12 December 2012

News from Zambia - 12 December 2012

12 December 2012
 
Greetings from Luanshya!
 
Occasionally we receive letter from children asking about what we do every day. They want to know if we "chase lions away from the church" or "do witch doctors come to your house."
 
Actually, much of our work is the mundane care of the Christian Resource Centre (CRC) and the chapel properties. Because the CRC is in the downtown business district of Luanshya we are expected to maintain the property in a business-like manner. The sidewalk in front of the building was damaged by a large truck that rolled up over the edge of the curb. We patched it temporarily, but it needed a more permanent repair. That is not the "romantic missions story" that makes the eyes of children go wide, but it is something that makes our ministry more inviting here because we are creating a more pleasant entrance to the CRC - and helping to make Luanshya more beautiful... in our small way. When our business neighbors see that we have renovated the front of our building they realize that we are a part of the community - not just temporary residents. While not necessarily related to the renovation, it is interesting to note that in the last two days Sherry has enrolled five new students in the Source of Light Bible Correspondence School bringing her total registered students to 3,711.
 
Last week we mentioned Alex, the young man that was being helped by Fellowship Chapel and who came to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ while helping me repair the fence. His mother - a widow living in Lusaka - called him and said she needed help on the family farm. He has been staying with his sister and her family while going to high school here. So, he left for Lusaka last week. Before getting on the bus he came to the CRC to say good-bye to Sherry. He told her that he appreciated all that we had done for him, but what he appreciated most was being introduced to the Lord Jesus Christ. He asked her to send him her youth lessons so he could keep up with the rest of the young people. We will miss Alex, but we are pleased that he wants to grow. The farm is some distance from Lusaka and to the best of our knowledge there is no Bible-believing church in the area. Please pray for Alex as he studies God's word and shares it with his family.
 
Sunday morning I returned to the Kafubu Dam "village" on the edge of rural Ndola. It is a 25 mile drive that takes nearly and hour to reach. They have been meeting "off and on" for ten years, but they have not progressed in the Lord's work. Several of the villagers have come to know the Lord, but they have not had a baptism or a communion service in all that time. I have been teaching about baptism and last week I explained - in painstakingly detail - what the "Lord's Supper" was. Obvious questions: What kind of bread? Does it have to be wine? Do we need a white table cloth? (Did I say "obvious?") We walked down to the dam and they decided that the water was just too polluted. They said they would "prepare" a place in a nearby stream for us to baptize. They need a few weeks to get this done because of the heavy rains so we are planning a baptism service on 19 February. Please pray for this "young" (in Spiritual things) congregation as we teach the believers and train to leaders.
 
On Monday we had a very unusual visit from a student of mine in 1999 when I taught Religious Education at one of the local primary schools. Dean came "just to say thanks" for the challenge I presented to the class and for encouraging him to get involved with the discipleship lessons even at his young age. He has finished high school and has a certificate in electronics. He is active teaching the young people at his church and asked if he could bring some of them in to enroll in the SOL program. Of course the answer is yes! On Tuesday he brought his younger brothers in to sign up for the courses. The seeds that we planted over a decade ago are bearing precious fruit today. We are so glad that we stayed in Zambia when so many told us that our ministry was over.
 
So... No lions to chase or witchdoctors at the door, but God continues to give us challenges and blessings to share. Thank you for your prayers and support as we continue...
 
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
 
 
 
 

05 December 2012

News from Zambia - 5 December 2012

5 December 2012

Greetings from Luanshya!

It hardly seems possible that we are in the last month of 2012. Didn't we just take the tree down a few weeks ago?

The three "youngsters" from the Light House Children's Home that have completed grade twelve (Nancy, Dickson and Shadreck) are preparing to start classes at the Mobile Mission Maintenance Vocational Training Centre (www.mmmzambia.org) in January. They are packing their clothes and getting rid of what does not fit (or is not fit to wear). We visited the centre (yes, it is spelled "re") last wek and they met some of the teachers. They are both excited and anxious. Shadreck said "We are a family! We need to stay together!" Of course, growing up means learning to go out on their own and we are preparing them for that next jump. While we will not have them "under our roof" for the next year, we are paying for this year of school. We appreciate those who have made this particular ministry a priority in your prayers and support. We proud of our "kids" and the progress they have made over the past 12 years.

Staying with the youth ministries, Sherry is completing her lessons on the Old Testament with, obviously Malachi this Friday. Speaking for God, Malachi stood at one of the most significant dividing points in history. Prophets had come and gone, but the culture about him did not bear the evidence of their labors. The priests were corrupt (1:6--2:9), and the people, with some exceptions, were no better (2:10--4:3). But God was still on the throne--sovereign. He was the father (1:6), the master (1:6), a great king (1:14), the heavenly governor (implied in 1:8), the giver of promises and commandments (2:5; 4:4). As the God of judgment, He had brought about the doom of Edom (1:3,4). His curse was upon the unfaithful priests (1:14; 2:2,3,9) and those who had robbed Him (3:9). He would cut off those who intermarried with the heathen (2:12). There would be swift judgment (2:17--3:5). The Day of the Lord would consume the wicked (4:1,3).
 
