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.
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
