Greetings from Luanshya, Zambia!
Whew! August has been an “interesting” month – and “interesting” is not always “good!”
Our winter – which is mild by most northern hemisphere definitions above Southern California or Florida – ended around mid-month with temperatures jumping from high 60’s to mid-80’s over night. We are not complaining…We actually LIKE warmer temperatures after a few decades in the tropics, but the abrupt change was a surprise.
Covid-19 challenges continue and restrictions have increased. While freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Zambian constitution, the freedom of assembly is not. Churches that have government registration (that is also a law) generally have blanket permission to meet, but that changed due to the Corona Virus Pandemic scare.
The English-speaking church has permission to meet on Sunday morning for one hour with no more than 40 people in attendance at one time, no children under the age of 13, all participants must wear a mask (which is actually a law throughout Zambia – though widely ignored) and proper sanitation and handwashing onsite. The Luanshya Department of health made two inspections and gave us approval.
Last week we requested permission to conduct a midweek Bible study, but the Department head said that the “increase in COVID-19 cases” in Luanshya meant that fewer meetings were allowed – not more. The official government announcements did not report an increase in Luanshya, but there is obviously more than meets the eye… So, we wait!
Meanwhile, Sherry continues her Zoom Bible discipleship classes, I have met with Bro Simwanza who visits local church leaders and members without causing alarm and I have been able to speak at two services in the USA via Zoom! In some ways, the introduction of ZOOM has made it possible for us to reach out even further – even to supporting churches across the sea – without time consuming and expensive travel.
Sherry is regaining her strength and is back to recording her YouTube Bible Study Series. If you would like the link, we would be happy to send it to you!
Thank you for your prayers and support!
In His Service,