Yet as the God of grace He would bless the faithful remnant, for a story of grace lay behind His love for Jacob (1:2), His covenant with Levi (2:4,5), His forbearance with the sons of Jacob (3:6), His offer to those who had been unfaithful stewards (3:10), the book of remembrance (3:16), the rising of the sun of righteousness (4:2), and the promised coming of Elijah (4:5,6). The Day of the Lord was coming, said Malachi. It would be a glorious day for the righteous (3:16,17; 4:2,3), but a day of destruction for the wicked (4:1,3). Yet between the lines can be read these words of grace: "Turn back, turn back from your evil ways; why then will you die, O house of Israel?" (Ezek. 33:11).
 
Sherry's lesson will leave the young people with four practical and lingering lessons found in Malachi. 
  • First, we tend to "cool off" or forget our promises when we begin to rationalize our sin.
  • Second, those who are involved in vocational Christian service must be alert to the temptations of carelessness, cynicism, and corruption. 
  • Third, when the minister lowers his godly, biblical standards, many people suffer. 
  • And fourth, God never deals lightly with selfishness.

The final lessons of the year will be: "Celebrating God" and finally "Trusting God".

In Mukolwe the believers have completed planting the garden and are very thankful that the rains have finally started on a regular basis. All of them have their own gardens as well, but the take a day per week and work the church garden. In a few weeks they will begin harvesting some of the green beans and okra and use those funds for benches and doors for the building. A very special thank you to those who have contributed toward the building of the chapel Bit-by-bit we are seeing progress on the walls. The roof will be a challenge, but all in God's time.

Fellowship Chapel has started helping some of the boys in the Sherry's youth group with their school fees. High school education is not free in Zambia and a few of the boys come from poor families.  They church has the boys do work on the property in return for school fees being paid. One young man worked for a week and his bill was paid. Another one of the boys, Alex, was asking questions about how one knows that he is truly a child of God. As we worked together mending the fence at the church we talked about his family and church background. He quoted much of Sherry's previous lesson from the week before and asked me how he could have that assurance being God's child. I showed him, step by step, how he could know beyond all doubt that he had eternal life. There by the fence of the chapel Alex bowed his head and became a child of the King. We look forward to seeing him grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

This month is filled with activity. In it all, we remember that we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour. Thank you for your prayers and support of the Lord's work here in Luanshya.

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

21 November 2012

News from Zambia - 21 November 2012

21 November 2012

Greetings from Luanshya!

There is no "Thanksgiving Holiday" in Zambia. Nevertheless, Sherry and I celebrate the day every year with a dinner with friends. This year we will be having the four Lighthouse residents and a young lady from Canada who was a Rotary Youth Exchange student a few years ago. She is back in Africa for a few weeks and will be helping Sherry in the kitchen in the morning before going with me to Mukolwe Village for the Bible study. Then we will go back home for dinner at six. We are thankful for the blessings and the challenges of the year - and also for the fact that I found a TURKEY in the store for tomorrows dinner! We are looking forward to enjoying our fellowship together with our extended family and friend.

Meanwhile, the work continues! Sherry will be teaching about the prophet Haggai in her youth class on Friday - The Prophet of Priorities. The students have completed their exams and the pressure is over... except for the waiting for results. Nancy, Dickson and Shadreck will be entering the Mobile Mission Maintenance Vocational Training Centre in January. The boys will be taking Construction Management and Nancy will be taking computer classes. We do not want them just sitting and waiting for the results so we are putting them into this school so they can learn a trade. Ultimately Nancy wants to go into teaching, Dickson wants to enter the Zambian military and Shadreck wants to be an engineer. The training they will receive at MMMVTC will help them all with their ultimate goals. Please pray for "our kids" as they transition from secondary school to vocational training college.

The meeting hall for the Mukolwe Chapel is at roof level. The church members have planted a garden on the acre of land next tot he building in order to raise funds for the roof. This is a village and most of the believers there live by bartering with each other - onions for potatoes, tomatoes for cabbage etc. They are planning to put a vegetable stall on the road and hope to sell vegetables to passers-by. You are too far away to support them by purchasing a package of okra or a few egg plants, but if you would like to help, we will make sure that every gift designated to Mukolwe Chapel goes into their building fund.

As we enter this season of the year, we are constantly reminded of your generous faithfulness in prayer and support. We deeply appreciate your partnership in the Lord's work in Zambia.

