Greetings from Luanshya!
Two men died this past weekend from heart attacks. One was a tyrant - Kim Jung Il... The other was a saint - Goodson Matanda.
The dictator of North Korea was known for his immorality, cruelty and bizarre behaviour. His name was mentioned on every international news channel. The world is worried that his death will cause chaos in his country as well as in neighboring countries.
The church leader in Kafubu Block is known for his kindness, dedication to the Lord and consistent lifestyle of service and Biblical teaching. His name was not mentioned by any news reporters, but he was met at the gates of Heaven by the Lord. The entire community of the Kafubu Farming Block came to his funeral to say goodbye to this man of God. Nobody is concerned that his death will cause anything disruptive, but filling his place in the local church will not be easy. He was one of the men I have been teaching every Wednesday for the past two years. He was the one who always had questions at the end of the class. Constantly learning, he was a good friend and colleague.
At the same time, a new life was started as Alexious called on the Lord to be his Lord and Saviour last week. He has been attending the youth meeting and church services for several weeks. When he came to see me on Friday afternoon we began talking about his spiritual life and what he had been hearing in class and during the messages. I asked him if he knew that he would go to Heaven when he died he answered "No, but I want to." From there we opened the Bible and I was able to show him, from God's Word, how to know the Lord Jesus Christ as his Lord, Saviour and Messiah. The angels rejoiced!
This week we will celebrate the birth of the Christ child as much of the world will be contemplating either events surrounding political and economic turbulence or advanced commercialization of the "holiday." Goodman Matanda is celebrating his new home. Alexious is celebrating his new life in Christ. Because of you we are able to continue to be part of the lives of senior saints and new believers in Zambia. We appreciate your prayers and support as we remain...
Sincerely 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
