Greetings from Luanshya!
The big news in town this week is the visit by President Mwanawasa, the re-re-reopening of the copper mine. The people of Luanshya have suffered greatly because of the unethical (and perhaps illegal) practices of an investor who came in under the pretext of developing the Luanshya Mine, but after a few short years he vacated the premises having stripped most of the assets and left the miners wondering what had happened. The new owners of the Mine promise better things for the future. We pray that this is so as a number of the believers with whom we work are employed in the mine industry.
On Sunday I continued in the series "Running with Giants". This past weekend we studied the lives of Abraham and Moses and the fact that God will use insignificant people to do significant things when they simply obey God's command. We find that people without influence can do miraculous things when they allow themselves to be influenced by the Lord. This has been true of every "giant" that we have studied: obedience brings victory.
On Monday we celebrated a milestone in our family. My father celebrated his 75th birthday. We managed to get a phone call out and found that he was at church serving-where else would you want to be on your 75th birthday? This year will be filled with milestones - I turn 50, our oldest son turns 30 and I celebrate 20 years as a missionary in Africa. (Sherry is typing this and said it is none of your business how old she'll be this year!)
Sherry has spent several days preparing lessons on the subject "Men and Women-Equal Yet Different". In today's society there is a general misunderstanding on the roles of men and women. Many people want to take societies "norms" and apply them to Christian service. What we are supposed to do is take biblical principles and apply them in the society in which we live. It is sin that has cause today's confusion. If sin had not entered the world, God's plan would never have been perverted and the existing chaos would be non-existent. Pray for her as she continues this preparation. Gender issues are a prevalent subject these days, even in Zambia.
Several months ago I was asked to consider starting a Bible Institute specifically for church leaders who were unable to come to "day time classes". I am putting together notes now so this program can begin in the next couple of weeks. The purpose of the Institute is not to take schoolboys and run them through a "preachers school," but to help men who are currently preaching and leading churches attain the tools they need to minister more effectively in their local assemblies. Please pray for our students since many of them do not speak English as a first language. Brother Chibumba will be working with me and taking classes at the same time. He will also help to explain English terminology to those who have a difficulty in that area.
We sincerely appreciate your prayers on our behalf.
In His Service,
Patrick and Sherry
PS. You might want to take a look at our recent VBS report. Click here for a tour.
Dr. Patrick and
Sherry Coleman
Luanshya, Zambia Africa