciate those that have made this particular ministry of special interest because your help makes it all possible.

The Christian Resource Centre has been equally busy. Not only are the "regulars" using the facility but a new believer, Mr. Mwansa, was directed to the library by his church so he can grow. He is planning, in the future, to start the Bible correspondence courses as well. Please pray for brother Mwansa as he grows.

A brief update on John and Sarah Bwalya.: They have spoken to the senior education officer in their District as well as the one in Luanshya. Their transfer back to Luanshya should begin within the next few weeks. We are very pleased at the prospect of having them back in town working in the schools and here with us. Please continue to pray for this young family and that no obstacles will arise preventing their move.

Sherry's youth meeting continues in the book of Daniel. Last week she discussed Nebuchadnezzar's dream and Daniel's response to the edict made for the death of the entire "cabinet". The young people were very animated in their discussion. Sherry has a little knack for being able to apply the lessons in Daniel to everyday situations. This Friday she will be talking about the Blue Print For Tomorrow from Daniel 2:31-49. Pray for the young people as they discover truths to live by.

I have been spending quite a bit of time at the church property finishing things that were left undone by the various artisans. The rain does not always cooperate with a work day, but it has to be done. Pray that the Lord will raise up men from within the local church to assist in the maintenance and upkeep of the House of God.

We look forward to another exciting a fruitful year. We appreciate the part you play in our ministry as we remain.

In His Service,
Patrick & Sherry

Looking Forward

2008-12-31T08:51:00.000+02:00

Greetings from Luanshya!

We are thrilled to be able to let you know that my father's heart surgery was successful. He now has a bovine valve in his heart. For some reason the doctor decided not to use the sow valve. One could say he is now "strong as an ox." He is now on the road to recovery. Please continue pray for his full recovery and return to an active life of ministry, even at the age of 80.

As the year comes to an end, we look forward to the many opportunities of service that the Lord may lay before us. This past week we've both had occasion to spend time with believers in the churches where we minister and are making plans to expand the counselling outreach as well as the multimedia facility at the Christian Resource Centre.

The Bible School where I taught earlier this year has invited me back to teach in an expanded capacity. I am looking forward to this opportunity to train church leaders from several countries in south/central Africa. As they return to their homelands better equipped, we trust many more souls will come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Saviour.

Sherry will continue with the youth ministry as well as training those that wish to participate in the music program and Sunday School. This is an exciting aspect of our work as the young people insist on having classes even on public holidays and during school vacations. Their thirst for knowledge and willingness to question everything is refreshing to us.

The correspondence Bible school division of the work continues. We end the year with 3,650 students. My work with the community as the Luanshya District Education Board Chair will give us an even greater inroad to the schools as we introduce the Source of Light Bible Correspondence School ministry to new students. We have already expanded the adult segment of the school, now to focus fresh attention on the primary school children, again.

Your prayers and support during 2008 have made it possible to represent you and the Lord Jesus Christ to the people who come within the circle of our influence. We continue...

In His Service,
Patrick & Sherry

"How To Pass A Test Without Cheating"

2008-12-15T14:50:00.000+02:00

Greetings from Luanshya!

This morning we had a delightful conversation with John Bwalya. John is the young man Sherry and I brought up some years ago when his family kicked him out. He is in Luanshya for continuing education to acquire his "diploma" in Teacher Education. He and his wife were both a bit discouraged by the fact that they have been posted in rural schools for the past four years instead of being transferred back to Luanshya after two years, as promised. As he spoke, he shared that one of his students from the village attained the highest grade 7 scores in the entire zone. Five of his students scored high enough to be placed in the best high school in the District. Sherry shared with him a portion of her upcoming youth lesson on Daniel. Daniel did not want to be where he was, but God wanted him there for a purpose. Sherry entitled the lesson "How To Pass A Test Without Cheating". While we would love to have John and Sarah back in Luanshya-and pray for that end-we know that God has a purpose in keeping them where they are for the time being in order to minister both to the students in the school and the rural church where they are very involved. Please pray for John and Sarah as they continue to serve where God has placed them.

