Special note from Sherry - 19 December 2019

Dear Partners in Service,

This is a special note from Sherry!

I have been working with children and youth for over 35 years. My first introduction was teaching a Sunday School class with another woman who was a “natural”. Pre-school children are a real handful! Nonetheless, they have impressionable minds and hearts and ask the most interesting and innocent questions about God, His Son, Heaven, Hell and the future. Who would have thought?

My next venture was working with Junior Teens and High Schoolers. What a joy. Okay, maybe not so much Junior Teens. They know it all and don’t want to hear a word you say, until... something near and dear to them brings home the idea that there is One more powerful than they and who can lift up their heads. Once their bottom drops out, that’s when God can work in their lives and takes His rightful place on the throne.

High School youth, now that’s my cup of tea. Inquisitive, looking for the “answers to life’s questions”, searching for something, some One. To this day, talking to high school kids is a natural part of what I do whether in the High Schools, church youth group, community programs. They’re almost like a magnet. If there are high schoolers around, it’s an automatic that a Youth Group is started and an opportunity for young people to gather to share what they are going through and finding answers in the Word, enjoying one another’s company through games and community service.

Then there are the College and Career catchment. Young people who are trying to find their way in the work world and still maintain a testimony for Christ. One of my favorite courses and often asked for series is: “Dating, Love & Marriage”. Where the rubber meets the road... young people making the second most important decisions of their lives...who will be my life partner?

All this to say that it has been thrilling to work with young people of all ages and to have some return years later to say that what they had learned so many years ago, really did have a lasting impact.

This week there were two instances which warmed my heart...

-One young man came into the office to turn in one of his Bible correspondence lessons and receive the next. After chatting for a bit he asked if I remembered him at a younger age. I couldn’t say that I did. He said, “one day you were walking out of the bakery with a loaf of bread, you saw that I was hungry and gave me a few coins to buy some food. I never forgot that. I’m letting you know you fed the hungry and therefore, were feeding the Lord.” I cried on the spot. One small, innocent act...

-Earlier this afternoon I had to run an errand at the bank. Behind the Customer Service counter was a familiar face but I couldn’t for the life of me remember who this gentleman was. He introduced himself and proceeded to tell me a story. When he was in first grade, he came into the Christian Resource Centre with his older brother. He just wanted to get off the street. After being introduced to the children’s books he saw people coming and going with pamphlets. He asked what they were, Mailbox Club lessons, and wanted to join. That was his introduction to reading “See and Do”. From there, his love of reading, his love of learning, his love for the Lord began. Today he is married with two young boys. After the holidays, he will be bringing his boys to the Christian Resource Centre to introduce them to the lady who taught him to read, taught him to know and love God. He closed by saying that he knew that once he walked back into the library, he’d have to fight back the tears for all the sweet memories the place brought him.

I’m telling you, my heart was full of joy, the tribute meant so very much. Sometimes we wonder if it’s all worth it. It is! Working with young people, working with women, is so very worth it! Even if only a few come back to say, “you changed my life” it’s worth it and all the negative talk falls away because that life, that one life, was changed, impacted and today impacts others.

In His Service,

Sherry

27 November 2019

Dear Partner in Service,

As we pause for just a moment to reflect on the blessings that God has given to us, we wanted to share just a few with you.

This past week our youngest son, Colin, and his wife, Erin, presented us with our newest grandchild – Erica Alice Coleman. Colin said, “44 hours in continuous labor, with 4 hours and 10 minutes pushing at every contraction except 3 of them (even a warrior needs the occasional break). The doctor, who's been delivering babies for 30 years, and every nurse in the place was amazed that she was functional at the end, and still pushing strong. (The doctor even came by to check in this morning and was shocked she was doing so well.)”

We are as happy as grandparents can be and look forward to holding Erica someday!

Meanwhile, the students at the Bible Institute were also “labouring” through their final exam in the Bible classes. Sherry’s class had their exams a week earlier while mine took their exam last week. The students have showed a tremendous spiritual growth over the last year and most did very well in their final exam.

The students are not only learning Bible in the school, but learning construction skills as well. Sadly, because of the power outages in Zambia the electrical power has been cut to fewer that 12 hours a day. In order for the welding classes to be held the students must come to class at 11pm when the electricity comes on. They sleep on mattresses until 11 then work into the night to complete the classes! Their dedication to learning is simply incredible! We are also blessed with trainers who will come at that hour to teach! Please pray for the students and staff at the Mobile Mission Maintenance Vocational Training Centre.

