Greetings from Luanshya! Whew! It seems like just a few days ago that we were finishing a year and beginning a new one. Here we are doing it again.
2003 has been filled with victories and challenges, good times and not so good times, but we have seen God work in the hearts and lives of the people with whom we serve here in Zambia.
The children at The Lighthouse Children's Home have grown physically, academically and most importantly, spiritually. Three of our youngsters are at the top of their class academically. At our recently completed Vacation Bible School all of them said their memory verses. They are actively involved in doing their Sunday School homework. Every one of the children has invited friends from their schools to church. Physically, all of the children are in good health and the Social Welfare department has given us a glowing report again declaring us a "model status". Please continue to pray for this ministry.
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.
The Christian Resource Centre continues to be a hub of activity for church leaders as well as young people who want to know more about the Lord. Even during the last two weeks when our library was closed, we had people coming to the house and asking "when will you be open again?" We have about 3,000 students involved in the Bible Correspondence School. A few people have donated books to our ministry and they are these materials are in constant use. We appreciate your prayers and support on behalf of this ministry.
Our discipleship program continues with new believers actively participating and showing concrete signs of spiritual growth. One of the new believers, last Sunday, came up to me and said "what can I do". As he spoke, he looked over and saw the church-cleaning schedule. He said, "Sign me up for that." When we see new believers getting involved, then we know that something real has happened in their life. We are excited about this ongoing area of ministry and appreciate your prayers.
The youth ministry at the chapel continues to be an exciting outreach. Realizing that over half of Zambia's population is under the age of 15, this has always been a primary focus for us. The future of the church lies in the hands of our young leaders. Included in this group is John Bwalya who has just completed his teacher's training and is hoping to be assigned to a school here in Luanshya so that he can be an active part in the ministry. We have literally watched John grow up and consider him t be one of "our boys." Please pray for John and the other young people as they seek answers in a world where no one seems to offer them anything but despair.
Ministry in the rural churches continues to grow. Special areas of concern include the Buntungwa church as they attempt to mold broken lives into mature Christians. In the Kafubu Block church there is still concern about dedicated leadership. In this farming area people find it easier to dedicate themselves to their little plot of garden than to spend time in the Lord's house. The Mwaiseni church is growing and there is a real excitement about the Lord's work in that area. Brother Katandula is the catalyst in this growing assembly of believers. He has also been a real help to me as we travel together to the other vernacular churches. Please pray for these and the other ministries in local churches.
Finally, we appreciate your prayers for our family. It is difficult when we are away from our loved ones, but it is exciting to know that we are where God wants us to be, doing what God wants us to do in the place where God has called us to come.
Together in His Service,
Patrick and Sherry
Dr. Patrick and
Sherry Coleman
Luanshya, Zambia Africa