04 December 2013

News from Zambia - 4 December 2013

Greetings from Luanshya!

This morning on my Facebook page I wrote the following:

"A missionary's mission is not to build a kingdom. It is to build people and to empower them to build God's Kingdom. Today I am taking food to three ex-servicemen then travelling to three different villages to teach and train people to reach out to their neighbours taking the Good News that Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Saviour of the world, DID come, DID die, DID rise again and WILL return for His followers."

I then turned off my computer and delivered the food and visited the rural churches. In the evening we went to Fellowship Chapel for the Bible study. I began sharing the victory of the last meeting in the afternoon.

The new congregation in Mwewa Village is meeting in the unfinished home of Mr Mulenga. The members sit on the floor, boxes and the floor. As is my custom, I begin teaching new congregations the "basics" of the Gospel. This week the lesson was on baptism. At the end of the lesson I asked for question. Mr Kalaba said "I have a question. You said that only believers can be baptised. How can I become a believer?" It was my pleasure to explain God's simple plan of salvation and witness his new-found faith.

After I told the story Andrew Silungwe (our last Lighthouse Ward) said he wanted to share what God had done with him. He has set up a small computer repair shop with a friend in the building behind our house. His friend began asking him about his lifestyle. Andrew turned the conversation to the Lord. His friend is asking lots of questions and Andrew is sharing his faith with him daily. Please pray for Andrew as he speaks to his friend.

Then Sarah Bwalya shared that she had been accepted into Secondary School Teachers' College. She is a "senior teacher" at a local primary school and will be taking two weeks of classes during her regular school breaks. The rest will be done by extension. She will be home on the weekends so her Sunday school responsibilities will not be interrupted. She is very excited about this, but said that another teacher in her school is very jealous. We encouraged her and said that successful people are always the target of jealous people. Please pray for Sarah as she advances in her education.

Finally Sherry talked about a lady who has been coming into the Christian Resource Centre for the last several days. Today her husband came in looking for her. He said he wanted to know about "this place" where his wife spends so much time. Sherry showed him around the reading room and explained the books, tapes, videos and Bible Correspondence School. As he walked out with his wife he said, "This is a wonderful place. We need to come back here often." We hope they do and we pray that they will find what they need spiritually.

It has been a great week! Thank you for your prayers and support as we remain…

In His Service,
Patrick & Sherry

Photo is of the Mwewa Chapel congregation in front of Mr Mulenga's house (White shirt in back row)

28 November 2013

News from Zambia - 27 November 2013

27 November 2013

Greetings from the Coleman's!

Sherry shared this with me tonight:

***

At 4:33 the sun set over the city of Jerusalem. It was now time for the lighting of the Hanukkah candles and the saying of the prayers. Sadly, the Rabbi was late. The service was postponed until 5. Then 5:15.

Eventually, the Rabbi arrived, opened his Siddur and recited the prayers and lit the candles. He then led the traditional song reminding us of the great miracle that happened so many years ago when God preserved the oil that was enough for one night for seven more. One would have thought that the Teacher would take time to share the story of the great miracle and the events that led up to it. Unfortunately, he did not.

As the crowd disbursed, some of the visitors and onlookers asked one another "what does this celebration represent?" Standing alone and hearing the question, Sherry called the people together who wanted to hear.  She stood before them and told the ancient story of the Maccabees, their battle against evil and those who wished to inhibit the worship of the One true God.

A few moments later a teenaged boy had overheard a part of the story and wanted to hear from the beginning. So, she started again. When finished, the young man expressed his appreciation and thanked her for the time spent in revealing the miracle of Hanukkah.

Shortly afterwards, Sherry walked by another group of people who had watched the service from a distance but heard little and understood less. She heard them ask those she had told, and thus the story passed to yet another group who learned what God had done to preserve His people and a way of life that lives on even until today.

