29 December 2010

News from Zambia - 29th December 2010 A

29th December 2010

 

Greetings from Luanshya!

 

It seems like just a few weeks ago that we were welcoming 2010 and here we are wishing it good-bye. This year has been filled with blessings and challenges; victories and “near-misses” and fulfilled dreams as well as surprises.

 

In the past few weeks we have seen the Lord work in the lives of His children in amazing ways. One young man who demonstrated a rebellious attitude last year has done a complete about face and decided that “enough was enough” and he was tired of playing with God. He said that 2010 was his year of transformation. Not only did he follow the Lord in baptism last week on Christmas Eve, but he is involved in daily devotions with several young men here in town. At the age of 19 he is entering grade nine, but he has decided that his past is his incentive to give his life to Christ’s service. We are proud of Johnny’s new-found dedication and ask you to pray for him. Decisions like this always meet with opposition from the devil.

 

The atmosphere was almost electric last Sunday as we recognised the newly baptised believers at the church. At the close of the service two more people came to us and said they wanted to follow the Lord in baptism as well. On Tuesday another young man told me he wanted to be baptised. They will all be baptised on Friday – New Year’s Eve. As I talked about this at the mid-week Bible study in the rural church questions were asked about why some of the believers there had not been baptised. The more we talked, the more evident that there was a need to explain the “why’s and wherefore’s” of baptism. At the end of the class two of the participants said they “needed” to follow the Lord in baptism. On Sunday the church will walk the mile from the church to the river and baptise these two believers.

 

Why is this so important? Because when believers identify with the Lord Jesus Christ in believer’s baptism their testimony speaks volumes and presents more opportunities to share the Gospel. It also encourages them to get involved in discipleship and that strengthens both the individual Christian as well as the church family. We are looking forward to a great 2011 – Challenges and all!

 

We cannot end this year without mentioning the fantastic expansion of Sherry’s youth class. The young people have been inviting their friends to the recreation centre and Bible study. Some of them have found it difficult to come early for the games, but show up just in time for the Bible study. She doesn’t have to “guard the door” when the Bible study begins. Often she has to get more chairs. We are including a few pictures of last week’s class.

 

As we said, 2010 has flown by. God has continued to open doors and shower the work here with His blessings. We deeply appreciate your prayers on our behalf. As we start 2011 we look forward to what God has in store for us.

 

Together in His Service,

Patrick & Sherry

 

Dr. Patrick & Sherry Coleman

P.O. Box 90010

Luanshya, Zambia Africa

 

www.colemanministry.info

tel: (h) 260-21-2510033

(w) 260-21-2512359

(w) 260-21-2512539

(fax) 260-21-2510718

cell: (Sherry) 260-96-6780112

cell: (Patrick) 260-96-6780113

Skype: patrick.g.coleman / sherry.i.coleman

 

 

 

15 December 2010

News from Zambia - 15th December 2010 F&F

15th December 2010

 

Greetings from Luanshya!

 

Welcome Yvonne Banda into the family of God! This afternoon I was teaching at the Kafubu Block Chapel and a young lady came who had been coming to the Sunday services for a few weeks. We have been going studying personal evangelism and we have just finished the 6th (and hopefully final) draft of the translation of the Evangelism Explosion Presentation of the Gospel into ciBemba (chee-BEM-bah) language. As we were coming to the end of the class one of the men introduced Yvonne to me. He said she had some questions about knowing she had eternal life and he told her that I had the answers. Right there in front of 12 members of the class I asked Yvonne if she had come to the place in her life where she knew that if she died today that she would go to heaven. She said she would. When I asked her what she would say if God asked her why He should allow her to enter into His heaven she told me what her denomination had told her: “I have been doing good things.” It was a great joy to let her know that heaven is a free gift and our good works will not get us into heaven. In just a few minutes Yvonne bowed her head with Bro Simwanza and prayed a simple prayer of repentance asking God to save her from sin’s penalty. The class burst into cheers – as the angels rejoiced in heaven! Pray for Yvonne as she grows in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

 

Last Friday evening it was my pleasure to attend the end-of-year dinner with the Mobile Mission Maintenance Vocational Training Centre administration and staff. MMMVTC trains young men and women in practical life skills as well as bible training. When the school was handed over to local leadership by the missionaries 10 years ago they graduated 5-10 students per year. This past year they graduated 94 students and enrolment applications are multiplying for next year. Many of these young people will return to their homes in rural Zambia and not only be trained in building skills, but be able to spread the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to those in their towns and villages. As a member of their board of directors I am proud of the director of the school, Leonard Mutono, for his vision for the future. This young Zambian preacher/teacher has a desire to see his nation become the Christian nation it was declared to be many years ago. He knows that declarations do not make it a reality; practical applications of God’s Word will. Please pray for MMMVTC and all who are involved in this ministry.

 

If you have been following our work for some time you will remember Johnny Banda. Johnny was one of our first wards in the Lighthouse Children’s Home in December 2000. When he reached his 18th birthday he decided that the LCH rules were not to his liking and he left our care. It was not long before he realised that he had bitten off more than he could chew and found himself with no work, no food and no place to sleep. The director of the Encounter Evangelistic Ministry, Leonard Bwalya, was contacted and Johnny was invited to stay there – with the same rules that applied at the LCH. Johnny began coming to church again and even attending Bible studies with EEM. This past week Johnny asked to see Sherry. He admitted that he had made a grave error in judgement and said he knew that God had used the circumstances of the past year to get his attention. He had accepted Christ as his Saviour several years ago, but had resisted being baptised. He told Sherry that he needed to step back into God’s will and declare his faith publically. He will be baptised on Christmas Eve along with another young lady who made the same decision without so much “baggage.” We are sorry that it took Johnny so long to realise his rebellion would only hurt him, but we praise the Lord for Johnny’s growth in the past few months and for his decision to proclaim his repentance and dedication to the Lord.

