We did not manage to send a letter out last week because our Internet service provider froze the system. No e-mail address with a suffix other than "zm" was being recognized by the server. We both had several hundred e-mails bounce back at us. When we called Zamnet, they said, "We are having a bit of a problem." Finally, the problem was solved over the weekend. We are back online!
During the month of April, the Source of Light Bible Correspondence School enrolled 45 new students, 346 courses were distributed, 278 were corrected and 28 certificates of completion were issued. We continue to be pleased with this ongoing ministry.
We had a delegation from the church in Kafubu Block which came to thank us for our part in the distribution of insecticide treated mosquito nets in their area. The Kafubu area is one of the worst hit by the malaria parasite because of the proximity to the river. Every household has been affected with the disease at least three times in a year. The nets provide at least some protection from the mosquito. According to the International Federation of the Red Cross/Red Crescent, use of the nets can reduce malaria incidence up to 25%. Much of the local churches resources are spent helping people who are sick and burying those who succumb to the illness, especially children. The small part we played in net distribution to this area will save hundreds of lives. The residents of the area recognize the fact that we care for their well being both physically and spiritually. This is yet one more opportunity to share the gospel in a practical way.
Last Sunday morning one of the newer believers taught Sunday School for the first time under the guiding eye of the regular class teacher. Brother Kazembe did well but he was very nervous sitting before a class filled with little children. It is amazing how an otherwise conversant adult can be brought to the point of trembling when faced with teaching a class of youngsters. Pray for teachers, pray for the seminars, pray for the children.
Yesterday afternoon we had another delegation of local church leaders from Mikomfwa who heard that Sherry had lost her father. They came and spent about 30 minutes with her sharing scripture and praying for her and for her family. It touched them that she would travel such a distance to see to the needs of family and still return to this part of the world.
Finally, Sherry is enjoying her lessons with the young people. This week the lesson was on "The Lazy Way" from Ecclesiastes 8:10. She admonished the young people that the bible has much to say about laziness and none of it is good. She defined laziness as "doing nothing when God would have you doing something." Dealing with laziness in our lives is hard work. Pray that our young people will avoid the temptation to do nothing when God says do something.
It has been a busy week, as always. We appreciate your prayers on our behalf.
In His Service,
Patrick and Sherry
Dr. Patrick and
Sherry Coleman
Luanshya, Zambia Africa