Greetings from Zambia!
It may seem "redundant" to send a "weekly update" when you have been receiving almost daily reports of the Coleman Family saga, but there is actually a lot happening here that is ministry related. We are blessed with a team that has been trained and is dedicated to the Lord’s service. We are really thankful for the men and women with whom we serve!
I took Colin back to school this afternoon. The trip was "uneventful" – a term we are beginning to appreciate – and the school administration was glad to see him. They will work around his schedule to help him retrieve the missing class notes of the past three days. He has a few weeks until the end of term so this will not be a problem. He was not feeling any pain in his arm and we sincerely thank you for your prayers on his behalf!
Two Sundays ago was "Youth Sunday" at Fellowship Chapel. 12th March is national "Youth Day" in Zambia so we capitalised on the event by having our youth lead in the service. (In Zambia a "youth" is anyone under 35 years of age.) Our preacher for the day was John, one of the young men we began helping several years ago. He preached from his heart and we could see the training he received in Teachers Training College being put to good use. He spoke to the young people of all ages" admonishing them to put aside the "pleasures" presented by the world and follow the youthful examples found in God’s word. Young people here do not have many of the same distractions that young people may have in "developed" parts of the world, but the drinking age is only 18 and seldom is anyone asked for ID in any of the dozens of legal and "less-than-legal" bars in Luanshya. Beer drinking is a national pastime and there are more breweries in Zambia than soft drink bottlers. John said that he sometimes felt like a lone voice, but I reminded him that Christ said the greatest man to ever live was a "voice crying in the wilderness." Please remember our young people in your prayers.
Last Sunday morning Bro Chibumba preached a very strong salvation message from Psalm 16. He cross referenced it with New Testament references and presented the fact that though our bodies are made of corruptible flesh, we have the promise of the incorruptible in the promise of the Holy One, the Lord Jesus Christ. I was blessed as I listened to this young man tell those in the Chapel about the saving grace made possible because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross of Calvary. Perhaps I was more blessed because I see this young preacher’s ability to lead grow from strength to strength. Please continue to remember Phillip Chibumba in your prayers.
The Christian Resource Centre has been open every day since Sherry’s departure. People have been coming in to drop off and receive their Source of Light Correspondence Bible Courses on schedule. Preachers and teachers have been able to continue their studies without interruption. School children still have access to the books that they love to read. We thank the Lord that this particular avenue of service remains a source of encouragement to the believers – and seekers – in our community. Those with particular questions have been told that we are dealing with a number of family situations and have not been in the office for the past week, but family ties are very close in Zambia and people understand our priorities.
Sherry and I have received over 200 posts in the past two weeks telling us that people are praying for Sherry, her family, Colin and me. I want you to know that we are simply overwhelmed by the love and concern that you have shown us during these days of real trauma. We know that God is ultimately in control of all that comes our way, and we are eternally grateful for your prayers for this ministry and our family. Thank you for allowing us to remain...
In His Service,
Patrick and Sherry
Dr. Patrick and
Sherry Coleman
Luanshya, Zambia Africa