There are so many other stories we could share with you about how God continues to bless the work here. Tomorrow Americans will stop and give thanks for the blessings of God in their lives. We are so thankful for YOUR part in sharing God’s love and blessings here in Zambia!

Because of you we can remain…

Together in His Service,

13 November 2019

Dear Partners in Service,

Last Sunday we invited the adult Sunday Bible Study to join the children’s Sunday School. The lesson was appropriate for both audiences. Receiving a child into your arms in the name of Jesus is a magnificent way of knowing the Lord more intimately. How we deal with children is a signal of our fellowship with God. Something is deeply wrong in the soul that does not love and hold a child.

Therefore, it may be good to call to mind the ways Jesus related to children. Think about these and let them stir in you the longings of Christ. What could be more significant than receiving Christ and receiving God the Creator in him? Amazingly, Jesus says we may do this in our ministry to children.

  1-Jesus was a child; Isaiah 9:6

  2-Jesus took children in his arms and blessed them; Mark 10:14-16

  3-Jesus healed a child of a foreign woman; Matthew 15:28

  4-Jesus cast a demon out of a child; Matthew 17:18

  5-Jesus raised a child from the dead; Mark 5:41-42

  6-Jesus used a child’s bread and fish to feed 5,000; John 6:9-10

  7-Jesus said you should become like a child; Matthew 18:3-4

  8-When Jesus came, children cried “Hosanna!” to the Son of David; Matthew 21:15

  9-Jesus predicted the terrible days when fathers would give their children up to death; Mark 13:12

10-Jesus said that if you receive a child in His name, you receive Him and the One who sent Him; Mark 9:37

We are coming to the end of term at the Bible Institute. At the beginning of the year students are often timid about speaking up during class. The students come from various church backgrounds all professing to be Christians, but many of them only know what their church leaders tell them. We have explained that the three most important words in our classes are “The Bible Says.” As they get into their Bibles and actually read what God has said in His Word, they become more animated in class discussions and more confident in their faith.

Sherry had a touching comment from one student’s final exam at the Bible Institute this past week:

“I have learned in this class to have genuine love towards my friends and others who God brings into my life and that my life’s focus should be on my God and what He has planned for me. I have learned to be obedient to that call and pray it may be true throughout my life. Thank you for teaching me to be that man who wants to walk with and please God.” 

His name is Lucky, but his comment is more than “Luck.” It is a blessing!

It is, indeed, a blessing to be used by God to make disciples and train them to reach the members of their communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Thank you for your prayers and support as we continue…

Together in His Service,

23 October 2019

Dear partner in service,

Greetings from Zambia! Tomorrow Zambia will celebrate its 55th year as an independent nation from Great Britain. The celebration is substantially less enthusiastic. The incredibly poor economy and power outages of 12-15 hours every day make celebrations difficult. Community morale is at its lowest since Sherry arrived in Luanshya in November 1990. We invite you to pray with us in relation to these concerns.

This is the “hot and dry” season in Zambia. October is known as “suicide month” because the excessive heat (in excess of 100 degrees) and the lack of any rain often leads to depression often caused by a lack of sleep and dehydration. We have encouraged people to drink more water, but the water sources in Luanshya are not always accessible and often polluted even from the municipal water company. Those who can afford filters or chlorine are more fortunate, but that is not common. Please pray for these matters.

One of the young ladies in Sherry’s College and Career Class approached her two weeks back and said that she wanted to be baptized and take her place at the Lord’s Supper. She came to know the Lord as her Saviour but has not been a part of any Bible believing church. She came to Sherry’s class more out of curiosity than conviction. Over the last year she has come to realize that she needs more in her life and has found it in her association with her fellow young people in the Bible Class as well as the friendships developed at Fellowship Chapel where she has been visiting with us for some months. This afternoon she was baptized by John Bwalya, declaring her faith publicly. Please pray for Katongo as she continues to grow in her faith. This is the third young person from the College and Career Class that has made a decision to follow the Lord and make their spiritual home with the believers of Fellowship Chapel.

In the weeks to come we will be concluding the final term exams at the Bible School. There have been a number of course completions at the Source of Light Bible Correspondence School which Sherry is overseeing. We are always thrilled when people complete a series of lessons and begin the next!