***

Sometimes, as we go about the practice of "doing church" we may forget that people outside our sphere may not fully understand what we are doing or why we are doing it. We assume – as the Rabbi did in Sherry's account above – that everyone understands the true meaning of Christmas. For many "Santa Claus" and the "Charlie Brown Christmas" are all they have every known. Their Christmas film collection is the "Miracle on 34th Street," "Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "It's a Wonderful Life." To assume that people connect the most incredible miracle of God becoming flesh and living among us with "Christmas" is as far removed from them as lighting a Chanukah candle was for a group of tourists.

As we tell this story of God's provision for His people we also share His provision for our salvation. Take time this Christmas to share the story of he birth of the Christ child with someone new. It may be the first time they have ever heard it! 

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 November 2013

News from Zambia - 6 November 2013

6 November 2013

Greetings from Luanshya!

November in Zambia means rain. We have had a couple of very severe storms already and leaking roofs are apparent. The neighbour of the Christian Resource Centre did some “repair” work on his wall and roof. Unfortunately it means that the water coming off of his roof ends up coming though the wall and into the seminar hall. We have spoken to the tenant and have not had much success this far. We may end up fixing his problem in order to avoid more problems for us.

Speaking of roofs… We have received about half of what we need for the roof at Mukolwe Chapel. I have spoken to the Mobile Mission Maintenance Vocational Training Centre (where two of our Lighthouse boys are attending classes) and we will start the process of putting up the roof next week. If we can get at least part of the roof up, then the congregation can meet without getting wet. While the people do not have an abundance of cash, they have collected the sand for the project. We will give progress reports as the project continues. We deeply appreciate those who have already given to make this possible!

This past week was one of our most difficult for several years. Our friend, Jonas Chinoya, passed away at the age of 68 from an asthma attack. Jonas was a deacon at Fellowship Chapel and he was the first member of Fellowship Chapel to die in the 16-year history of the church. His funeral was conducted last Wednesday. We had over 200 people at the funeral and the Gospel was preached in both English and Bemba – something rare in most churches here. Several of the attenders mentioned that they were impressed with the message. We are planning visits with them in the next few weeks. Please pray that the Lord will prepare their hearts as we share the Gospel with them in their homes.

The high school kids will resume lessons with Sherry the end of November. Their final exams will be over and it will be a matter of waiting for the results to come out in February/March. Our Andrew will be sitting his last exam on Friday and then he will be opening the doors to his own little repair business to raise some pocket money. Once his results are out, we will be able to take the next step in his education. We are looking at his attending Luanshya Technical Business College. Please pray for the young people as they begin looking beyond high school.

You faithful prayers and support keep us…

In His Service,


Patrick & Sherry

17 July 2013

News from Zambia - 17 July 2013

17 July 2013

Greetings from Luanshya!

This morning Mr. Mpakanya came into the Christian Resource Centre to collect his lessons and his first certificate of accomplishment. During the presentation of his certificate, three high school boys were present. I made the introductions and then said, "Mr. Mpakanya is a believer  in education…education continues until the day we die. Today he is being recognised for his accomplishment in completing a series of Bible lessons on the Christian life." The boys clapped for Mr. Mpakanya following the presentation and Mr. Mpakanya shyly smiled. This student of the Source of Light Correspondence School is over 70 years of age and journey's a long distance to collect his lessons.

Another student in the correspondence School, Kelvin, is a security guard. He is on his second series of lessons and faithfully comes into the library each day to study and prepare for bible studies at his church. Today he was looking at a book entitled "The Purpose Driven Church". He has also been doing a personal study on the active Christian life. He regularly asks questions and has befriended many other people who come daily to use the facilities. 

Many of the high school students are currently sitting their mock exams. So, the Youth program is on a short hiatus until the young people have some semblance of a schedule once again. When we resume, we will continue in our study of bible characters.

