Greetings from Luanshya!
This past week I have spent a lot of time with church leaders discussing areas of responsibility and friction among the brethren. It seems everywhere in the world where people gather in the name of the Lord, Satan is working to cause division. Please pray for unity in the local churches.
This past week a ten-year-old girl was molested within a mile of our home. Her family lives just around the corner from the Lighthouse Children's Home. The mother sent the girl to the store to buy a loaf of bread in the middle of the day. The path the little girl would have taken between her home and the store passes right in front of our office door. Between her home and the store the little girl was apparently tempted with a piece of candy. The assailant is believed to be a neighbor with whom the child is familiar.
This event has certainly raised our concerns for our kids at the Lighthouse as well as our young people in the church. We have stressed that none of our girls should be walking alone and, when possible, should walk with an older boy to accompany them wherever they go. We are also restraining Colin in the same fashion making sure that he does not walk alone through town. It is a shame that these measures have to be taken - especially in such a small community-but the world has become more vile as years pass by. Please pray for protection for our kids.
We are very thankful for a recent gift of Bible pictures and lessons on CD. This will assist in some of the Sunday School classes as material was destroyed in a flood some time ago. We are hoping to gather enough material in order to cater to all age groups.
Sherry's counseling session with one of the young people is progressing well. There are two more weeks remaining and a number of issues will be dealt with during that time. This week some of the issues at hand are "how to deal with rejection" and "how to stand against daily temptation." Pray for wisdom as they go through the Word of God in determining the right path to take in the daily life of a Christian.
One special blessing occurred last week. Our oldest member received a gift from his younger brother. He came into the office with tears in his eyes saying that God had allowed him to give something back to the Lord after years of literally having no money at all. He gave a substantial offering there on the spot - not waiting for Sunday. What a day!
Our ministry takes us from senior saints in positions of leadership to new Christians, young people and children. In all of this we thank you for your prayers for wisdom and guidance as we continue share the gospel and disciple the believers.
In His Service,
Patrick and Sherry
Dr. Patrick and
Sherry Coleman
Luanshya, Zambia Africa