tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-140545872024-03-10T01:36:37.101+02:00Coleman Ministry UpdateThis is a regular (almost) update of the multi-faceted ministry of Patrick and Sherry Coleman who serve the Lord in Zambia, Africa.Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088160956778862091noreply@blogger.comBlogger284125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14054587.post-37916240950840183702023-04-04T18:18:00.001+02:002023-07-01T18:21:52.697+02:00News From Zambia - 4 April 2023<div><text style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">Greetings From Luanshya! <br /><br />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!<br /><br />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.<br /><img height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/1GdLaTFAWykEfJJ7CpoewjcSfQVg7UzHrwh0g9Xvo-u8R53NKIBrf2CnGCo8NtmUFThcwQq2gzWtnfp6RMUR256lc8-Nk92GQ2ItbMld7l1M4JzrHf2HYXP9F2WfVp4-4NadNm_fMJ2hXgrrFmKnlg=w240-h320" width="240" /><img height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/DV1EBO2nOHBK4e9yFWIW_nBZIKByZK93oPUV7Ud7a82JWaVuLe29Nifps_ouDji_6iDJcgq8zYgwoLk7kpLJdrRcFTemQzVL_rEkfJ8o9TliLr6j1KtQ2cpigUBiLgGyxPHVe14ySqVb83dUzFZtdQ=w240-h320" width="240" /><br /><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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!<br /><br /></text><text style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">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.)<br /><br />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!<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Your prayers and the notes we occasionally receive from prayer partners is also a great encouragement. Because of you we are able to remain…<br /><br /><br />Together in His Service,<br /><img alt="Patrick & Sherry" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368442717874534674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZbMyEGI8jld1fK2380SjsUUI2VDE88gjTUoZaTg6OQ8ELaflMwX_o2K8LniD4PabJTJa-isoR5vCI4qRJ07KzuP4HbCdyPv__FNbsJ99yoJhdSS3Csq-Cnlh0m1MMKypjEAi/s400/Sig.png" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 42px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 175px;" title="Patrick & Sherry" /></text></div>Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088160956778862091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14054587.post-27097737193441464782023-03-14T18:22:00.001+02:002023-07-01T18:26:24.702+02:00News from Zambia - 14 March 2023<div><span id="docs-internal-guid-a2c93c89-7fff-6b6d-5361-505171637f93"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">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.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This is not an unusual problem. In </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">March 2022 </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Cyclone Gombe</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> 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 </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363636; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">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.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #363636; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">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.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">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.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Please make this situation a matter of prayer. Share it with friends, family members and church congregations.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">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.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Thank you for your prayers on our behalf!</span></p><div><br /></div></span></div><div><text>Together in His Service,<br /><img alt="Patrick & Sherry" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368442717874534674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZbMyEGI8jld1fK2380SjsUUI2VDE88gjTUoZaTg6OQ8ELaflMwX_o2K8LniD4PabJTJa-isoR5vCI4qRJ07KzuP4HbCdyPv__FNbsJ99yoJhdSS3Csq-Cnlh0m1MMKypjEAi/s400/Sig.png" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 42px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 175px;" title="Patrick & Sherry" /></text></div>Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088160956778862091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14054587.post-42595876925174908012022-11-23T16:42:00.001+02:002023-06-19T15:44:49.812+02:00News from Zambia — 23 November 2022Greetings From Luanshya!<div><br /></div><div> Friends and family members have asked if we have Thanksgiving in Zambia. Not in the same way that Americans celebrate, but…</div><div><br /></div><div>I am...</div><div><br /></div><div>Thankful for the ability to act and react here at home in Zambia and across the continent of Africa... </div><div><br /></div><div>Thankful for the fact that our children all love us – in spite of our inability to have all the answers all the time...</div><div><br /></div><div>Thankful for our Rotary connections that enable us to demonstrate Leviticus 19:18 by loving people we will never meet because people don’t care what you know until the know that you care...</div><div><br /></div><div>Thankful for the doctors and medical staff (both in Zambia and South Africa) who keep us moving (literally)...</div><div><br /></div><div>Thankful for friends in churches across America who have confidence in us to invest in the lives of so many people here introducing them to the truth of the Gospel – especially to those who have grown up hearing and believing false teachers...</div><div><br /></div><div>Thankful for parents who taught their sons how to love unconditionally and to do it without limit...</div><div><br /></div><div>And... Thankful that God, in His infinite wisdom, brought Sherry into my life over 25 years ago. She has brought joy back into my life and has truly been part and parcel of the work we do here... </div><div><br /></div><div>Together in His Service,</div><div><br /><img alt="Patrick & Sherry" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368442717874534674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZbMyEGI8jld1fK2380SjsUUI2VDE88gjTUoZaTg6OQ8ELaflMwX_o2K8LniD4PabJTJa-isoR5vCI4qRJ07KzuP4HbCdyPv__FNbsJ99yoJhdSS3Csq-Cnlh0m1MMKypjEAi/s400/Sig.png" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 42px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 175px;" title="Patrick & Sherry" /></div>Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088160956778862091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14054587.post-7221513878119421882022-08-24T15:33:00.003+02:002023-06-19T15:36:28.892+02:00News From Zambia — 24 August 2022Greetings From Luanshya! <div><text><br /></text></div><div><text>From time to time we have “interesting” conversations with people. A few years ago I was chatting with a man about life. His name was Joseph. I said, “Were you named after Joseph in the Bible?” He told me no, but after a favourite uncle. As we talked on, he told me that he didn’t know that his name was written in the Bible. I told him that there are several Josephs in the Bible including a great story about how Joseph was sold by his brothers and was later elevated to the second most powerful man in Egypt. He was astounded. He said that he had never heard that story. I then asked him about his church background and he told me that he was an elder in his church. (He named the church and it has a good reputation doctrinally.) I asked him how he became an elder when he didn’t know much about the Bible.</text></div><div><text><br /></text></div><div><text>His answer: “I am 60 yeas old so I became an elder.”</text></div><div><br /><text><div>Yesterday morning Sherry had a man (We’ll call him Mr B.) who came to the Christian Resource Centre saying that he was desperate. His church elders had assigned him to speak this coming Sunday and he did not know “anything” about the Bible and needed “something to preach about.” Sherry led him to her correspondence Bible courses as a good place to start. She asked him why he was assigned to preach if he didn’t know anything about the Bible.</div><div><br /></div><div>His answer: “It was my turn.”</div><div><br /></div><div>Mr B has started the Mailbox Club courses and Sherry loaned him a copy of “How to be Born Again” by Billy Graham. We are starting with the basics with Mr B!</div><div><br /></div><div>We are surprised (and yet not) that people living so close to us in a country that was “declared a Christian</div><div>nation” (by a president who was being unfaithful to his wife while making that declaration) are so ignorant of the Bible that they carry to church on Sunday but never open during the week.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have heard about the “unreached” areas of the world and pray for our co-workers ministering in those</div><div>places. Nevertheless, we find ourselves in a “miss-reached” part of the world where religion is taught, but the true story of the Christ who came to redeem mankind is lost in the pulpit.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our purpose and goal is quite clear: From Matthew 28:19-20</div><div><i>Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the</i></div><div><i>Son and of the Holy Spirit, <b>teaching them</b> to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I</i></div><div><i>am with you always, even to the end of the age.”</i> Amen. (emphasis mine)</div><div><br /></div><div>As we continue to serve, please pray that we never fail to teach the “whole counsel” of the Word of God. That includes teaching teachers to teach. (2 Timothy 2:2).</div><div><br /></div>Thank you for the part you play in keeping us here.</text><div><text><br /></text></div><div><text> Together in His Service,</text></div><div><br /><text><img alt="Patrick & Sherry" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368442717874534674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZbMyEGI8jld1fK2380SjsUUI2VDE88gjTUoZaTg6OQ8ELaflMwX_o2K8LniD4PabJTJa-isoR5vCI4qRJ07KzuP4HbCdyPv__FNbsJ99yoJhdSS3Csq-Cnlh0m1MMKypjEAi/s400/Sig.png" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 42px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 175px;" title="Patrick & Sherry" /></text></div></div>Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088160956778862091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14054587.post-89884675366744871242022-04-06T12:15:00.001+02:002022-04-11T18:44:55.213+02:00News from Zambia - 6 April 2022<p> Greetings from a very waterlogged Luanshya Zambia!</p><p>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!</p><p>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.</p><p>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?”</p><p>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.