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

07 November 2012

News from Zambia - 7 November 2012

7 November 2012

Greetings from Luanshya!

Sherry reminded me that it has been four weeks since our last update! Time literally slips away from us!

In the past four weeks the Mukolwe congregation has finished making the bricks for their building and the walls have gone up to "ring beam" level. The ring beam is a band of concrete that encircles the structure to add stability to the walls. The members of the church are working with the students at the Mobile Mission Maintenance Vocational Training Centre students from the nearby village of Kafubu Block. They do not have much money, but they have worked to make the bricks, carried sand in sacks on their bicycles and cooked meals for the students who were working. We deeply appreciate those who have contributed to this construction project. This past week the ladies of the congregation have cultivated about 3 acres of land to plant beans, okra and egg plant so they can sell these to held pay for benches and doors for the new building. I am reminded of the generosity of the Macedonian believers who, in their deep poverty, gave themselves to the Lord's service.

The Lighthouse Children's Home students (Nancy, Dickson and Shadreck) are in the midst of their final exams for grade 12. In fact, the Christian Resource Centre has become a hub of study groups for Luanshya. At any given time there are between 5 and 30 young people huddling in small groups talking about history, mathematics, civics or science. We are pleased that the CRC is available for these young people to have a quiet place to prepare. Almost all of these young people are part of Sherry's Friday Youth Meeting. Please pray for them as they proceed through the exam period.

The photo attached is of Sherry's grade twelve students. (She is hiding behind them!)

This week we commemorate "Remembrance Sunday" in Luanshya. I have been a part of this service for the past 17 years (committee chair for the past 8) and it is always a privilege to honour the few remaining veterans of World War 2 who served in North Africa and Burma. The "baby" of the group is 89 years old and the "old man" is 95. These men call me their "nephew" and they ask about the "boy (Colin) who accompanied us to the service while he was here. While working with these ex-servicemen I have been able to connect with the current military leaders based in Luanshya. I spent an hour talking with the Staff Sergeant who serves as the liaison officer between the Zambian army and the Remembrance Day Committee. He is a professing Christian, but he said his church is "a bit weak" in teaching. Pray for my new friend as he continues to seek to know more about our Lord.

Finally, the election in the USA has been a major topic of conversation all over town. As the only American living in Luanshya at the time, everybody wants to know for whom we are voting. Our answer is always "The secret ballot is called 'secret' because it is a secret." Still, people here are intrigued that the United States can have elections without riots and bloodshed. We praise the Lord for the privilege of having the right to vote - which we did several weeks ago - and for the liberty that we as American enjoy even as we live far from the borders of the United States. Now that the election is over and the the results are in, we set our eyes on the goal ahead - beyond politics, beyond human promises and beyond self-proclaimed "experts" on television - and look to the Author and Finisher of our faith. Our mandate has not changed and our commission has not diminished.

We deeply appreciate your faithfulness in prayers and support which keeps us...

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

06 October 2012

News from Zambia - 5 October 2012

5 October 2012

Greetings from Luanshya!

Birthday, Building and Bible School!

Yesterday our youngest ward, Andrew Silungwe, turned 17 years of age. We invited the Lighthouse "kids" to our house for a birthday party. Andrew wanted Tilapia (fish) so Sherry made Tilapia, scalloped potatoes and green beans. She also made a spice cake and served it with ice cream. It was significant that this was the last birthday party that we will celebrate before the older three youngsters leave us in January. Please continue to pray for all the "kids" in the Lighthouse Home.

The congregation in Mukolwe Village has been working long and hard making bricks for their new chapel. We had the brick-making machine from the Mobile Mission Maintenance Vocational Training Centre (MMMVTC) and everyone got involved... even the women were carrying bricks with babies on their backs. We all got into the "swing of things" mixing cement with the anthill soil, throwing the mix into the machine, then carrying the pressed bricks to the slab so they could cure. Then the MMMVTC students came and began the building of the first wall. It is an exciting time!

   

THEN, on Saturday we will participate in the handover of a new vehicle and 45 sewing machines to the Mobile Mission Maintenance Vocational Training Centre. This was made possible by a Rotary Club in New York and several Christian partners in various parts of the world. This equipment will allow MMMVTC to train young people to take care of themselves as they work in their local churches around Zambia. We appreciate all who helped with this project.

Finally, three of our LCH wards are beginning their final exams for grade 12 next week. We have had Nancy, Dickson and Shadreck in our care for the past 12 years and we are proud of their progress academically, physically and spiritually. After their exams all three of them will be enrolled in MMMVTC. The boys will be taking the construction management course and Nancy will be taking computer courses. They will all be living on campus at the school. This will help them prepare for their lives beyond LCH and still keep them in a Christian atmosphere. If you would like to help with their further education, let us know and we can send details.