 

The end of the year is not without it’s challenges, but we see God working in so many areas of our ministry that we are excited about what He has in store for us in the coming year!

 

Together in His Service,

Patrick & Sherry

 

Dr. Patrick & Sherry Coleman

P.O. Box 90010

Luanshya, Zambia Africa

 

www.colemanministry.info

tel: (h) 260-21-2510033

(w) 260-21-2512359

(w) 260-21-2512539

(fax) 260-21-2510718

cell: (Sherry) 260-96-6780112

cell: (Patrick) 260-96-6780113

Skype: patrick.g.coleman / sherry.i.coleman

 

News from Zambia - 15th December 2010 A

15th December 2010

 

Greetings from Luanshya!

 

Welcome Yvonne Banda into the family of God! This afternoon I was teaching at the Kafubu Block Chapel and a young lady came who had been coming to the Sunday services for a few weeks. We have been going studying personal evangelism and we have just finished the 6th (and hopefully final) draft of the translation of the Evangelism Explosion Presentation of the Gospel into ciBemba (chee-BEM-bah) language. As we were coming to the end of the class one of the men introduced Yvonne to me. He said she had some questions about knowing she had eternal life and he told her that I had the answers. Right there in front of 12 members of the class I asked Yvonne if she had come to the place in her life where she knew that if she died today that she would go to heaven. She said she would. When I asked her what she would say if God asked her why He should allow her to enter into His heaven she told me what her denomination had told her: “I have been doing good things.” It was a great joy to let her know that heaven is a free gift and our good works will not get us into heaven. In just a few minutes Yvonne bowed her head with Bro Simwanza and prayed a simple prayer of repentance asking God to save her from sin’s penalty. The class burst into cheers – as the angels rejoiced in heaven! Pray for Yvonne as she grows in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

 

Last Friday evening it was my pleasure to attend the end-of-year dinner with the Mobile Mission Maintenance Vocational Training Centre administration and staff. MMMVTC trains young men and women in practical life skills as well as bible training. When the school was handed over to local leadership by the missionaries 10 years ago they graduated 5-10 students per year. This past year they graduated 94 students and enrolment applications are multiplying for next year. Many of these young people will return to their homes in rural Zambia and not only be trained in building skills, but be able to spread the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to those in their towns and villages. As a member of their board of directors I am proud of the director of the school, Leonard Mutono, for his vision for the future. This young Zambian preacher/teacher has a desire to see his nation become the Christian nation it was declared to be many years ago. He knows that declarations do not make it a reality; practical applications of God’s Word will. Please pray for MMMVTC and all who are involved in this ministry.

 

If you have been following our work for some time you will remember Johnny Banda. Johnny was one of our first wards in the Lighthouse Children’s Home in December 2000. When he reached his 18th birthday he decided that the LCH rules were not to his liking and he left our care. It was not long before he realised that he had bitten off more than he could chew and found himself with no work, no food and no place to sleep. The director of the Encounter Evangelistic Ministry, leonard Bwalya, was contacted and Johnny was invited to stay there – with the same rules that applied at the LCH. Johnny began coming to church again and even attending Bible studies with EEM. This past week Johnny asked to see Sherry. He admitted that he had made a grave error in judgement and said he knew that God had used the circumstances of the past year to get his attention. He had accepted Christ as his Saviour several years ago, but had resisted being baptised. He told Sherry that he needed to step back into God’s will and declare his faith publically. He will be baptised on Christmas Eve along with another young lady who made the same decision without so much “baggage.” We are sorry that it took Johnny so long to realise his rebellion would only hurt him, but we praise the Lord for Johnny’s growth in the past few months and for his decision to proclaim his repentance and dedication to the Lord.

 

The end of the year is not without it’s challenges, but we see God working in so many areas of our ministry that we are excited about what He has in store for us in the coming year!

 

Together in His Service,

Patrick & Sherry

 

Dr. Patrick & Sherry Coleman

P.O. Box 90010

Luanshya, Zambia Africa

 

www.colemanministry.info

tel: (h) 260-21-2510033

(w) 260-21-2512359

(w) 260-21-2512539

(fax) 260-21-2510718

cell: (Sherry) 260-96-6780112

cell: (Patrick) 260-96-6780113

Skype: patrick.g.coleman / sherry.i.coleman

 

06 October 2010

News from Zambia - 6th October 2010 Family

6th October 2010

 

Greetings from Luanshya!

 

September proved to be one of the busiest months we have had for a while – and we tend to have busy months! Not only did classes begin for the school children again, but the Christian Resource Centre and outreach ministries have kept us involved in our church and community lives.

 

The five people taking the Design for Discipleship Course continue their studies. All five of them are at different stages in the study so it keeps me on my toes remembering who is where and when we meet. I certainly appreciate the calendar on my telephone to remind me where I am to be... and when! Two more have expressed an interest in beginning the course.

 

Sherry has closed her series of youth lessons on the life of David and will begin a new series from the First Epistle of John this week entitled “Living Right in a Wrong World.”