</p><p>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. </p><p>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…</p><p>In His Service,</p><p>Patrick &amp; Sherry</p>Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088160956778862091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14054587.post-90647286103140272722021-09-01T20:34:00.008+02:002023-06-10T20:42:31.252+02:001 September 2021<text>Dear Partner in service,<div><br /></div><div>Greetings from the “topsy-turvy” land of Zambia! The elections here have come and gone without much</div><div>violence and with extraordinary results. There is a new president and a new majority party in the</div><div>country’s parliament (like the American congress). There is also a new mayor her in Luanshya. As in</div><div>elections everywhere, dozens of promises were made. Now we wait to see which were “authentic” and</div><div>which were “political.”</div><div><br /></div><div>One immediate reaction to the election results was the re-evaluation of the local currency. It has gained</div><div>in strength against the US Dollar after a consistent weakening over the past several months. At one</div><div>stage the Zambian Kwacha was trading at nearly K24 to one dollar. Yesterday the rate was under K16 to</div><div>a dollar. Much of our food and building supplies are imported. Even those things that are locally</div><div>manufactured are dependent upon imported materials like fuel to run machines and fertilizer for</div><div>farming. What does this mean in “real” terms? We have lost 1/3 of our buying power. An item that cost</div><div>$10 last month (like a shovel) now costs $15. A tank of gasoline that cost $45 last month now costs over</div><div>$65.</div><div><br /></div><div>Local suppliers assure us that costs will go down “in a few months,” but that has not been the case in</div><div>the past… So, we tighten our belts, conserve on expenses and use whatever stocks we have in reserve.</div><div>On the upside, it appears that the new administration will be less likely to restrict worship services and</div><div>Bible studies at churches. We await “official” notification, but the new president is an active member of</div><div>his church. We are cautiously optimistic! Pray with us during this time of transition!</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, our one-to-one discipleship lessons continue since they are not considered “church</div><div>services” and Sherry’s Ladies’ Bible Study has not been affected since it is held at the Christian Resource</div><div>Centre and not on the chapel campus. She is careful, however, to keep it to the one-hour time limit set</div><div>by the Zambian Ministry of Health.</div><div><br /></div><div>For those who have never lived in a place where there is no “Bill of Rights” for basic liberties, this is life</div><div>in the real world. We are grateful for the freedom to worship and the privilege to teach and train church</div><div>leaders, but we are also cognisant of the rules and regulations set by the government of the day and we</div><div>comply with Romans 13 to continue to serve. Our message has not been diluted, but our methods are</div><div>ever changing due to the circumstances.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have been able to “visit” churches in the USA via Zoom and look forward to our Sunday afternoon</div><div>gathering internationally. We would love to “visit” with you if you have the time and technology to</div><div>“meet” with us.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you for being a part in this ever-growing ministry.</div><div><br /></div><div>In His Service,</div><img alt="Patrick & Sherry" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368442717874534674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZbMyEGI8jld1fK2380SjsUUI2VDE88gjTUoZaTg6OQ8ELaflMwX_o2K8LniD4PabJTJa-isoR5vCI4qRJ07KzuP4HbCdyPv__FNbsJ99yoJhdSS3Csq-Cnlh0m1MMKypjEAi/s400/Sig.png" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 42px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 175px;" title="Patrick & Sherry" /></text>Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088160956778862091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14054587.post-19343305901837971372021-08-21T00:17:00.001+02:002021-08-21T00:17:00.177+02:00Video OverviewGreetings From Luanshya! <div><br />
Here is a brief video overview of our work in Luanshya, Zambia
</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="548" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JNNUFrncSA0" width="658" youtube-src-id="JNNUFrncSA0"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Together in His Service,</div><div><text><img alt="Patrick & Sherry" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368442717874534674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZbMyEGI8jld1fK2380SjsUUI2VDE88gjTUoZaTg6OQ8ELaflMwX_o2K8LniD4PabJTJa-isoR5vCI4qRJ07KzuP4HbCdyPv__FNbsJ99yoJhdSS3Csq-Cnlh0m1MMKypjEAi/s400/Sig.png" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 42px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 175px;" title="Patrick & Sherry" /></text></div>Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088160956778862091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14054587.post-84010875568108361412021-08-04T15:00:00.001+02:002023-06-10T20:41:53.340+02:004 August 2021<meta class="" content="text/html; charset=us-ascii" http-equiv="Content-Type"></meta><div style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"><div><div style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">Greetings from Luanshya!</div><div style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">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.</div><div style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">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.</div><div style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">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.</div><div style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">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. <br /><br /></div><div style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-wrap: break-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.</div><div style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">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!</div><div style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">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.</div><div style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">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!</div><div style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">Your faithfulness in prayer and support keep us going. We DEEPLY appreciate your partnership!</div><div style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">Together In His Service,</div><div style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">Patrick & Sherry</div></div><div></div></div>Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088160956778862091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14054587.post-12804780217193899842021-07-14T20:39:00.003+02:002023-07-01T18:26:52.408+02:00News from Zambia - 14 July 2021<div>Greetings from cold, sunny Zambia! I realise that “cold” is relative for many, but this is the middle of winter here and a night-time temperature in the 40’s is cold to us. The good news is that the temperature outside at the moment is 79 degrees!</div><div><br /></div><div>As is the case in most of the world, the Covid-19 situation is playing havoc in Zambia and across the African continent. The death toll in Zambia is rising and people are beginning to realise that this is real. For nearly a year the threat of serious health issues and fatalities was downplayed by many in the government and even in the healthcare field, but over the past few weeks the seriousness of the virus has hit home.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last year some people had heard of a death due to Covid from a distant acquaintance. Today it is affecting the homes and workplaces of people we know. One man in our local church passed away earlier this month and the local health officials made it clear that extra-ordinary care had to be taken during the funeral. The mortuary in town is so crowded that family members are waiting in lines to prepare their loved ones for burial and officials are coming to the funerals to ensure that those precautions are followed. Please keep this as a matter of prayer.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have had both Astra Zeneca injections, but the newest strain has arrived in Zambia.</div><div><br /></div><div>In spite of the pressure, the work continues. We are continuing with Covid protocols at home, in the Christian Resource Centre and at church. The government has reinstituted the one-hour limit to services twice per week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sherry’s ladies class still meets for one hour on Thursday. Tomorrow they will study the final chapter of Colossians – Sherry’s favourite book. On Wednesday afternoons we are studying the responsibility of discipleship of new believers and we are both working with our students in one-to-one sessions.</div><div><br /></div><div>One statement we often hear from our students is “I have been a believer for several years, but I never heard the word ‘discipleship’ until meeting you. It seems so strange to hear this when we are told in Matthew 28:20 that we are to be “teaching them to observe all things…” Watching our students come to realise Biblical truths is always an amazing experience!</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, you may have heard about the civil unrest and rioting in South Africa. Many of our friends are caught in the midst of the trouble. While South Africa is two countries away from us, Zambia has started the campaign season for the elections in four weeks. One spark from a neighbour can cause a blaze at home. Please pray for peace on our continent and here at home.</div><div><br /></div><div>While “hot” and “cold” may depend on our own personal comfort zone, we know that God’s love for us does not\ depend upon how we “feel.”</div><text><img alt="Patrick & Sherry" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368442717874534674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZbMyEGI8jld1fK2380SjsUUI2VDE88gjTUoZaTg6OQ8ELaflMwX_o2K8LniD4PabJTJa-isoR5vCI4qRJ07KzuP4HbCdyPv__FNbsJ99yoJhdSS3Csq-Cnlh0m1MMKypjEAi/s400/Sig.png" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 42px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 175px;" title="Patrick & Sherry" /></text><div><text><br /></text></div>Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088160956778862091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14054587.post-10002132238538729902021-05-13T20:46:00.000+02:002023-06-10T20:47:42.488+02:0013 May 2021Greetings From Luanshya!<div><br /></div><div>The month of May is one of the most beautiful times to be in Zambia. The rains have finished, but the air is still
fresh and most of the grass is still green. It is also the middle of our
Autumn so the temperatures begin to cool down and leaves are falling
from the trees. Sadly, we do not have the colourful trees that many
people in the USA associate with autumn since leaves here either fall off
the trees green then turn brown or turn brown on the tree then fall off.
