Hello Family & Friends,
We just wanted to thank you all for praying for Bonnie concerning Malaria. I talked with her the other day and she said she feels “a million times better” since beginning the medication. I want to give you another opportunity to pray. Each day brings its own challenges and new things to pray for. I received a text from Bonnie very early in the morning (our time) saying there have been several cases of mumps going around. A lady whom she visits almost daily has the mumps. Also, she was in the elevator with two children the other day and found out that they have mumps.
Please pray for protection over Bonnie. I know she was vaccinated as a child for this, but she's never had mumps and I don’t know much about it. Please continue to pray for her health.
Charles & LouAnn
Saturday, April 9, 2011
04/01/11
Dear Family & Friends,
As many of you know since Bonnie has been in Africa she has dealt with sickness from 4 bouts of food poisoning to walking pneumonia, to just being weak and not feeling well from time to time. This past week she started feeling bad again so a few days ago she went to a clinic to be tested for malaria. She had been experiencing bad headache, feeling weak, and a few other symptoms. The blood test for malaria came back negative, but the doctor felt that due to her symptoms she could possibly be in the early stages of malaria. If not he just wanted to make sure and take precautions.
One thing that we can be thankful for is that she went to the clinic and was tested, because even though she may possibly be in the early stages of malaria it is treatable and that is the best time to catch it. She is now on 5 types of medications for I believe 5 days to treat the symptoms as well as the parasite if that is what it is.
Please be praying for a full recovery, and God’s grace and mercy on her during this time. Pray that the medication completely kills off the parasite if that is what it is. Pray for the symptoms to go away especially the headaches, weakness, and dizziness. Please pray she would be encouraged through this time in her heart and spirit.
Again we are reminded afresh that we serve a Great and Mighty God who is always near, who hears our prayers, and is able to do far above what we can ask or imagine. As her parents we remind ourselves daily that Bonnie is in the hands and in the care of her loving Heavenly Father!
Thanks for praying with us!
Charles & LouAnn
Psalm 121: 1-2 I lift up my eyes to the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 62:8 - Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Isaiah 40:28-31 - Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
As many of you know since Bonnie has been in Africa she has dealt with sickness from 4 bouts of food poisoning to walking pneumonia, to just being weak and not feeling well from time to time. This past week she started feeling bad again so a few days ago she went to a clinic to be tested for malaria. She had been experiencing bad headache, feeling weak, and a few other symptoms. The blood test for malaria came back negative, but the doctor felt that due to her symptoms she could possibly be in the early stages of malaria. If not he just wanted to make sure and take precautions.
One thing that we can be thankful for is that she went to the clinic and was tested, because even though she may possibly be in the early stages of malaria it is treatable and that is the best time to catch it. She is now on 5 types of medications for I believe 5 days to treat the symptoms as well as the parasite if that is what it is.
Please be praying for a full recovery, and God’s grace and mercy on her during this time. Pray that the medication completely kills off the parasite if that is what it is. Pray for the symptoms to go away especially the headaches, weakness, and dizziness. Please pray she would be encouraged through this time in her heart and spirit.
Again we are reminded afresh that we serve a Great and Mighty God who is always near, who hears our prayers, and is able to do far above what we can ask or imagine. As her parents we remind ourselves daily that Bonnie is in the hands and in the care of her loving Heavenly Father!
Thanks for praying with us!
Charles & LouAnn
Psalm 121: 1-2 I lift up my eyes to the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 62:8 - Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Isaiah 40:28-31 - Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Friday, April 1, 2011
03/29/11
Luke 1:46-47 “My Soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.”
This past weekend, Bonnie was able to attend a Teacher’s Conference in town. During the conference, the Lord encouraged Bonnie’s heart, envisioned her afresh for the work that she is about, and spoke words of encouragement to her through others who were at the conference. One of the men who shared is a teacher at a nearby college. On the first Monday of each month, he and his wife invite missionaries in the area to their home for a time of fellowship and encouragement. Bonnie was invited to come. This is another opportunity for the Lord to use others to encourage Bonnie and come along side of her in the work that she is doing. I am so thankful that the Lord continues to meet Bonnie’s needs in so many different ways.
