Greetings from Luanshya!
Last week we let you know about the situation with our children from the Lighthouse Home concerning the allegations of abuse occurring at their school. We want to give you an update on that scenario.
First of all, the teacher involved in the incidents spent thirty minutes with Sherry this morning. The teacher admitted that she was excessive in her discipline of the children and apologized profusely for her lack of discretion and control. We understand that being around a lot of little children can be frustrating but it does not excuse the abuse. We have forgiven this lady but are moving forward with plans to relocate the children in other schools.
Tomorrow, all six of the children will begin classes in other schools; two in one and four in another. The schools into which they are being enrolled have good reputations and we have spent comprehensive time with the headmistresses of both institutions. We trust the change will be beneficial. There is an increase in school fees but there is also a higher level of responsibility.
Our newest Sunday School teacher, Rister, had a very frustrating Sunday last week. She made six visits to six different homes and had six promises for new students for her class Sunday morning. Well, on Sunday morning she had six disappointments and all the children were still in bed when she passed by to collect them. However, not to be put off, she has visited all six of these homes again, the first part of this week. She came and told Sherry, this afternoon, that she will need lessons for these six children (as well as her other students) for this coming Sunday because she was "guaranteed" by each of them that they will be in attendance next Sunday. Ah, to be an optimist! Please pray for our Sunday School program.
Monday Sherry spoke to the youth about "The Lamb" Jesus as the Sacrificial Lamb. She compared the bronze serpent of Numbers 21 with the Passover lamb and with the cross of Christ. The young people were awe struck by the comparisons and illustrations. Many questions were asked and many lives affected towards considering how Christ has been seen in the scriptures from beginning to end. The vivid word pictures that the Lord has provided His people should bring us all onto our knees in praise for His love for us, especially when the closing thought was "Christ died once for all". No longer were repetitive sacrifices necessary to receive redemption. Christ truly is the Lamb of God.
We had several visitors over the past few weeks. This week a young man named Alex received Christ as his Saviour. Another couple came in response to my invitation during a Child Defilement Awareness presentation Sherry and I are currently doing in the local schools. They are interested in knowing more about Fellowship Chapel. We will be making a visit later on this week to their home. Please pray for Derek and Grace.
This coming week we will be baptizing five new believers and welcoming them into the fellowship of our church. They have been attending our Sunday evening New Believers class for the past month and are ready to take the next step in proclaiming their faith in Christ publicly.
It has been a really good week and we appreciate your prayers on our behalf.
In His Grace,
Patrick and Sherry
Dr. Patrick and
Sherry Coleman
Luanshya, Zambia Africa