12 April 2015

News from Zambia - 8 April 2015

 

8 April 2015

Greetings from Luanshya!

Some of the best images of the work here are in the faces of those with whom we serve. Mathilda Mulenga is one such face. She is the wife of John Mulenga in Mwewa Village, 45 minutes from our house (depending on the road conditions), and it is in their home that the new and growing congregation of believers are meeting. Several of the new believers have enrolled in the Source of Light Bible Correspondence School. This is specifically one of Sherry's areas of focus. Mathilda just completed the first unit of 12 lessons ("New Life In Christ"). When I asked if I could take her photo with her certificate she giggled. She was very proud of this accomplishment and this certificate is the first recognition she has ever received. She is a 35 year old mother of five. She and her husband are also caring for two orphans that were abandoned in the village. We are pleased that the Christian Resource Centre and its associated programs continue to vibrant ministries in the centre of town yet reaching out to the rural communities.

 

Our Wednesday afternoon video series, That The World May Know, continues with growing interest. We are currently following the journey of the children of Israel through the Sinai Peninsula soon to arrive at the Mount of the Burning Bush. The scriptures have come to life for many of those attending this program. The life lessons of the sojourners are applied to our every day lives. In spite of the complaints of the people of Israel, God cared for them just as he does for us when things don't go the way we think they should. As we left this evening, one of the ladies commented that "this was a great lesson". We are enjoying this journey with our fellow believers.

This Friday concludes the first term of our Biblical Studies classes at the vocational training college.  Patrick will be awarding certificates of completion for his class. She has already this for hers and the students are nearly half-way through their next series with her. We look forward to returning to the classroom in June.

We have a special prayer request. Sherry received a phone call from a man she encouraged over 20 years ago.  He has been a faithful believer, married a lovely Christian woman, raised two beautiful and took in an orphaned niece. His phone call was concerning his youngest daughter who was born with a heart defect. It is necessary for them to travel outside the country for emergency surgery scheduled for the 13th or 14th of April. A few days later, his wife, Gertrude, was informed by her doctor that she may have breast cancer and that they wanted to do a radical mastectomy. She and her husband will accompany their daughter as well as obtain a second opinion for herself. Please pray for our friends as they go through this difficult time.

We cannot be involved in the lives of people here without seeing both the victories and the challenges in their lives. It is a privilege to be used by God to train and encourage our fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord. We appreciate your prayers and support 

In His Service,

Patrick & Sherry


Patrick & Sherry Coleman
P O Box 90010
Luanshya, Zambia
colemanpg@gmail.com