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

News from Zambia 6 March 2019

Greetings from Luanshya!

Ordinarily at this time of the year we have rains every day, for most of the day. This past February and now into March we have gone several days with no rain and then a torrential downpour. In other parts of Zambia the rains have been extremely heavy but here on the Copperbelt, farmers are getting a bit nervous about their produce. Please make this a serious matter of prayer, because we are all dependent on the farmers.

The roads to the various rural churches are, in many cases, impassable. Road maintenance has not been done and the heavy storms are washing away any semblance of a path. I am thankful to have my jeep but it is still a kidney wrenching experience. The church leaders in the villages are being supplied with literature and some are even doing the Bible Correspondence lessons. Much of this is being delivered by bicycle. We are especially thankful for brother Simwanza. Please pray that we will be able to provide him with a better mode of transportation. We have found a battery-operated bicycle at a local dealership. This may be an answer to that need.

Discipleship continues with various students. Even though some of the students have been believers for many years, it is a real eye-opener when they discover how much God teaches on family responsibilities of the father. Sometimes they have the impression that the man is to do the ministry and the woman cares for the home. When I explain that the fathers' first ministry is the home, they are taken aback. What they don't realize is that if their own family is not spiritually fed and led, what kind of example does this make to those whom they are attempting to reach. Please pray for the families of these discipleship students.

The new College and Career Group (Bible Study), doubled in size from week two. Sherry was requested by some young people in the church if she would be available for such a program on Saturday afternoons as they want to have a safe place to gather but yet be able to invite their unbelieving friends. One of the comments Sherry made the other week when she came home was, "it gladdens my heart to hear the laughter of the young people in the back of the building (the Youth Centre)." Your continued prayers for these young lives is deeply appreciated. Please pray for Sherry as she endeavours to reach many who are not being reached through this very unique ministry. One of the lessons just completed covered some of the popular philosophies taught in the colleges: Relativism: (there are no moral absolutes), Pluralism: (there is no truth) and Post-Modernity: (there are no moral absolutes, no true truth and words have no meaning). You may ask "what"? But let me tell you, this hit home with the young people.

On a personal note Sherry and I recently returned from an annual health check. We are both doing well but the doctor noted a pinched nerve in Sherry's back which is causing pain in her left leg. Additional exercise and stretching is the prescription. Your continued prayers for our health, time to rest and energy to keep going is greatly appreciated.

Together in His Service,

Patrick & Sherry