Last Saturday Sherry and I lead a leadership seminar at the Christian Resource Centre. We discussed team building, communication, public speaking and leading with vision. Some of the participants are community leaders and we used this opportunity to share not only basic leadership principles but also biblical truths. While not used specifically as an evangelistic tool, we have had several of the participants talk to us about their spiritual and emotional needs since the seminar. People are really looking for answers and not finding them in their traditional religious settings. We are offering an alternative to "conventional wisdom". Please pray for this rather unusual outreach as we continue to be available.

The expanded audio/visual section of the Christian Resource Centre is being used regularly. We have made available a number of the Christian DVD's in our possession and have set up some viewing areas for those interested in using this facility. There is also a small lounge for people to sit and talk about issues in their lives and yet another section where discipleship can be carried out around a table. We appreciate the assistance of those who have made this expansion possible.

Finally, As you read last week, my father had an angiogram, but the scheduled valve replacement was delayed until after Christmas. It is now scheduled for either 29th or 30th of December. Needless to say this year will end on an interesting note. Please pray for my dad and for us as we are so many miles away.

We celebrate Christmas because it marks the coming together of both God and man in the person of Jesus Christ. Now man can find a way to God through His Son for eternal salvation-and that is something to celebrate!

May you have a joyous Christmas celebration.

In His Service,
Patrick & Sherry

Life has been incredibly busy

2008-12-10T13:09:00.000+02:00

Greetings from Luanshya!

Life has been incredibly busy these last few weeks. Our internet access has been sporadic so these updates have not been as regular as we would like but we know you are ever faithful in your prayers for us.

We were asked if we celebrated Thanksgiving in Africa. We do, but it is not an African holiday and therefore is a regular workday. We were able to find a turkey for the first time in four years. We had invited a few friends to eat dinner with us and we explained the concept of Thanksgiving Day. They thought it was a great idea and thoroughly enjoyed the meal. We appreciated the turkey. they just thought it was a giant chicken. We knew the difference!

School is out and that means children are everywhere. Sherry's youth lessons continue in spite of the fact that the children are not in school because the students don't want to take a break from their weekly gathering. Last week, Sherry's final lesson on "Practical Christian Living" covered "Church: Who Needs It?!" Obviously, she gave them biblical evidence that we all need to be gathering in God's house and the discussion was animated as they covered the important of discipleship, evangelism, praise, worship and the development of their spiritual gifts for the edifying of the Body of Christ.

The youth lessons will continue through the holiday season. The next series covers the Panorama of Prophecy. This week they will look at "Daniel: God's Man of the Moment".

I have been meeting weekly with a young man in discipleship. He lives just outside of Luanshya and travels in to town twice, if not three times a week to spend time in the Christian Resource Centre, in discipleship, watching Christian audio visuals and church activities. Currently we are about to finish the second of seven books in Design for Discipleship series. Each week he amazes me with the depth of his questions as he grows in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Pray for Kelly as he continues to mature.

Finally, on a personal note, my father had an angiogram yesterday. He was scheduled to have valve replacement, but that was delayed until after Christmas. As our oldest son said, "any time a doctor does not feel that probing around in your heart is an immediate emergency, is a good thing."

Please pray for my dad and for us as we are so many miles away.

Until next week.

In His Grace,
Patrick & Sherry

Life is never dull in Africa

2008-11-19T11:58:00.000+02:00

Greetings from Luanshya!

Life is never dull in Africa when you are involved in the lives of the people among whom we serve. Last Saturday Sherry and I were invited to a Matabeto celebration. This occasion marks a period of time in which a married couple have been together. The family of the wife honours the husband with a huge feast and entertains his friends. There were nearly 100 people from all walks of life enjoying the food and fellowship. We were the only non-Zambians at the feast, but we were accepted and included as part of the family. Longevity in marriage is a rarity around the world. This couple has been together for 32 years and have been faithful to one another over the years when cultural norms encourage quite the opposite. Praise the Lord with us as we commemorate this event with J & B.