Still, it is a very comfortable time of the year.</div><div><br /></div><div>The month of May is one of the most beautiful times to be in Zambia. The rains have finished, but the air is still fresh and most of the grass is still green. It is also the middle of our Autumn so the temperatures begin to cool down and leaves are falling from the trees. Sadly, we do not have the colourful trees that many people in the USA associate with autumn since leaves here either fall off the trees green then turn brown or turn brown on the tree then fall off. Still, it is a very comfortable time of the year.</div><div><br /></div><div>This particular year the month of May brought a very joyous celebration for our English-speaking congregation: The wedding of Ivwananji Simutenda and Emmelia Mulenga. Ivwananji is deaf and is a teacher of deaf students at a local government school here in Luanshya. He started coming to the chapel several years ago and was thrilled to discover that the services were interpreted for the deaf. He met Emmelia while studying and they fell in love! She is not deaf so their conversations are both silent and vocal. They came to see us and said they wanted to be married. We were very happy for them and their pre-marriage counselling began. It is a process of several weeks.</div><div><br /></div><div>A bit of backstory… Ivwananji lost his hearing before his second birthday due to meningitis. His father left home and married a different wife. Ivwananji was raised by his mother with few resources. He put himself through school all the way to receiving his bachelor’s degree in education. This is a demonstration that he was not mentally challenged – he just couldn’t hear. Just before the wedding he was texting with his father and was told that his father would not attend the wedding. He was heartbroken, but not surprised.</div><div><br /></div><div>The wedding proceeded as planned. I was honoured to perform the ceremony while John Bwalya stood behind Emmelia and signed to Ivwananji. His signs were interpreted to the hearing audience in the chapel. Just as we finished and walked outside Ivwananji’s father and stepmother arrived. They were a bit ashamed that they hesitated, but Ivwananji and his new bride welcomed them to the event. The church members participated in a “kitchen party” (wedding shower) so the young couple would have a few things to get them started in life because they knew that there was very little support from their family. We are very pleased to see this young couple come together in our chapel and look forward to watching them grow together in the Lord and in their family. Your prayers are deeply appreciated.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Together in His Service,</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><img alt="Patrick & Sherry" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368442717874534674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZbMyEGI8jld1fK2380SjsUUI2VDE88gjTUoZaTg6OQ8ELaflMwX_o2K8LniD4PabJTJa-isoR5vCI4qRJ07KzuP4HbCdyPv__FNbsJ99yoJhdSS3Csq-Cnlh0m1MMKypjEAi/s400/Sig.png" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 42px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 175px;" title="Patrick & Sherry" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088160956778862091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14054587.post-79124558438556592532020-11-11T20:51:00.002+02:002020-11-11T20:51:48.059+02:0011 November 2020<span id="docs-internal-guid-d3cc756d-7fff-02bd-356f-28dcdc80afcb"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Partner in service,</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On November 11, 1918, World War I, known at the time as “The Great War,” unofficially ended when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, took place between Germany and the Allied nations on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. World War I ended on paper when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As believers, we realise that our freedom was purchased by the blood of our Saviour on the cross of Calvary, but the Gospel was propagated by regular people living extraordinary lives sharing the love of Christ through their lifestyle. Many people sacrificed their own lives to bring the Gospel to this generation.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I mention this because a few times over the past weeks have visited us or sent us notes thanking us for what we have done for them in spiritual teaching and counselling. We do not consider this to be a sacrifice. It is an investment in the lives of believers – young and old – who will carry this same message to places we may never visit.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In that same way, we want to say “Thank you” for the part you play in the work of the Lord here in Zambia and beyond. This month not only hosts </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Armistice Day (or Veterans’ Day). In a few days families will gather in various fashions (depending to Corona virus restrictions) to celebrate Thanksgiving. Our families are all thousands of miles away so “virtual” gatherings via ZOOM are already being organized.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, our “thanksgiving” would not be complete without thanking you, our partner in service, for making this ministry possible with your faithful prayers and support. This ministry includes:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Christian Resource Centre Library, Reading Room and Counselling Centre</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fellowship Chapel and the various rural congregations</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MMM VTC Bible Institute and the new YouTube Outreach</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Oversight of the Carlton Cooper Learning Centre (Deaf Ministry)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And our Community Outreach</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">None of this would be possible without your partnership</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you!</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span><text><img alt="Patrick & Sherry" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368442717874534674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZbMyEGI8jld1fK2380SjsUUI2VDE88gjTUoZaTg6OQ8ELaflMwX_o2K8LniD4PabJTJa-isoR5vCI4qRJ07KzuP4HbCdyPv__FNbsJ99yoJhdSS3Csq-Cnlh0m1MMKypjEAi/s400/Sig.png" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 42px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 175px;" title="Patrick & Sherry" /></text>Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088160956778862091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14054587.post-1718870212100937502020-09-02T18:13:00.001+02:002020-09-02T18:13:11.805+02:0002 September <span id="docs-internal-guid-328f85fa-7fff-a1ab-f9d1-572547428ba4"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Greetings from Luanshya, Zambia!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Whew! August has been an “interesting” month – and “interesting” is not always “good!”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_CFL1RsO_EilQWD1CJyVrRHXj_9PF6yBpstqacfnWrXF0hUFYirs-wwjVpRAiuYLvPb5xpn34PHJRyiTeGegYe4crY7IjC6hlhLaHN0mRJdEHFoTnhDLunvOzoJ5yfaTKj4a/s600/ZCS200901.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="600" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_CFL1RsO_EilQWD1CJyVrRHXj_9PF6yBpstqacfnWrXF0hUFYirs-wwjVpRAiuYLvPb5xpn34PHJRyiTeGegYe4crY7IjC6hlhLaHN0mRJdEHFoTnhDLunvOzoJ5yfaTKj4a/w320-h218/ZCS200901.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />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.</span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">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!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">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! </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you for your prayers and support!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In His Service,</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><text><img alt="Patrick & Sherry" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368442717874534674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZbMyEGI8jld1fK2380SjsUUI2VDE88gjTUoZaTg6OQ8ELaflMwX_o2K8LniD4PabJTJa-isoR5vCI4qRJ07KzuP4HbCdyPv__FNbsJ99yoJhdSS3Csq-Cnlh0m1MMKypjEAi/s400/Sig.png" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 42px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 175px;" title="Patrick & Sherry" /></text>Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088160956778862091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14054587.post-48879594517389205452020-08-09T03:00:00.006+02:002020-08-11T03:04:17.759+02:0008 August, 2020<div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11pt;">Dear Partner in service,<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11pt;">July was a very difficult month!<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11pt;">In the first week Sherry became very ill with what seemed to be the flu then a bronchial infection. Because of her severe asthma this happens every year at this time. The weather is colder, the air is dryer, smoke and dust fill the air from the winds and fires in the fields around us. Because of the ever-mounting Coronavirus infections in Zambia we have been extra careful especially as tests for the virus are not available close to us.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11pt;">As her symptoms worsened (loss of smell and taste, </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, severe fatigue and headaches) we began treating her for all of these symptoms and she stayed in bed for several days – completely unlike her regular program. Finally, at the beginning of last week she began to feel a bit better, but she is still weak and still has the nagging cough. Fortunately, she had recorded her YouTube programs three weeks in advance so they were still presented. Last week she recorded two more and she did another one this morning. She resumed her discipleship lessons with her two students online as well, but she is still not up to 100%. Your prayers for her are deeply appreciated!<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11pt;">Classes at the Bible school are still on hold. The Zambian government is being very selective about schools of any kind reopening. Exam classes (grades 7, 9 and 12) are allowed to meet but with restrictions of time and space. Three of the members of Fellowship Chapel are teachers and they are being extremely careful about social distancing for fear of taking the disease home with them from school.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11pt;">Meanwhile, the cafeteria at MMM VTC (the Bible school) is progressing in preparation for students when they are able to return.