This past week Sherry was invited to a meeting at the town council to see a presentation of a "social networking campaign" for Luanshya. A young couple from Greece is setting up the system. They invited both of us to come to their home for a more extensive examination. This has given us another opportunity to become even more involved in our community and this allows us an opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ through this new network as well as with the face-to-face conversations that result from this interaction.

God continues to open doors for us to reach out in some unusual ways. We appreciate your faithful support and prayers for as 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

12 June 2013

News from Zambia 12 June 2013

12 June 2013

Greetings from Zambia! 

We spoke about the Youth Seminar in our last update. Sherry began the lessons, but realised quickly that the information was generating more questions than she thought. "Dating" in the Zambian culture is not common. The term "girl friend" or "boy friend" usually implies a relationship that is much more intense than simply having dinner and holding hands. She was able to finish the first three lessons:
1 - What is Love; The Three Kinds of Love
2 - Ten Reasons Why You Should Wait; Understanding the Sex Drive
3 - Dating; How To Say "No!"

However, the next three chapters will have to wait for the follow-up conference. The young people were given lesson sheets and homework. Sherry will have the second session in July after the young people have an opportunity to absorb what they learned in the first session. So, in a few weeks she will present the following lessons:
4 - Love is More Than a Beautiful Feeling; Ten Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
5 - How to Experience God's Love; Parts 1 and 2
6 - How Can I Tell If It Is Real Love?; Choosing Wisely

Mrs Jere lives in a rural centre for physically challenged and vulnerable children. She is also wheelchair-bound. Several years ago she received a wheelchair. Because of where she lives and the poor conditions of the roads, that wheelchair has quite literally begun to fall apart. Thankfully we were able to meet her need for a new wheelchair thanks to a gift from a ladies' ministry in California and a contact with Rotarians in the United Kingdom. This afternoon I went out to Mukolwe and delivered her new wheelchair. Her husband had gone to town, but her father and children were there with her. Her niece and nephew showed up when I arrived and, of course, everyone wanted to be in the photo! It was such a thrill to be able to make it possible for her to be mobile - especially as she works with so many children.

For the last year I have been working with Fiwale Hills Mission Hospital (about 45 minutes from our home) trying to provide a safe and consistent water supply. We received word on Monday that the project is complete! We will be going to the hospital on Saturday morning and officially handing over the project to the hospital and Bible school across the road. Both institutions will be able to have access to the water and the doctors will have clean water in the hospital for the first time in over five years. Providing this water enables the doctors to treat patients physically and the church leaders to treat patients spiritually. Walking through open doors is incredibly exciting!

Finally… Sixty years ago today my parents were married. Today my Father celebrates that day alone, but the love he showed my Mother taught all four of his sons how to love their wives. His legacy lives on in the generations that follow him!

We deeply appreciate your prayers and support as we continue to walk through these open doors...

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 June 2013

News from Zambia 29 May 2013

29 May 2013

Greetings from Zambia!

God continues to bless and open new doors for service.

A couple of weeks ago a local church youth worker came into the Christian Resource Centre and told Sherry that he was concerned about the young people in his church who were constantly bombarded by the immorality of various entertainment media in Zambia. (We have heard similar concerns from friends around the globe!) Sherry showed the youth leader some of the material from the "Source of Light" Bible correspondence curriculum that we have in the CRC entitles "Love: Dating and Marriage." They have planned a Youth Conference for Saturday, 8 June, at the CRC Conference Hall. The topics will include:
1 - What is Love; The Three Kinds of Love
2 - Ten Reasons Why You Should Wait; Understanding the Sex Drive
3 - Dating; How To Say "No"
4 - Love is More Than a Beautiful Feeling; Ten Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
5 - How to Experience God's Love; Parts 1 and 2
6 - How Can I Tell If It Is Real Love?; Choosing Wisely

So far there are over 40 registered participants for the day-long conference. Please pray for Sherry as she leads this vitally important meeting to reach out to teenagers who desperately need role models in their lives!

