Greetings from Luanshya!
This past Thursday it was my privilege to participate in the installation of the Mayor of Luanshya. The invitation only arrived Wednesday afternoon, but that is pretty normal for this part of the world. When I arrived, the master of ceremonies informed me that I was on the program to say the opening prayer. It was an honour to participate in this event-especially as the only non-Zambian in the small hall where the event took place. When I returned to my seat, the former deputy mayor commented, "Very nice prayer". I told him it was not difficult when you have an ongoing relationship with the One who answers those prayers. Please pray for the community of Luanshya. Businesses here are struggling to get back on top of the economic situation after the re-opening of the copper mine.
Saturday evening we had our first light rain of the season. It has not rained here since April, so any moisture is considered good moisture. Unfortunately, on Sunday morning we realized that the newly repaired roof at the chapel and Resource Centre complex had one leak. Sunday afternoon Colin and I were up on the roof looking for the culprit. We have spent the last three mornings on the roof patching and painting. We are hoping and praying that we have caught the offending leak in time. The rains are not due to begin in earnest for a few more weeks. Please pray with us that the patch will hold.
Sunday morning brother Chibumba preached a very good message on salvation. Unfortunately, none of the visitors that had been invited through the week were in attendance. At the end of his message brother Chibumba encouraged the congregation to take this message to their friends, neighbours, workmates, etc. and to compel them to come in. We appreciate your prayers for the Chibumba family. They are a vital part of our ministry.
This afternoon we enrolled several new students in the Source of Light ministry. Four of them were children from Jehovah's Witness homes. These children would never be allowed by their parents to attend a single service at Fellowship Chapel. If they did attend, they would be publicly reprimanded and their parents would be shamed by others in their particular religion. Reaching into these homes via the Source of Light courses gives us an opportunity to reach them for the Lord Jesus Christ that they will not receive in the traditional invitation to church manner. Please pray for these youngsters and the many, many others who are participating in the Source of Light Bible Correspondence School. We sincerely appreciate those who are making this particular ministry a reality.
This coming Saturday Colin will be taking his PSAT at Chengelo. He has been studying every morning this week while he is at home. He has taken a number of sample tests which the school provided. He feels relatively confident that he will do well, but like every teenager that confidence can easily melt away when you walk into the examination hall. Please pray for Colin this Saturday. The exam begins at 7 a.m. which 10 p.m. (Friday). California time.
Thank you so much for allowing us to share our lives with you and for making it to remain...
In His Service,
Patrick and Sherry
Dr. Patrick and
Sherry Coleman
Luanshya, Zambia Africa