Sherry's youth lesson last week centred on Romans 8:28-30, "Providence Made Practical". Sometimes we tend to spout off verses without actually taking the time to consider what is really being said. Sherry was giving the young people encouraging words for discouraging days. Many of them have just completed their year-end exams. As we have mentioned in the past, this is a very stressful time for students. Just in the last few days we have heard of several incidents where teenagers have taken their own life because of the intense pressure placed on them to succeed. Fortunately, the young people in Sherry's class know that they can come to either of us, at any time, and talk through their frustration. Please pray for the youth. They want to succeed, but they need to realize that success in God's eyes is not the same as success in the eyes of their peers. The lesson concluded with the idea that whatever happens God means it for good and not evil. We must move past our initial rejection, progress beyond our toleration, and be encouraged by our realization of God's faithfulness. (Jeremiah 18:1-4)

We have had a number of students in the Christian Resource Centre focusing on various topics. One gentleman was preparing a message on "Spiritual Warfare-How to Be Prepared for Battle". A youngster is coming to terms with the divorce of her guardians and has read two booklets dealing with issues of divorced parents. Another young man is studying the Holy Spirit and is reading Chuck Swindoll's book "Flying Closer to the Flame". Yesterday an elderly gentleman was in researching on the Apostles. We just happened to receive a few weeks ago a book on "Lives of the Apostles". A few weeks ago we were able to give him a pair of reading glasses. Since then, he has been in every week reading and studying. Something as simple as a two dollar pair of reading glasses has transformed a mediocre existence into a vibrant learning experience.

In the different kinds of things we are doing we see God is able to use us to meet the various needs of those with whom we come into contact. Your part in our ministry makes that possible.

Thank you for your continued prayers. as we remain…

In His Service,
Patrick & Sherry

Election Fever

2008-10-29T08:19:00.001+02:00

Greetings from Luanshya!

We were very pleasantly surprised yesterday when a truck pulled up at the house with several boxes of books and "goodies" from Northern Ireland and Canada. There are hundreds of books for our Christian Resource Centre library including Bible studies, biographies, devotionals and a set of World Book Encyclopaedia. Some of these books will be put into small libraries for young preachers who live and minister in rural areas while many of them will be put to immediate use in the library. It was a very exciting day!

In addition to the books were the other items of interest. Knitted sweaters and jumpers for babies and girls were also included as well as baby "sleeping bags" and blanket & towel sets for new mothers. We will distribute many of these over the next few weeks in the Lighthouse Children's Home and churches where we minister. The baby sleeping bags will of special interest since nobody here has ever seen them (including us). For several years we have presented gifts to new mothers in the hospital at Christmas. There were also many, many baseball caps included in the packages. While 99% of the Zambian boys have never seen a baseball, they ALL love to wear ball caps. Sherry is planning to distribute these to the young people at her Youth Meeting on Friday. This will add to the excitement.

"Election Fever" is alive and well! Not only are the Americans up to their neck in political advertising and news, but the Zambian special election for President is hot and heavy… and only hours away. The polls here open at 6 am on Thursday 30th October and all four candidates (and their supporters) are working country-wide to garner support of the electorate. There is hardly a vertical space in our town without a poster proclaiming that a particular candidate is "the right man for the job." This is truly democracy in action. Enthusiasm is exciting and contagious. We see this as campaigners wave signs, make distinctive hand gestures (each party has their own unique hand gesture) and shout out the name of their candidate of choice. Wouldn’t it be interesting if Christians were as excited about their Lord and King, Jesus Christ?

Funny you should mention that! Last Friday was Zambia's Independence Day so Sherry assumed that her youth meeting would be cancelled. She asked the young people what they wanted and they unanimously "voted" to have class… on a HOLIDAY! She said not only were her "regulars" there, but they brought visitors. As we mentioned earlier, the election is tomorrow and it has been declared a national holiday. Often the Friday after a Thursday holiday is also considered a de facto holiday, but Sherry assumed nothing and again asked her class what they wanted. She was not surprised this time when they again unanimously "voted" to have class. The young people are enthusiastic about their Bible study and excited enough to bring visitors even on holidays. We are thrilled with their enthusiasm and excitement. Please pray for them as they study "How to Survive the School Jungle" this Friday.

I have been told by more than a few people on my FACEBOOK page that they are praying for us. It is always good news to know that we are being remembered to the Throne of Grace. Our work is shared by all who support us in both prayer and contributions We appreciate your partnership in this ministry.

