Greetings from Luanshya!
This past week we have had conversations with a couple of church leaders who are students in the Source of Light program. Often when we talk about the SOL ministry, we emphasize the fact that we are working with a lot of children, but we have a number of preachers, teachers and church leaders who are also involved in this particular study. The two men with whom we had conversations thanked us for providing a systematic Bible study which allowed them to be refreshed in the elemental principles as well as broadening their scope of study. The one man said that he had preached an entire series based on "New Life In Christ," one of our series for adults. We are excited when we realize that this ministry is reaching into congregations all around Luanshya and being translated into several vernacular languages. We appreciate, sincerely, those who are a part of this ministry both in prayer and in financial support. You are reaching lives! We are pleased that our latest shipment of replacement lessons arrived yesterday. Sherry has already sent another order as we have already used our surplus for new enrolees.
School began last Monday. Ordinarily, this results in a drop in the attendance in the Resource Centre. However, with the students going back to class, they are sharing with their schoolmates about the library and Mailbox Club Bible courses. The place is packed morning and afternoon with some students actually waiting to get in the door thirty minutes before we officially open. Sherry has over two inches of course exams to score just from today's intake. One of the new students is only in third grade. Ordinarily, we would not accept his enrolment because most third graders cannot read. He begged me to let him prove his ability. So, I took one of the courses off of the shelf and he proceeded to read the entire first page in impeccable English. What a thrill it is to see children excited to learn about the Lord Jesus Christ. Please continue to pray for this ever-expanding ministry.
Last night I was speaking with the headmaster of one of the larger high schools in Luanshya District. This particular high school is on the other side of the Mine area, about 30 minutes from us. I asked him if it would be possible for us to utilize the school hall to show a series of Christian films. He said, "Would you charge anything?" I told him we never charged admission fee for any of the films we showed and would appreciate free use of the hall. He said that he did not think it would be a problem and would try to find a way to get the room dark enough so both students and members of the community could actually see the film. The opportunity to show Christian films in public schools in North America no longer exists, but we have an open door in Zambia. Please pray for this possibility. It would be a wonderful chance to spread the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to people who would never come to a church service.
Sherry had a meeting with the Zambian Red Cross (representing the International Federation of the Red Cross/Crescent in Geneva). They had heard about the distribution of insecticide treated mosquito nets that we implemented a few months ago. They were so impressed by the success that they have asked us to help the local Red Cross committee in Luanshya to distribute 4,000 nets. These nets will be specifically for children, pregnant women, and the chronically ill. This is yet another opportunity for us to show God's love in a concrete way.
It has been another full week. God has certainly blessed! Thank you for being a part of our lives and ministry.
In His Service,
Patrick and Sherry
Dr. Patrick and
Sherry Coleman
Luanshya, Zambia Africa