1. Next week is the last week of school before the children get 1 month off for spring break. In this coming week, Bonnie will have to personally evaluate each student (30 of them) and have a parent/teacher conference with the parents. On top of that, she has to grade all of their paperwork. She asked that you please pray that God would help her to get all of this done.
2. During the month long break, Bonnie would like to tutor many of the students that need extra help, especially in Math (a weak area for her). Please pray that the parents of these children will agree and that it goes well. “When I am weak, He shows himself strong.”
3. Pray that God would give her more creative ways to teach what these kids need to learn, and that she would make the best use of her time to spend more time on lesson plans.
4. Bonnie was without water for over a week. Praise God it is back on for now. Even though Bonnie has water now (and she is truly thankful for that) please pray that the hot water would be able to be fixed. When you don’t have water you are thankful for hot or cold water, but hot is always nice. This is life in Africa!
5. Praise God Bonnie was able to obtain another 3-month work permit. You never know how that will go.
6. Please continue to pray for Bonnie’s physical health, that the Lord would strengthen her for the task she is about, and that He would keep her well.
7. We have been praying for a roommate for Bonnie. Since Bonnie gives so much of herself to others, please pray that the Lord would send someone that would be a source of encouragement to her.
8. Usually between 3 and 4 months is the time someone may begin to struggle with homesickness to some degree when they’re “far” away from home. Bonnie has experienced some of this. This is when being reminded of where the Lord has called you to and of what He called you to helps. When she looks into the faces of those precious children, her heart is again filled with love and joy for them. BUT, it is also during this time that receiving e-mails, letters, packages, etc. brings so much encouragement to her heart, knowing there are those back in the States praying for her and remembering her. If you get a chance, please drop Bonnie a note or a letter-- it would encourage her so much! bonniesherer@hotmail.com
9. God is definitely knitting Bonnie’s heart to the children and their heart to hers. Bonnie had to let them know that because of the conference she had to go to this past weekend (which was Friday & Saturday) she would not be in school on Friday. Well they did not like that and threatened that if she was not going to be there then they would not come to school. Children have a funny way of expressing their hearts and love, but Bonnie was able to encourage them to come. It’s nice knowing that you will be missed!
10. Please pray for the Lord to continue to speak to her through His word, as well as through others. Pray that He would continue to lead her, guide her, and protect her.
We serve a big and mighty God!!!
As always, we are so grateful for the army ofprayer warriors that we have standing with Bonnie and praying for her while she serves in Africa.
Forever grateful!
Charles & LouAnn Sherer
Saturday, March 19, 2011
03/18/11
Dear Family & Friends,
Psalm 25:5 – Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are my Savior, and my hope is in your all day long.
Psalm 33:20 – We wait in hope for the Lord, he is our help and our shield.
2 Corinthians 4:18 – So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Please be praying:
1. She will be having her spring break the beginning of April for a month. Please pray that after Spring break they will be able to move into their new school building that has been under construction.
2. During the spring break a girl attending the nearby college will be staying with Bonnie. She is an orphan, a Christian, and is facing many challenges and has nowhere to go during the break. Please be praying that Bonnie will be able to minister to her during this time together.
3. Bonnie has been sick for some time now and is on medication. She is feeling better but not back to normal still being very run down and exhausted. Please pray for complete healing and strength to continue the work she is called to there.
4. Because of being sick for so long she is behind in her school work. She has parent teacher conferences coming up and has to write an evaluation form for each of her 30 pupils in order to meet with each of the parents. She will also be tutoring students after school. This requires her to assess each student and determine his or her educational need. Please be praying for wisdom and grace in this process.
5. Continue to pray for discernment and wisdom in the many decisions she is required to make daily. Please continue to pray for her safety.
Thank you for your continued prayers for our daughter!
Charles & LouAnn Sherer
bonniesherer@hotmail.com
www.bonnieinzambia.com
Psalm 25:5 – Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are my Savior, and my hope is in your all day long.
Psalm 33:20 – We wait in hope for the Lord, he is our help and our shield.
