Greetings from Luanshya!
This year started off at a full run. On Thursday morning (New Year's Day) we had a breakfast for all the adults in the chapel. I cooked pancakes and eggs while brother Chibumba and Colin waited tables. Sherry, as usual, supervised. This was our second year having the New Year's breakfast. The new members were surprised to see me cook, especially when I flipped the eggs in the air. Everyone enjoyed the time of fellowship. After the meal I gave a short devotion and introduced the book "The Purpose Driven Life". We have several copies available for members of the church to take the forty-day journey to discovering their purpose in God's ministry. Pray for this challenge of commitment.
Last Sunday we began a series called "Running with the Giants." As most of our adults are in positions of leadership in their secular work, we are trying to challenge them to be leaders in their spiritual lives as well. Sunday morning the lesson was on Noah-One Man Who Made a Difference. Noah was not afraid to do what God told him to do even though he was completely alone doing something that had never been attempted. The lessons will continue over the next two months. Pray for maturity and a sincere desire to live a life of integrity in the work place.
Often we wonder if the things that we teach actually hit home to those who listen. This past week we discovered, much to our excitement, that God is working in the hearts of at least one middle-aged family. Luanshya has been suffering economically for half a decade due to mismanagement and fraudulent practices at the local copper mine. Many who should have received their retirement benefits in 1999 are just now beginning to receive them bit by bit. The government had to step in after the company who bought the Mine literally ran away owing millions of dollars to employees and creditors. One of our men received partial payment this past week of K5,000,000 which is about $1,100. Sunday morning there was a note in an envelope in the offering basket from this couple which read "As God has kept us through our suffering, we wish to thank Him for His goodness and have enclosed our tithe for the last few years. Praise God with us!" In the envelope was K500,000. We praise God with this couple. Not only for His faithfulness to them, but for their faithfulness and obedience to Him. It is thrilling to see Christians grow and take God at His word.
This week Sherry has spent several hours with Sarah in discipleship. As you will recall, Sarah is one of the teachers who has been out of town doing her practical teachers training in a rural setting. She took several of the discipleship booklets with her and completed them in evenings. Now she is going through them one lesson at a time with Sherry as her mentor. Today they begin reviewing book five (of seven). Pray for Sarah as she continues to build on her knowledge and courage to share the gospel with those whom she comes into contact.
This next week school starts in Zambia. All of our children at the Lighthouse as well as those we are helping outside the Home will be going to school. School fees, uniforms, shoes, and school supplies are all going to be purchased in the next three days. We are glad to be able to help but it is a big bite at one time. Pray for the kids as the renew friendships and advance one more year in their education. The starting of school also means a new influx of students at the Source of Light Bible Correspondence School. New courses have arrived so we are as ready as we can be-with another order on the way.
As always, we appreciate your prayers on our behalf and look forward to another exciting year...
In His Service,
Patrick and Sherry
Dr. Patrick and
Sherry Coleman
Luanshya, Zambia Africa