 

The Wednesday Bible Study in the rural farming block has been studying “God’s Timetable” for the world. There has been a huge interest lately concerning prophecy and even some “date setting” among some of the believers. While Christians know that the Second Coming of the Messiah is imminent, it is also important to explain to young believers that we are not to “sit and wait” for the Lord to come. I remember hearing in September 1975 that the Lord was coming and sincere believers stopped working in anticipation. In 1988 I received a book entitled 88 Reasons the Lord Will Come in 1988. Apparently a sequel was written in 1989 with an “update”. We are studying the end times with an emphasis to “occupy until He comes.” Over 800 gospel tracts in the local language have been distributed throughout the farming block. Please pray for this rural church body as they reach out to their “Jerusalem” for Christ.

 

We are extremely happy to let you know that the last two of our Lighthouse Children’s Home wards have asked to be baptised. Dickson and Shadreck came to “Aunt Sherry” a few weeks ago and said they had something they wanted to ask her. Actually, they knew the answer, but wanted her to encourage them. Last night they confirmed that they wanted to follow the Lord in Scriptural baptism. Both of the boys came to know The Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour several years ago, but pressure from an unexpected source caused them to delay this decision. Sometimes even “well-meaning” adults can hinder a young person from doing what they know is the right thing to do. In addition to these young people another one of Sherry’s youths will be baptised as well. The baptism will be conducted this Friday at the closing of the Youth Lesson. The young people will be inviting their friends from school to witness this testimony of their faith.

 

In addition to these exciting events we have been instrumental in the distribution of 60 wheelchairs to disabled people in our community as well as providing water for several schools in the Luanshya School District. Every community outreach is an opportunity to share the love of God and the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and we take full advantage of these opportunities!

 

A few weeks ago we asked you to pray about an area where there is no church, but several bars. We have had some opposition to going there (as you might expect) but Bro Simwanza is determined that a Gospel witness be established there. At 67 years old he has a burning desire to reach these men who are (as he says) where he was a few years ago – “lost and drunk.” Keep praying! We have not given up!

 

Regardless of how busy we get, we remember our faithful prayer partners in service.

 

Together in His Service,

Patrick & Sherry

 

 

Dr. Patrick & Sherry Coleman

P.O. Box 90010

Luanshya, Zambia Africa

 

www.colemanministry.info

tel: (h) 260-21-2510033

(w) 260-21-2512359

(w) 260-21-2512539

(fax) 260-21-2510718

cell: (Sherry) 260-96-6780112

cell: (Patrick) 260-96-6780113

Skype: patrick.g.coleman / sherry.i.coleman

News from Zambia - 6th October 2010 A

6th October 2010

 

Greetings from Luanshya!

 

September proved to be one of the busiest months we have had for a while – and we tend to have busy months! Not only did classes begin for the school children again, but the Christian Resource Centre and outreach ministries have kept us involved in our church and community lives.

 

The five people taking the Design for Discipleship Course continue their studies. All five of them are at different stages in the study so it keeps me on my toes remembering who is where and when we meet. I certainly appreciate the calendar on my telephone to remind me where I am to be... and when! Two more have expressed an interest in beginning the course.

 

Sherry has closed her series of youth lessons on the life of David and will begin a new series from the First Epistle of John this week entitled “Living Right in a Wrong World.”

 

The Wednesday Bible Study in the rural farming block has been studying “God’s Timetable” for the world. There has been a huge interest lately concerning prophecy and even some “date setting” among some of the believers. While Christians know that the Second Coming of the Messiah is imminent, it is also important to explain to young believers that we are not to “sit and wait” for the Lord to come. I remember hearing in September 1975 that the Lord was coming and sincere believers stopped working in anticipation. In 1988 I received a book entitled 88 Reasons the Lord Will Come in 1988. Apparently a sequel was written in 1989 with an “update”. We are studying the end times with an emphasis to “occupy until He comes.” Over 800 gospel tracts in the local language have been distributed throughout the farming block. Please pray for this rural church body as they reach out to their “Jerusalem” for Christ.

 

We are extremely happy to let you know that the last two of our Lighthouse Children’s Home wards have asked to be baptised. Dickson and Shadreck came to “Aunt Sherry” a few weeks ago and said they had something they wanted to ask her. Actually, they knew the answer, but wanted her to encourage them. Last night they confirmed that they wanted to follow the Lord in Scriptural baptism. Both of the boys came to know The Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour several years ago, but pressure from an unexpected source caused them to delay this decision. Sometimes even “well-meaning” adults can hinder a young person from doing what they know is the right thing to do. In addition to these young people another one of Sherry’s youths will be baptised as well. The baptism will be conducted this Friday at the closing of the Youth Lesson. The young people will be inviting their friends from school to witness this testimony of their faith.

 

In addition to these exciting events we have been instrumental in the distribution of 60 wheelchairs to disabled people in our community as well as providing water for several schools in the Luanshya School District. Every community outreach is an opportunity to share the love of God and the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and we take full advantage of these opportunities!

 

A few weeks ago we asked you to pray about an area where there is no church, but several bars. We have had some opposition to going there (as you might expect) but Bro Simwanza is determined that a Gospel witness be established there. At 67 years old he has a burning desire to reach these men who are (as he says) where he was a few years ago – “lost and drunk.” Keep praying! We have not given up!

 

Regardless of how busy we get, we remember our faithful prayer partners in service.

