23 December 2023

Dear Partner in Service,

My surgical review went very well. I have copies of the x-rays on cd for the insurance company, finally, which shows the after effects of the surgery which indicate that the nerve roots are free and plenty of space between the vertebrae. Everything is in place where it belongs and very clean.

My next visit will be in February just to have a quick check on improvement and movements. I still cannot drive for another two weeks and only short distances after that for 4 months, still no lifting, pushing, pulling, twisting (this last will be some time). However, I can begin standing for longer periods, other than my daily walk in the morning and afternoon. I am allowed to sit for up to 2 hours which will make a difference. I tried this yesterday but got really tired so I laid back down. Too much, too soon.

I do need to gradually grow back into my normal program and not jump in with both feet. Dr Jilata emphasised this with a story of another patient who did too much too soon and dislodged one of the screws in the spine and damaged one of the nerves. I am “following the rules” of the surgeon, the physiotherapist and Sherry!

The surgeon also decreased my meds and will continue to wean me from them over the next three months. Which is fine. The goal is not to live on drugs.

So, that's the report. I am happy, Sherry is happy and we will know by the end of 6 months whether the desired goal has been achieved. I do not feel the pain in my leg anymore so that's one step. What's left is the pain in the toes, which the surgeon did warn me may not go away completely due to the nerve damage. Nerves do not regenerate.

Ladies Bible study was held this past week closing out 1 John and will be on break for two weeks. When the lessons resume, Sherry will be speaking on 2 & 3 John. The Thursday ladies class resumes the following week and they will pick up with their studies on “Daily Christian Living—Contentment”.

This morning, we visited area hospitals and handed out toys to the children who will not be home for Christmas. Most of them are suffering from severe cases of malaria. Pray for the children and their parents during this difficult time.

Because of Patrick’s injury, for the first time, Patrick will not be leading the Christmas Eve service at Fellowship Chapel. However, we have organised the young people to do a special series of activities on the day. John Bwalya will conduct the service. We thank the Lord for allowing us to be a part of training the next generation of believers to take responsibility in the services of the local church.

As we come to the end of this very eventful year, we want you to know that we deeply appreciate your prayers on our behalf as we enter 2024.

Together in His Service,

15 November 2023

Dear Partner in Service,

I had back surgery last Wednesday in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The surgeon, Dr Ncumisa Jilata, removed the disc between L4-L5 and replaced it with a synthetic disc. Then, she performed a laminectomy (removal of part of the vertebral bone to ease pressure on the nerve roots) at L4-S1 which was the cause of the pain in my leg, buzzing in the foot, cramping and the burning in the shin area. (I am learning more about my spine every day!)

Now it is a matter of healing and that requires physiotherapy. I will need to remain in South Africa for another two weeks so that I can see the surgeon for regular reviews and avoid flying until my body has settled and fusion begins to take place with the disc, screws, rod and a cage to replace the damaged disc.

I have just finished my morning physio session; two full pages of instructions. There will be another session this evening. Meanwhile, I am still busy! Yesterday I conducted a 30-minute training session via zoom. I am not allowed (by the surgeon) to sit so the session was conducted as I reclined in a reclining chair. She said I can sit for a few minutes at a time in about 4 weeks! I have another class this evening. Fortunately, the trainees don’t mind that I am reclining almost flat on by back.

Because of the technology of today, I am not only teaching in small groups but answering questions from various believers via WhatsApp and Microsoft Messenger. I may be “down” but I am certainly not “out.”

I deeply appreciate your prayers. As Dr Jilata admitted, she does what she can, but God brings the healing. We are fortunate indeed to have this quality of medical expertise near us. That said, l am following her instructions as well as the PT routine. To the letter

Back on the home front, Sherry continues with her various programs of Women's Bible studies, counseling, marking exams, chatting with youth, community service and manning the Christian Resource Centre.

In between, she is raising four kittens who will soon depart to their forever homes.

A number of the young Christians, who are beneficiaries of scholarships to college through a fund that we maintain, have touched base over the last week. Some have started their final exams (this being the end of the academic year in this part of the world) while others have sat for their mock exams and finals set for the week of 11 December. Please pray for the young people as they study and develop life skills that will propel them forward in their lives to be productive Christians in their communities and local

churches.

