Greetings from Luanshya!
This has been a "maintenance" week for us. It seems when things begin to wear out; they wear out at the same time. We had a leak in the water tank at our house. That necessitated us being without water for a full day while the tanks was cleaned, patched and refilled. The curtains at the Lighthouse Children's Home had to be replaced. Most of these curtains were over a decade old and were second hand when we received them. Other little projects included plumbing repairs, electrical repairs etc. These are the mundane issues that "even missionaries" have to muddle through as we go about our daily lives. Boring but necessary.
While at the Lighthouse Home the other day, I overheard one of the children talking with Mr. Chibumba's youngest child, Sherry. Little Stelia was teaching Sherry how to read and spell the word "fish". I stopped and listened for just a moment realizing that two and a half years ago, this little girl had never spoken a word of English, had never read anything in her life and had never attended school. Now she is "playing teacher" with a four year old. Another one of the children, Shadreck, asked for a Bible three weeks ago. Brother Chibumba says he never puts it down and is constantly reading through it. What a blessing it is to see these children grow physically, academically and of course spiritually. We are so thankful for those who have contributed to this ministry both in your prayers and in the finances. Please know that the difference you have made in their lives will have an eternal effect.
Sherry's youth class played the game of "G.O.M." (God, Others and Me). Basically, the game was a review of the last twelve weeks' lessons. The theme of "relationships" based on Galatians 5:6 covers a broad spectrum of issues. The young people have discovered many character traits to meld into their lives. Pray that they may continue to grow in their faith, relationships and walk with the Lord. Next week they will begin a series "Symbols of Christ from John's Gospel". This will conclude in time for them to begin working on Vacation Bible School.
We began a New Believers Class last Sunday afternoon. We have had several people make professions in Christ. Others have been visiting regularly. We will spend the next four or five weeks reviewing salvation, baptism, the Lord's Supper and basic Bible doctrines. At the end of the series we will have a baptism service. Please pray for these new believers as they grow. As in any part of the world, it is always difficult to commit yourself to something that is different from what you grew up hearing. So many people have heard "being good will get them to heaven" that it is difficult for them to grasp the concept that salvation is a free gift. We also have many people "being good" in order for God to love them. They do not understand unconditional love. Hopefully by the end of this short series of lessons this concept will have been implanted into their hearts and minds.
Finally, as we think about tomorrow, 9/11, we recognize the fact that our time is always in God's hands. The moments that we have to share the gospel are precious. A lot of people have asked us if we are nervous about the date since we are the most visible American's in town. We have explained that we have no fear for we serve the One who controls all the circumstances. Still, we are being conscientious about our movements and we pray for those who are in areas of tension.
God has blessed us richly because we have friends at home like you. Thank you for your prayers on our behalf.
In His Service,
Patrick and Sherry
Dr. Patrick and
Sherry Coleman
Luanshya, Zambia Africa