30 November 2011
Greetings from Luanshya!
We can hardly believe that this year is coming to an end in just 31 days! Last week we celebrated Thanksgiving (complete with a turkey and cranberry sauce) with the last four remaining wards of the Lighthouse Children's Home. We thanked the Lord for the victories and challenges of the past year. Then we enjoyed the feast and topped it off with pecan pie! The children were thankful for the changes in their lives during the past year. Due to some unfortunate circumstances, they are now living closer to us and we have contact with them several times a day instead of once a day. Had we realised the situation was as bad as it was, we would have made the changes long ago. The attitude of the youngsters has taken an incredible upswing. They are thankful and so are we. We appreciate your prayers and support for the Lighthouse ministry.
The rains are "officially" here and severe winds have accompanied them. Last week the wind was so strong that one corner of the roof of the Chapel was lifted up. We were able to call the staff at Mobile Mission Maintenance Vocational Training Centre (MMMVTC) and they sent two students over to fix the problem within a few hours. It was then my privilege to participate in the graduation ceremony of MMMVTC on Saturday. It is truly exciting to see Christian institutions of learning administered by godly Zambian leaders continue to grow. One of the graduates was honoured as first place in a competition sponsored by the government. His award was presented in front of the other 123 graduates, their parents and the press. Please remember MMMVTC in your prayers as they train the leaders of tomorrow.
Last Thursday I was on the way to the newest church for the mid-week Bible study and was flagged down by Mrs Matanda, the wife of one of the church leaders in the village half way to Mukolwe. She was talking so fast that I could not understand anything she was saying except that her husband was ill. I went to the home of the deacon and together we went to Brother Matanda's house - on a road that had not had a vehicle on it for several years. After a brief stop at the village medical clinic, we were referred to the hospital back in Luanshya. The doctor there said his blood pressure was dangerously low. He was admitted to the hospital and is now under observation and treatment. Please pray for Brother Matanda. He has been a faithful servant of the Lord for many years and is eager to get back to church.
Sherry's Youth Class last Friday concentrated on Romans 13:8-10 - "Legal Tender and Loving Care." Don't owe money, love your neighbour, don't commit sin and the only debt we owe is to God for sending His only begotten Son as we share Christ with others. This week's lesson is titled "Wake up and get dressed" - Romans 13:11-14. "Be prepared for service and ready for battle against the evil one." Even with the torrential rains of the past week the young people come with their friends and to learn more about practical Christian living. Please pray for Sherry and her class as they continue to study verse by verse through Romans.
We deeply appreciate your prayers and support. Because of you we can remain...
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