Both the Men’s and Women’s Bible Studies continue with lively discussions and questions from participants. The Men’s Class is studying “Basic Christian Doctrine”. The current discussion has to do with “why Adam and Eve sinned when they had all that they needed?” Satan cast doubt on God’s word and that doubt led to disobedience. The Ladies Class are studying the toping “When Women Walk Alone”. There are so many instances when women fell as though they are misunderstood and alone. The idea that Sherry is trying to get across is that a child of God is never truly alone and perhaps in the busyness of life, though surrounded by crowds, we feel alone. Yet, God… perhaps we can refocus that sense of “aloneness” and turn it into an opportunity to be “alone WITH God”.

Special prayer request:

The fuel pump on my Jeep, broke. A new one has to be imported from the USA but it is taking some time (and expense) to get here. Please pray that the part will arrive soon and it can be fitted so that rural ministry can be done before the onset of rains. 

Thank you for your prayers and your support as we continue…

Together in His Service,

11 September 2019

Dear Partner in Service,

The Christian Resource Centre has been quite busy over the last 5 weeks with school having been out and it being the
longest school break of the year leading up to final exams for grades 7, 9 and 12. With long school breaks come more
students registering in the Bible Correspondence Lessons (Mail Box Club). The current span between ages of those studying
the lessons is 10 years to 80. It never ceases to amaze us the hunger of the people for the Word of God. Of course, the
certificates awarded at the completion of each series is a definite incentive, but by and large, the courses are appreciated
for personal knowledge and growth which is the aim of providing this facility for free to those who wish to know more
about the Savior and His love for them.

Over the last number of months, 790 courses have been distributed and 82 certificates of completion have been awarded.
One young man was in yesterday asking when he would complete his current series and begin “more difficult” lessons.
Sherry smiled and informed him that it is a process, but at the moment he has three more lessons to complete to receive
his certificate. “O man….” You had to be there.
Another student asked when he can begin discipleship. His big brother will begin after he completes grade 12 exams. He
doesn’t want to be left behind. He was advised to finish the entire program then he can begin the discipleship course. He’s
14 years old and in grade 10. Please pray for the many who are enrolled in the courses.

A former student of Sherry’s, from the Mail Box Club and youth group, will be paying her a visit today. He is currently
leading a local church in a mining community quite far from us and has been seeking additional material for the Sunday
School and for group discipleship. It is encouraging to see some of the young people take on full-time ministry seeking to
build the Body of Christ in their home country. Ben will also be carrying Mail Box Club materials with him to begin an
outpost from the local church. We are pleased to see the work continuing the grow and the Zambian’s taking it to the next
generation. We have assisted him in growing his personal library and will be providing more books as he goes back home
later this week. Pray for Ben as he helps to build the local church through outreach and spiritual education.

The Ladies Bible Fellowship will complete their text book, “Hinds Feet On High Places”, today. The ladies have testified to
learning so much about themselves and their response to the struggles in the Christian life. As they look back over the last
months, they can see where they had to “build an altar” of their own and give certain parts of their lives over to the control
of the Lord. Many of us keep certain things under our own control only to experience failure and disappointment. With
each passing week, one altar after another has been built where each laid their lives bare before the Lord, trusting in His
grace, mercy and love. May this continue to be our portion all the days of our lives.
The Men’s Bible Fellowship had their first meeting last Friday. Two more asked on Sunday if they could join. We are starting
with “Basic Christian Training” which will ensure that everybody is “on the same page” as we carry on forward.
On this day when we remember the pain caused by religious hatred and bigotry, we also remember the Lord’s admonition
to love, preach, teach and prepare future leaders to love, preach and teach their community. Thank you for your prayers
and support as we continue…

Together in His Service,

News From Zambia 28 August 2019

Greetings from Zambia!

 

We just had a visitor yesterday. Several years ago, he came to the library for counselling. He was so despondent and without hope that Sherry phoned me and asked if I could come and speak with him.

 

I took the time to not only share the Word, but encouraged him as he had thoughts towards suicide. He left encouraged and knew that he now had true hope and that life is worth living "in Christ".

 

Yesterday his visit was to express his appreciation for the time I gave him and to say that he has completed Medical School and is waiting for posting by the government. While waiting, he is also seeking an opportunity to sit the medical boards in the U.K. in an effort to continue improving himself. He wanted me to know that the short time we had together bore fruit.

 

His name is "Patrick." Please pray for him as he moves forward in his life of service to the Lord and his fellow Zambians!

 

Meanwhile, we had a full library with children reading and studying. Bear went along to show his support for the children! (He has many young friends!)

 

        

 

Thank you for your continued prayers and support as we remain…

 

In His Service,

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

coleman.sherry.i@gmail.com

News from Zambia - 20 August 2019

20 August 2019

Greetings from Luanshya, Zambia!