Together in His Service,
Patrick & Sherry

Washing Hands

2008-10-16T07:01:00.000+02:00

Greetings from Luanshya!

The electricity was turned off in the section of Luanshya where the ISP antennae is located at 4:15 pm on Wednesday so while this was queued to go out at that time it will not go until ZESCO (Zambia Electrical Supply Company) turns the lights back on.

Here is something you probably didn’t know: Today, 15th October 2008, is the first annual "Global Handwashing Day." Just when you thought all the special events in life were covered someone comes up with something new. Actually, for much of the world an act as simple as washing hands with soap is not automatic. People all over the world wash their hands with water. The belief that washing with water alone to remove visible dirt is sufficient to make hands clean is commonplace in most countries, but washing hands with water alone is significantly less effective than washing hands with soap in terms of removing germs, and handwashing with soap is seldom practiced.

Just as many people believe that water will wash away dirt, many also believe that going to church will wash away their sins. I asked a pastor from a one of the many churches in town recently if he knew he was going to Heaven when he died. His answer was predictable (considering his denomination) and sad. "I certainly hope so. I spend most of my time in the church so that must count for something." His whole eternity is based on "salvation by location" and that is a poor substitute for the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Last Sunday Kelly Jere was baptised. We had visitors so I explained that the water of the baptism does not wash away Kelly's sins. I briefly told how Kelly came to know Christ as his Personal Saviour and that baptism was his public testimony of that fact. After the service, a young police officer (one of the visitors) came up to me and asked if he could visit our office on Thursday afternoon. Please pray for us as we talk about what really washes away sins.

We had visits from two government offices in the past two weeks. One was from the Registrar of Societies explaining that all orphanages were being asked to re-register so they could update their records. We will also receive a new registration certificate. They explained that there were so many new churches, preschools and orphanages "popping up" all over Zambia that the Registrar of Societies wants to confirm and verify which organisations are really doing what they say they are doing. The team of inspectors was very pleased with what they saw. There is an additional cost for this service.

The other visit was from the Ministry of Social Welfare. They also had new forms to be completed with much of the same information. The ladies from this office have been at LCH before and we have known them for several years, but the visit was mandated by the head office in Lusaka so we were happy to spend time with them showing them around the home. They did remark that the children were growing up and all looked healthy. They asked about "fundraising" projects for the home and we explained that this was a faith mission and God provided as the needs were presented. Other organisations have raffles or fund-raising dinner dances to support their work. (My mother never let me dance so that would not be a pretty sight.) Before they left they asked for our mission statement. I gave them this: "To raise children to be viable, productive, responsible citizens of Zambia and to see them grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."

We do this together with you as our partners. Thank you for being a part of our "team."

Together in His Service,
Patrick & Sherry

PS: We both voted this past week. It was both an honour and a duty.

Trees

2008-10-08T23:19:00.001+02:00

Greetings from Luanshya.

On our side of the equator this is the third week of Spring. Calendar-wise, this would equate to early April in North America. Most people "there" would be welcoming warm breezes and gentle rains. The third week of Spring here is hot, dry, dusty and hot… in that order. Today it was ninety degrees (F). Next month we will wish for anything under 100. Very few people have access to air conditioning so shade trees become "meeting rooms." We have a large tree in front of our house and we often have people sitting under the tree trying to stay cool. This morning a businessman was meeting with a client under the tree because the office downtown was "just too hot." I was reminded of the small group of ladies who met by the river near Philippi to pray. I always picture trees by a river and I can imagine them sitting under a tree to stay out of the sun. After meeting with Paul and Silas these ladies became believers. Amazing things happen under trees.

With that thought in mind, we met with the members of the church last Saturday and planted 10 trees on the church property. We had previously planted another 15. Before we purchased the property it was an "unofficial" dump for the community. There were no trees on our part of the property except those growing from the top of the 25 foot tall ant hills. The men of the church decided we needed to "decorate" the property, so we have been planting trees. He said, "Ultimately these will provide shade for small-group Bible studies so we can stay cool on these hot October and November days." The church building has no electricity so no fans or air conditioning. The men are thinking ahead!