Two Sundays ago we travelled to the Kafubu Dam (where I go every Thursday afternoon) and I baptised 18 "new" believers just below the dam in the Kafubu River. This was originally planned for February, but the rains made the river a bit to swift for the people to get into the water. This was the first baptism for the church that meets at the dam for FOURTEEN years! Some of those baptised had come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour several years ago, but they were waiting for "permission" to be baptised. It took me some time to convince them that baptism is not something for which believers need "permission" because Jesus commanded it in Matthew 28:19. The man who started the church in his home is actually a bit older and would have a difficult time physically baptising in rushing water so I was asked to do this. In so doing I also taught several of the men how to baptise new believers and told them that they did not need to wait until they had a crowd.

After explaining the process and interviewing each person who came to be be baptised, we walked 30 minutes along the river bank to a place that would allow us to baptise as well as allow the many spectators - some from neighbouring churches in Ndola - to witness this event. One of the men stood beside me to "help" - but to keep a watchful eye for snakes and crocodiles. As each person was baptised the congregation sang and applauded. After the baptism we walked back to the house where the church meets and celebrated their first communion service. The members of Mukolwe Chapel gave this congregation a wooden tray to hold the small plastic communion cups that I provided thanks to friends in the States. As we continue to travel to this rural area I will be teaching more about how to evangelise and administrate this local assembly of believers. Hopefully this baptism and communion service will encourage them to expand their outreach into the village around them. Please pray for the Kafubu Dam Chapel as they grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

By the way, they have started to build their own chapel so they will be able to move from the house to their own meeting place when the rains begin later this year.

There is more to share, but this letter is limited in space. Thank you for your faithful prayer and financial 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

03 April 2013

News from Zambia - 3 April 2013

Greetings from Luanshya!

"He is risen!" This past week we celebrated the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ in various ways. Sherry's heritage as a Jewess once again brought us to the festival of Passover and God's deliverance of His people through the shed blood of the lamb over the lintels of the homes of all those who believed. Similarly, Christ's resurrection delivered us by His sacrifice through the shedding of the blood of the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. This year, since Andrew is living with us full time, he was able to experience Passover in a much more meaningful way. 

On Good Friday our three Lighthouse graduates: Nancy, Dickson and Shadreck, joined us for lunch. It was great having a noisy house again. They were able to share some of the challenges of "living away from home" and we were able to encourage them in their preparation for life. All three of the youths said they were learning skills that would help them in the future and we are excited about their training. Please continue to pray as they experience life in the real world.

The church planting and leadership training ministry has expanded. A new group of believers has asked that I come and teach them. They are eager to know more about the Word of God. This afternoon one of the ladies admitted that she had never accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her saviour. After speaking to her and explaining what it meant to repent and receive, she became the newest member of the family of God. We subsequently learned that this woman is the mother of one of our earliest wards in the Lighthouse Ministry. Japhet's father died when he was young and his mother was unable to care for him. She sent him to family members in Luanshya who were less than enthusiastic about his care. We stepped in and provided a secure environment, education and health care. Today he is running a farm with his mother and is successful. I was very pleased to meet up with Japhet again and to introduce his mother to the saviour. Next week I will return to that village and meet with a number of people who have expressed an interest in spiritual things. The following week we will conduct a baptism service. Please pray for this newest congregation.

On Saturday I visited the World War II veterans remaining in Luanshya. We have seen to many of their needs over the years. When I initially started this ministry, there were thirteen veterans. We are now down to the last three. The youngest man is 89 years old and very feeble but mentally alert. Through a friend in Kitwe we were able to give each of these men a small financial gift to help them with their daily needs. Please pray for these men and their spiritual well-being.

The Christian Resource Centre has been used by a number of church leaders of late many of whom have been reading through the various books on spiritual leadership. One man has asked Sherry to design an exam for when he has completed his studies. Another man has already been to Bible College in South Africa but said he has found so much more help through using the books in the library that he wonders what on earth he was doing before. A teacher at one of the local high schools has asked us to show him the dvd "The Bible vs. The Book of Mormon" because after being in that movement for several months, he is finding that there are too many areas of conflict with the Word of God. He will be visiting the library during the school break when we will be able to share the truth of God's Word.

