News from Zambia - 19th January 2005

Greetings from Luanshya!

Last Thursday the Lighthouse Children's Home had a surprise visit from

one of the representatives from the Social Welfare office. This was the

first time any representative came unannounced. I was not informed of

her visit until she was leaving. General comments about the Home were

that we are, still, the model facility in the Luanshya District. She did

comment that we had no blankets on the beds for the children. Every bed

has sheets and light blankets and the temperatures right now range from

75 and 85 degrees so heavy blankets are really unnecessary at the

moment. Nevertheless, in order to avoid an argument, I purchased 10

blankets and put one on each bed. There were a few other observations

but she was extremely pleased with the condition of the Home and the

well-being of the children. We appreciate those who have a part in this

particular ministry.

On Friday Sherry had the first College and Career class. There were a

number of young people from various church backgrounds. Sherry taught on

"The Walk of Love" from 2 John 1:6. The hour-long class lasted a full

ninety minutes with the young people saying that they planned to bring

more friends next week. Please pray for this new outreach and Sherry as

she prepares her lessons on the series "To Walk and Not Grow Weary".

Brother Chibumba preached from Luke 12 on Sunday morning. It had rained

all day Saturday, all night Saturday and continued to rain on Sunday

morning. When you live in a place where 99% of the people travel by foot

or by bicycle, torrential rains are a major factor in going from place

to place. The attendance was very low. Brother Chibumba was not

discouraged and did an excellent job in delivering his message. That

afternoon we showed a film and amazingly the sun came out and the

afternoon wound up being very pleasant.

The Bible Institute continues. We studied the book of 2 Kings. This week

we were studying the ministry of the prophet Elisha. The students are

doing well and their questions are not run of the mill but unique. Since

we hold classes in the Christian Resource Centre, I often tell the

students "go grab that commentary" and give your answer to the class. We

then spend time discussing the various issues. We are all enjoying the

studies.

My father's e -mail has not been working so I do not know how my mother

is doing at this point after breaking her ankle from a recent fall. She

is currently in a rehab hospital receiving personalized attention and

discipline. One of the church members sent me a note saying that my

mother was enjoying hospital food. So I think she must have hit her head

as well. :) Just kidding, Mom!

As we finish writing this note (5:00 pm), Brother Silungwe is in the

Christian Resource Centre working on his discipleship lesson for next

Monday. He has not been well, due to the current weather conditions, but

he wants to finish these lessons. Please pray for him and for others who

are involved in this ministry.

Thank you for being a part of our lives.

In His Service,

Patrick & Sherry