Greetings from Luanshya!
We thoroughly enjoyed having Colin home from school this past week. He had a nine-day mid-term break and we took advantage of it by spending time together. He also caught up on a number of his Bible courses. He has performed much better this past half term. His teachers say he is a bit more organized. His strong points in school are in areas of math and science. The school system here requires that he focus on his strong points for the next two years so he will focus on math, physics, chemistry and technical drawing along with his other basic subjects. His technical drawing instructor said that he is so impressed that he uses Colin as a teachers aid helping other students. Please pray for Colin as he continues his studies and prepares for his life work.
Last Wednesday we showed the film, "The God-Makers". We had a number of people come simply out of curiosity because of the title of the film. It is actually an expose of the "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints". On Sunday one of our young ladies who had seen the film remarked that she had noticed a couple of the "missionaries" walking through town that are associated with this cult. She said she was glad to know the difference between the Word of God and the word of Joseph Smith. Pray that many might be protected and saved from Satan's snare.
The young man I led to Christ on the golf course last week was in the church service Sunday. This afternoon he came to enrol in the Source of Light School and collected his first course. This is the beginning of his discipleship training. Please pray for this young man and his young family. They thought they were secure: only to find that they did not know the secure One.
Monday and Tuesday were national holidays in Zambia (Heroes and Unity Day). Instead of having a regular youth lesson on Monday afternoon, Sherry had a recreation day. The young people played games in the Youth Centre, listened to Christian music and generally had a good time of fellowship. Next week they will talk about "Wise Living" from James 1.
The work on the septic system at the new church site is progressing slowly. We must follow code exactly as given to us by the town council. We cannot take shortcuts because it will ruin our testimony not only with the council but also with the neighbours around the property. The kind of bricks, block and cement is very important even in this rural area. Some of the young people from the youth group have been out to help on the site. The little boys from the orphanage went during their school break and "tried to help" the bricklayer. He was impressed by the fact that they wanted to be a part of this project-so were we. Please pray for this project.
Two more specific prayer requests. The younger brother of one of the young boys that we have been helping for a number of years has contracted tuberculosis and his body is covered in sores. We have not seen the youngster of late, but his brother is very concerned not only for his health but for his spiritual well being. He spent the weekend with him in an effort to share the Lord. Please pray for the youngster as well as his older brother.
Another one of our young ladies in the church is living with an aunt. Her father passed away and her mother is unable to physically cope with a teenager. The aunt, realizing the parents of the girl had a poor lifestyle, is very harsh with the girl and even keeps her away from church at times doing chores at home and running errands. The aunt perceives her as having no value and treats her that way. The girl has received Christ and I baptized her at the chapel several months ago. Her life has changed dramatically, but her aunt is unable to accept the change. Please pray for this family. The girl needs encouragement, not a prison warden. She spends as much time as she can with Sherry. We are hoping the aunt will soften her heart and have more of an effect on her niece's life.
As always, we sincerely appreciate your prayers on our behalf. We look forward to being able to share with you the answers to your prayers.
As we remain...
In His Service,
Patrick and Sherry
Dr. Patrick and
Sherry Coleman
Luanshya, Zambia Africa