Brother Siwale completed his Discipleship Course in June. In August he began working with Sylvester – a new believer – in the same course. Last Sunday he was talking to Sylvester about his lessons and Kelly asked him what it was all about. Kelly will be baptised this coming Sunday and is eagerly soaking up any and all teaching he can about God’s Word. This afternoon Brother Siwale began working with his second student. This is 2 Timothy 2:2 in reality. We are thrilled to see this interaction, enthusiasm and spiritual growth. Please remember to pray for these young men as they equip themselves for service.

The world economic situation is affecting us here. Prices continue to rise both due to regular inflation and the fluctuating dollar. Costs at the Lighthouse Children’s Home have gone from $1,000 per month to over $1,600. The price of rice has more than doubled and electrical rates have gone up four times this year. We received notice yesterday that water rates were going up again next month. We deeply appreciate your prayers and support of this ministry. We cannot do it without you!

Together in His Service,
Patrick & Sherry

Addiction

2008-10-01T09:34:00.000+02:00

Greetings from Luanshya!

It is incredibly bad form to start a letter with an apology. Therefore, we are not apologizing for our weekly updates being more sporadic than consistent. We are simply announcing that the internet service in Zambia is intermittent at best. Hopefully, it will stay up long enough for this note to go out to you.

We have had very interesting discussions during our teaching periods with the various small groups with whom we work. Last week the youth discussed Onesiphorus during their lesson on "Character Counts-Building A Life of Character". The apostle Paul commended his friend for his "refreshing spirit". In a time of great persecution, Onesiphorus took the time to journey to Rome from Ephesus in order to encourage and pray for this soldier of Christ. He is only mentioned twice in Scripture and both occasions in the book of 2 Timothy. Sherry emphasized the need for the young people to be faithful in encouraging their friends during times of frustration and tribulation. As the young people enter into the period of final exams, these are often known as "suicide months". Pray that our young people will have an impact on their acquaintances.

In the Men's Bible Study we discussed the teachings of Amos and the warnings given to the children of Israel for their selfishness and disobedience. The final question last week was "how can we, today, make a difference in our community?" Brother Siwale said that we have to get out of our comfort zone and force ourselves to express the love of Christ to those around us. I found it interesting that he used the word "force". It doesn't matter where we live, it seems we all have to continually "force" ourselves to love the unlovely and share Christ with those whom we come into contact whether it be at work, the market or our neighbourhood.

We have a special request for a dear lady at our church. She has a very unstable situation in her family. Last week she asked us to help her write a Will. While writing a Will in the USA is a normal part of family responsibility, it is seldom done in Zambia and usually only by those who feel threatened either because of illness or other physical danger.

Obviously, we cannot mention her name, but please pray for M. M.

Earlier today I met with a young man named Kelly. He has been in the Resource Centre regularly learning from the material and asking Sherry many questions. Over the past couple months; he has been attending services at Fellowship Chapel. During our conversation today I discovered that he has been bounced around from family member to family member for most of his young life. Currently he is responsible for caring for his grandmother who lives out on the family farm. We talked for a long time about salvation. He is sure of his place with the Lord and has a strong testimony of that fact.

In two weeks time, he will follow the Lord in Scriptural baptism declaring his faith to friends and family alike. His desire is to know the Word of God. His friends are a little surprised that he reads his Bible during the tea breaks at work. He told them he was "addicted to the Word." Please pray for Kelly that his "addiction" will become contagious to his friends.

We appreciate the part you have in our ministry through you gifts and prayers.

In His Service,
Patrick & Sherry

Helping

2008-09-17T14:50:00.003+02:00

Greetings from Luanshya!

We recently received some contributions to assist those who are still recovering from the floods a few months ago. I walked through the Chipulukusu Township with one of the church leaders and he was astounded that people were still living in houses that were leaning at a 15 to 20 degree angle. We spoke to the men in the church and they said that the greatest need at this time of the year is protection against malaria.

Sherry and I purchased 40 insecticide treated mosquito nets and distributed them last week to members of the congregation as selected by the deacons.

They were considered to be the neediest. They included widows with young children, the elderly, the blind and the physically handicapped.