Schools are closed and everyone is trying to find places to go and things to do. We thank the Lord that the Christian Resource Centre is one of those "places" of choice for some. Because the Reading Room is centrally located, a number of teens have made it their point of presence over the last week and change. Some have come for fellowship while others review school lessons from the previous term while others work on their "holiday" assignments. Then, there are those who help others understand various concepts from lessons. And finally, there are those who park themselves so that they can embark on a few weeks of discovery.

One young teen, we'll call him "N", met Sherry along the roadside while walking Bear, her 3 year-old Labrador. He had heard about the Christian Resource Centre. He had walked by and peeped in the window but hadn't the courage to enter. "N" greeted Sherry and began petting Bear and asking questions about the Christian Resource Centre, the Bible lessons, Bible Class opportunities for he and his friends and other programs that emanate from the facility. Since that day, "N" has been a fixture at the Resource Centre. He has been studying the Bible Correspondence lessons for teens, reading some of the books in the "Youth" section and involving himself in some of the other programs.

The other day "N" asked Sherry if she could explain to him James 1:12 – "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." The conversation then shifted to James 2:12 – "So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free". His concern about the law and liberty was striking. He used an example from his own life and family dynamics. She could see his consternation.

Sherry explained that believers will be judged by the law of liberty, which is the law of love and doing what is right (James 1:25). Believers who practice love (vv. 5, 8) and mercy, will triumph at the judgment seat. Those who have not shown mercy will not receive mercy.  Under grace, we are given the power to love our neighbor and are rewarded when we do it. We do it not through fear of punishment, but through love for Him who died for us and rose again. Then she went back to his original question from James 1:12 and shared what the result of "enduring" produces--The believer who endures trials demonstrates that he or she loves Jesus and therefore will receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10) at the judgment seat of Christ. The Bible describes the believer's reward (2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 22:12)."

She then went on – "How do we react when various forms of testing come into our lives? Do we complain bitterly against the misfortunes of life, or do we rejoice and thank the Lord for them? Do we advertise our trials or do we bear them quietly? Do we live in the future, waiting for our circumstances to improve, or do we live in the present, seeking to see the hand of God in all that comes to us? Do we indulge in self-pity and seek sympathy or do we submerge self in a life of service for others?" "N" left challenged and said he would be back with more questions and he would let Mrs. C. know how his family reacted to his living by faith as opposed to pointing out family members failures, shortcomings and hypocrisy.

As "N" left for the day, he had one more request. He leaves for Youth Camp on Thursday and wants some material and scriptures on personal evangelism to use at camp. He knows that many of his friends will be attending camp but are not believers.

When Sherry came home later that day she said to me: "I live for these moments!"

In His Service,

US

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

coleman.sherry.i@gmail.com

August 7 2019

Dear Partner in service,

Sherry had a great morning! She sent this note to me…

While sitting outside on the sidewalk at the office this morning with Bear (her 3 year-old Labrador) doing our meditation, I was interrupted by a young woman. She asked if I remembered her. I said I remember the face but because I meet and teach so many people, I don’t always remember names.

Her name is Leah and some years ago when in grade 6 she had come to the Christian Resource Centre to register for the Mailbox Club lessons. During our testing period to see if she could read, I had corrected her on how to say her “l’s” and “r’s”. She went on to complete most of the lessons in the youth series over the years.

After completing high school, Leah was accepted at University in Lusaka to study Environmental Science and has since graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in this discipline. Leah said she had stopped by to say, “Thank you, for helping me to be a better reader, to comprehend material and recall what I have read. It has empowered me to be a stronger student throughout my education. I just wanted to let you know that you made a difference in my life.”

I must admit, tears came to my eyes. To think that this young woman attributed a part of her academic success to the fact that she had studied Bible lessons and learned how to be a reader through this ministry. It is encouraging to have these little testimonials from time to time.

Finally, she wanted to let me know that the Lord has provided a man in her life who loves and serves the Lord. They will be married in the months to come. Praise the Lord for His loving kindness and the privilege of seeing the fruit of our labor.

When someone asks us why we are here we think about young ladies like Leah and realise that God put us here for her and thousands of others just like her.