 

Together in His Service,

Patrick & Sherry

 

 

Dr. Patrick & Sherry Coleman

P.O. Box 90010

Luanshya, Zambia Africa

 

www.colemanministry.info

tel: (h) 260-21-2510033

(w) 260-21-2512359

(w) 260-21-2512539

(fax) 260-21-2510718

cell: (Sherry) 260-96-6780112

cell: (Patrick) 260-96-6780113

Skype: patrick.g.coleman / sherry.i.coleman

15 September 2010

News from Zambia - 15th September 2010 A

15th September 2010

 

Greetings from Luanshya!

 

Dickson, one of the wards in the Lighthouse Children's Home, visited with Sherry in her office on Monday to share with her some of the things that were going through his mind while in his "dungeon experience (jail cell)" almost two weeks ago. He said that he was reminded of the series of lessons last year in youth group on The Life of Joseph – being wrongfully accused and yet maintaining his testimony and trying to see how God's hand was in the situation. He considered the privileged life he has led over the last 10 years and the personal advances made...a hope for the future...knowledge that there were those who truly cared for him, a chance to be someone, life with purpose. With so much time to sit and think, this young man has come to realize the importance of being committed to the Lord, healthy friendships, studies and much more. Please continue to pray for Dickson as he goes through this period of remembrance and that he may continue to see God's hand in each and every event and that bitterness over circumstances will not take over.

 

With these thoughts in mind, Sherry's Youth lesson last week is “Being Big Enough to Forgive” – 2 Samuel 16:5-13; 19:16-23. We all know that forgiveness is costly. So much of the hurt we experience in our lives would be on the way to healing if we would choose the simple but difficult road toward forgiveness. As always in matters of forgiveness, the offended – the forgiver – must pay the cost in full. That takes an awfully big person to pull off. David filled those shoes. The question to the young people: “Can you?”

 

She explained “We often try to get away without offering full forgiveness, and when we resist like that, we can expect to see a downward plunge in our relationship with the offender and God. David stood in the midst of a storm resulting from the consequences of his sin with Bathsheba when a "nobody" in the kingdom insulted David publicly. However, David treated the offender with grace and respect and refused to take the man's life. As you seek to improve in the area of offering forgiveness, cultivate a thicker layer of skin, try to understand where the offender is coming from, recall times in your life when you have needed forgiveness, and verbalize your forgiveness...” Next weeks' lesson: A Song of Triumph--2 Samuel 22

 

I shared these thoughts from Sherry because she is a vital part of this ministry. We complement each other and work side-by-side in the work here. We accomplish what we do because we are both determined to spend our lives in service to our lord and Saviour. Thank you for making this possible by your prayers and faithful support.

 

In His Service,

Patrick & Sherry

 

Dr. Patrick & Sherry Coleman

P.O. Box 90010

Luanshya, Zambia Africa

 

www.colemanministry.info

tel: (h) 260-21-2510033

(w) 260-21-2512359

(w) 260-21-2512539

(fax) 260-21-2510718

cell: (Sherry) 260-96-6780112

cell: (Patrick) 260-96-6780113

Skype: patrick.g.coleman / sherry.i.coleman

 

 

08 September 2010

News from Zambia - 8th September 2010 A

8th September 2010

 

Greetings from Luanshya!

 

There are some events in which you can see the hand of God working, but when they are over you do not want to live through them again. Such was the case this past weekend. I am going to explain in detail so you can get the “gist” of the situation.

 

While running errands in Ndola (25 miles from Luanshya) we received a strange telephone call informing us that one of the Lighthouse Children’s Home wards needed to be “picked-up” from jail in Luanshya. Having no details and not knowing if he had been hurt, we quickly rushed back to Luanshya only to find out that Dickson (16 years old) had been arrested for theft. After several minutes of discussion I was finally allowed to go into “cells” to talk with him. He said he was visiting a friend (17 years old) when the police came into the house to arrest the friend for stealing three 4-foot fence posts from the house where he lived with his guardian (23 years old). They actually lived in a smaller house at the back of the property and the man who made the complaint was living in the main house. Both worked at the same government ministry. Because Dickson was in the smaller residence when the police arrived, he was also arrested and charged with the same crime. Both Dickson and his friend tried to explain, but the police were not interested in “stories” and both boys were locked away.

 

I went to see a police official “upstairs” who promised to look into the situation. After an hour he told me to return to the police station to collect Dickson and the other boy until they could be seen on Monday. The arresting officer informed me in no uncertain terms that he “did not take orders from that man” and Dickson was to stay in jail. I then telephoned my friend and he said he would “sort it out” in 40 minutes. An hour later I called again. “Just a few minutes” was the reply. I telephoned every hour until my “friend’s” phone was switched off at 8:30 in the evening. Dickson was in for the night.

 

On next morning I found myself where nobody wants to be on a Sunday morning – at the jail. A new group of officers was on duty and even though they were more sympathetic to Dickson’s plight, they were “bound by policy” to wait until they had clearance from above to release either of the boys. The Officer-in-Charge had the authority, but she was in church and was not to be disturbed. We had to wait until after church services. Meanwhile, the landlord for the house arrived to say that the boy who had cut the fence posts did not steal them. He was going to repair a hole in the fence at another spot along the fence. His mistake was not getting written permission from the landlord.

 

Finally, at 3:00 in the afternoon we made face-to-face contact with the Officer-in-Charge. She was very sympathetic with the boys’ situation and she allowed the boys to be released until Monday morning. Dickson went home to a well-deserved shower and a hot meal – His first for 29 hours. (I had taken him a snack, but it was not really a meal.)