During the service one man suffered an epileptic seizure. Sometimes this can be confused for demon possession by those who do not understand epilepsy. We were pleased to observe that the members of the church carefully and lovingly carried the young man out of the building so he could rest under the shade of a tree outside. We were also pleased to notice that one of the nets was designated to this young man. Brother Musonda told us that this was a perfect gift and thanked us for the contribution. We are grateful to those who helped make this possible.

School has resumed and the children from the Lighthouse Children's Home have started their last term of the academic school year. Two of the children, Johnnie and Andrew, are taking major exams in a few weeks. The grade 7 exam will determine whether they continue in school and depending on the marks each child receives, which school they will be able to attend as different schools have various cut-off points. Pray for the boys as they prepare for this milestone.

Happy Kafula has been a regular user of the Christian Resource Centre since we opened. Several times a week he spends the morning preparing lessons for the youth group, seminars and leadership series. Last week he was asked to go and lead a new congregation in Nampamba, about two hours away from Luanshya Town Centre. He came to us with both excitement and disappointment.

He was excited about this new ministry opportunity, but disappointed that he would not be able to utilize the resources of the Christian Resource Centre.

He thanked Sherry, enthusiastically, for allowing him to prepare his life for ministry. Unbeknownst to him, we are in the process of preparing a small library of Christian literature which he will be able to take to him to his new rural home. Please pray for Happy as he ministers in this new field.

Whether we are helping those with specific needs or helping to prepare the leaders of tomorrow, we are here doing what the Lord has asked us to do and we appreciate the role you play in our ministry.

In His Service,
Patrick & Sherry

Small Things

2008-08-27T10:06:00.001+02:00

Greetings from Luanshya!

It has been a solemn week in Zambia as people openly mourn the death of President Mwanawasa. Zambia has never been through this kind of experience, the loss of a head of state. Nobody really knows how to feel or react. The burial will be on 3rd September. It would have been President Mwanawasa's 60th birthday. Please continue praying for those in leadership. There has been a lot of political jostling for authority, but there has also been peace during the transition.

The Christian Resource Centre has been busy over the last couple of weeks. This often occurs during the school holidays with students coming in to read, but the majority of those in the library have been adults. Some are preparing lessons while others are simply studying for their own personal encouragement. A number of Bible school students, from Kitwe, came in to study the Life of Christ from the book of Luke. They were amazed to find all the information they would need in our facility. We are pleased that they were able to utilize the materials.

Last month we received a special gift from Canada to help those who had been affected by the recent flooding. Tomorrow I will go with two church leaders in Luanshya to Chipulukusu to visit church leaders there with the prospect of giving insecticide treated mosquito nets to families in that area. We should have enough money for forty nets which will help tremendously in that low lying region. As the temperatures warm up, mosquitoes become more active. There are several friends who are currently suffering from malaria. While mosquito nets will not stop malaria, it will help in slowing down the spread of the disease by killing the mosquitoes that carry malaria. We are thankful for the gift and look forward to making the presentation.

Yesterday morning an old man came into the Christian Resource Centre to read a devotional book we had on display. Sherry handed him the book then realized that the spectacles he was wearing were held together by adhesive tape and the lenses were horribly scratched. She didn't say anything but walked back into her office and brought out a small box of brand new reading glasses sent to us by friends abroad. Through a process of elimination, they found a pair that fit just right and enabled him to read without struggling. This small act of kindness changed his life. It is in doing these small things that we realize why God put us here in the first place: simply to share His love.

Thank you for allowing us to serve Him here.

In His Service,
Patrick & Sherry

Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa, 59

2008-08-20T23:57:00.000+02:00

Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa died in a French hospital on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 after suffering a stroke several weeks ago, Vice President Rupiah Banda said.

The Zambian leader, 59, was a favourite with Western donors for tackling corruption in the southern African country and he had been one of the strongest critics in the region of Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe.

"Fellow countrymen, with deep sorrow and grief, I would like to inform the people of Zambia that our president Dr. Levy Patrick Mwanawasa died this morning at 1030 hours (4:30 a.m. EDT)," Banda said on state television.

"I also wish to inform the nation that national mourning starts today and will be for seven days."

President Mwanawasa accepted Jesus as his Saviour and was baptized about 4 years ago at Twin Palms Baptist Church on the campus of the Zambian Baptist Seminary in Lusaka. Thanks for praying for his family, friends, fellow church members and the nation of Zambia at this sad time.

