Greetings from Luanshya on this Christmas Eve!
As we mentioned a couple of weeks ago, Vacation Bible School took place all last week (15-19 December). We began the week with 54 and closed the week with 78 children. Sherry's team did very well, though they were exhausted by the end of the program. We had children from homes representing a number of religious groups. Most of these children would never be allowed to come to our church, but their parents/guardians did not mind them coming to a Vacation Bible School. We did not "press for decisions" during the proceedings. We were able, however, to plant seeds. Now we pray that God will give the increase. Clear invitations were given for the interested children to join the Sunday School. We will see what the new year will bring. Please pray for the hearts and souls of these youngsters. In the next couple of days there will be pictures on our website.
Last Sunday morning I baptized Derrick and Grace Kazembe. They have grown tremendously in the last few weeks since receiving Christ as Saviour. In the week just prior to the baptism they were able to comfort a family in their area who lost a nine-year-old son. Derrick and Grace have also lost a child so their experience, as well as their new found faith in Christ, enabled them to give practical comfort. Please continue to pray for them as well as their neighbor.
In the Young Couples Discipleship Class we have completed the first book of lessons and are about to begin book two which is about "The Spirit-Filled Christian". John and Sarah Bwalya have returned from Teacher's College. They may be a real asset in the Discipleship Class. John has already completed the series and Sarah has completed two thirds of the lessons. They are earnestly praying that they will be posted, as teachers, here in Luanshya. Please pray for our young couples. They are constantly bombarded with cultural and social temptations.
As we enter the Christmas season, we are able to reflect on the meaning of Christmas as a celebration of Christ's birth. We don't have the distractions that many people have in the "developed world" yet it is becoming more and more secularized with the introduction of Madison Avenue type advertising and promotions. School children are still taught in the schools that Christmas is the celebration of Christ's birth. School programs still portray the manger scene and Christmas carols about Christ are still allowed in Government schools. At the same time, television and the print media stress "Father Christmas" (the European Santa Claus) drawing attention to the party as opposed to the Church. On Sunday morning, we will have a special service at the chapel to help us focus on the real meaning of the celebration. At this time, we will be praying for you and praising God for the fact that we can work together though separated by thousands of kilometers.
We appreciate the fact that you have been a part of our lives and ministries this year.
In His Service,
Patrick and Sherry
Dr. Patrick and
Sherry Coleman
Luanshya, Zambia Africa