28 February 2017

28 February 2017

Greetings from Luanshya!

This year started with a whirlwind of ministry opportunities. Classes at the Mobile Mission Maintenance School have started again with 25 new students joining the 35 returning students. Sherry and I are both teaching. Last week five of these new students received the Lord as their Lord and Saviour! They are being discipled by one of the Zambian members of staff.

Sherry asked her Ladies’ Bible Study if they wanted to “take a break” during the Christmas holiday. They said the Thursday before Christmas was busy so they asked for one week off. So… She went through the holiday teaching and sharing truths from the Bible specifically for these ladies. Some of these ladies are dealing with serious issues at home and spend time with Sherry either before or after class. Please pray for this specific ministry.

Classes at the Community School in Chitwe (formerly called Mwewa) have started. The church has relocated to the new site, which is just across the line from Ndola to Luanshya – hence the name change. The initial student list had 50 names. Within a week of opening the list had grown to 150. Thanks to the efforts of the Rotary Club of Luanshya and a few local businesses, rehabilitated school desks have been provided for the school.

The rains have been both a blessing and a challenge. After several years of poor rains the rivers are flowing and the dams are full. With the heavy rains, however, many roads have been washed away and access to the village work has suffered. Bro Simwanza came to see me last week and said that it took him over two hours to travel 16 kms (10 miles) on his motorised bicycle. In many places he had to carry his bicycle through the bush because the road was completely underwater. He said that my JEEP would not make it to the villages and suggested that we postpone the visits until April. (I learned long ago to listen to village elders, so we wait!)

Meanwhile, we have baptised four more new believers at Fellowship Chapel and have another 8 to be baptised in a few weeks. The ministry to the deaf has increased and both hearing and deaf believes are excited about brining their friends to hear the Gospel.

We are encouraged about the prospects of 2017 and appreciate your prayers for us as we remain…

In His Service,
Patrick & Sherry