 

On Monday morning we gathered at the police station hoping for a quick solution to this misunderstanding only to be told that ht arresting officer was in court and we needed to come back “tomorrow” (Tuesday). Meanwhile, the tenant in the main house was making threatening statements to the guardian and we discovered that there were apparently some underlying issues between the two tenants. I went to visit  the District Commissioner of Luanshya, whose office actually owned the house – and fence posts – in question. After hearing the story he had several questions about why the police were even involved in a case that should have been handled “administratively” within the governmental offices. An inspection of the premises was made and the DC was even more convinced that the complainant was seeking revenge for something personal between himself and the young guardian. (I do not have all the details about this.)

 

I went back to the DC’s office and interrupted a meeting he was having with the senior Ministry of Education Officer of Luanshya. I know and work with both of these men in various committees and was told to come in immediately. I further explained the situation with more details about the threats. Ultimately the DC telephoned the Commanding Officer of the Luanshya Police Office and instructed him to drop all charges. He said that since the house was officially the property of the DC’s office, the only person who could press charges was the DC and he had no intention of doing so. The DC then apologised to me and to the boys for the way they had been treated during this ordeal.

 

The DC then made a statement that surprised me. He told the boys in the presence of the Education Officer that they had an advantage because they had someone who cared enough about them to protect them even when the odds were against them. He pointed to me and told the boys that they should spend more time with “The Colemans” and less time with people who, “in the long run,” did not really care about them. The Education Officer agreed. They both encouraged the boys not to be bitter, but to learn from this experience to realise who really cared about their well being. The DC went on to remind the boys that “The Colemans” would never lie to them, but they would tell them things they may not want to hear in order to build them up to become strong, honest citizens of Zambia.

 

I was deeply humbled by their words. We do not always know who sees or hears about what we do here. Sometimes God uses these little “adventures” to show us that people really do appreciate the efforts we make for the youth of our community. Please pray for the leaders of Zambia. They have many obstacles in their efforts to create a corruption-free nation.

 

By the way, this morning I visited the five 80+ year-old ex-servicemen in Luanshya and gave them something to help get them through the month so it isn’t just the youth that we serve. We appreciate your faithfulness in prayer and support as we remain...

 

In His Service,

Patrick & Sherry

 

Dr. Patrick & Sherry Coleman

P.O. Box 90010

Luanshya, Zambia Africa

 

www.colemanministry.info

tel: (h) 260-21-2510033

(w) 260-21-2512359

(w) 260-21-2512539

(fax) 260-21-2510718

cell: (Sherry) 260-96-6780112

cell: (Patrick) 260-96-6780113

Skype: patrick.g.coleman / sherry.i.coleman

01 September 2010

News from Zambia - 1st September 2010 A

1st September 2010

 

Greetings from Luanshya!

 

It is hard to believe that this year is already two/thirds finished! With the arrival of September here the students are entering their third and final trimester of the academic year. This brings incredible pressure upon the exam classes (grades 7, 9 and 12) because failure to score good marks means failure to advance to the next grade. Add to this that we are entering the hottest season of the year (hot and dry) and this is traditionally the time when teachers begin the bargaining for their annual contracts and often spend several days on strike leaving the exam classes stranded without teachers. Please make this a matter of prayer as we enter this season.

 

Sherry has been working closely with the Lighthouse Children’s Home wards this past week. Nancy is 19 and “officially” allowed to leave when she wants to go, but she has opted to remain in the home in order to finish grade 12. She is currently in grade 10. Shadreck (17) and Dickson (16) are also in grade 10. Andrew is the youngest of the “family” at 14 and in grade 9 (an exam grade). They have been given the task of planning their own grocery shopping – with “Aunt Sherry’s” over-sight. They planned their menu for the week, researched the costs of the items on their shopping list, then went shopping for their weekly requirements. Sherry is guiding them as they make their decisions and select their favourite foods. So far so good as of this evening. We’ll know more after the week is up and they plan for week 2. We are proud of their careful consideration of both nutrition and flavour.

 

This past Sunday was my monthly visit to the Kafubu Block Chapel. I always enjoy going out to this farming block because there is such a desire to learn. While I was there one of the men mentioned a particular need in his section which is about 8 miles from the church – quite a bike ride on a Sunday morning. He said, “Almost all the men there are drunkards. They need a church!” He did not say, “They would never go to church.” He made it clear that there is a need for an evangelistic outreach in that area where there is no school, no market and no gospel-preaching church. So... Next week we will make a trip to “Village 2” to begin a Bible Study with “the drunks” of the village. This promises to be interesting! Please pray!

 

Tomorrow evening we will be meeting with the Tembo family for discipleship. They have been “in church” for many years, but said they would really like to know more about what the Bible says. Though they are professing Christians we will be starting with the “basics” and helping them grow together spiritually. It is an exciting journey and we are looking forward to working with them. Please pray for this very young couple!

 

New adventures, new experiences and new challenges! As we walk through the doors that God opens to us we are excited about being here and thankful for your prayers and support!

 

Together in His Service,

Patrick & Sherry

 

Dr. Patrick & Sherry Coleman

P.O. Box 90010

Luanshya, Zambia Africa

 

www.colemanministry.info

tel: (h) 260-21-2510033

(w) 260-21-2512359

(w) 260-21-2512539

(fax) 260-21-2510718

cell: (Sherry) 260-96-6780112

cell: (Patrick) 260-96-6780113

Skype: patrick.g.coleman / sherry.i.coleman

 

27 August 2010

News from Zambia - 27th August 2010 A

27th August 2010

 

Greetings from Luanshya!

