Greetings from Luanshya!
In our services on Sunday, we have been "running with the giants" and learning lessons from Old Testament characters for New Testament Christians. Last Sunday we studied the life of Rebekah and the fact that she gave generously-not seeking reward. Because of her generosity, God richly rewarded her. The obvious lesson from her life is to give without seeking recompense and to give generously out of a sincere desire to serve.
One of the ways in which we express our concern for our community is by serving them, meeting the needs of the poorest of the poor. We have been asked to help with the logistics of distributing nearly 2,000 mosquito nets in the Buntungwa Compound area, southeast of Luanshya. Another organization purchased the nets and we are now awaiting deliver so they can be distributed in about two weeks time. We will mobilize members of our church in Buntungwa along with the local District Health Management Team. Please pray for this exercise as we reach out to those who have physical needs as well as spiritual needs.
We have done some investigation at the schools in which our Lighthouse children are attending. One of the schools has a 100% pass rate for the grade 7 exams. The other school has a 99% pass rate. We are pleased with these results, especially since our children are getting older and will be taking this very exam in a few short years. We know that the full time care for these children is expensive, but we feel that helping a few prepare for life is better than simply passing out food stuffs and not teaching children to prepare for their own future.
Upcoming events include speaking at a church in a small farming village in Mkushi and the beginning of a film series on the lives of prominent bible characters. Sherry will begin looking for next years Vacation Bible School material, which is supposed to be on the way. We just received notification of shipment for more correspondence Bible school curricula. Pray for a quick arrival.
As always, we thank you for your prayers and fellowship in the ministry.
In His Service,
Patrick and Sherry
Dr. Patrick and
Sherry Coleman
Luanshya, Zambia Africa