It has been an incredibly busy time, but God has blessed in every aspect of the work here. We appreciate your faithful prayers and support as 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

05 September 2012

News from Zambia - 5 September 2012 A

5 September 2012

Greetings from Luanshya!

Last week was one of the busiest weeks we have had in recent memory. Every morning we conducted the Daily Vacation Bible School. There were 75 children in attendance. We had special music, skits, Bible stories, games and crafts. We had a great time with the children and at the end of the week every child received a New Testament and a Gospel tract to take home and share with their parents or guardians. On Sunday many of the children came to the church service. Hopefully we will have an opportunity to visit with their families in the coming weeks.

In spite of the morning classes, we still had our afternoon activities in addition to preparation for the next day's program. On Wednesday I continued the series on "What We Believe and Why We Believe It." On Thursday I went to Mukolwe Village and conducted a class on "How to Share the Gospel." 

On Friday Sherry's youth class studied the little-known prophet of Micah: Advocate for the Poor. This week they will be studying another little-known prophet, Nahum. Next to nothing is known of Nahum. Like his three chapter book, the man is obscure. And that is unfortunate, especially since his message is so directly linked to the most popular of the minor prophets: Jonah. Nahum's message is addressed to the descendants of the same people who had been evangelized as a result of Jonah's ministry-the people of Nineveh. One hundred years after Jonah's visit, Nahum wrote to the next generation living in Nineveh, announcing judgment because those who had been converted in Jonah's time had refused to pass on to their children and grandchildren (the people of Nahum's day) the knowledge and fear of the one true God.

Sherry will use the illustration of the frog in room temperature water slowly heated to boiling. As the water temperature increases the frog goes unconscious and boils to death without ever knowing it was in danger. The erosion of conscience, indifference. Our lives are like that when we allow sin to have a foothold, or attitudes or company. Anything, if it works slow enough, if tolerated long enough and the mix being just right, is all that is needed to lead to our ruin.
The book of Nahum leaves us with a couple truths about God:
1. Because of God's character, we are to take Him seriously, for He is truly awesome!
2. Because of God's almighty power, we are to fear Him reverently.

Next week the construction of the Mukolwe Chapel will begin. All the supplies are being gathered to the site now. The Vocational Training Centre was on holiday this week so the students were unable to start. The men of the church are very eager to get started especially with the rains now only two months away.

Last week was busy. This week is busy. Next week promises to be busy as well!Thank you for keeping us in your prayers as we continue...

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

15 August 2012

News from Zambia - 15 August 2012 A

15 August 2012

Greetings from Luanshya!

We start this week's update with a sad story. The 28-year-old daughter of a man in Fellowship Chapel passed away last Saturday. She apparently attempted to induce an abortion by taking an overdose of a very powerful antibiotic. She had already given birth to four children by several other men, but had never been married. The father of the unborn child called her his wife, but he did not marry her and has no consistent means of income. The young woman's father said he had tried to talk with his daughter about the Lord and she had attended services at the Chapel in the past, but her lifestyle "got in the way" of any attempt to bring her to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Please pray for "ES" as he deals with this loss and the raising of his four grandchildren.

In Mukolwe the work of breaking the very large anthill has been completed and the work to make 6,000 bricks is about o begin. The Mobile Mission Maintenance Vocational Training Centre will bring the brick-making machine to the site this week and the men are preparing to spend 6 days straight - dawn to dusk - making bricks. They must "cure" for seven days then the walls of the new sanctuary will begin to go up. The entire village is excited about this new assembly of believers. News of the "What the Bible Says" teaching is spreading to neighbouring villages. The new area of ministry 45 minutes further from Mukolwe at Kafubu Dam is expanding as more and more people come to hear the difference between denominationally centered teaching and the Bible. As God opens doors we continue to see Him bless.

We have a special prayer request. In just twelve day we will be conducting our Vacation Bible School. Our volunteer "army" is making preparations for music, games, crafts and Bible studies to reach the children in our community as well as their parents. Please make this a matter of prayer. It is the first time we have done this on the camps of the Fellowship Chapel. We are excited about this ministry!

We deeply appreciate your love and prayers on our behalf!

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

01 August 2012

News from Zambia - 1 August 2012 Fam

1 August 2012

Greetings from Luanshya!

Last Thursday I was invited to a struggling church about an hour from home. I collected Bro Simwanza from Kafubu Block, we collected a couple of men from Mukolwe and finally made it to Kafubu Dam by 1:00pm. The young congregation has started a small building, but they said they really needed to learn the "basics" so we started there: "What we believe and why we believe it concerning the Scriptures." There were 12 people in the room (including the four of us) ranging in age from 20-somthing to 83. After the lesson they asked me to come this week as well (with pleasure!) then set up a schedule for regular lessons. It is encouraging to see believers thirsty for the truth of the Word of God. Please pray for this newest "open door" of ministry.

