Greetings from a very waterlogged Luanshya Zambia!
As we draw towards the conclusion of our rainy season, we have found the number of major storms astonishing! Between homes and businesses losing their roofs, deaths due to lightning strikes and drowning, sometimes we don’t know whether we are coming or going. Some of our praying friends have asked about the norms during this time of year and so we shared some of the catastrophes that befall our little community. Many of you have come to the rescue and provided advance funds for just such occasions. Your giving for life changing events from across the globe has made a tremendous, immediate impact! Not only have we been able to provide help for some of the items above, but we have been able to set up a fund whereby medication can be obtained through the local pharmacist which otherwise would not be accessible by the believers. Thank you!
The ministry at Bethel Learning Centre is encouraging. We are full to capacity and have seen so much advancement in the children’s learning. The excitement of seeing little ones eager for school, running home afterwards to share with their parents lessons both from the everyday curriculum and from the Word of God just brings tears to our eyes and joy to our hearts. Join us in praising the Lord for the team who are managing, teaching and guarding the work jealously for future generations. This work is now entirely guided by Zambians with ourselves in the background advising and administering funds where necessary.
Sherry continues in her civic duties, alongside the Member of Parliament, as an advisor and Vice Chair of one of his committees. Recently, she oversaw the identification of over 100 young people for skills development education. In doing so, this has allowed her access to all the vocational training colleges in our area and opportunities to address young men and women about the need to be serious about their studies, plan for their futures and to consider a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ as their firm foundation. Many of the institutions have a program similar to Campus Crusades and thus many more doors have opened as a result. As she moves among the leaders of society, Sherry has had unique opportunities to enter into the offices of many of the Town Council directorates. Last week she had lunch with the Director of Environmental Issues and the Director of Socio-Economic Issues. One of the questions that came up during their lunch was: “What brought you here and why do you choose to stay?”
What an opportunity and man, did she run with it! These two leading women have asked to meet with her regularly and continue their discussions. Please pray for Sherry as she develops these relationships and touches the lives of those in our community.
We have been asked about “furlough” plans post Covid. We are not planning any extended time away from Zambia, but we have been able to “visit” supporting churches via Zoom. I realise that it is not quite the same as a personal visit, but we are able to share the victories and challenges of the work here via the “magic” of the Internet.
Challenges abound, but blessing are abundant! Leaders are being trained, lives influenced for eternity and we see God moving in ever more interesting ways. Your prayers and faithful support make it possible for us to continue…
In His Service,
Patrick & Sherry