Your faithful, consistent prayers and support enable us to continue to be available to share the love of God and remain…

Together in His Service,

News from Zambia - July 16 2019

Dear Partner in service,

This past month has been one of both grief and celebration. My father, Albert Coleman, slipped into eternity on 13 June – one day after my parents’ 66 th wedding anniversary. The funeral service was conducted at Calvary Baptist Church in Bellflower. We made a quick trip to California for the service, but we were only there for five days. It was a time for tears and a time to remember a life
well-lived for the Lord. My father’s legacy was demonstrated by the people who spoke during that service and by the hundreds of notes sent to us by people whose lives he touched. We deeply appreciate your prayers on our behalf!

As soon as we returned, we continued the work that God sent us here to do – and for which my father prayed for the past 35 years!

Last Sunday I was again teaching and preaching at the Kangonga Blind Centre Chapel. It is always a blessing to see this assembly gathered with the older adults (many of them blind or physically challenged) along with their families. One of the adults apologised for the noise of the children during the service. I assured them that I would rather have children making a bit of noise in the church than seeing a church that had no children present. During the service we were able to present a songbook in braille to one of the ladies!

Sherry told me just today that there are several new students at the Christian Resource Centre utilising the Bible correspondence courses. Last week I was able to present a certificate of completion to Mr Kaponda for completing his discipleship course. This is truly a blessing!

John Bwalya is assuming more of the leadership role in the English-speaking church in Luanshya as per our plan. There are several new families in the church. John is an excellent teacher, preacher and counsellor. I am still on site, but I am leaving more of the decision making up to John. Please pray for him as he continues to learn!

Sherry’s College & Career class didn’t meet while we were gone, but the classes resumed upon our return. They are studying ‘The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel. The young people get into the lessons and ask some very important questions which Sherry is able to answer from the Bible. Please continue to pray for this class.

There are a few challenges here. The postal strike continues causing mail to be delayed several months. (I received birthday cards today that were sent in the first week of May.) If you want to write to us, email is preferred because it is both faster and cheaper!

There is a schedule for power outages of up to 4-hours at a time, but outages are also becoming regular occurrences randomly through the week. (We had two this morning.) It not only affects our cooking at home, but the work at the Christian Resource Centre. The lack of lights is also contributing to the increased crime in Luanshya. One of the ladies at the church had her bicycle
stolen in the early evening before she brought it into the house for the night. The police are not capable to help much since forensic science is not very modern here. Even fingerprinting is not available.

A quick note – Andrew Silungwe has completed his first year in university in China studying mechanical engineering and robotics. He is earning great results, but finds learning Chinese to be a challenge! Please continue to pray for him as he is both far from home and working in a different culture.

As I said, this has been a very full month. God has comforted and blessed us with His grace. Thank you for being a part of this work!

Together in His Service,
Patrick & Sherry

News from Zambia 30 April 2019

Greetings from Luanshya, Zambia!

We have been asked: "What do you do on a daily basis?"

This question is not easy to answer because our schedule is often determined by the circumstances of the day. There is an old saying: "Man plans, God laughs." This doesn't mean that God laughs at our plans. He does all things "decently and in order." It does mean, however, that our plans are ultimately at the pleasure of God and He makes the final determination. Lots of things can cause a change in the day-to-day program.

This past month Sherry suffered two cases of Malaria over a three-week period. The first medicine she was given did little more than make her even sicker at her stomach. The second dose was slower to work because she was already suffering from the first medication. She soldiered on even continuing with a few of her Bible classes along the way. Finally, the Malaria was chased away and she is recuperating. Thank you for your prayers on her behalf. She is regaining her strength daily and is back at the Christian Resource Centre.

In fact, she just sent me a note to let me know that a little girl was just in and wanted to read something on "what happens when we die". Sherry spoke with her and she's gone on her way. The girl wants to think about what Sherry said and talk more on Thursday. Children here are more familiar with death than those in some other places. Of a population of about 16 million, 1.4 million are orphans. These children see parents, aunts, uncles and even siblings die – many from Malaria. Questions about eternity are not from Sunday School… They come from real-life. I am very happy that Sherry has recovered (again) from Malaria and even happier that she can spend a part of her day sharing the love of Christ with a child with questions far beyond her years.

Staying with Sherry's ministry, her Saturday Youth Bible Study continued through the "Easter Weekend" talking about "Dealing With Deception". Last week they studied "Befriended then Betrayed" from Psalm 55. Everyone could appreciate that lesson from personal experience. This coming week she will be showing the film "War Room." That should bring an interesting discussion. Please pray for these young people. In a few years they will be leaders in the Zambian community. Sherry is preparing them for that task!

Thank you for your faithful prayers and support. Without you we would not be able to remain…

In His Service,

Patrick & Sherry