Patrick & Sherry Coleman
Luanshya, Zambia

Life Markers

2008-08-18T20:59:00.000+02:00

Greetings from Luanshya!

At the end of last week we received some very exciting news from our daughter, Chandra, who lives with her husband James in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Chandra excitedly announced that they were going to have a baby in April. We received an e-mail this morning letting us know that they could not find a heartbeat when they did a sonogram yesterday. Chandra and James are devastated, of course, as are we. Please remember them in your prayers.

Nobody likes going to the dentist. Nevertheless, it is a necessary "evil" even for the kids at the Lighthouse Children's Home. This morning we took three of the boys out to a missionary dental clinic to have their check up. They were given an almost clean bill of health. The visiting dentist said they needed to scrub a little harder and gave them a fluoride treatment for their teeth. Tomorrow we will take the rest of the children as well as one of the WWII veterans. The team has come from Kansas City and will be here for one week in conjunction with a Bible conference. Pray that not only will teeth be made healthy but souls will be healed.

For the last several days a young man named Misheck has been visiting the Christian Resource Centre. He has recently moved to Luanshya to help care for his aging grandmother. He has been asking a lot of questions about groups that are present in Luanshya which "detract from the truth of the gospel". While we were in the States recently, we picked up a number of Bible study helps to help believers understand the difference between truth and error. These will come in quite handy to ask questions like those posed by Misheck. He will be joining us at Fellowship Chapel on Sunday. Please pray for him as he cares for his grandmother and seeks to know the truth for himself.

Nancy, one of the girls in the orphanage, returns from the Red Cross Camp today. We look forward to hearing about her experiences and opportunities to share the Lord Jesus with the other 3,400 young people who attended this five day function. This was the first time Nancy has been away from the Home, on her own, in 8 years. The rest of the children and Mr. Chibumba have missed her helping around the house and keeping peace among the children. It is encouraging to see that she has a valued placed in the Home.

In the Men's Bible study last week, we concluded our study of the little books of the New Testament. We will enter a three week study on the book of Titus then go into the "little books of the Old Testament". The men asked last week why most Christian's don't read the little books. I told them that most Christian's don't read the big books either. The fact that our men are interested in studying is a rare treat, indeed. They have become closer and stronger in the Lord through this weekly Bible study. Please pray for them as they prepare to lead.

Your partners in Christ,

Patrick & Sherry

A Chilly Luanshya?

2008-08-07T16:13:00.000+02:00

Greetings from a chilly Luanshya!

We are home! After spending a few weeks in the States visiting with family and friends and having shared our ministry presentation twelve times, we returned to Zambia for a few days then went down to South Africa to attend a conference on Child Mortality. We have finally returned home and will be here for some time.

The day after we arrived we were back in church participating as normal and were pleased that our absence was felt. We were more pleased, however, to know that the ministry in the local churches continued even though we were not physically present. Our goal is and always has been to train leaders who will in turn train leaders to lead. Witnessing this following our longest absence in years, was heartening. Please continue to pray for the local leadership in each autonomous gathering of believers.

June and July are our winter months in Zambia. Literally dozens of people have come down with colds, flus and bronchitis. We are very happy to note that none of the children at the Lighthouse Children's Home have been seriously ill. Now that school is on break for the month of August, we hope to spend some time with them as two children prepare for their final exams in grade 7 in November. The eldest girl will be helping Sherry in the Christian Resource Centre while some of the boys help in the vegetable gardens. Thank you for praying for our children.

I met with Major Sambo, a retired army officer, and we are planning a series of lessons for the young men and women at the Luanshya military base. Pray for wisdom as the Word of God is shared and lives impacted for eternity.

Please add to your prayer list Zambian President, Levy Mwanawasa. President Mwanawasa is a professing Christian who has striven during his term of office to return integrity to the office of The President. He suffered a stroke while attending the recent African Union meeting in Egypt in June and was rushed to a French military hospital where he is being treated to this date. Details of his condition have not been released and there is much speculation among the local population. Our prayer is that there will be continued peace and that the President will return to full health soon.

