Greetings from Luanshya!
It has been said that nothing is fast in Africa. That isn't exactly
true. Some things are very quick. Some time ago my windscreen was hit by
a stone, thrown by the tire of a vehicle ahead of me. It wasn't much of
a problem, until the weather got hot and the "star" began growing feet
that scattered, across my field of vision. What was a little problem
became serious in a, matter of weeks.
Earlier this week I had to go to Lusaka to get my windscreen replaced.
It, was supposed to take 24 hrs. Two days later I finally returned to
Luanshya, with a new windscreen, new timing belt and a new antennae and
a bill for, just under US$1,000. Bad things come quickly. Repairs take a
while. Life is, like that. We are working with several people who have,
in various ways, messed up their lives. Their actions were in many cases
avoidable simply by, being faithful to the Lord and keeping the promises
that they had made to, Him. Nevertheless, now they find themselves on
the road to recovery and in, many instances finding out that sin has a
much higher cost than previously, anticipated. We cannot give the names
of these people simply because it would not be proper for us to do so
but we do ask you to pray for those who are hurting in Luanshya and that
God would mend their spirits and in some, cases their families.
The College and Career Class, led by Sherry, last week studied the life
of, someone whose life was turned upside down through absolutely no
fault of his, own. The lesson was entitled "When The Lights Go Out".
Their character study was on the life of Job. People often remark Job's
circumstances were unfair. It often seems "unfair" when bad things
happen to good people. Often the, larger picture is not seen. In Job's
case God was making a point to Satan, the angels and even to some of
Job's "friends" concerning faithfulness. Job also learned a lot about
himself through this series of events. By the end, of the lesson the
young people had learned a lot about themselves as well as, about the
faithfulness and protection of God. Three of the young men who, visited
for the first time on Friday also visited the services on Sunday,
morning. Please pray for Luke, Felix and Danny. I will be visiting them
in, the next couple of days and inviting them to know more about having
a, personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Finally, today we celebrate Colin's 16th birthday. Please pray that as
he, nears adulthood he will remain faithful to the promises he has made
to the, Lord and to his parents and that God will continue to bless him
in his, spiritual, academic and physical life. We are proud of him and
his, accomplishments and pleased with his life goals.
We count it a privilege to serve the Lord as your representatives in
Zambia. Thank you for being a part of this service,
In His Service,
Patrick & Sherry