The work among the youth of the community continues. Sherry will be having a meeting this coming Friday with the lesson plan focusing on: "Often Over-looked Lives of Significance". She will be sharing about the mighty men of David whom without, he would never have assumed the throne. God uses the most unlikely people to accomplish His will. Somewhere back in time, you and I were given a faulty set of instructions. Somewhere we learned that only the most famous or the star athlete or the most publicly gifted individual is worth our time and attention, our respect, and our loudest applause. But in reality, if it was not for the people who surround them, these well-known individuals would quickly fade in popularity and become among the most commonplace. This was never truer than in the days when the Bible was being written! We all know of the apostle Paul, but who has heard of Stephanas, Fortunatus, or Achaicus? And who has not heard of King David? But it's doubtful that many Christians could name the warriors who made it possible for him to become king, such as Eleazar, Benaiah, or Asahel. The truth remains--it is all the unknowns who make a few well known!

We appreciate your faithful prayers and support as we remain…
 
In His Service,
Patrick and 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

13 March 2013

News from Zambia - 13 March 2013

13 March 2013

Greetings from Luanshya!

A quick update on Sherry's health: She is back to 100%! Thanks for your prayers on her behalf!

The rains this year are sporadic. Usually at this time of the year we are experiencing daily downpours and even flooding in lower areas. This year we are having several days in a row with no rain or light showers. Why is that important? Poor rainfall means a poor harvest which means less food. That never brings good things here. People are already talking about shortages of maize (corn) meal which is the staple food for 95% of Zambians. Twenty years ago when Zambia experienced food shortages there were food riots in most urban areas. For the past few days we have had a shower or two per day which is great for gardens, but the total rainfall is lower than normal. Please pray with us concerning the rains in Zambia!

I mentioned the new group of believers meeting in the "Kafubu Dam West" village a few weeks ago. I visited the village last week and made an appointment to meet with them today. I arrived at 1:00 pm and was greeted by about 12 people who are interested in knowing more about the Lord. The village is 16 miles from our house. It took 1 hour to get there - the last 3 miles took 15 minutes. (I am SO happy that I have a JEEP!) This first meeting was a "get acquainted" time so they were able to meet me and ask a few questions about why I am here, how long have I been in Africa and what we are going to study. I shared with them that the most important three words they were going the hear from me are "The Bible Says" and that everything I teach will be supported by Scripture. God has given us certain principles and guidelines in His Word and God has asked us to obey. One question they had: "What if I love my neighbour and they are still annoying?" (I get this question a lot!) I explained that the command to love my neighbour did not come with conditions. That took some time to explain! I will return next Wednesday to teach about "How to know you are saved." Please pray for this new congregation as they grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord!

There have been many requests for the youth work to resume. Sherry has her next series ready to go but because of a number of seminars that she is leading, the youth will only be able to resume lessons towards the end of April. Pray for the young people in their eagerness to to study the Word. We've added some weights and exercise equipment to the Youth Centre. This should attract more young people from unsavoury activities and encourage discussion about our bodies being the Temple of the Holy Spirit and the need to keep our bodies "in shape" both spiritually and physically.

A young church leader has been visiting the Christian Resource Centre nearly every afternoon. He is eager to be a godly leadership and is making use of the many books available on the topic. Another young man has been reading a number of biographies and has asked questions about God's faithfulness. Pray for Noah and Jacob as they seek truth to live by.

Sherry has been receiving weekly text messages from one of our former wards. He continues to express his love and the fact that he "misses home and time together". Pray for the many young people who have gone through our many programs. Some have gone astray and others have maintained their testimony. The world is a tough place to live as a believer but the Lord does remind us to be in the world but not of it.