 

It has been said that you can’t keep a good person down, but if she eats a bad peach in a great peach cobbler it can really make her sick! Last Saturday I picked several peaches from our trees in the garden. On Sunday afternoon I cleaned them and Sherry made a delicious cobbler that evening. Sherry enjoyed it only for a couple of hours, however, and spent much of Sunday night and Monday in great distress. On Tuesday – still not feeling great – she went to her office, but by the end of the day she was again feeling bad. She tried again on Wednesday to go to her office, but by noon she was back at home and in bed. It has taken five days to get over this “adventure” and she still has a “sensitive” stomach. We appreciate those who remember us in prayer. Sometimes the smallest thing can have huge consequences.

 

By the way, I polished off the cobbler over the next three days without any ill effects. It is nice to know that one bad peach didn’t spoil the whole cobbler!  J

 

Sometimes in our interaction with Zambian believers we come across some interesting issues. Last Thursday I was meeting with a young man in our discipleship class and he asked me about “retaliatory prayer.” I asked him if he meant “intercessory” prayer, but he explained that there were pastors who were praying for the deaths of individuals who were not in complete agreement with their particular denominational or specific congregational standards. This apparently includes those of their own members who are not giving enough toward church building programs or – in one case – the church’s television broadcast. These are some of the same pastors who will not allow their congregants to immunise their children because it demonstrates a “lack of faith” on their part. The desire for power within the religious world is a frightening and disappointing development. It is especially sad to see men who claim to be “men of faith” use their influence to intimidate people and enrich themselves. Pray for those who really are preaching the truth in both word and deed. Many of them have been “targets” of some of these “retaliatory prayer” services.

 

This past week I was able to spend several hours at a Deaf School and Vocational Training Centre in Luanshya. Approximately 700,000 of the 11,862,740 Zambians are “functionally deaf” (no hearing or have serious hearing loss). This is nearly 6% of the total population. When we compare this to the .3% deaf rate in the United States we see a serious difference. The primary cause of deafness is exceptionally high fevers in children often resulting from malaria, measles or flu. One purpose of the school is to help deaf Zambians learn a trade so they can be productive citizens in society. The primary purpose, however, is to reach out to this ignored– and all to often unwanted – segment of society with the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The school and VTC will invite deaf (and “functionally deaf” – Zambians from all over the country to come, learn carpentry, bricklaying, tailoring and other trades as well as learning sign language so they can communicate with each other. All of this will be happening as they “hear” about God’s love and the Lord’s Jesus’ Christ sacrificial death on the cross for their salvation. We were pleased to help them acquire a building in a township near Luanshya and give two bicycles to two evangelists who are working with the deaf students. We appreciate those who made it possible for these bicycles to be purchased and given to these two dedicated servants of the Lord. Your gift will enable the message of the Saviour to go where I cannot go. There are pictures attached. One of the two deaf evangelists and one of Richard Jarvis (Deaf School Dir) with watching as the bikes are fitted with tool kits and pumps.

 

More good news! We have been praying for John and Sarah Bwalya to be able to return to Luanshya after teaching in rural schools far away for five years. It is with great joy that we can say “They are home!” – Hopefully for good! They are both still “officially” stationed at a rural school, but they have been working on their degrees by “distance learning” for the past several years and they are doing their “practicals” at high schools in Luanshya. At the end of this term (December) they are scheduled to be permanently assigned to Luanshya. We are very pleased and want you to pray for this situation. The principal of the school where they have been does not want them to transfer out because they both have an excellent record with passing students. I have spoken to the local Ministry of Education representative in Luanshya and “explained” that we need good teachers here, too, and this couple was born and raised in Luanshya. Everything looks good at this point!

 

It has been an up-and-down week with Sherry’s illness, “retaliatory prayer” meetings and great successes and opportunities. We have seen God work in so many ways and we appreciate your prayers and support as we remain...

 

In His Service,

Patrick & Sherry

 

Dr. Patrick & Sherry Coleman

P.O. Box 90010

Luanshya, Zambia Africa

 

www.colemanministry.info

tel: (h) 260-21-2510033

(w) 260-21-2512359

(w) 260-21-2512539

(fax) 260-21-2510718

cell: (Sherry) 260-96-6780112

cell: (Patrick) 260-96-6780113

Skype: patrick.g.coleman / sherry.i.coleman

 

 

 

 

25 August 2010

News from Zambia - 25th August 2010 A BRIEF

25th August 2010

 

Greetings from Luanshya.

 

Sherry has food poisoning so we are going to write our update when she feels a bit better. We appreciate your prayers.

 

Together in His Service,

Patrick

 

(Sherry is in bed, but sends her “greetings”)

 

18 August 2010

News from Zambia - 18th August 2010 A

18th August 2010

 

Greetings from Luanshya!

 

Great news! Andrew Silungwe, the youngest member of our Lighthouse Children’s Home Family, won the Junior Engineers Technicians and Scientists (JETS) first prize in the NATIONAL competition for Zambia in the Physics category. He designed a mobile shower that supplies both hot and cold water. We are very proud of Andrew not only for his science and math abilities, but for his Christian testimony among his friends. Thank you for keeping Andrew and our entire LCH family in your prayers.

