17 August 2016

17 August 2016

Greetings From Luanshya!

One of the great joys of long-term service is seeing fruit from seeds planted decades ago. A few weeks ago Dickson Siwale, one of our Lighthouse Children’s Home wards, called to say that the company for which he was working had gone on “leave” pending the outcome of the presidential election. He had no work and no prospects in Lusaka. We suggested that he come home for a few weeks and see what he could find to do “closer to home.” For those who might recall, Dickson was our “fighter” when he entered our care in 1991.

We saw the Lord convict, convert and transform this boy who had been taught that violence was his first and only option to the young man who works hard and cares much for those around him. In just a few days after his arrival he was contracted to repair a security wall, construct a utility/garden shed and construct a small two-bedroom house. While here we hear him pray, share his testimony and demonstrate his faith to those around him. We are proud of the young man that he has become and are grateful for those who gave so that Dickson – and the other Lighthouse wards – could grow up to be productive and faithful members of the Zambian community!

Speaking of children, we were approached a few months ago by Sarah, the wife of another Lighthouse ward, who told us that the primary school where she is a “senior teacher” was assigned by the Ministry of Education to start a pre-school (K4-5) at her school, but they were given no chairs, desks, books or equipment for the toddlers. With the help of some great friends in Illinois, we were able to purchase short chairs, construct short tables, purchase early reading books and construct a playground for the children with size-appropriate playground toys. Last week the playground was officially handed over to the school along with nearly 100 books including Bible story books – which are still permitted in Zambia.

The principal of the school, Mrs Bwalya, and the District Education Board Secretary, Mr Kaonga, were both on hand to receive the contribution and to thank us for helping to prepare the children for their future academically, physically and spiritually. Here are a few photos of the event:

Knowing that these children will grow up with the knowledge that “someone” cared enough to make sure that they had a good foundation in their education is incredibly encouraging to us!

Thank you for making this all possible!

In His Service, Patrick & Sherry