Greetings from Luanshya!
This has been one of those "maintenance weeks" in the ministry. Sometimes you just have to take the time to fix things so you can keep on working. The rains have started so that meant my annual climb to the roof to fix what wasn't broken last year. One of our neighbors has done some creative renovating of his building. This has caused our building to take the brunt of the water from the early downpours. We have finished the repairs on the chapel portion of the building. This coming week we will work on the repairs on the Youth Centre portion of the structure.
We were able to accomplish one very important task this week. This was the final renewal of Sherry's Work Permit. In two years she should qualify for an Entry Permit as a Resident. This means she will not have to be renewing and extending permits every two to three years and allow certain rights and privileges for permanent residence.
We also discovered that the roads have taken their toll on the vehicle that Sherry drives. The entire exhaust system had to be replaced. The last time this was done, the mechanic could not find the proper spare parts so a muffler was made from the door of a Fiat Uno. Amazingly enough, the home made muffler lasted over two years. However, it gave up the ghost this past week as we traveled back from Lusaka. By the time we arrived home, it sounded like a 747 had landed in our driveway. The task "only" took two full days. Apparently there was difficulty with the welding machine, gas for the torch and the mechanic was having "domestic" problems at home. We didn't ask... Nothing is simple in Zambia.
In spite of all the maintenance work we were able to see God bless in a number of ways in the lives of various members of the local churches. I spoke on Sunday from the book of 2 John and stressed the fact that believers know what to do but very often simply choose not to do it. The next day Abel, one of the new believers, stopped me and said that he really appreciated the message and was accepting the challenge to "do the right thing." Abel is struggling with various spiritual and familial issues. Another young believer stopped me on the road and thanked me specifically for the message. It is great to know that what we are trying to teach is finding receptive hearts.
Sarah Bwalya has returned home from her teachers training. Sherry has resumed discipleship sessions with her. Her husband, John, found access to a telephone and rang us today to let us know that he may be home this Friday. They haven't seen one another for the last thirteen weeks. Their prolonged separation is about to conclude. Pray that as the Ministry of Education prepares their final posting, consideration will be made in favor of both, John and Sarah, being placed in schools here in the Luanshya area.
Sherry continues to work on preparations for Vacation Bible School which begins in just over three weeks. She has stressed the fact that I need to get the roof fixed before they can hang any decorations in the Youth Centre. She does not want the children walking through ankle deep water during their activities. I suppose I can understand that. The theme of the program is Celebrating Life in Christ. The activities include a tour around the world. Interestingly enough, the first day of the week all the children will be in Africa! How unique! {;-)
Finally, Thanksgiving is not a Zambian holiday and turkeys are not indigenous to Zambia, but I found some turkeys in a grocery store 20 miles from our house - and bought two! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
We appreciate the part you play in this ministry by remembering us in your prayers. Trying to stay dry.
In His Service,
Patrick and Sherry
Dr. Patrick and
Sherry Coleman
Luanshya, Zambia Africa