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><img src="https://gm1.ggpht.com/70nmaEYu7_GfJlmj25mGRSq3xH2x-Zu7JlLIUNam9KCD73cs4Bq_TuZOO9KuNdk8HYC56SHQK7Je6pbDI_Ejtqpd1zekl_YWWPi9zdxXZjM9aNlYGnCX5db76fnAbt73YKrX9lz5TW282TyWBRWsDw0QG6EnZyEEJR8mjn6qWv_fNsrPLNQ5PP94RzlN33IDH1XES2seV1mnrSkOcClfz6lziiuJqQg4a_PnBDaISnbM13aurk2H5EW9MswiWsgSuiT29YgR-FaVuKu3xR6ytkcwwKu53yBs8gHtC_6bDgwlPF2xX2RxrohOUNt36VmBmiJkQ1GWgO3FkzvTy38h_-AmV-JQoQt8dqPyccS6FX2EQGc0j9NpbxDC-QwiIfP_svMNBVc_Aymbkk36zVPInV5e8xtwk8qGN7cFHRMEtq-cCkzvz-D7fikTxYjZnjbKt29xAkhC0vbmpp6PA_NywpFM36ZkrYUwDNXszwhGENegZF42Q_XUAlhgg8ZfsAHBOGWT8Sq-OasM8QCeqPb_tbt-xYwHU_79l8jyowcHU_8bjyyMHxfYDtCqEC2QbWI_C8HqnVSx8oEhFVyOcUkQTYyURSYbkWVZLNfhjMr-CLDiqO4tUFmKhPvDtGyo8NNwUZT7Fp5ABAPfe6JTOO87wyirKPdPYqhfowM2yuV4Nr4D4_itLVvxvPXgz4t7zRJnrUkWEhUIB44XvZfi4DQ73a97OFSo99IDkWzk6Jx43so-VBZPJLZEja0w4MLFYpVskptd=s0-l75-ft-l75-ft" style="background-color: transparent;" /><img src="https://gm1.ggpht.com/bslzq88Vir6Zip6z7zYPs1Lzfhvpaqnf1pZU4e9OiQdCTAobJ0c9DX0p-xywyDTKlq7twjUwncuxrzET9uPYiUXylMzV6-mYSeugtyvUBTA6OQQOKvFjJPboOEqYDnL3me1uOtmV08T1LGX_vBeA6Gm0SYr3yPYomiMidvhW1bG9rZakNsR2gK3wcfgqGTEl-6OVAggq0GnAlV7wN-Wdbg9dgHrt0VRnmsWsflS0YNGA9xqGYd0XcyIswODdmza3XFqlQwUPVmNanwF63I5uLM_mSvYbyY8FbZi13LU5x02zBxGkheRDmFF_cZdj6LTzEPdvjcqTRa1G4UPf1qfOKAwfVFPDbD-9qndK17xjxkhoP6FazXb08cW5p3XB97k-7yoIlBQdLkzCav9lyxg1CbL40qicn-MHi7l-mqAKH_Z4fShhpxdKhyjeBguNWTpJJjhMIbDCQAJYlxbYtlMBaDaTSRSJChNMAvtgp-LHSxivPrxCMBoyZxmc9e-7BUv9b-voG4GqcNVvrqHaI6ctlEg8G3Uf5d99FaNQqoGzqsIS9D3g4b-kuEOw65bgJnaHouBLDdq5ggJJr7xaa0hkIQUdZ7n1YZKV2rRQ4rMGmSkTWxP7yOz7pb1lpvEGdd67GScu1Dx9xy6HrWu61YlDCbHHTWI_1kws8Coun27LWjYRI8egxMedncC8Kzen32wZc6qS_sDCayElxuHuo5A8Ymc5Kv5-hLpGcDxs7YqDIcfjOtLV08D7qWWjGqcz8z9d7skVtg=s0-l75-ft-l75-ft" style="background-color: transparent;" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11pt;">Ordinarily we would have had students working on this, but we cannot have them on campus at this time. They will be pleasantly surprised when they return!<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11pt;">In spite of the challenges we recognise Who is in control! His work is not limited by a virus. We just have to be prepared to adapt to the challenges and opportunities before us!<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11pt;">Thank you for your prayers and support. We know that we are all in this together…</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11pt;">In His Service,</span></p></div><div><img alt="Patrick & Sherry" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368442717874534674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZbMyEGI8jld1fK2380SjsUUI2VDE88gjTUoZaTg6OQ8ELaflMwX_o2K8LniD4PabJTJa-isoR5vCI4qRJ07KzuP4HbCdyPv__FNbsJ99yoJhdSS3Csq-Cnlh0m1MMKypjEAi/s400/Sig.png" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 42px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 175px;" title="Patrick & Sherry" /></div>Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088160956778862091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14054587.post-78139787562302680412020-07-08T16:16:00.001+02:002020-08-11T03:04:39.661+02:0008 July 2020<span id="docs-internal-guid-449ea8cc-7fff-6c08-44b7-0f00ae6b3b50"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">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:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be over 13 years of age</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wear a mask at all times</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Maintain a distance of at least 1 metre (3 feet)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">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!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">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!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3l3epVPo47eaX7b71_QGdQ" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="936" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAPMRgrNGKo-DwpxdzroC1CVCCDyzujQvOzedhQCjPPc2OxurFUayjWYc-n8acXY1Y5O004_ITOKwsgTHTgSVmQg0QRQFniNoYBXRWGbFXs3vJ90_tkWiXjByhLH_0SX_Dt3v/s320/BibleStudyLogo.png" width="320" /></a></div>Sherry’s been using her afternoons, since the covid-19 pandemic, working on a YouTube channel for her students. Because classes at the Bible College are still prohibited, she thoughtfully considered how she could best reach out so the YouTube channel was born. She’s been teaching on </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How To Study the Scriptures</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> as a measure to get young people into the Word. This Friday, the next lesson will be published and is titled: </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Observation: The First Step In Bible Study</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">… She is already three episodes ahead in prep work and editing with our Zambian son, Andrew, who continues his studies in China for Mechanical Engineering and Robotics. He treasures these moments with “Mom” and counts this ministry as his reasonable Christian service. Once the lessons have been published, the students get onto Whatsapp and begin discussing the content and pose questions. It’s been an interesting journey and one that has been totally unexpected. Pray for her viewers, that those who have been sitting on the fence of faith will take a step onto the Lord’s side. Pray for those who have put off the study of Scripture out of fear of the unknown. Sherry also continues with discipleship via zoom meetings with students both local and well out of town. Opportunities abound and we continue to trust the Lord for guidance.</span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Together in His Service,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Courgette, cursive; font-size: 22pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Patrick & Sherry</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Courgette, cursive; font-size: 22pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088160956778862091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14054587.post-31209896731760547052020-06-21T20:28:00.002+02:002020-06-21T20:28:42.662+02:00Insight on Christian Growth - Online Bible Study<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="fullpost"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3l3epVPo47eaX7b71_QGdQ"><img alt="Insight on Christian Growth with Professor Sherry Coleman" border="0" data-original-height="173" data-original-width="671" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKWWDvN5v5CgVadJYUT5rKdBnvfoFhELFOyBXOE62kxdsM789rMTU9qN6JH-fmhrmMIpLQj0Q9E9pVPIxfpBTc7AR6n5INXmue6virVqsknD1XUw57e5Y2AGI5_YbpXL-txdYZw/s640/InsightOnChristianGrowth_bannerCropped.jpg" title="Insight on Christian Growth" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="fullpost">With the changes brought by a global pandemic, Sherry has found a way to adapt, taking her Bible study online. Click the banner above or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3l3epVPo47eaX7b71_QGdQ">this link</a> to follow along.</span></div>
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<img alt="Patrick & Sherry" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368442717874534674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZbMyEGI8jld1fK2380SjsUUI2VDE88gjTUoZaTg6OQ8ELaflMwX_o2K8LniD4PabJTJa-isoR5vCI4qRJ07KzuP4HbCdyPv__FNbsJ99yoJhdSS3Csq-Cnlh0m1MMKypjEAi/s400/Sig.png" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 42px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 175px;" title="Patrick & Sherry" /></text>Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088160956778862091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14054587.post-15968920260850569852020-03-04T18:06:00.000+02:002020-05-07T18:24:03.715+02:004 March 2020Dear Partner in Service,<br />
<br />
Not every plan works the way we plan. I took my JEEP to have new tires installed and was told that it would take “about 40 minutes.” 90 minutes later the manager of the shop came in to tell me that the back wheels could not be removed. Two of their wheel wrenches were broken in the process and the nuts on the wheels had been damaged. I took it to the mechanic and they worked for several days to remove the wheels. He got them off, but the bolts were damaged beyond repair. The new bolts and nuts were ordered and were to be delivered last Thursday. Sadly, they have still not arrived. So this has limited my travel. We don’t always know why these things happen, but we know that everything happens for a reason. Meanwhile… we are praying for nuts and bolts, literally!<br />
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Sherry continues teaching the ladies class on Thursday afternoons. Here is a snippet from this week’s lesson: The Bible is full of confidence-building stories about women who faced their calling alone and found God faithfully behind them, working out all the behind-the-scenes details so that His plan could ultimately be realized through them. One of those women is Esther. She considered the calling (Esther 4:14).<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">First, is this something someone else can just as easily do?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Second, is this something I have a strong heart’s desire to do?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Third, is this something I feel God prodding my heart to do?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">When we take these questions to the Lord and say, “God, please confirm to me if I am the one to do this” and then wait for His answer, we can be more certain that we are called to something and not just following our own desires or running in to rescue someone. Esther gathered prayer support and she made a plan and carried it out. She trusted in the Unseen.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>What’s amazing about this story is the way God worked in the background to make things happen the way they did. Esther was God’s willing servant, appointed by Him for a specific purpose at that time. God’s calling on her life was not so much a dream as it was a prompting to be an instrument of His work. And as a result of following the call He placed on her heart, she became loved and praised throughout history and known as the queen who saved her people.<br />
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The question posed to the class is “what is the dream that God has placed in your heart? The same God who went before Esther goes before you. The same God who fed 4,000 with seven loaves of bread still waits to multiply what you give Him. Why? Because He is a God of grace. “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8). That doesn’t leave much room for failure if you are walking in His will.<br />
