Greetings from Luanshya!
This week we begin with good news. We have had rain a couple of times over the past few days and there are no more leaks in either the chapel or the Christian Resource Centre. Hopefully this will continue throughout the next five months when the rains really get heavy.
More good news. We received two boxes of books from a dear friend in Ireland with over 200 books as well as music tapes and CD's for children to listen to while in the library. Sherry has already completed the cataloguing of the new inventory and has placed them on the shelves in the Resource Centre. We appreciate this fantastic gift toward this ever-growing ministry.
This past Sunday I travelled to our newest baby church in the Buntungwa area. They have over 50 adults in the church and another 75 children and babies. The building was full and there were a number of visitors. When I arrived, I discovered that my interpreter for the day was a young Congolese man who had moved to the area a few months ago. We knew many of the same preachers from Lubumbashi so it was exciting to have that opportunity. After the service, three people expressed a desire to join the church. One of them will be counselled concerning her salvation. We are excited about this young church's growth.
Yesterday I had a very interesting visit from a young Anglican priest who is stationed in one of the townships around Luanshya. He was trying to express his thoughts on salvation and having a difficult time. He came back in the late afternoon when the Resource Centre was closed. We visited for about 45 minutes. He knows that he is born again because he remembers specifically repenting of his sins and asking the Lord Jesus to save him. He is finding it difficult to rationalize Anglican dogma and the Word of God since he has delved deeper into his studies at the Resource Centre. He has begun a series of lessons with us that should help him crystallize his thoughts and future actions. As he left he said, "I am glad there is someplace to come where I can get my questions answered. I am also glad that you are helping me answer these questions from the Word of God instead of a denominational text." I am glad, too!
Our children at the Lighthouse Children's Home are gearing up for final exams that will determine whether they are promoted to the next level or not. We have concerns only with one of the child who jumped a grade at the beginning of the year and has shown signs of struggle in recent months. Pray for our children as they buckle down and study.
Sherry met with her discipleship student yesterday. The topic of discussion was on Christian Fellowship-the advantage. Often believers do not realize the asset they have when they come into God's family. Suddenly there are caregivers all around availing themselves to provide information, encouragement and solace as we adjust to our new life in Christ.
Every week we touch many lives through the many ministries under our direction. Your prayer and support makes this possible. Thank you!
In His Service,
Patrick and Sherry
Dr. Patrick and
Sherry Coleman
Luanshya, Zambia Africa