Greetings from Luanshya!
We're back in full swing after a few days away. We are pleased to have John and Sara Bwalya back with us for a few weeks during the school break. Last Wednesday evening John spoke at our Bible study from Psalm 125. He talked about the mountains in our lives over which God makes us overcomers. This is more of a testimony on John's life. We are very proud of what this young man has been able to accomplish. Please continue to pray for John and Sara. They return to their rural posts in about a week. They will be separated, again, until the month of August.
Last Saturday evening we were invited to attend the Gideon's Appreciation Banquet. The Gideon's have a small "Camp" in Luanshya. They distribute thousands of Bible's to school children as well as placing them in the local guesthouses, lodges and hospitals in the area. It was exciting to see Christian businessmen involved in distribution of the Word of God. Fellowship Chapel gives a small contribution to the Gideon's every year. The team will be visiting the church in July to re-present their work and advances in the community.
On Sunday we held our annual Mother's Day celebration. Zambian's are not known for being expressive with their affection. Each child in the room was given a piece of candy to present to their mother so that every mother present received something (flowers are not as appreciated here as sweets). There was a bit of confusion when some of the smaller children were expected to actually give their piece of candy to mom. Still, it was a good service. We had a number of visiting mom's as well as a few others who had come with mothers.
Monday afternoon Sherry led the youth group in studying "Rock Reality". The emphasis was on music and choices. What are the words? Why a certain form of music? What does it do for you? Are you encouraged in your daily walk with the Lord? These were some of questions posed. The young people began to take a good look at what they're listening to at home, school and play. Next week a more in depth look will be taken into music (secular and Christian).
Twice in the last week I have been asked to speak in churches that are questionable in doctrine. The question I ask of each of the pastors making the request is "why do you believe what you believe?' Their reaction was identical. They just stared at me without saying a word. I then opened the Bible and shared with them why we believe their church doctrine is in error and why it would be impossible for me to speak in their church because of the difficulties that identification with their church would present for this ministry. Very often we find ourselves in a situation where, because of our visibility in town, we are invited to speak at various venues. We must be extremely careful when accepting these invitations, not to identify ourselves with organizations that are doctrinally contrary to the Word of God. Both of these men listened to the reason I could not come to their church. Both of them promised to come and talk more about what the Bible said. So far, neither of them has shown up. We pray that they will have the courage to learn more about what the Bible says. Please pray for these two men. I sincerely believe they want to know the truth but are bound by their denominational ties.
Finally, we want you to know that we appreciate your prayers on our behalf. We know we are not alone in this ministry because of the many faithful partners who stand behind us.
In His Service,
Patrick and Sherry
Dr. Patrick and
Sherry Coleman
Luanshya, Zambia Africa