Last Act

Greetings from Luanshya!

This has been a very difficult week for a number of the believers with whom we work. Mrs. Tali, the wife of one of the church leaders, lost her 73 year-old mother because of a stroke and subsequent complications. Finally, John Bwalya's brother, Victor, was killed in a bus accident just a few days ago. All of these individuals were born again children of God. The family and friends will see them again when they reach heaven. However, the pain of the loss is always excruciating and grief takes time.


Victor Bwalya was the youngest of those who died last week. Yet his story is the most compelling. He recently obtained a job as the conductor on a long distance bus service. His job was to make sure the customers were happy and obviously that they all paid their fare. However, Victor was much more than this on his tours back and forth. He was known to share the gospel by preaching to this "captive audience" of travellers. On the day he died he had just finished preaching the gospel and was on the way to the front of the bus with a gospel music tape in hand to play over the sound system. Another driver, who had determined to commit suicide by running into a large vehicle, collided with the side of the bus right where Victor was standing. Nobody else on the bus died. The driver of the other vehicle also survived. We cannot know why God allowed this event to take place. John and his family are dealing with this sudden loss and trying to make sense of it all. Those who survived the bus accident talk about the testimony of this young man. He was dedicated to the Lord and proclaimed his faith openly. The last act he committed on earth was to share the gospel. What a fantastic testimony that is!

One of these days we will all commit a "last act". Until that time, we prepare for our transition as believers from earth to glory. This past week, in the midst of all the trials, I met with Mr. Siwale for our discipleship class where we talked about sharing the gospel. Mr. Siwale said he was learning more and more and was becoming bolder in his sharing of the good news. After hearing the story of Victor Bwalya, we pray that more believers will gain boldness to share and hold forth the Word of Truth.

As we come to this particular time of the year, we thank the Lord for the blessings we have received. The blessings include the opportunity to serve Him and to represent you in that service to the people of Zambia.

May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

In His Service,
Patrick & Sherry