On Friday Sherry took her youth class to Obadiah: Strong Warning To The Proud. She told them that in the books of the prophets there are four points of interest that are interwoven together; (1) the prophet's own times--his particular situation; (2) the imminent threat of the nations' captivity by Assyria and Babylon as well as the nations' eventual restoration; (3) the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ; and (4) the literal, millennial reign of Messiah as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Obadiah's message is related to the first two historical periods. Except in his case, Obadiah's message was not to Israel or Judah but to Edom and there was no hope of restoration for them. This little book sums up the meaning of the relationship of Edom and Israel (Esau and Jacob), in the history of salvation and in so doing reveals an aspect of the Day of the Lord and the Kingdom of God.

Three practical and convincing applications are found in the book of Obadiah. First, if you hold grudges, take revenge, or continue in feuds and fights, your own failure is certain. Second, if you are proud and find pleasure in another's calamity, your own success will be diminished. Third, if you think you are secure in what you earn and erect, your own situation is sure to change.

On Sunday I went to Mukolwe Village an preached from Matthew 13 concerning the Parable of the Sower. This particular passage is especially poignant for this congregation because every one of the families are farmers. As I talked about breaking up the hard ground, removing the stones and weeds and preparing the soil (hearts of people) to receive the good seed of the Word of God, their heads were nodding and the men were responding with "amen." After the service we talked about two issues: Preparing to make the bricks for the new chapel and preparing to visit every house in the village to "prepare the soil" for the good seed. They are so excited about reaching their neighbours with the Gospel! Please continue to pray for this new congregation.

Finally, today is a special day for us. 15 years ago I married my best friend, Sherry Welch. My mother told Sherry that she was so happy that Sherry had come into my life because my mother heard me laugh for the first time in three years. Over the past 15 years God has blessed our efforts here in Zambia in ways we could not even have imagined. We appreciate your prayers and support to make this all possible!

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

16 May 2012

News from Zambia - 16 May 2012

16 May 2012

Greetings from Luanshya!

It is not very often that I have an opportunity to sit and listen to someone else preach on a Sunday morning, but last Sunday was just such a day. John Bwalya (our adopted Zambian son) preached a sermon from Psalm 127 reminding us that unless the Lord builds the house the builders are working in vain. When John came to us several years ago to tell us that he and Sara wanted to get married we spent nine weeks in pre-marital counselling with them. We used the book Before We Say "I Do" by Marvin A. McMickle as our workbook and both John and Sara had homework assignments each week. As we listened to John preach building Christ-centered families we remembered those sessions with them a few years ago. We are so pleased to see his spiritual growth and his leadership skills both in his home and in the church.

On Friday, Sherry's youth class studied the book of Ezekiel - the Strong Man of God. A reader can't read the prophet Ezekiel's writings three minutes without encountering the strange, the phenomenal, the wonderful. In his own unpredictable manner, Ezekiel told his readers about the Lord; he genuinely desired that people understand who God is. How needed are his words in our own day! Ezekiel wrote, preached, dramatized, warned, and prophesied for more than two decades. With great enthusiasm and imagination, he vigorously declared God's message before an exiled generation of Jews--discouraged captives who needed a strong leader. Because modern minds see humanity as awesome and God as tiresome, a big dose of Ezekiel is long overdue. May God emerge and, in all His glory, eclipse humanity beneath His almighty shadow. A contemporary of Daniel and only a few years older, Ezekiel spent his ministry as a living illustration of God's relationship with His people Israel. The young people were left with four timeless principles we can all learn from Ezekiel: 1) Those who significantly impact others for God have God's hand on them, God's Word in them, and God's message speaking through them. 2) Truth gains authenticity when it is modeled. 3) Nothing is impossible with God. 4) There is always hope when we focus on God's glory. This week, Daniel--A Man of Integrity.

Yesterday we had two guests visit us in the Christian Resource Centre. Andrew and Grace Maina are missionaries from Kenya to Zambia focusing on youth. They saw the display window and stopped in to see what we had to offer. They were very excited about having access to reference books as well as reading books for their young son, Nathan. This afternoon I had an opportunity to spend about 30 minutes with Andrew talking about his dreams and goals for his ministry. Please pray for Andrew and Grace as they serve the Lord in Zambia.

Next week marks my 28th year as a missionary to Africa (Zaire then Zambia). It has been more "eventful" that expected and more fruitful than I could have imagined. I thank the Lord for His strength and guidance through the challenges of the past 28 years. I thank the Lord for protecting my children as they endured the challenges of being "MK's." I thank the Lord for bringing Sherry into my life to share our lives and ministries.

