Greetings from Luanshya!
Christian life is a matter of perspective both here and around the world. As an example, people thought it was amazing that there were eleven candidates for president in our Zambia's last general election. Now it appears that nearly one hundred and forty candidates for the governorship for the State of California. Sometimes it makes us wonder who lives in the "developing world".
Last week one of the youth was fired from his job for the alleged theft of company funds. His mother came to us wanting to know what we could do. When Sherry asked the mother if her son had actually stolen the money, the mother replied "yes, but only in small amounts." Today the young man came into the office and with a broken heart spent thirty minutes confessing to Sherry and asking for guidance. Please pray for "M".
Another matter of perspective is seen in a letter received from Sarah Bwalya. She continues doing her student teaching in a very rural area, about six hours by bus from Luanshya. She says, "it is a relief that I have been given a grade three class with only fifty four pupils." Last term she had a grade five class with seventy-five pupils. She says that this term should be "easy". She has not received any of the promised salary for the entire year that she has been student teaching. Yet, she is excited about having an influence on the lives of these children. In one of Sarah's earlier letters she requested some hymns from Sherry which would bring solace to the heart. Her desire was to obtain peace with in herself as well as a form of sharing with the children under her care during recess at school. Continue to pray for Sarah as well as for John, who has been assigned to another school far away. We look forward to the conclusion of the student teaching in the hope that the District Education Officer, a member of our church, will be able to post both of them here in Luanshya.
Our main challenge of the week has been with transportation, vehicles that won't start, doors that won't lock, windows that won't go up and replacement of all the fan belts on our fifteen year-old pickup truck. Brother Chibumba "mothers" that little white vehicle to make it work but we are seeing the little expenses become bigger and bigger every month. Please pray with us about this issue.
Last week I spoke to several believers about baptism and the Lord's Supper. Sherry spoke with one of our very young teenagers as well. He was a bit confused as to what baptism symbolized. Sherry fully explained that baptism is testimony of a believer's faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and does not wash away sins. This youngster knew that, but he is inundated with different religious philosophies from his friends. Please pray for these new members of the Body of Christ as they prepare to follow the Lord in scriptural baptism in a few weeks time.
A new series of lessons are beginning in both Youth and Sunday school. The Sunday School will be studying "The Omniscient God" as seen in the book of Esther. The Senior youth are now looking at "Symbols of Christ in the Gospel of John". This week they covered the topic of "The Word-Jesus Christ".
We have a special family prayer request this week. Sherry's brother-in-law, Ron, has been diagnosed with Huntingdon's Disease. This is a genetic disorder affecting the nerves and muscles causing deterioration over a period of time. Ron is 34, has a beautiful four year-old daughter. He is currently under doctor's care and taking a multitude of drugs to keep the disease in check. To date, there is no cure and life expectancy for those stricken is mid-fifties at the most. Sadly, Ron does have an advanced case of the disease and is deteriorating quickly. He has just been advised that he can no longer work or drive leaving him with long bouts of depression. Please pray for Ron, Stacy (Sherry's sister) and Jordan (daughter).
We appreciate your partnership with us in prayer.
In His Service,
Patrick and Sherry
Dr. Patrick and
Sherry Coleman
Luanshya, Zambia Africa