Greetings from Luanshya!
June was a very good month for the Source of Light Bible Correspondence School. We had 25 new students enrolled in the program, 237 courses were distributed, 205 lessons were corrected and 25 certificates of completion were issued. I have begun to spend my afternoons in the Christian Resource Centre issuing courses and specifically chatting with students as they come in to drop off and collect their courses. The young man who was helping Sherry, as we mentioned last week, is now continuing his studies and does not have the time to be in the library. My presence here helps Sherry to continue her work and also gives me an opportunity to get to know our students a bit better. It is exciting to see the faces of those who have been taking the lessons for so long. Thank you for praying for this ever-expanding ministry.
All across America last Sunday people were celebrating the 4th of July. We also have a 4th of July in Zambia, it is called...the 4th of July. It's not a holiday and very few people even realize that it is a special day for American's. We were, however, able to celebrate the American Independence Day with our son, who was home from school. Sometimes Americans take for granted the freedoms that they have. I spent a few days in a neighbouring country over the weekend and it became instantly clear that the freedoms enjoyed in the USA (and other democratic nations) are not fully enjoyed around the globe. I would ask you to pray for several of the nations in our region who are experiencing the challenges of developing democracies. Whereas the USA has been an independent nation for 228 years, some countries in this part of the world are still struggling with the concept of democracy.
On Wednesday evenings we are continuing our study of the book of Exodus. The last few weeks we have been talking about the tabernacle. It is interesting to note the detailed instructions by the Lord for the building and assembling for the furniture in the tabernacle and the items outside. The strong acacia wood, which forms the core of much of the furniture, represents the humanity of Christ while the gold overlay represents his royalty and deity. In creating these word pictures for the congregation, I am able to use actual pictures to show them the "artist's" rendition of these items. Last week I was able to illustrate the unity of the church in the unity of the tabernacle where every piece of the wall was set into another piece so that the final structure was perfect in measure and dimension. We are not perfect but God has placed us in His plan thus making us a part of His perfect plan. As I was explaining this, the people began to understand that they had a part in that perfect plan. Please pray for us as we continue in this study; that God would allow us, both Sherry and me, to demonstrate this unity in our teaching and daily lives.
One final request for prayer, there has been a number of cases of vandalism in our part of town. This is always a source of concern. We would ask you to pray that the situation would not worsen. We have a substantial investment in the Resource Centre and Youth Centre. While we realize that it is all the Lord's money, we also recognize the fact that we are to be good stewards of these resources. We do not want them lost due to increased crime in our area. We have taken specific steps for added security but the fact is we cannot stay awake 24hrs. a day, seven days a week. So, pray for protection of our facility down town and our home around the corner as well as the Lighthouse Children's Home across town.
Thank you for being a part of our ministry and remembering us in your prayers.
In His Service,
Patrick and Sherry
Dr. Patrick and
Sherry Coleman
Luanshya, Zambia Africa