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Challenges and victories are a part of life. We are assured that God is in control of every part of our lives. When things don’t go as planned, we rest in the fact that nothing surprises God and He works in every aspect of our lives and ministry.<br />
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Thank you for praying for us as we continue…<br />
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<text>Together in His Service,</text><br />
<text><img alt="Patrick & Sherry" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368442717874534674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZbMyEGI8jld1fK2380SjsUUI2VDE88gjTUoZaTg6OQ8ELaflMwX_o2K8LniD4PabJTJa-isoR5vCI4qRJ07KzuP4HbCdyPv__FNbsJ99yoJhdSS3Csq-Cnlh0m1MMKypjEAi/s400/Sig.png" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 42px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 175px;" title="Patrick & Sherry" /></text>Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088160956778862091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14054587.post-49219958594083672472020-02-12T18:09:00.000+02:002020-05-07T18:09:16.688+02:0012 February 2020<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Partner in Service,</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I was a boy this day – Abraham Lincoln’s birthday – was a school holiday. Lincoln was a favourite president of mine because he valued both education and freedom. Our work here in Africa for the last three decades has included just that: Educating people about the Freedom they have in Christ!</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Last week one of the fathers in the English church came to me very excited because after the Sunday service that week his nephew, niece and daughter had received the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour. He was thrilled to lead these three young people to a saving knowledge of the Lord! He explained that they were all talking about the service and the question just came up naturally. It is always thrilling to see parents and guardians lead their children to salvation! All three will be baptised in two weeks. (We’ll send photos!)</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We have had some interesting discussions in the men’s Bible study concerning the distinction between temptation and sin. Some were guilt ridden because they had been tempted. I explained that the Bible teaches that temptation is normal (sadly), but sin was when the temptation was followed up in either thought or action. We discussed the difference between “trials” and “temptations” as described in James 1. It is refreshing to hear the questions from both new and older Christians – and often challenging to find the right answer from God’s Word.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ladies Bible study class continues. Currently, Sherry is bringing the class through a series on “Walking Alone”. This week they will be discussing restlessness and desperation. The focus will be that if we just realized that God’s design for us is to learn that sometimes we can’t have exactly what we want right when we want it, our restlessness for something different can be directed toward a desire to learn what God wants to teach us about his grace, which can sustain us through whatever he allows to come our way.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of our youngsters from the Lighthouse Children’s Home – Andrew Silungwe – is in China studying engineering at the </span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shenyang Institute of Engineering</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in </span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Liaoning Province. It is located over 1,100 miles from Wuhan, the epicenter of the Corona Virus outbreak, but the school and students are being very careful. They are all wearing masks and classes were even suspended for a few days to ensure that everybody was safe. There have been a few cases of the virus in the province, but none reported at the university. Please pray for Andrew and the other more than 2,000 Zambian students studying in China.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As we continue to serve we remember this poignant quote from Abraham Lincoln:</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #181818; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.”</span></span></div>
<text><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></text>
<text><span style="font-family: inherit;">Together in His Service,</span></text><br />
<text><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Patrick & Sherry" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368442717874534674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZbMyEGI8jld1fK2380SjsUUI2VDE88gjTUoZaTg6OQ8ELaflMwX_o2K8LniD4PabJTJa-isoR5vCI4qRJ07KzuP4HbCdyPv__FNbsJ99yoJhdSS3Csq-Cnlh0m1MMKypjEAi/s400/Sig.png" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 42px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 175px;" title="Patrick & Sherry" /></span></text>Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088160956778862091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14054587.post-88494813446598738092019-12-19T18:11:00.000+02:002020-05-07T18:11:37.285+02:00Special note from Sherry - 19 December 2019<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Partners in Service,</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">This is a special note from Sherry!</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">I have been working with children and youth for over 35 years. My first introduction was teaching a Sunday School class with another woman who was a “natural”. Pre-school children are a real handful! Nonetheless, they have impressionable minds and hearts and ask the most interesting and innocent questions about God, His Son, Heaven, Hell and the future. Who would have thought?</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">My next venture was working with Junior Teens and High Schoolers. What a joy. Okay, maybe not so much Junior Teens. They know it all and don’t want to hear a word you say, until... something near and dear to them brings home the idea that there is One more powerful than they and who can lift up their heads. Once their bottom drops out, that’s when God can work in their lives and takes His rightful place on the throne.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">High School youth, now that’s my cup of tea. Inquisitive, looking for the “answers to life’s questions”, searching for something, some One. To this day, talking to high school kids is a natural part of what I do whether in the High Schools, church youth group, community programs. They’re almost like a magnet. If there are high schoolers around, it’s an automatic that a Youth Group is started and an opportunity for young people to gather to share what they are going through and finding answers in the Word, enjoying one another’s company through games and community service.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Then there are the College and Career catchment. Young people who are trying to find their way in the work world and still maintain a testimony for Christ. One of my favorite courses and often asked for series is: “Dating, Love & Marriage”. Where the rubber meets the road... young people making the second most important decisions of their lives...who will be my life partner?</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">All this to say that it has been thrilling to work with young people of all ages and to have some return years later to say that what they had learned so many years ago, really did have a lasting impact.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">This week there were two instances which warmed my heart...</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">-One young man came into the office to turn in one of his Bible correspondence lessons and receive the next. After chatting for a bit he asked if I remembered him at a younger age. I couldn’t say that I did. He said, “one day you were walking out of the bakery with a loaf of bread, you saw that I was hungry and gave me a few coins to buy some food. I never forgot that. I’m letting you know you fed the hungry and therefore, were feeding the Lord.” I cried on the spot. One small, innocent act...</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">-Earlier this afternoon I had to run an errand at the bank. Behind the Customer Service counter was a familiar face but I couldn’t for the life of me remember who this gentleman was. He introduced himself and proceeded to tell me a story. When he was in first grade, he came into the Christian Resource Centre with his older brother. He just wanted to get off the street. After being introduced to the children’s books he saw people coming and going with pamphlets. He asked what they were, Mailbox Club lessons, and wanted to join. That was his introduction to reading “See and Do”. From there, his love of reading, his love of learning, his love for the Lord began. Today he is married with two young boys. After the holidays, he will be bringing his boys to the Christian Resource Centre to introduce them to the lady who taught him to read, taught him to know and love God. He closed by saying that he knew that once he walked back into the library, he’d have to fight back the tears for all the sweet memories the place brought him.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">I’m telling you, my heart was full of joy, the tribute meant so very much. Sometimes we wonder if it’s all worth it. It is! Working with young people, working with women, is so very worth it! Even if only a few come back to say, “you changed my life” it’s worth it and all the negative talk falls away because that life, that one life, was changed, impacted and today impacts others.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">In His Service,</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courgette, cursive; font-size: 16pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Sherry</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Courgette,cursive; font-size: 16pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088160956778862091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14054587.post-36090643316137639802019-11-27T18:13:00.000+02:002020-05-07T18:13:54.706+02:0027 November 2019<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Partner in Service,</span></div>
<text><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></text>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="border: none; clear: right; display: inline-block; float: right; height: 163px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; overflow: hidden; width: 163px;"><img alt="A person lying on a bed
