June was an incredible month here in Zambia! We are still experiencing a limited “lockdown” due to the Corona Virus, but some areas of our ministry have been allowed to open up with restrictions on time and participants.
Church services are resuming, but the local health department must inspect the facility for spacing and sanitation requirements. In addition, the service can only last one hour. We are allowed only 40 people in the sanctuary and all of them must:
Be over 13 years of age
Wear a mask at all times
Maintain a distance of at least 1 metre (3 feet)
Even with these restrictions we are seeing visitors coming (all adults). We look forward to the removal of all restrictions, but we have no idea when that may happen.
We created an outdoor “amphitheatre” seating area on the Chapel campus. This gives us an opportunity to expand the youth and children’s ministries. In addition to the benches, we have a small stage area, a “sand lot” for activities and a new area for cooking lunch during our church picnics. We initiated the facility on Monday with a Zambian Heroes Day Picnic (with permission granted by the Department of Health). We were allowed 40 people. We had 39!
Three weeks ago Milambo came to see me at the chapel. His wife has been attending, but he was hesitant to come. He wanted to know more before committing. As we sat on a bench outside (both wearing masks and maintaining our social distance) we talked about his spiritual life and history. I asked him a few questions. After hearing his responses, I opened the Bible and showed him how he could become a child of God. Milambo bowed his head and received the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour. This week he was baptised to declare his faith to his family and the community. He has already started the Bible study courses in the Christian Resource Centre. Please pray for Milambo as he grows in the Lord!
As was mentioned, the Bible Institute classes are still postponed “until further notice.” Exam classes in government schools and colleges have opened, but that does not include our school. This may be extended until September so we are simply waiting for permission to reopen.
We deeply appreciate your prayers. There is no mail service and writing conventional letters and getting them to the desired destination is questionable. You can contact either one of us at the email addresses below.
Together in His Service,
Patrick & Sherry
