Video Overview

Greetings From Luanshya! 

Here is a brief video overview of our work in Luanshya, Zambia

Together in His Service,

4 August 2021

Greetings from Luanshya!

One of the things that is most discouraging about ministry is that we don’t often know the impact we are having for the kingdom. We work, pray, preach, visit, hold meetings, plan, cast vision, solve problems, comfort the grieving, counsel the hurting, encourage the weak, and challenge the wayward. However, we don’t always know the true impact of our lives on others.

Discipleship can give us a better measure of our influence. We have a better chance to see the growth and measure the impact when we are investing in the lives of others. “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” 2 Tim. 2:1-2 Join us in prayer as we continue to serve the body of Christ through the critical tool of discipleship.

Sherry is wrapping up her series on the letter to the Colossians this week. The women have looked at the entirety of the book with the view of “Jesus Is Enough”. This weeks’ lesson is a quick review and reflection as the ladies open the scriptures and see what impact “colour coding” has played in their intense studies. Next on the agenda, the class will be looking at “Where Is God When It Hurts?”. They will use Philip Yancey’s book by the same title to answer one of the Christian’s often asked questions.

Then there are Sherry’s YouTube lessons which continue to garner interest. She has prepared lessons a month in advance having concluded a series on “The Fruit of the Spirit” and today taped a lesson on “When Bad Things Happen” as a precursor to the women’s class. We praise the Lord for this opportunity to share the word not only with students but all who seek to know more about the Lord and His Word.

ELECTIONS! Campaigning is “hard and heavy” prior to next week’s presidential, parliamentary and local elections. As with every election, promises are made, posters are pasted up all over town and on almost every tree and the hint of violence is in the air. There have been several incidents around the country and a few deaths caused by over-zealous campaigners. Luanshya has been quiet – for the most part – but the next week may be “interesting.” Pray for Zambia and the believers here that mature minds will prevail.

On the Covid front, people here have realised that the vaccines are not a part of some “conspiracy” to annihilate the population of Africa. (Yes, there are Facebook and YouTube videos “warning” Africans of such.) Even still, only about 2.5% of the population has been vaccinated, the cases of Covid are climbing and we are seeing an increase in Covid-related deaths. Both of us have been fully vaccinated, but we still wear masks to set an example for our neighbours to “Stay Safe” – the most common greeting in Zambia today. Your prayers are appreciated!

The Ministry of Education announced the re-opening of schools tomorrow – August 5. Both parents and teachers are apprehensive due to the increase of Covid cases reported among school children and teachers. Over 40 teachers have died just in Luanshya according to Min of Ed reports. It remains to be seen what happened when students are expected to report for class.

Finally! Plans for resuming lessons at Bible Institute are tentatively set for September pending another inspection by the Min of Health. Renovations are almost all completed so we are excited to get going again! New classrooms, furniture and washrooms will make us a “model school” once again!

Your faithfulness in prayer and support keep us going. We DEEPLY appreciate your partnership!

Together In His Service,

Patrick & Sherry