 

This past week we hosted a leadership training seminar at the Christian Resource Centre. One of our outreach ministries is to go into the business community to make ourselves available to business and professional leaders – one of the people groups that are often overlooked in many missionary endeavours. We talked about leadership techniques and consensus building and were able to make ourselves available to the participants to share deeper, spiritual concerns. Many of them go to church, but when they see Christianity “lived” on a day-to-day basis it encourages them to seek for more than just being able to lead a meeting. We have seen some fruit from this outreach and are praying for more!

 

Expanding on the leadership training, on Sunday afternoon I conducted the first of several “Preachers’ Clinics” in Luanshya. Men from two congregations came together to learn how to put a sermon or Bible study lesson together and how to organise their notes. We started with different kinds of Bible study methods. Next month we will talk about how to put their notes into a sermon outline (something like “three points and a poem”) so the message they have can be effectively communicated to the congregation. Then we will go on to subjects like platform presence, gestures, voice control, etc. The purpose of the class is to train preachers and teachers how to be more adept in their ministries as preachers, teachers and evangelists. They have a desire to spread the Gospel; now we are giving the opportunity to use their gifts more proficiently. Please pray for these preachers. The oldest is in his late 60’s while the youngest is 23.

 

While I was teaching in town, Sherry was presenting a water storage tank and tower to a rural Bible and vocational school about 15 miles from the Luanshya town limit. This was a project where we partnered with the Rotary Club of Luanshya and a Rotary Club in New York in order to provide water for the school. The well and water tank are on school property, but the whole village will be using the water so the school has an outreach into the homes of the people in that rural community. As the people come for the water for living they will also be exposed to the Water of Life. We are excited about the various means God gives us to reach into the hearts and lives of the Zambian people!

 

11 August 2010

News from Zambia - 11th August 2010 A

11th August 2010

 

Greetings from Luanshya!

 

Last Sunday was one of those experiences we have from time to time that stretches our resources. I was invited to preach at one of the oldest local churches in the Copperbelt. It was founded over 50 years ago and has been led by Zambian leadership for decades. When I arrived just after 9 am we began the morning with communion – and I was asked to preach. This was not a problem. Then the worship service started and I was ready to start in English, but the interpreter was struggling. One of the men suggested that I preach in Swahili and the message would be translated into Bemba. No problem... except my notes were all in English as was the Bible I took with me. So... I translated the message from English to Swahili as I spoke and Bro Kafwanda interpreted it into Bemba. THEN there was a request for a Q&A session that lasted over two hours. Most of the questions pertained to practical Christian living, but there is always one about “should we use leavened or unleavened bread for communion?” The Q&A sessions was in Swahili, Bemba, English and Lunda (another commonly spoken language in our area). I returned home after 3 pm. It was a great day!

 

There seems to be a recurrent problem with the youth group. The seats keep filling up! Since Sherry's return to leading the class, more young people are incorporated into the lessons by their school friends and neighbours invitations. Some don’t' attend the hour or so of games in the Youth Centre. They are attending purely for the Bible lessons. The seating is the sort of problem we can easily deal with by purchasing additional chairs or even bringing chairs in from the library. It's the other sorts of problems that tug our heart strings as we sit with the youngsters and assist them in overcoming life's daily decisions and pressures. We praise the Lord for the continued growth in the youth work and that so many are finding comfort and counsel in a safe place. This past weeks' lesson was on "Confrontation" from 2 Samuel 12. Confrontation in the sense that sin is sin and the need to confront it head on will save us from a whole lot of heartache. That does not mean we do not suffer the consequences of our actions. But, through early intervention, by godly men and women, the effects can be limited. This week the topic is: "Trouble At Home". Parental passivity can lead to calamity in the home (Galatians 6:7,8; 2 Samuel 12-18).

 

A number of past students from the Source of Light Bible Correspondence School, which Sherry continues to oversee, have visited. One such student was Ben. Ben is now studying at university and came through the Christian Resource Centre to get some advice on how he can learn about evangelism technique. He was guided to some books on personal evangelism and Sherry suggested that he get together with me on the possibility of running another course on: "Evangelism Explosion". If Ben had a couple of friends who wanted to learn along with him, we would be more than happy to run a week-long series. Pray for this possibility.

 

One of the most difficult parts of the work – as in parenting – is letting go of “babies.” With each of our children we struggled with letting them go when they reached the “ripe old age” of 18 and the draw of adulthood called. The same is true of a “baby church” that is about to move forward without our leadership. I began to step back from the English-speaking church several months ago and watched as they took their first few faltering steps. With our recent absence in June and July they were compelled to run or trip. They ran! In fact, the men of the church have been taking turns leading Bible studies and preaching. I am looking forward to this opportunity to train even more preachers for the furtherance of the Good News of Jesus Christ.

 

We appreciate your prayers on our behalf. We know that it is because of you that we can remain...

 

In His Service,

Patrick & Sherry

 

Dr. Patrick & Sherry Coleman

P.O. Box 90010

Luanshya, Zambia Africa

 

www.colemanministry.info

tel: (h) 260-21-2510033

(w) 260-21-2512359

(w) 260-21-2512539

(fax) 260-21-2510718

cell: (Sherry) 260-96-6780112

cell: (Patrick) 260-96-6780113

Skype: patrick.g.coleman / sherry.i.coleman

 

 

04 August 2010

News from Zambia - 4th August 2010 a

4th August 2010

 

Greetings from Luanshya.

 

We learned this week that Andrew, our youngest resident at the Lighthouse Children’s Home, has received a first place award in the Junior Physics category for his science project at the regional Junior Engineering Technicians & Scientists (JETS) project fair. He designed and built his project without adult help. We are extremely proud of his accomplishment. On a lighter note, he also participated in the Copperbelt Province Schools Association table tennis tournament. Sherry says he gets his practice at the Youth Recreation room at the Christian Resource Centre.

