17 September 2007

The Ultimate Goal

Greetings from Luanshya!


When we opened the doors of the Christian Resource Centre, ten years ago, we did not really know what kind of reception there would be in the community with regard to a Christian reading room and library. Our desire was to see books that had been a help to our ministry become available to help others in ministry who cannot afford to buy their own. As we look at the different people using the facility and the various subjects being studied, our goal has been accomplished.


This past week alone Mr. Kafunda was doing an in depth study on the Christian and ownership. He is looking this from the perspective of a national believer "inheriting" the ministry of a long time mission which is in the process of handing over a particular aspect of ministry to local leadership. This should be, of course, the ultimate goal of all missionaries. However, it is often difficult both to let go and to assume leadership and all that entails.


Mr. Silungwe is an older brother in the Lord of about 70 years of age. He is doing detailed study of Psalm 23. He is interested in learning about true joy in the valleys of life. He suffers from high blood pressure and peptic ulcers. He has outlived all of his siblings and many of his nieces and nephews. He is considered to be the patriarch of his family and he sees many of the next generation ignoring the things of the Lord.


Mr. Muke is a local church leader. He is in the process of training new believers so is preparing lessons on the New Testament Church. He was reviewing a book on the Lord's Supper and worship.


These three men are examples of the kind of people we see every day in the Christian Resource Centre. None of them could afford to buy the books they are able to use here and certainly none of them could afford to buy the laptop top computers from which they gather much of their material. This has all been made possible through our personal library, contributions to this library and those who have generously provided laptop computers for this ministry. We may never know in our life time the ultimate fruit of this labour but we do witness the gratitude shown by those who utilize these resources on a daily basis.


For those who have been praying specifically for my cancer review, the doctor has given a clean bill of health once again. Sherry is elated, of course! The next appointment will be in March 2008. Please continue to pray for good health for both of us. We are a long way from acceptable medical services.


As always, we thank you for your support and prayers.


In His Service,
Patrick & Sherry