Greetings from Luanshya!
As we write this letter, every week, we consider a question of "tense". When we wrote the letter with an editorial "we", it was suggested that one of us should write the letter in the first person. We switched to a third person narrative and some people thought that was "cold". When "I" wrote the letter, as Patrick, some people were confused as to who the "I" was-especially when "I" talked about preaching. Some wanted to know if Sherry was actually preaching in various churches to a mixed congregation. As we sit to write the letter every week, I (Patrick) narrate to Sherry as she types yet we talk about the subject matter as it is being written on the screen. So, the letter is from both of us sharing the work that we, together, are doing here in Zambia.
Last Sunday Patrick spoke on the obstacles that David overcame to become the greatest king of Israel. His father saw no potential for him as king. His brother saw no potential for him as a war leader. King Saul saw no potential for him as a champion and Goliath saw no potential in him as an opponent. Nevertheless, God saw all these things in the shepherd boy and David became the "apple of God's eye." Very often we allow the opinions of others to keep us from our full potential. If we surrender ourselves to God and allow Him to use us without limit, then we are victorious in the battle and God receives the glory. Sometimes people with low incomes and poor education do not feel that God can use them because of these obstacles. Yet, most of the people that God used in His service, were of humble means very much like most of the people living in Zambia.
Sherry spent some time with Sarah this afternoon in discipleship. They completed the final breakdown of 1 Thessalonians 5 using the inductive Bible study method. Next week Sarah will review the work of the last seven weeks and put together a basic outline and thematic scheme of the book of 1 Thessalonians plus do a research paper on "The Day of the Lord". Pray for her as she completes this critical part of discipleship and finally "graduates" the course. Pray, also that she will have the courage to choose another young woman in the church to be her first discipleship student and thus multiply.
Sara continues in her discipleship with Sherry. Today she completed a word-by-word study of 1 Thessalonians 3. She has one more chapter to go and then the final summary write-up for the entire book. This has been an eye opening experience for Sara and she said as much during her most recent lesson. Sherry has observed outstanding growth and comprehension with every assignment. At times she is awestruck at some of the observations and practical applications. Sara is also required to write questions for entire passages of scripture. It is thrilling see her find the answers to her own questions and develop cross references for future study.
In some of the local high schools there is a club entitled "Scripture Union". It is in the club that many young people begin to take their first courageous steps into the world of being a "witness" for the Lord. Unfortunately, some of the lessons taught to the children are not true to the Word. One the young from the chapel has been coming to Sherry over the last two weeks with questions regarding various issues. Part of the problem is that statements are made, in the club, without any scriptural reference (in spite of the name Scripture Union). So much of what is stated, as fact does not have biblical reference. As questions arise, our young people are bringing them to us and we are able to clarify, from the Word of God, the answers they are seeking. It is an awesome responsibility knowing that young people are coming to us for answers to life's questions. We accept that responsibility with great humility leaning on the Lord for wisdom. Please pray for this ministry to the youth.
We have had a rash of illnesses at the Lighthouse Children's Home this last week. Some of the children have had cases of malaria while others have been suffering from the flu and today one of the boys was stung in the eyelid by a small - but powerful wasp. The children are growing spiritually, physically and academically. We are excited about their progress in school and being a part in their future. We appreciate your part as you pray for them.
Finally, please know that we thank God continually for the fact that you share with us in this ministry through your prayers and support.
In His Service,
Patrick and Sherry
Dr. Patrick and
Sherry Coleman
Luanshya, Zambia Africa