Greetings from Luanshya!
We have been incredibly busy in the Christian Resource Centre this past week. Even though the teacher's strike is officially over, many of the teachers are simply not coming to class. Students from the high school are coming to the CRC in their school uniforms. Some are reading while others are collecting or handing in their Source of Light courses. When I ask how their studies in preparation for exams are coming they simply shrug and say, "katwishi" (I don't know). It is really sad that these children are going to be sorely disappointed at not being prepared for these exams. On the other hand, many of these students are having an opportunity to read and study the Word of God. They are preparing for a higher exam. Several of these students have received Christ as their Lord and Saviour over the past few months. Because of their age, many are prohibited from attending Fellowship Chapel by their parents, but still they are receiving the Bible teaching. Thank you for your prayers and support in this particular ministry where we are reaching the unreached.
The pastor of one of the local churches came into the library yesterday. He had not been here before but had heard about the Resource Centre from his child who is one of our students. I showed him around the room. I showed him where the books, bibles and commentaries were situated. He exclaimed, "This is a gold mine. I will definitely be back to indulge myself in the riches of this library." Later in the afternoon another pastor came into the library. He was studying about the Tabernacle. He was so involved in his studies that he did not realise it was time to close. He said, "Please set these books aside so I can use them tomorrow." It is truly a privilege to have a part in the preparation of messages being preached around this town every week to congregations we may never see. Please pray for these Zambian preachers as they carry the light.
Tonight we conclude a short series from Leviticus on the five offerings. The final lesson from Leviticus chapter 5 is on the Trespass Offering. It is interesting to look at the order of these sacrifices as they are recorded in the Bible. God begins with the burnt offering - the complete consecration of His son in the work of redemption - and ends with the trespass offering. From man's point of view the order is reversed. First we see ourselves as having committed sins and realise that we are in debt to God and man. As the work of conviction continues, we realise that we are sinners - thus the sin offering. Then, the Spirit reveals Christ to us, the one who made peace through the blood of the cross - the peace offering. We then discover peace as we are accepted in the beloved - the meal offering. Finally, the result of all this must be our complete consecration to the Lord - the burnt offering. Of course, we praise God that we do not need a sacrifice today because of the completed work of Christ on the cross. How exciting!
On the personal front: A few weeks ago Sherry broke a tooth biting on a piece of toast. Amazingly, there is a dentist in Ndola who can reconstruct the tooth and build a bridge. Unfortunately, the actual bridge has been outsourced to a lab in Zimbabwe so it will take another few weeks but it is better than having to travel all the way to South Africa to get the work accomplished. Please pray for Sherry as she spends the next few weeks eating delicately.
We sincerely appreciate the part you have in this ministry. You share in our victories and the reward.
In His Service,
Patrick and Sherry
Dr. Patrick and
Sherry Coleman
Luanshya, Zambia Africa