Greetings from Luanshya!
Sometimes we do not realise the effect that our actions have on others. Over the past month Christians here have had an opportunity to watch us as we dealt with emergencies in our family: the loss of Sherry's father, Patrick's attack of amoebic dysentery and Colin falling and breaking his arm. In the Zambian culture a family would attribute these events as the result of witchcraft. Many staunch believers have had their faith weakened because of the inability to deal with family trauma. We know, because of our relationship with the Lord, that these events are simply a part of living in a cursed world. Death, sickness and suffering are a result of sin. We also know that the Lord Jesus Christ has promised never to leave us or forsake us. When we have situations arise in our family that bring suffering and pain, our first reaction is to call on our Heavenly Father and to put those situations in His hands.
This past week a number of believers from the Buntungwa church came to visit Sherry and pray with her concerning her loss. During their visit they sang a song, shared comforting words from Scripture and gave Sherry a gift to demonstrate their love and appreciation for her ministry to them. A day later another preacher came to visit Sherry just to let her know that he was praying for her. While we do not look forward to troublesome times, we are appreciative that God has given us friends and co-workers that pray for us and comfort us in our times of need. It is also rewarding for us to know that the example that we have been trying to set for nearly two decades of ministry in Africa are bearing fruit in the lives of those with whom we work.
There has been a lot in our local newspaper about the film, The Passion of the Christ. We had thought about viewing the film in Lusaka before coming home after Sherry's arrival from the States. However, there was a three-day waiting list for tickets. This past week we have had a few people ask us when we were going to present the film locally. Obviously, this cannot be done until the film has been released on a DVD. We have explained that we will show the film as soon as we can but we are not able to dictate release dates. We will, however, use this opportunity to show the "Jesus". We also have several other films of the same nature that we will be able to show in the next few weeks. Please pray for those who will attend these film presentations: 1) prepared hearts; 2) souls saved.
There is a brief update on Colin's arm. We had another set of x-ray's taken. The bone has shifted slightly from the initial setting, but the doctor said that the bone is still straight and the knitting process has begun. The cast will be removed in about three weeks-just prior to his return to school. We have made it quite clear that he is not to go anywhere near the ropes course until further notice (like when he is 42). We will also suggest that a support brace be kept on his arm when he is doing anything physical for the next couple of months. Thank you for your continued prayers on his behalf.
We never take for granted the prayers of those who keep this ministry before the Throne of Grace. In all that has happened over the past few weeks we have been surrounded by your prayers and we appreciate your faithfulness.
In His Service,
Patrick and Sherry
Dr. Patrick and
Sherry Coleman
Luanshya, Zambia Africa