19 October 2017

News from Zambia - 19 October 2017


Dear Partner in Service,

Greetings from Luanshya, Zambia! Winter has passed and we are experiencing our incredible Spring weather – It was 98 degrees yesterday with not a single bit of breeze! We have fans in every room and are drinking plenty of water!

The heat has not, however, caused our areas of ministry to slow down. We often find ourselves so busy that at the end of the day we fall into bed and sleep very soundly. It is a "god tired" when caused by service to our Lord.

Sherry's Ladies Bible Study on Thursday continues to grow in both numbers and interest. They are currently working their way through the book of 1 Peter and discovering that there truly is "Hope Beyond" their circumstances.

The outreach at the Kangonga Blind Centre was blessed this month with a donation of knitted baby blankets. Every baby received a brightly coloured blanket and both mothers and fathers were pleased. I was also to replace the Braille watch of one of the church elders. While the church was started in this community designed for the physically challenged, their children and others in the area have joined as the church grows. Adding a bit of colour was truly a blessing!

We have received word just yesterday that the building project at Mukolwe will be started this morning. The building has been built for some time, but the doors and restrooms were not completed for various reasons. This will not only make the church building more secure, but will enable the Mobile Mission Maintenance Team to restart their outreach in that village. We are pleased that the challenges there have been overcome!

Our classes at MMM VTC continue as students near the end of the year in November. The school administration is also busy planning student housing on campus in the coming year. This will allow more student to attend because housing in the area is sparse and very poor. MMM International has offered to send some of the building supplies in containers from Australia. Now we are looking for the +/- $8,500 to cover shipping and clearing fees. Please pray about this very specific need.

It is very exciting to see Sherry's progress in sign language. She has been able to use it not only in the church services but in working with deaf in our community. Now that people know she can communicate with them, they are coming in greater numbers to the Christian Resource Centre to visit with her. We are very pleased that Dick Jarvis has been able to utilize his ministry skills in conducting sign language classes for community members.

Your prayer and financial support make it possible for us to serve. We are incredibly grateful for your faithfulness!

Together in His Service,
Patrick & Sherry