We also thank you for your prayers and support as 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

04 May 2012

News from Zambia - 14 March 2012 A

2 May 2012


Greetings from Luanshya, (Sorry for the slight delay... I was in Mozambique on Wednesday and away from a consistent Internet access)


With 50% 0f the Zambian population being 15 years of age or younger, it is no surprise that we spend much of our time ministering to and preparing leaders to work with young people. All last week Patrick lectured at the Gospel Literature Outreach Bible Institute (GLO) situated along the rural route between Ndola and Mufulira - about 40 minutes from our home. GLO was started by missionaries from New Zealand in 1985. Several years ago the administration of the school was placed in the capable hands of Felix Muchimba as administrative director and Simon Banda as financial director. The school has flourished under their direction. Five years ago Patrick was asked to lecture at the school in New Testament Survey and Biblical Stewardship classes. It is a great joy to see local ministries in the capable hands of Godly local servants. There were 31 students in his class this year ranging in age from 19 to 38. Please pray for these young people as they prepare to serve our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.


Last Friday Sherry's Youth Bible Study was packed with every seat in the room filled. The class is in the midst of a series on Old Testament Survey examining one book per week. Last week when they came to the end of the 30 minute lesson the young people said it was not long enough so they continued another 30 minutes bringing out not only Bible background notes and doctrinal truths but practical application for God's children today. During our Friday night "dinner and a film night" with the Lighthouse kids, the questions and discussion continued. One of the boys spoke on Sunday at the Lord's Supper and used some of what he had learned from Isaiah 53 as well as passages from Jeremiah. We are excited to see our young people so enthusiastic about Bible study! Please pray for "our kids" as they continue not only in their Bible studies, but as many of them prepare for their final grade 12 exams in November/December.


We learned the other day that some of our young people are in the process of cutting their first gospel cd. This group calls themselves "New Generations-Zambia". Your prayers for their endeavor to reach their classmates through music would be greatly appreciated. There is a big youth conference scheduled for this weekend where a couple hundred high school students will be exposed to the Word of God. Please pray as our young people reach out to the community.


In addition, at our last visit to Senior Chief Mushili of the Lamba People he gave us a very large parcel of property for the Mukolwe Chapel worship center and asked us to "do something to help development in the village."  After speaking to Leonard Mutono, Director of the Moblie Mission Maintenance Vocational Training Centre (another ministry started by missionaries and handed over to local leadership), about opening a "Mukolwe Branch" of MMMVTC. The suggestion was met with great enthusiasm by both the community and the school. We will be able to teach Bible classes as well as vocational skills including bricklaying, carpentry, tailoring and literacy classes. This is another example of what can happen when we work WITH local church leaders rather than working "over" them. The Lord continues to open doors for us to expand our outreach and empower young people to take the Gospel to their friends and neighbours. 


This is only a brief outline of our work for the past two weeks, but it gives you an idea of what God has allowed us to do as we continue...


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

18 April 2012

News from Zambia - 18 April 2012

18 April 2012

Greetings from Luanshya... again!

It has been an eventful few weeks and I am glad to be home again with Sherry, the "kids" and our colleagues in service here in Zambia.

I returned home on Saturday, 7 April, and preached the next day on Easter Sunday morning. It was great being able to preach about the risen Saviour - especially since His victory over death and the grave made it possible for us to celebrate a life rather than simply mourning a death. The rest of the week included meetings with the District Education Board, the director of Mobile Mission Maintenance and the District Administration Officer of Luanshya as well as the Bible study in Mukolwe Village. It was a busy and productive week. Next week I will be lecturing at the Gospel Literature Outreach Bible School in a 20-hour module on Biblical Stewardship. This is always a highlight of my year as I share God's principles of caring for the time, talent and treasure that He allows us to manage during our lifetime. Your prayers for these areas of ministry are deeply appreciate!

Meanwhile, Sherry's schedule is equally full with the Christian Resource Centre, the Source of Light Bible Correspondence School and the Youth Bible Study on Friday. There have been several church leaders and Bible school students coming into the CRC to read and study a variety of topics from prophecy to the life of Christ. One of the Bible school students had a question from his teacher asking why the apostles were "confused by the Great Commission." That question was confusing even to us. We aren't sure why his teacher found such a question. Such are the challenges for Bible school students. One older man has been coming in and reading through William MacDonald's Bible Commentary. He said he just wants to learn more.

Last Friday Sherry took her young people through the book of Isaiah. She compared the 66 chapters of the book to the 66 books of the Bible. After 30 minutes she told the class that time was up and they argued with her to keep going. It is amazing to see teenagers excited about a Bible study when so many people look for reasons to avoid them. Pray for Sherry's "kids" as they explore the book of Jeremiah this coming Friday.