Description automatically generated" height="163" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/lSK3rpk0AeUdYCEidIcrXV0q-jWeXmAUlMRXLXF8m4LWQlgcUn7aaNnFlcG91rSSevp7J214x51JEIqlx38NqEwU-Ks-BmxIn5d-4vWTZ1-sGoiZnrMkcAd2WAv1zsgF4i-yVJllLQBQZ8Yk_A" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="163" /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As we pause for just a moment to reflect on the blessings that God has given to us, we wanted to share just a few with you.</span></span></div>
<text><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></text>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This past week our youngest son, Colin, and his wife, Erin, presented us with our newest grandchild – Erica Alice Coleman. Colin said, “</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">44 hours in continuous labor, with 4 hours and 10 minutes pushing at every contraction except 3 of them (even a warrior needs the occasional break). The doctor, who's been delivering babies for 30 years, and every nurse in the place was amazed that she was functional at the end, and still pushing strong. (The doctor even came by to check in this morning and was shocked she was doing so well.)”</span></span></div>
<text><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></text>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We are as happy as grandparents can be and look forward to holding Erica someday!</span></span></div>
<text><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></text>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Meanwhile, the students at the Bible Institute were also “labouring” through their final exam in the Bible classes. Sherry’s class had their exams a week earlier while mine took their exam last week. The students have showed a tremendous spiritual growth over the last year and most did very well in their final exam.</span><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 167px; overflow: hidden; width: 171px;"><img alt="A room filled with furniture and a table
Description automatically generated" height="167" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/LafPtb4-pfkZCR9hNTdONFkSFe2BJydwVF9rNVT1X_YDI_jVCiu1QiQJ9tnjCRlsTCueXFycd_RKWSpVrowuBMCWO8WYtN2lWUTCfHq7SM-oB1hr_Uz1dqu9VBZlSynxKwhUUrvpk5VmtMu0Cw" style="margin-left: -24.44348654150963px; margin-top: 0px;" width="222.17313730716705" /></span><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 167px; overflow: hidden; width: 177px;"><img alt="A group of people sitting at a table in a room
Description automatically generated" height="167" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/bMk3yqYpMQC7V9jumfnmUMkxNyzrehcTf89o52DZcpvDXIszfz7FuvnpzyH6wu9KyX7TQnVE0RE1cNB2PdajepmnUyMbZya_nmntt6xYBvj0jjiNtLpre-LR52brYTvoNRXFkimFLxhmH8IbXQ" style="margin-left: -46.70516422390938px; margin-top: 0px;" width="223.70515894889832" /></span></span></div>
<text><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></text>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The students are not only learning Bible in the school, but learning construction skills as well. Sadly, because of the power outages in Zambia the electrical power has been cut to fewer that 12 hours a day. In order for the welding classes to be held the students must come to class at 11pm when the electricity comes on. They sleep on mattresses until 11 then work into the night to complete the classes! Their dedication to learning is simply incredible! We are also blessed with trainers who will come at that hour to teach! Please pray for the students and staff at the Mobile Mission Maintenance Vocational Training Centre.</span></span></div>
<text><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></text>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are so many other stories we could share with you about how God continues to bless the work here. Tomorrow Americans will stop and give thanks for the blessings of God in their lives. We are so thankful for YOUR part in sharing God’s love and blessings here in Zambia!</span></span></div>
<text><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></text>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Because of you we can remain…</span></span></div>
<text><span style="font-family: inherit;">Together in His Service,
<img alt="Patrick & Sherry" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368442717874534674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZbMyEGI8jld1fK2380SjsUUI2VDE88gjTUoZaTg6OQ8ELaflMwX_o2K8LniD4PabJTJa-isoR5vCI4qRJ07KzuP4HbCdyPv__FNbsJ99yoJhdSS3Csq-Cnlh0m1MMKypjEAi/s400/Sig.png" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 42px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 175px;" title="Patrick & Sherry" /></span></text>Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088160956778862091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14054587.post-28870042152910882622019-11-13T18:15:00.000+02:002020-05-07T18:15:46.622+02:0013 November 2019<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Partners in Service,</span></div>
<text><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></text>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Last Sunday we invited the adult Sunday Bible Study to join the children’s Sunday School. The lesson was appropriate for both audiences. Receiving a child into your arms in the name of Jesus is a magnificent way of knowing the Lord more intimately. How we deal with children is a signal of our fellowship with God. Something is deeply wrong in the soul that does not love and hold a child.</span></span></div>
<text><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></text>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Therefore, it may be good to call to mind the ways Jesus related to children. Think about these and let them stir in you the longings of Christ. What could be more significant than receiving Christ and receiving God the Creator in him? Amazingly, Jesus says we may do this in our ministry to children.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> 1-Jesus was a child; Isaiah 9:6</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> 2-Jesus took children in his arms and blessed them; Mark 10:14-16</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> 3-Jesus healed a child of a foreign woman; Matthew 15:28</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> 4-Jesus cast a demon out of a child; Matthew 17:18</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> 5-Jesus raised a child from the dead; Mark 5:41-42</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> 6-Jesus used a child’s bread and fish to feed 5,000; John 6:9-10</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> 7-Jesus said you should become like a child; Matthew 18:3-4</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> 8-When Jesus came, children cried “Hosanna!” to the Son of David; Matthew 21:15</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> 9-Jesus predicted the terrible days when fathers would give their children up to death; Mark 13:12</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">10-Jesus said that if you receive a child in His name, you receive Him and the One who sent Him; Mark 9:37</span></span></div>
<text><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></text>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We are coming to the end of term at the Bible Institute. At the beginning of the year students are often timid about speaking up during class. The students come from various church backgrounds all professing to be Christians, but many of them only know what their church leaders tell them. We have explained that the three most important words in our classes are “The Bible Says.” As they get into their Bibles and actually read what God has said in His Word, they become more animated in class discussions and more confident in their faith.</span></span></div>
<text><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></text>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sherry had a touching comment from one student’s final exam at the Bible Institute this past week:</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I have learned in this class to have genuine love towards my friends and others who God brings into my life and that my life’s focus should be on my God and what He has planned for me. I have learned to be obedient to that call and pray it may be true throughout my life. Thank you for teaching me to be that man who wants to walk with and please God.” </span></span></div>
<text><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></text>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">His name is Lucky, but his comment is more than “Luck.” It is a blessing!</span></span></div>
<text><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></text>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is, indeed, a blessing to be used by God to make disciples and train them to reach the members of their communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Thank you for your prayers and support as we continue…</span></span></div>
<text><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></text>
