5 October 2011
Greetings from Luanshya!
Spring has come in like a lion! The official rainy season does not begin until November, but yesterday we had a violent storm in Luanshya that tore to roofs off of several houses and businesses in town. I was working on a Sunday School building when the storm came upon us and watched as portions of a neighbour's galvanised steel roof simply lifted into the air and flew into the church property. There was some minor damage to the fence, but nothing serious. Fortunately, the people standing near the house were not in the path of the flying roofing sheets. The pieces of the roof were gathered and taken to another neighbour's house for safe keeping until the owner (who was not home at the time) can collect them and repair his roof. The wind was so strong that the front door of the Christian Resource Centre flew open and shattered the glass in the door. This morning I replaced the glass with wood - both cheaper and safer than glass. It promises to be a looooong rainy season!
Today was an exciting day for our youngest ward in the Lighthouse Children's Home, Andrew Silungwe. Yesterday was his 16th birthday, but today Sherry took him to get his National Registration Card. He is now an "official" Zambian citizen - and he is proudly Zambian! He is looking forward to finishing his high school education in 2 1/2 year and then studying computer science. He is also our "Mr Fix-it" who asks for broken appliances from friends and neighbours so he can take them apart and try to repair them. Your support of the LCH has made it possible for Andrew and the rest of the Lighthouse family to grow physically, emotionally and spiritually. Keep praying. They are still with us and have a few years to go!
A few weeks ago we mentioned the fire that destroyed the grass roof and all the personal goods of a man in the Kafubu Block farming community. Because of a gift from a friend in California, the "Shikulu" (grandfather) now has a new grass roof, a bed and several new kitchen items. Even though he is over 80 years old, when I went to his house this afternoon he as sitting on homemade scaffolding made of bamboo putting a small roof over his front door. He thanks us and his unknown friend for helping to make his modest mud-brick home into a "mansion."
Over the past few weeks there have been many changes in Zambia. After a rather tumultuous week following the national elections, there is a new president in Zambia. the ultimate handover of power was generally peaceful and a real example to neighbouring countries in the region. We appreciate your prayers for Zambia and her new leaders.
Thank you for your prayers and support on our behalf. Because of you we remain...
Together in His Service,
Patrick & Sherry
Patrick & Sherry Coleman
P O Box 90010
Luanshya,
Zambia
Off: 260 212 512359/512539
Res: 260 212 510033
Cell (P): 260 966 780113
Cell (S): 260 966 780112
