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