<text>Together in His Service,<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><img alt="Patrick & Sherry" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368442717874534674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZbMyEGI8jld1fK2380SjsUUI2VDE88gjTUoZaTg6OQ8ELaflMwX_o2K8LniD4PabJTJa-isoR5vCI4qRJ07KzuP4HbCdyPv__FNbsJ99yoJhdSS3Csq-Cnlh0m1MMKypjEAi/s400/Sig.png" style="float: left; height: 42px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 175px;" title="Patrick & Sherry" /></span></text>Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088160956778862091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14054587.post-54146026974137382012019-10-23T18:16:00.000+02:002020-05-07T18:18:59.378+02:0023 October 2019<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dear partner in service,</span></span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-6837fd65-7fff-9553-d8cf-5b39124dc45a" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Greetings from Zambia! Tomorrow Zambia will celebrate its 55</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">th</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> year as an independent nation from Great Britain. The celebration is substantially less enthusiastic. The incredibly poor economy and power outages of 12-15 hours every day make celebrations difficult. Community morale is at its lowest since Sherry arrived in Luanshya in November 1990. We invite you to pray with us in relation to these concerns.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is the “hot and dry” season in Zambia. October is known as “suicide month” because the excessive heat (in excess of 100 degrees) and the lack of any rain often leads to depression often caused by a lack of sleep and dehydration. We have encouraged people to drink more water, but the water sources in Luanshya are not always accessible and often polluted even from the municipal water company. Those who can afford filters or chlorine are more fortunate, but that is not common. Please pray for these matters.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the young ladies in Sherry’s College and Career Class approached her two weeks back and said that she wanted to be baptized and take her place at the Lord’s Supper. She came to know the Lord as her Saviour but has not been a part of any Bible believing church. She came to Sherry’s class more out of curiosity than conviction. Over the last year she has come to realize that she needs more in her life and has found it in her association with her fellow young people in the Bible Class as well as the friendships developed at Fellowship Chapel where she has been visiting with us for some months. This afternoon she was baptized by John Bwalya, declaring her faith publicly. Please pray for Katongo as she continues to grow in her faith. This is the third young person from the College and Career Class that has made a decision to follow the Lord and make their spiritual home with the believers of Fellowship Chapel.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the weeks to come we will be concluding the final term exams at the Bible School. There have been a number of course completions at the Source of Light Bible Correspondence School which Sherry is overseeing. We are always thrilled when people complete a series of lessons and begin the next!</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Both the Men’s and Women’s Bible Studies continue with lively discussions and questions from participants. The Men’s Class is studying “Basic Christian Doctrine”. The current discussion has to do with “why Adam and Eve sinned when they had all that they needed?” Satan cast doubt on God’s word and that doubt led to disobedience. The Ladies Class are studying the toping “When Women Walk Alone”. There are so many instances when women fell as though they are misunderstood and alone. The idea that Sherry is trying to get across is that a child of God is never truly alone and perhaps in the busyness of life, though surrounded by crowds, we feel alone. Yet, God… perhaps we can refocus that sense of “aloneness” and turn it into an opportunity to be “alone WITH God”.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Special prayer request:</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The fuel pump on my Jeep, broke. A new one has to be imported from the USA but it is taking some time (and expense) to get here. Please pray that the part will arrive soon and it can be fitted so that rural ministry can be done before the onset of rains. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you for your prayers and your support as we continue…</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<text><span style="font-family: inherit;">Together in His Service,</span></text><br />
<text><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Patrick & Sherry" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368442717874534674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZbMyEGI8jld1fK2380SjsUUI2VDE88gjTUoZaTg6OQ8ELaflMwX_o2K8LniD4PabJTJa-isoR5vCI4qRJ07KzuP4HbCdyPv__FNbsJ99yoJhdSS3Csq-Cnlh0m1MMKypjEAi/s400/Sig.png" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 42px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 175px;" title="Patrick & Sherry" /></span></text>Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088160956778862091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14054587.post-27539628053391507832019-09-11T18:00:00.000+02:002020-05-07T18:01:11.157+02:0011 September 2019Dear Partner in Service,<br />
<br />
The Christian Resource Centre has been quite busy over the last 5 weeks with school having been out and it being the<br />
longest school break of the year leading up to final exams for grades 7, 9 and 12. With long school breaks come more<br />
students registering in the Bible Correspondence Lessons (Mail Box Club). The current span between ages of those studying<br />
the lessons is 10 years to 80. It never ceases to amaze us the hunger of the people for the Word of God. Of course, the<br />
certificates awarded at the completion of each series is a definite incentive, but by and large, the courses are appreciated<br />
for personal knowledge and growth which is the aim of providing this facility for free to those who wish to know more<br />
about the Savior and His love for them.<br />
<br />
Over the last number of months, 790 courses have been distributed and 82 certificates of completion have been awarded.<br />
One young man was in yesterday asking when he would complete his current series and begin “more difficult” lessons.<br />
Sherry smiled and informed him that it is a process, but at the moment he has three more lessons to complete to receive<br />
his certificate. “O man….” You had to be there.<br />
Another student asked when he can begin discipleship. His big brother will begin after he completes grade 12 exams. He<br />
doesn’t want to be left behind. He was advised to finish the entire program then he can begin the discipleship course. He’s<br />
14 years old and in grade 10. Please pray for the many who are enrolled in the courses.<br />
<br />
A former student of Sherry’s, from the Mail Box Club and youth group, will be paying her a visit today. He is currently<br />
leading a local church in a mining community quite far from us and has been seeking additional material for the Sunday<br />
School and for group discipleship. It is encouraging to see some of the young people take on full-time ministry seeking to<br />
build the Body of Christ in their home country. Ben will also be carrying Mail Box Club materials with him to begin an<br />
outpost from the local church. We are pleased to see the work continuing the grow and the Zambian’s taking it to the next<br />
generation. We have assisted him in growing his personal library and will be providing more books as he goes back home<br />
later this week. Pray for Ben as he helps to build the local church through outreach and spiritual education.<br />
<br />
The Ladies Bible Fellowship will complete their text book, “Hinds Feet On High Places”, today. The ladies have testified to<br />
learning so much about themselves and their response to the struggles in the Christian life. As they look back over the last<br />
months, they can see where they had to “build an altar” of their own and give certain parts of their lives over to the control<br />
of the Lord. Many of us keep certain things under our own control only to experience failure and disappointment. With<br />
each passing week, one altar after another has been built where each laid their lives bare before the Lord, trusting in His<br />
grace, mercy and love. May this continue to be our portion all the days of our lives.<br />
The Men’s Bible Fellowship had their first meeting last Friday. Two more asked on Sunday if they could join. We are starting<br />
with “Basic Christian Training” which will ensure that everybody is “on the same page” as we carry on forward.<br />
On this day when we remember the pain caused by religious hatred and bigotry, we also remember the Lord’s admonition<br />
to love, preach, teach and prepare future leaders to love, preach and teach their community. Thank you for your prayers<br />
and support as we continue…<br />
<br />
Together in His Service,<br />
<img alt="Patrick & Sherry" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368442717874534674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZbMyEGI8jld1fK2380SjsUUI2VDE88gjTUoZaTg6OQ8ELaflMwX_o2K8LniD4PabJTJa-isoR5vCI4qRJ07KzuP4HbCdyPv__FNbsJ99yoJhdSS3Csq-Cnlh0m1MMKypjEAi/s400/Sig.png" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 42px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 175px;" title="Patrick & Sherry" />Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088160956778862091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14054587.post-81465212788438303912019-08-28T17:49:00.001+02:002019-08-28T17:49:39.146+02:00News From Zambia 28 August 2019<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div style="word-wrap:break-word;line-break:after-white-space"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Greetings from Zambia!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:11.0pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:11.0pt">We just had a visitor yesterday. Several years ago, he came to the library for counselling. He was so despondent and without hope that Sherry phoned me and asked if I could come and speak with him. <u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:11.0pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:11.0pt">I took the time to not only share the Word, but encouraged him as he had thoughts towards suicide. He left encouraged and knew that he now had true hope and that life is worth living "in Christ".<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:11.0pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:11.0pt">Yesterday his visit was to express his appreciation for the time I gave him and to say that he has completed Medical School and is waiting for posting by the government. While waiting, he is also seeking an opportunity to sit the medical boards in the U.K. in an effort to continue improving himself. He wanted me to know that the short time we had together bore fruit. <u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:11.0pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:11.0pt">His name is "Patrick." Please pray for him as he moves forward in his life of service to the Lord and his fellow Zambians!<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:11.0pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:11.0pt">Meanwhile, we had a full library with children reading and studying. Bear went along to show his support for the children! (He has many young friends!)<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:11.0pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:11.0pt"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUo_77GnhQD_zxuVuRN1Y75_ja99JULNzEps5NAF4gymMJMiMOgbs15jZ8XKJHetrcqfUVmcYaBIyL9wNzGqKpQyya-PRz03aNI1oY0C6K3Y9JZyx9qm1ad32xVxuYDTE_WeT/s1600/clip_image002-779158.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUo_77GnhQD_zxuVuRN1Y75_ja99JULNzEps5NAF4gymMJMiMOgbs15jZ8XKJHetrcqfUVmcYaBIyL9wNzGqKpQyya-PRz03aNI1oY0C6K3Y9JZyx9qm1ad32xVxuYDTE_WeT/s320/clip_image002-779158.