Greetings from Luanshya!
Of all the titles and symbols that are used to represent our Lord, few match the door, the gate, and the way for their clarity in expressing the fact that there is only one way of salvation. These concepts comprise a central teaching for which Christians have long been held in ridicule: there is only one means of entering God's grace-through Jesus Christ.
It is a narrow teaching. Christianity is exclusive in terms of the manner in which one becomes a member. All must come through the same door. It is a narrow teaching because Christ was very specific on this point. He did not declare that heaven's gates were open to those who were merely sincere. There are many who are very sincere and very wrong at the same time.
This is what the young people were taught on Monday of this week during their Bible study. It was also something that had gone through my mind over the weekend as I had the privilege to be the only Christian and only European present at a Muslim marriage ceremony that took two days to complete. Few outsiders are ever permitted to view what occurs in the pre- marriage preparations for young women. Fewer still are the number of Christians granted access into the inner "workings," especially those of us who are known missionaries who consistently preach the way, the truth and the life as being through Jesus Christ alone. We assume that because of our continuing friendship with this family and our availability to assist in the crises of their lives, we were afforded this unusual opportunity to be a part of this momentous occasion. Sad to say, though, that as sincere as our friends may be in their practices, as honorable a life they may attempt to live, they are still missing the fact that the salvation they seek through their own attempts at appeasing God through works is insufficient. Pray for clear opportunities to share the Lord with the newlyweds as well as with the parents. We have been consistent in our personal testimony. The family has made enquiries from time to time into spiritual issues. The only Door, the only Gate, the only Way to eternal life remains open a while longer. We hope and pray that they may enter into His kingdom.
Patrick has been away doing itinerant ministry these last fourteen days. I expect him back home some time next week, Lord willing. He accepted the opportunity to go into Zimbabwe to encourage the believers currently going through harrowing experiences due to some of the recent upheavals in their country. He has also been able to cross over into Mozambique. Our little church in Luanshya was able to provide some material support for the believers who suffered due to the major flooding some time back. Pray for his journeys and freedom of expression as he shares the Good News with those who will listen and encourages those who need uplifting and reminding that He will never leave us or forsake us.
Your ministry of prayer is precious in His sight.
In His Grace,
Sherry
& Patrick in absentia
Dr. Patrick and
Sherry Coleman
Luanshya, Zambia Africa