We have been less than a week and are full steam ahead. Thank you for partnering with us as we serve.

In His Service,

Patrick & Sherry

Amazing Stories

2008-06-03T09:04:00.000+02:00

Greetings from Luanshya!

Sometimes we hear the most amazing stories. Last week Mr. Mutale came into the Resource Centre. He seemed to be distraught over the fact that his wife left him. Sherry gave me a call and I sat with Mr. Mutale for some time. It seems his wife went missing from the family home eleven months ago. She left behind everything she owned, a four year old child and a nine month old baby. Mr. Mutale said he waited over night to see if she returned then went to the police the following morning. He told me that the police said to him, "If she comes back, or if you find her, bring her to us. Otherwise, forget her and marry someone else." The whole story sounds incredible. When I suggested to Mr. Mutale that he bring me a photograph of his wife so that we could publicize the fact that she was missing, he hesitated then finally agreed. A week later we are still waiting for the photograph. It would appear Mr. Mutale was seeking attention and perhaps a "financial contribution" from the missionary. He did not want a solution and he did not want counseling. Sometimes we find ourselves targets of unscrupulous individuals. Pray that God will continue to give us wisdom to know the difference between those in need and those in want.

Rachael Bulama was called back to Nigeria by her office as they prepare for national elections. She was very sad to have to leave early especially since she and Sherry have formed a very tight friendship in the short time that Rachael has been here. She has successfully completed the first three discipleship courses and will be carrying the remainder of the curriculum with her. She also requested two additional sets in order to disciple other women once her studies are completed. Please pray for Rachael as she travels and for Yakubu, her husband, as he remains behind to finish his tour of duty here in Luanshya.

For the next few weeks we are going to be out of the office. We will be renewing friendships and sharing the work of the Lord on the west coast of the United States. We will have an opportunity to spend some time with our grandsons as well as most of our children. It has been some time since we have seen them and look forward to a brief break. We will resume our activities the end of July. However, will continue to be involved, via correspondence, in the many projects under our direction.

Please pray for us as we travel and take some time to come aside and rest a while.

In His Service,
Patrick & Sherry

Birthday

2008-05-21T11:37:00.002+02:00

NOTE FROM THE WEB SERF: Due to some minor problems, posts back into April were not showing up. Please check the Previous Posts on the lower right for back issues you may have missed.

Greetings from Luanshya!

My father says that birthday's are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live. My wife says she's afraid to put candles on the birthday cake for fear of burning down the house. Quite frankly, it's nice to have survived yet another year and look forward to many, many more.

This birthday started off in the emergency room of the local hospital. About

11 o'clock last night we received a phone call from one of church members whose son had ingested poison in an attempt to take his life. I went to the hospital and found the doctors and nurses working feverishly to keep the boy alive. His blood pressure and pulse rate dropped dangerously low on several occasions and medication was administered. Every time his pulse dropped his mother cried and blamed herself. After several hours of heart-wrenching close calls, the doctor stabilized the young man and was able to comfort the mother with at least the knowledge that her son would live. This morning he opened his eyes and recognized both his mother and me. We prayed and will continue to pray that this crisis will bring the lad to his senses. The economic situation in Zambia sometimes leads people to do foolish things.

Please pray for Rita and her son, Sydney, as they seek hope, answers and worth through Jesus Christ.

Over the past week we hosted two high school youth exchange students from abroad. One was from Canada and the other from the United States. They needed an "escape" from the daily routine and we offered a haven of rest.

There were a number of opportunities to speak with each about spiritual issues. At one point the girls asked Sherry why she believed the Bible and how its relevancy affected daily life. The soaked in the information and went away thoughtful. Please pray for the girls as they ponder these truths for daily living. We will maintain contact with them even after they leave Zambia in a few months time.

Yesterday we had five more visitors. These were all from Australia. There were a lot of questions about what we do and why we do it. We were able to share with them our motivation in serving the Lord both at home in the States before we came to Africa to the present time. We trust that as they continue their journey across the continent, they will think about matters of eternal value.

We use every opportunity to share with visitors as they pass through. Pray that the seed sown takes root.

We appreciate you and your prayers on our behalf.

In His Service,

Patrick & Sherry