 

I met briefly with Major Samba of the Ex-Servicemen’s League of Zambia concerning the care of the five WW2 veterans in Luanshya. This has been a long process of trying to get these men who volunteered their service over 70 years ago and were promised help first by the British Government then by the Zambian government, but help has been occasional and sparse. Now they are asking to resubmission of proof of identity before monthly contributions (about $20) can resume. This was all done three years ago, but apparently the forms cannot be located now. It is frustrating for both Major Samba and me to see these heroes ignored by their own government, but we continue to seek to help them.

 

I was approached last week by one of the church leaders to conduct a “preaching clinic” for local preachers. He said, “Many of the young preachers have a zeal to preach the Word of God, but they do not know how to prepare a sermon and they do not have the time to leave their families and jobs to go to Bible school. We are having our first “clinic” on Sunday afternoon, 15th August, at one of the churches in Luanshya. Please pray for these young men as they learn how to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ and edify the believers in their congregations.

 

A good number of young people attended the Friday afternoon meeting in the Youth Centre with Sherry. The lesson covered the issues presented in 2 Samuel 11 which she entitled: The Case of the Open Window Shade. One of the many points put across was that our greatest battle is not when we are working hard. It is when we have a lot of leisure. When we have time on our hands is when we make those fateful decisions that haunt us such as in the lives of David and Bathsheba. We may think that God knowingly winks at our evil deeds, but we must remember that He will always settle His accounts.

Pray for the young people as they learn from the life of David. This weeks’

lesson is titled: Confrontation! From 2 Samuel 12:1-15.

 

Muthande (female) is a first year college student at one of the local schools in Luanshya. Aaron, one of the youth in the Friday afternoon study is also a first year college student at the same institution. He invited his classmate to the meeting to expose her to other young Christians. When Muthande saw that it was Sherry leading the activities and bible study she exclaimed that she remembered her from a self-defence lesson Sherry gave at her school. Nearly 7 years ago during a series of Child Defilement/Abuse Awareness seminars Sherry held in the local grade schools, this young lady had approached her on some issues at her home. As a result, Muthande had been rescued from her home situation and put into an extended family members’ home and is doing exceptionally well. All this to say, that the Lord truly is in control and brings people into our lives to impact them.

Muthande is a changed young woman of God and remembers that someone cared enough to show her compassion and rescue her from a life of misery and abuse. We praise God for these visitations and reminders that all that we do has purpose and impact.

 

This past Sunday we celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary. Sherry got up early and put a turkey in the oven. After church we sat down to a full turkey dinner – my favourite. God has been good to me and I thank Him several times a day for sending Sherry to me!

 

Thank you for your support and prayers for us and we remain...

 

In His Service,

Patrick & Sherry

 

Dr. Patrick & Sherry Coleman

P.O. Box 90010

Luanshya, Zambia Africa

 

www.colemanministry.info

tel: (h) 260-21-2510033

(w) 260-21-2512359

(w) 260-21-2512539

(fax) 260-21-2510718

cell: (Sherry) 260-96-6780112

cell: (Patrick) 260-96-6780113

Skype: patrick.g.coleman / sherry.i.coleman

 

 

28 July 2010

No Place Like Home

Greetings from Luanshya.

Be it ever so... dusty, there’s no place like home!

After spending a few weeks visiting friends and family, we are back in Luanshya and fully involved once more. Sherry and I were able to introduce each other to people we had known for many years but never met. I was also able to take Sherry back to Greenwood Hills Girls’ Camp where she has spent several summers as a counselor. One of the greatest blessings for her was not only to renew friendships but to see young ladies in positions of leadership that were campers the last time Sherry was there 13 years ago.

Since being home in Luanshya, we have both been busy in our various ministries. Those who utilize the Christian Resource Centre are very pleased to have the doors open again. As I walked in this afternoon, one man was doing a study of the Tabernacle while another had four books and a Bible in front of him taking notes for his Sunday message. Sherry is looking forward to her youth lesson this coming Friday. The lesson is on: “The Case of the Open Window Shade” from 2 Samuel 11.

I was out at the Kafubu Block Chapel both on Sunday and this Wednesday afternoon. I was able to make the delivery of one out of five donated bicycles for local evangelists. Brother Simwanza said he was speechless. Then said the bicycle was an answer to prayer and dedicated it to the Lord on the spot.

We were pleased to learn of progress at Fellowship Chapel. We have been concerned about the lack of the believers’ use of their spiritual gifts for the edification of the Body. They tended to relax knowing that we were close by. In our prolonged absence, however, they found themselves relying more on the Lord and seeking His wisdom in the daily reading of His word. They have come to understand that relying on the Lord is more important than relying on us. This is, of course, what we pray for each of the ministries in which we work. Seeing it happen is a great encouragement. Please continue to pray for recognition of spiritual gifts and use of the same.

We received word this afternoon from John and Sarah Bwalya that Sarah’s father had passed away four weeks ago. They were frantically trying to get in touch with us not being aware that we were away. The local church went to visit with the young couple and have been a support throughout the grieving period. We thank the Lord that His people have been a comfort. Continue to pray for Sarah and the family as well as John and Sarah’s possible transfer to town for teaching posts.

Again, we appreciate your prayers on our behalf for the work here in Zambia and beyond.

Together in His Service,
Patrick & Sherry