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6730245449284407522" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxugXH9CCawBO0PpbIIrRAJWZopQA067uUGnX8sYM7hqTA_9qPZRRoDwfTIDLGpZeoTLRZwidSCFfdI9L2K34cdVw6kOhPY3QuPzZby6BHHTxcZhUZ9Pz6jA0W0LWTX571wpx/s1600/clip_image004-781726.png"><img 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style="font-size:11.0pt">Thank you for your continued prayers and support as we remain…<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:11.0pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:11.0pt">In His Service,<u></u><u></u></span></p> <div> <div style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:normal;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:normal;text-align:start;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:0px;word-wrap:break-word"><i><font size="1"><br class="m_-9062113084655012829Apple-interchange-newline">Patrick & Sherry Coleman<br>P O Box 90010<br>Luanshya, Zambia<br><a href="mailto:colemanpg@gmail.com" target="_blank">colemanpg@gmail.com</a></font></i></div><div style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:normal;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:normal;text-align:start;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:0px;word-wrap:break-word"><i><font size="1"><a href="mailto:coleman.sherry.i@gmail.com" target="_blank">coleman.sherry.i@gmail.com</a></font></i></div> </div> <br></div></div></div> Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088160956778862091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14054587.post-55676158877177092292019-08-20T13:09:00.000+02:002019-08-20T13:10:02.320+02:00News from Zambia - 20 August 2019<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> 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SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Unresolved Mention"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Smart Link"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--><p class="MsoNormal"><a name="_GoBack" class=""></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin" class="">20 August 2019</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin" class="">Greetings from Luanshya, Zambia!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="">Schools are closed and everyone is trying to find places to go and things to do. We thank the Lord that the Christian Resource Centre is one of those "places" of choice for some. Because the Reading Room is centrally located, a number of teens have made it their point of presence over the last week and change. Some have come for fellowship while others review school lessons from the previous term while others work on their "holiday" assignments. Then, there are those who help others understand various concepts from lessons. And finally, there are those who park themselves so that they can embark on a few weeks of discovery.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="">One young teen, we'll call him "N", met Sherry along the roadside while walking Bear, her 3 year-old Labrador. He had heard about the Christian Resource Centre. He had walked by and peeped in the window but hadn't the courage to enter. "N" greeted Sherry and began petting Bear and asking questions about the Christian Resource Centre, the Bible lessons, Bible Class opportunities for he and his friends and other programs that emanate from the facility. Since that day, "N" has been a fixture at the Resource Centre. He has been studying the Bible Correspondence lessons for teens, reading some of the books in the "Youth" section and involving himself in some of the other programs.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="">The other day "N" asked Sherry if she could explain to him James 1:12 – "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." The conversation then shifted to James 2:12 – "So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free". His concern about the law and liberty was striking. He used an example from his own life and family dynamics. She could see his consternation.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="">Sherry explained that believers will be judged by the law of liberty, which is the law of love and doing what is right (James 1:25). Believers who practice love (vv. 5, 8) and mercy, will triumph at the judgment seat. Those who have not shown mercy will not receive mercy. Under grace, we are given the power to love our neighbor and are rewarded when we do it. We do it not through fear of punishment, but through love for Him who died for us and rose again. Then she went back to his original question from James 1:12 and shared what the result of "enduring" produces--The believer who endures trials demonstrates that he or she loves Jesus and therefore will receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10) at the judgment seat of Christ. The Bible describes the believer's reward (2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 22:12)."</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="">She then went on – "How do we react when various forms of testing come into our lives? Do we complain bitterly against the misfortunes of life, or do we rejoice and thank the Lord for them? Do we advertise our trials or do we bear them quietly? Do we live in the future, waiting for our circumstances to improve, or do we live in the present, seeking to see the hand of God in all that comes to us? Do we indulge in self-pity and seek sympathy or do we submerge self in a life of service for others?" "N" left challenged and said he would be back with more questions and he would let Mrs. C. know how his family reacted to his living by faith as opposed to pointing out family members failures, shortcomings and hypocrisy.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="">As "N" left for the day, he had one more request. He leaves for Youth Camp on Thursday and wants some material and scriptures on personal evangelism to use at camp. He knows that many of his friends will be attending camp but are not believers.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="">When Sherry came home later that day she said to me: "I live for these moments!"</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="">In His Service,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i class=""><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:22.0pt;font-family: "Brush Script MT"" class="">US<o:p class=""></o:p></span></i></p> <!--EndFragment--><div class=""> <div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space;" class=""><i class=""><font size="1" class=""><br class="Apple-interchange-newline">Patrick & Sherry Coleman<br class="">P O Box 90010<br class="">Luanshya, Zambia<br class=""><a href="mailto:colemanpg@gmail.com" class="">colemanpg@gmail.com</a></font></i></div><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space;" class=""><i class=""><font size="1" class=""><a href="mailto:coleman.sherry.i@gmail.com" class="">coleman.sherry.i@gmail.com</a></font></i></div> </div> <br class="">Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088160956778862091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14054587.post-35576754408750771932019-08-07T17:50:00.000+02:002020-05-07T18:25:12.531+02:00August 7 2019<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dear Partner in service,</span></span></div>
<text><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-f1419b11-7fff-20ef-7460-4f5ad8559fcf" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></text>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sherry had a great morning! She sent this note to me…</span></span></div>
<text><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></text>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While sitting outside on the sidewalk at the office this morning with Bear (her 3 year-old Labrador) doing our meditation, I was interrupted by a young woman. She asked if I remembered her. I said I remember the face but because I meet and teach so many people, I don’t always remember names.</span></span></div>
<text><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></text>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Her name is Leah and some years ago when in grade 6 she had come to the Christian Resource Centre to register for the Mailbox Club lessons. During our testing period to see if she could read, I had corrected her on how to say her “l’s” and “r’s”. She went on to complete most of the lessons in the youth series over the years.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After completing high school, Leah was accepted at University in Lusaka to study Environmental Science and has since graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in this discipline. Leah said she had stopped by to say, “Thank you, for helping me to be a better reader, to comprehend material and recall what I have read. It has empowered me to be a stronger student throughout my education. I just wanted to let you know that you made a difference in my life.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I must admit, tears came to my eyes. To think that this young woman attributed a part of her academic success to the fact that she had studied Bible lessons and learned how to be a reader through this ministry. It is encouraging to have these little testimonials from time to time.</span></span></div>
<text><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></text>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally, she wanted to let me know that the Lord has provided a man in her life who loves and serves the Lord. They will be married in the months to come. Praise the Lord for His loving kindness and the privilege of seeing the fruit of our labor.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When someone asks us why we are here we think about young ladies like Leah and realise that God put us here for her and thousands of others just like her.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Your faithful, consistent prayers and support enable us to continue to be available to share the love of God and remain…</span></span></div>
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</span></text> <text><span style="font-family: inherit;">Together in His Service,</span></text></span><br />
<text><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Patrick & Sherry" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368442717874534674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZbMyEGI8jld1fK2380SjsUUI2VDE88gjTUoZaTg6OQ8ELaflMwX_o2K8LniD4PabJTJa-isoR5vCI4qRJ07KzuP4HbCdyPv__FNbsJ99yoJhdSS3Csq-Cnlh0m1MMKypjEAi/s400/Sig.png" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 42px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 175px;" title="Patrick & Sherry" /></span></text>Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088160956778862091noreply@blogger.com