A number of major storms hit Luanshya over the last two weeks, including some flooding. There has been damage to churches, homes, schools, and health clinics. We are grateful for those who have supported the fund that caters to such disasters, particularly during this time of the year when the rains have started and will continue over the next four to five months. Having a ready facility whereby we can jump into action is a true blessing from the Lord. 

Finally, we are similarly grateful to those who have supported the pharmacy fund. There are many believers who can barely put food on their table, nevermind buying medication for ailments such as malaria, diabetes, high blood pressure and the list goes on. Once again, having such funds readily available and an agreement with the local pharmacist, we are able to provide help where needed and when needed.

Together in His Service,

27 July 2023

Dear Partner in service,

I do dates… Not the ones that comes from trees, but I also like those. Calendar dates.

On Monday, 31 July, I will celebrate 38 years of living on the African continent. This has brought many,

many unexpected adventures! Turmoil, civil unrest, a couple of evacuations, malaria, trauma, betrayal

and deliverance all combine to make a wonderful life on this beautiful – and sometimes troubled –

continent… But it has become home!

In just a few days we will celebrate the 26th anniversary of our weddings – Yes, we had two of them!

We had the official wedding in New Jersey on 1 August 1997 and a re-enactment in Zambia a few

weeks later so our friends and acquaintances could witness a Jewish wedding and celebrate with us!

God has certainly blessed me with a perfect life partner to share the rest of my life. I am truly blessed!

A couple of weeks later Sherry will celebrate her 39th birthday… again!

Yesterday I met with a young man who has been coming to the chapel for over a year. He comes from

a believer’s home, but he is troubled about many things and his self-worth was zero when we met. He

kept coming to the Resource Centre and chatting with “Aunt Sherry” and finally worked up the courage

to speak to me. He is working his way through the correspondence Bible lessons and asked if I would

work with him on our discipleship lessons. Slowly he is beginning to come out of his shell and share

some of his personal struggles. Please pray for “Mr K” and his spiritual and emotional growth.

I had a meeting this morning with Bro Simwanza, one of the church leaders with whom I meet at least

twice a week. As he left, he said, “I need to see you every time and make sure that you are alright.” He

is 78 years old and rides his bicycle to village areas every week taking tracts and training other church

leaders, yet he insists on seeing me to make sure that I am “alright.” I know that Bro Simwanza is

praying for me. I am “alright.”

This afternoon Sherry will teach her ladies’ Bible Study class. The class begins at 3 pm, but the ladies

start arriving at 2 so they can spend time chatting with Sherry and sharing their particular issues with

her. Sherry has been in Zambia over 30 years and knows that she is “home” as well!

We can do all of this because of the faithful prayers and support of partners across America. You make

it possible for us to remain…

Together in His Service,

20 June 2023

Dear Partner in Service,

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26.

When our own flesh is weak and sickness comes on us, we know that there is the Great Physician who

cares more than any human doctor.

Sherry and I both caught colds early this month. We coughed our way through what we had to do until

mine settled in my chest and developed into a severe case of bronchitis. We were at a conference

when this hit and I spent a few days in bed while Sherry brought soup and sandwiches to me. I even

had a Covid test just to make sure… It was negative!

The doctor in Luanshya diagnosed the problem and prescribed an antibiotic and a cough syrup that

literally put me to sleep. Finally, after nearly three weeks, I am back in the office and able to speak with

a voice loud enough to be heard, though it is much like a strong whisper. I preached last Sunday, but it

was a challenge.

Ministry wise, we are back in action! We were able to continue our pre-marriage counselling, Sherry

will be “on air” with her Ladies’ Bible Study via Zoom, our study of the book of Galatians with resume

on Wednesday, Sherry's Ladies Bible Class resumes on Thursday – (Habakkuk chapter 3) and the one-to-one discipleship classes we conduct will resume next week.

We do have a special prayer request concerning the Bible Institute. During the Covid period we began

renovation of the classrooms and even added a computer lab. (Special thanks to a group of Christians

in Hong Kong!) Our “problem” now is getting the government approval to open classes. Most schools

like ours (considered a “trade school” – opened in April, but the local authorities have delayed

approval of the renovated classrooms even though they were inspecting as we did the work. Please

pray that this situation will be rectified so we can open classes immediately!