We thank you for your continued prayer and support as we seek to serve the Master.

God bless!

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 March 2013

News from Zambia - 6 March 2013

6 March 2013

Greetings from Luanshya!

It has been "one of those weeks!"

Malaria is very common in Africa and especially during the rainy season. It is the number one killer in Africa and we have many friends who have passed away due to this disease - three in the past few weeks. A couple of weeks ago we were in Kariba, Zimbabwe, participating in a training seminar. Sherry was bitten by a malaria-carrying mosquito and came down with her first case of malaria in 23 years. On top of that, she was diagnosed with "walking pneumonia." The two diseases literally put her on her back for three days. The doctor prescribed a malaria cure as well as a very strong antibiotic. I kept her supplied with juice, water and broth with an occasional piece of toast or crackers. The good news is that she is feeling much better and is almost back to 100%. We appreciate your prayers for us - even when you do not know all the details!

Someone asked about the Lighthouse Children's Home ministry and have we closed the doors. The last young ward is living with us now, but we are still caring for the other three young people who left us for vocational training school in January. In fact, the hostel where the boys are staying is not complete. I was told that it had a toilet, but it seems that the toilet was a makeshift arrangement where a "pit latrine" was temporality constructed over the septic tank. So… for the past week I have been at the school property working with a plumber to install a toilet, sink and shower in the house as well as pipes leading to the septic system. Yes, we are still heavily involved in the lives of "our kids" even though they are not living in Luanshya. Pray for them as they prepare for life!

We have been helping a few boys with their school fees by letting them do a bit of gardening around the church and house They have finished grade 12, but they were unable to pay for their school fees so the results have not been released to them. Working for the money instills a sense of pride in their lives. All of these boys are orphans or abandoned by their parents. While talking with one of the boys this morning he asked me if I grew up with both a mother and a father. I told him that I did, indeed, grow up in a home with both my parents he asked me, "How does that feel?" The question hit me like a slap in the face. His mother left home when he was very young and his father is a drunk who kicked him out of the house three years ago. He has been living with friends for all that time and doing odd jobs to pay for school. He did not know what it meant for someone to love him! Sadly, he is not alone in his situation. There are many young people who have been neglected, ignored, abused and abandoned here. They are looking for some kind of support and a feeling of "belonging." Please pray for Mwape. We will be talking to him about both spiritual and emotional needs as we work together.

Sherry received a CD from new friends in Australia who were introduced to us by a friend in Northern Ireland. It was filled with hundreds of Bible lessons, PowerPoint presentations and 300 books  including church history, commentaries etc. She has been given permission to copy the cd and share it with local church leaders. She has been giving them to church leaders in Luanshya. One of them is a Kenyan missionary to Zambia. When he received the "library" he thanked Sherry enthusiastically and said he would take it home and look at it immediately. He said he probably would not sleep much tonight. It is SO encouraging to see church leaders get excited about the tools for their ministry! Please pray for Bro Maina. His support is from local churches in Kenya and it is barely enough for him to live, but he is passionate about serving the Lord. 

For the past several days a man has been coming into the Christian Resource Centre and reading a book about becoming a Christian leader. Last Thursday as Sherry was closing up for the day he asked her if she could write him an exam on the book to see if he was actually learning anything. She told him that he had demonstrated that he had learned by the simple act of recognising that he did not know everything and wanted to be tested. This is yet another example of how God has used the Christian Resource Centre to help develop leaders in our community. Having access to books, tapes and videos is something that many leaders in other parts of the world take for granted. What is not readily available in personal libraries is as close as the nearest library or a click away on the Internet. However, when you do not have a public library or Internet access, the Christian Resource Centre is right in the middle of town and open to all who want to learn.

With Sherry's experience with malaria and pneumonia this week she has been forced to rest, but the work continues and God brings people to us from all walks of life and various circumstances. Your prayers and faithful support make it possible for us to 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