The most amazing event of the week was the disappearance and recovery of Shareck's bicycle. On Sunday Shadreck parked his bicycle right in front of the church door. There were two young men sitting across the street from the church, but there are often people sitting on the side of the road and we did not think about it. While we were praying someone lifted the bike and carried it to the road then road off on it. We did not realise it was gone until after the service. Frankly, I thought the other boys were teasing him. The next morning one of the men saw Sherry and when she said she knew he had something to do with the theft he literally ran away. On Tuesday he returned to the CRC and begged us to listen to him as he explained that the other man stole the bike, but he knew where it was. I went with him and Shadreck and after driving for over an hour through the township near Luanshya we finally found the bike. Shadreck was overjoyed to have his bike back! (He is now working odd jobs to buy an chain and lock as well as repair to his bike. (It was partially cannibalised by the thief.) Tonight during the prayer meeting Shadreck thanked the Lord for allowing us to find his bike!

As I said, it has been a very eventful few weeks and the next few weeks promise to be equally busy. Thank you for your prayers and support as we 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

14 March 2012

News from Zambia - 14 March 2012

14 March 2012

Greetings from Luanshya!

Sometimes things happen that remind us that God works in ways that we cannot even imagine! That is the reason that Jeremiah 33:3 is one of my favourite verse in the Bible.

This morning I drove to Mukolwe and collected the "leaders-in-training" of the new church there and continued to Chief Mushili's palace. As you may recall, The chief gave this new assembly of believers a large parcel of land for the construction of a chapel. Last week the niece of the chief came to the church and said she wanted them to have a different plot. The new plot is larger, closer to the school where the church is currently meeting and has easier access to the main road. She actually owns the plot and wants to give it to the church. One of the things she mentioned to the congregation was how pleased she was to see that I had helped place water well and pump at the school providing clean drinking water for the community! She visited her uncle and he agreed to the exchange. We are encouraged with this new development and look forward to seeing God work through these men as they prepare for leadership. Please pray for this new work as they grow in number and knowledge.

Last Sunday was "Youth Sunday" at Fellowship Chapel. (Monday was a national holiday - Youth Day.) The young people in the church were "in charge" for the day. Andrew Silungwe preached his first sermon. Dickson Siwale spoke during the Lord's Supper. Other young people led the music and received the offering. John Bwalya, who is considered a "youth" himself in Zambia because he s younger than 35 years old, over saw the entire service. We are pleased to say that everything went well and all of "our kids" exemplified the Lord Jesus Christ in their service that day. Sherry is especially pleased since the young people involved are all in her Friday Youth Class. Thank you for praying for the young people in our ministry. We are seeing results!

A Christian aid organisation near us has approached us about taking "The Jesus Film" to the rural ministries that we have. They have the generator and projector and are willing to go with me to places where most villagers have never seen a motion picture. This is a very exciting possibility for an evangelistic outreach. We are working on the logistics for this program. We will need to wait until the end of the rainy season in about 4-5 weeks. Please pray with us as we plan for these events in the coming weeks.

It has been said: "They don't care what you know until they know that you care." Sharing the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ includes expressing His love through our lives and outreach. Your prayers and support make that possible!

Thank you for your faithful prayers!

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

29 February 2012

News from Zambia - 29 February 2012

29 February 2012

Greetings from Luanshya! It is rare that we get to send a letter with today's date. We could not pass up this opportunity!

We have had another incredibly exciting week! The rains continue with full force "helping" us to find the weak spots in the roof of the house and the Christian Resource Centre. My "honey do" list is growing for the end of the rainy season in May!

As you know, we have been working with the local Rotary Club on the "Water for Education Campaign" in our area. We arrange for wells and toilets to be placed at rural schools. We have been using two Christian organisations to do this: Seeds of Hope International Partnerships drill the wells and install the hand pumps. Mobile Mission Maintenance Vocational Training Centre build the toilets using students at the school as "on the job training." We network with Rotary Clubs around the world as well as individuals and churches who want to participate. Providing the water and sanitation is important to the school children and communities. Being a part of this project brings us closer to the people living in these communities.

This past week a well was drilled at Mushili Basic School, the school where the new congregation is meeting in Mukolwe - a village about 45 minutes from home. On Sunday the nurse from the local rural clinic came to see who we were, what we were teaching and why we were there. I had a lengthy conversation with her and gave her several booklets to read. She promised to come back next Thursday for the Bible Study. Just as the service started the son of the village headman walked in with his family. He said he wanted to come because he saw that we were not just there "for the money" but wanted to make a difference in that village. The old adage is true: "Nobody cares what you know until they know that you care." We never realised that a water well and a couple of toilets would open so many doors to present the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. By the way, three other communities in this rural district have asked us to start Bible studies at the schools there. All we need are more days in the week! Please pray for this ever-expanding ministry!

