Greetings from Luanshya!
Last Sunday morning I got up well before dawn and drove to a small farming community called Mkushi. This little town is at the southern most tip of the part of the Congo that nearly cuts Zambia in half. (For those of you with a world atlas nearby). I had the privilege of speaking to the members of a relatively new congregation of believers. I spoke on the purpose of the church, why we exist and what we do. After the service there was a lot of enthusiasm. The leaders of the church were taking copious notes. I look forward to returning there in a couple of months to check on their progress. They are meeting in a rented room at the moment, but are looking for a small plot of ground on which to build a chapel. Please pray for the Mkushi church.
On Monday I developed an ugly case of malaria - there is no pretty case. Over the last three days I have been recuperating and Sherry has been forcing me to stay in bed. Nevertheless, I have occasionally been able to sneak out of the house and run a few errands, like buying milk for the orphanage. On the same day little Johnnie (from the Lighthouse Home) was diagnosed with a case of Mumps. He cried when he couldn't go to school, but the doctor said he needed to take a week off. It is pretty amazing that this little boy, who three years ago couldn't even speak English is today upset when he can't go to school. We are concerned that the rest of the children will come down with this same illness. Please pray for them and for the Chibumba's as they deal with sick children.
Sherry has been keeping herself very busy in the Resource Centre. She did her inventory this week as well as the records for courses. One hundred and sixty three lessons were distributed during the month of January, one hundred and fifty two were corrected, seventeen certificates were awarded and eleven new students were enrolled. Now that the schools are back in session, we expect to enroll many new students in the new month.
Discipleship classes continue with Sherry teaching Sarah. Today they finished 1 Thessalonians 2. Sarah is learning how to make observations, bring together cross- references, and make applications from each passage. Today most of her observation dealt with living a very visual Christian life so that those among whom we live can experience Christ's example through her lifestyle. Please continue to pray for Sarah.
This evening we show the first part in a series on the Life of Moses. This film precedes a series of lessons that brother Chibumba and I will be leading on the books of Exodus and Leviticus. This is a study that brother Chibumba has dearly loved and he is looking forward to leading this discussion. I am looking forward to watching him do just that. We see tremendous growth in this man both in his Bible knowledge and leadership skills. He is truly gifted and has a heart for the people in the chapel
Sherry has completed her study on "Men and Women- Equal Yet Different". She has enjoyed the study and will enjoy sharing the lessons she has learned with ladies in the churches here as well as specially devised lessons for Teens. Pray for wisdom in presentation. Gender issues are a very hot topic in Zambia these days
We appreciate your prayers on our behalf.
In His Service,
Patrick and Sherry
Dr. Patrick and
Sherry Coleman
Luanshya, Zambia Africa