We know that when we are physically down or hindered by government bureaucracy, God is still in

control! We don’t always know “why” it happens, but as servants we do not really need to know

“why.” We just know that there are no accidents in God’s plan and “All things work together for good…

Romans 8:28.

Thank you for your faithful support as we continue to train others for the Kingdom of the Lord,

Together in His Service,

News From Zambia - 4 April 2023

Greetings From Luanshya!

Wow! It hardly seems possible that 25% of the year is gone into the dust of history! I am still getting used to writing “2023” in my correspondence!

The ministry here is moving at a fast pace in spite of challenges set before us. We were “warned” in James chapter one of trials and troubles in life, but with that came the promise that these trials would strengthen us for future service.



The chapel suffered TWO break-ins in March. The first was minor. A water barrel and a few tools were taken from our garden shed. We reinforced the door with a steel gate, but the thieves returned and went through the roof to steal more items They ripped the power cables from the chapel and the pole, taking with them the major service cable. They then tore the water tank from the wall, but realised that the tank had access points for the water pipes, so they left it and simply broke what they could not steal. The work was repaired within the week and the Electric Company promised to replace the service cable… We are waiting on that promise to be fulfilled. We went one Sunday without water. Last Sunday we had water but no electricity. One of the ladies in the church works for the electric and she is calmly encouraging the maintenance team. We were able to cover the cost of repairs from funds in another program under our direction and trust we will be able to replace these soon.

In spite of this, the atmosphere in the congregation is one of enthusiasm. This coming Resurrection Sunday we will have a picnic on campus and celebrate the resurrection of the Christ and His return to collect the saints. As we see the world getting more and more corrupt, we can only hope that His return is soon!

We were blessed to be able to help Mr Simwanza with ten mosquito nets for leaders of churches in the rural villages. Malaria is, as always, a concern for us here. In addition, one young man in the congregation gave him a bottle of fertilizer for his small farm. (Everybody cultivates here – including us.)

I had the opportunity to speak on the new radio station in town. The interviewer wanted to ask me what our church believed, but we began talking about what it really meant to be a disciple of Christ and not “just” a professing believer. Before we realised it the hour had passed. He said that he wanted me to return and talk about the church. Waiting for that invitation!

Sherry’s local ladies Bible Study continues their in-depth study of Habakkuk. Sherry has already prepared 19 lessons on that 3-chapter book. The ladies actually come early to copy her notes from the board as some of them don’t read well so the notes help to reinforce the lesson and spur questions.

In addition, Sherry is involved in a virtual Ladies’ Bible study every Tuesday afternoon (our time) where they are studying the book of James. Sherry taught the second chapter and that was two lessons. Next, she will lead the study of chapter five. To be a part of this study with ladies literally on the other side of the planet is a great encouragement to her.

Your prayers and the notes we occasionally receive from prayer partners is also a great encouragement. Because of you we are able to remain…


Together in His Service,

14 March 2023

Dear Partner in service,

Greetings from a very soggy Southern Africa! This is “officially” the last month of the rainy season, but

the cyclones coming from the east are playing havoc in the countries on the south eastern part of our

continent. Zambia is far enough inland to avoid most of the flooding, but our neighbours are not so

fortunate.

This is not an unusual problem. In March 2022 Cyclone Gombe struck Nampula Province in

Mozambique as an intense tropical cyclone. It killed 63 people in the country, and another 7 in

neighbouring Malawi. People have moved to higher ground hoping to avoid another catastrophe, but

Cyclone Freddy has broken records for its longevity — now 36 days — swept inland from the

southeastern coast of Africa and is causing massive flooding and displacement. The death toll has

passed 100 and the floods have not abated. Bodies are buried in the rubble of destroyed homes.

A friend in Blantyre sent us a video of houses literally “melting” in the 4-5 foot floods. The walls collapsed, the roofs flew off and household goods were being washed away by the torrent. Cyclone Freddy is officially the longest-lasting tropical cyclone ever recorded in the Southern Hemisphere.