The Women's Bible Fellowship on Thursday's continues to meet. Sherry's series on 1 Peter has attracted attention, particularly with the primary title of "Hope Beyond...". She takes each chapter and identifies a major aspect which draws attention to the Christian and how they can "Hope Beyond..." the problems of life. This week the lesson is on "Hope Beyond Unfairness: Pressing On Even Though Ripped Off" from 1 Peter 2:13-25. Few dilemmas are more difficult to cope with than being done wrong after having done right. Our natural tendency is to resent such treatment, retaliate, and then hold a grudge. Strange as it may seem, God offers rare and wise counsel: instead of getting even...submit. In this portion of scripture believer's are exhorted to follow in the footsteps of their Lord. In a day when most sue or slug it out, submitting seems out of the question. Nevertheless, God's ways are always best. His instructions may not come naturally or easily, but they are effective. Nothing is more disarming to our enemies. As Christ modeled so beautifully, submission to the Father leads to remarkable results.

In other areas the Youth Centre continues to bring in young people from the various high schools on Friday afternoons. Sherry's series on the Old Testament (Ezra to Malachi) has opened the eyes of many as to the relevancy of these often forgotten books. This Friday the youth will be looking at Proverbs: Reliable Counsel For Right Living. The book of Proverbs offers a wealth of information to aid us in wise living. What the Psalms are to our devotional life, the book of Proverbs is to our practical life. 

This past week Zambia had a very high profile visitor. Ban Ki Moon, the Secretary General of the United Nations, made the first visit to Zambia by a SG. His speech to the nation started a firestorm! He began well by congratulating the Zambian National Football (soccer) team for their recent victory in the Africa Cup of Nations Tournament and congratulated the Zambian people for a peaceful transition of government in last year's elections. Then he began talking about human rights and went through all the catagories: Race, Religion, Ethnicity etc. Then the bomb shell. He mentioned "sexual orientation." Both the United States and the United Kingdom have warned Zambia that foreign aid will be affected by Zambia's stance on the rights of homosexuals. We have never heard so many people quote Leviticus 18:22 in their letters to the editor, on national television and on FACEBOOK. Ban Ki Moon's visit to Zambia has done as much to draw the people of Zambia together as the victory of the Chipolopolo Boys a few weeks ago. One report said "we don't want this American sin corrupting Zambian youth." The fact that Mr Moon is South Korean did not matter. The UN Headquarters is in New York so this was "from America."

Several times in the past few days people have asked me what I believed about homosexuality. I have explained that the Bible calls it an abomination, but we are not here to pinpoint any particular sinner. Our responsibility is to share the Gospel with everyone and that includes "all people" according to Mark 16:15. Please remember to pray for this situation. We do not want the believers here to get sidetracked in a single-focus issue. The Great Commission is to reach the lost - not to condemn them. When a person receives the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour the Holy Spirit convicts them of their sin. Our purpose is to reach them with the Gospel.

Thank you for your faithful prayers!

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


15 February 2012

News from Zambia - 15 February 2012

15 February 2012

Greetings from Luanshya!

We have had an incredibly exciting week! Last Wednesday the Zambian National Football (Soccer) Team defeated Ghana to advance to the finals of the African Cup of Nations Tournament. For the next four days the country was on pins and needles as the team prepared to face Côte d'Ivoire in the final match on Sunday night. Zambians from every walk of life were wearing national colours, flags appeared on automobiles and "Vuvuzelas" (those loud, annoying plastic horns) were being "played" all over town. As the time for the even neared the streets were emptied as almost everyone was glued to a television set. Of course, there were the power outages around the country then the rain started and television reception was distorted, but still we watched as Zambia ultimately won the match and became the football champions of Africa. The celebrations lasted all night and well into the next two days. It was great seeing Zambians become patriotic even if it was only for a few days.

The night became better when we received a skype call from our daughter, Chandra. Colin was visiting her so we were able to talk to them together. The call lasted until 2am. It was a terrific end to a great day!

Yesterday was, of course, Valentines' Day. While it is not a big day in Zambia, it is being introduced into Zambia by the South African merchants. Yes, I bought flowers for Sherry and some chocolate, but the best part of the day for Sherry was when Dickson - the oldest boy in the Lighthouse Home - brought four red roses to Sherry's office and wished her "Happy Valentines' Day." We have seen an incredible maturity in our four "youngsters" in the last year since reorganising the Lighthouse Ministry and bringing the children closer to us. Thanks for your prayers on their behalf!

Yesterday we were asked about premarital counselling by a young lady who is contemplating her upcoming nuptials. We have explained that we have a nine-week course that we insist that all prospective newlyweds before performing a wedding. She and her fiancé are going to contact us and set up the first meeting. Please pray for this young couple. They want to start their new life together fully prepared to spend their lives together.

Busy and exciting week! Just the way we like them! We appreciate your prayers!

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