It’s the second time the record-breaking cyclone — which has been causing destruction in southern

Africa since late February — made landfall in mainland Africa. It also pummeled the island states of

Madagascar and Réunion as it traversed across the ocean.Churches have not gone undamaged. Among

the dead are whole families including children who were swept away by rushing floods.

Please make this situation a matter of prayer. Share it with friends, family members and church

congregations.

If you are led to help, send your gifts through the usual channel and designate it “Flood Relief.” Every

dollar designated as such will go to help the victims of Cyclone Freddy and the subsequent flooding in

South Eastern Africa.

Thank you for your prayers on our behalf!

In His Service,

News from Zambia - 14 March 2023

Greetings from a very soggy Southern Africa! This is “officially” the last month of the rainy season, but the cyclones coming from the east are playing havoc in the countries on the south eastern part of our continent. Zambia is far enough inland to avoid most of the flooding, but our neighbours are not so fortunate.

This is not an unusual problem. In March 2022 Cyclone Gombe struck Nampula Province in Mozambique as an intense tropical cyclone. It killed 63 people in the country, and another 7 in neighbouring Malawi. People have moved to higher ground hoping to avoid another catastrophe, but Cyclone Freddy has broken records for its longevity — now 36 days — swept inland from the southeastern coast of Africa and is causing massive flooding and displacement. The death toll has passed 100 and the floods have not abated. Bodies are buried in the rubble of destroyed homes.

A friend in Blantyre sent us a video of houses literally “melting” in the 4-5 foot floods. The walls collapsed, the roofs flew off and household goods were being washed away by the torrent. Cyclone Freddy is officially the longest-lasting tropical cyclone ever recorded in the Southern Hemisphere.

It’s the second time the record-breaking cyclone — which has been causing destruction in southern Africa since late February — made landfall in mainland Africa. It also pummeled the island states of Madagascar and Réunion as it traversed across the ocean.Churches have not gone undamaged. Among the dead are whole families including children who were swept away by rushing floods.

Please make this situation a matter of prayer. Share it with friends, family members and church congregations.

If you are led to help, send your gifts through the usual channel and designate it “Flood Relief.” Every dollar designated as such will go to help the victims of Cyclone Freddy and the subsequent flooding in South Eastern Africa.

Thank you for your prayers on our behalf!

Together in His Service,

23 January 2023

May your New Year bring blessings and challenges!

Dear Partner in Service,

This year has started with a bang! The rains have been torrential – a good thing since our water table

has been low for the past few years, but there are always the fallen trees and washed-out roads with

which we must contend. A palm tree we planted in our front yard 25 years ago, did not survive the first

week of the year. We also found a few leaks in the chapel roof… nothing new, but always a challenge.

Sherry had an incredible opportunity. She has been participating in a ladies’ Bible study organised by

churches in New Jersey. For the ladies in the USA it is a morning meeting. For Sherry it is a 5pm

meeting every Tuesday. She was asked, recently, to talk about the ministry here and lead a short Bible

study. As is often the case, after sharing the ministry, the Q&A lasted nearly another 30 minutes. One

of the questions was, “When do you have time to rest?” We do, but we really enjoy what we are

doing! The group leader of the study said that they would schedule another time for Sherry to

“conclude” the Bible study that she had prepared!

Staying with Sherry’s ministry, she is preparing a series of lessons on the book of Habakkuk for her

ladies’ Bible study Thursday afternoons. The ladies took a break over the holiday (planting season), but

Sherry continued to write the lessons. She has completed 14 lessons thus far and is having “fun” while

she does it! The ladies’ Bible study will resume soon. Pray for Sherry and her ladies as the dive into this

little-known book of the Bible.

The Bible institute classes will begin in February. The licenses due to the government for registration

have been paid and the classrooms are ready. The vocational lecturers have been preparing their

classes material. Pray for the administration the course material is aligned with government

requirements. All of the students will be new to us, so I will start with basic Bible doctrine and

assurance of salvation. Sherry will cover the Life of Christ. Please pray for our students as they begin

their studies with us.

After three tumultuous years, we are looking forward to resuming some of the programs that were on

hold during the covid pandemic! 

Thank you for your prayers and support as we remain…

Together in His Service,