2 Corinthians 4:18 – So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Please be praying:
1. She will be having her spring break the beginning of April for a month. Please pray that after Spring break they will be able to move into their new school building that has been under construction.
2. During the spring break a girl attending the nearby college will be staying with Bonnie. She is an orphan, a Christian, and is facing many challenges and has nowhere to go during the break. Please be praying that Bonnie will be able to minister to her during this time together.
3. Bonnie has been sick for some time now and is on medication. She is feeling better but not back to normal still being very run down and exhausted. Please pray for complete healing and strength to continue the work she is called to there.
4. Because of being sick for so long she is behind in her school work. She has parent teacher conferences coming up and has to write an evaluation form for each of her 30 pupils in order to meet with each of the parents. She will also be tutoring students after school. This requires her to assess each student and determine his or her educational need. Please be praying for wisdom and grace in this process.
5. Continue to pray for discernment and wisdom in the many decisions she is required to make daily. Please continue to pray for her safety.
Thank you for your continued prayers for our daughter!
Charles & LouAnn Sherer
bonniesherer@hotmail.com
www.bonnieinzambia.com
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
03/10/11
Dear Family and Friends,
Just wanted to send out a quick request to ask you to please pray for Bonnie. I received a text from her today saying that she is sick again. Cough, fever, weak, and trouble breathing. Please pray for her. It is amazing how God moves through prayer. In her time of need she has an army of people to lift her up in prayer.
God Bless and thank you!
LouAnn Sherer
Just wanted to send out a quick request to ask you to please pray for Bonnie. I received a text from her today saying that she is sick again. Cough, fever, weak, and trouble breathing. Please pray for her. It is amazing how God moves through prayer. In her time of need she has an army of people to lift her up in prayer.
God Bless and thank you!
LouAnn Sherer
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
03/09/11
Dear Family & Friends
Here is the latest prayer update from Bonnie.
LouAnn
Goodness, I don’t even remember when I last gave you an update. Sorry, I have been crazy busy! Thank you everyone who sent goodies in the bin through Doug Hayes, what a blessing that has been!
Things are going really well and I am so excited to see all that God is doing here in Ndola. I had a sleep over with a few of the college girls from church, we had a lot of fun and needless to say we got little sleep, but that is kind of the point, right? Lol. Yesterday was National Woman’s Day here in Zambia, a national holiday. On Sunday we had a special service to honor the woman. (we had a lot of guests) All the woman dressed in traditional attire and we had special music, testimonies and readings. The woman did everything but the preaching. At the end of the service, Pastor Wilbroad shared the gospel and 7 people came forward. During the counseling session, I was speaking one on one with a college age girl who was rededicating her life to the Lord. She said she attended the college service and wanted to come forward at that time, but said it was like she was glued to her seat. Praise God that she was obedient this week to the prompting of the Spirit. I was amazed to see how she opened up so much with me and was able to encourage her in the Lord. She really just needs to have a mentor and be held accountable. I invited her over for dinner this week and plan on making that a regular habit. I am having a family over tonight, well minus the parents…The parents are pastors and are out of the country. They range in age from 8-27 I believe (there are 6 of them).
I also got a new pupil today, Emanuel, so that rounds the number off to 30. He is very quiet but I am confident with time he will warm up to me and the rest of the class. I made a point to remind the boys to include him in the games at recess, they needed a couple reminders.
Prayer:
1. Please continue to keep the college ministry in prayer, specifically that the Lord will continue to draw souls and that they will be open and vulnerable when we meet.
2. Please pray for the pupils that they will be able to grasp the concepts that are being taught and that the Lord would continue to give me creative ways to get the points across.
3. Pray for strength and patience. I need a lot of both, when I am tired my patience seems to be lacking. J
4. Pray that I do not grow weary in doing good and that God will be honored and glorified through my work.
5. Pray also that the children will come to know and love the Lord.
6. Please also keep Susan (the head teacher) in your prayers, she was getting a lot better and then this week took a sudden turn for the worst. Her kidneys and liver are operating at 50% and the medications are no longer working.
7. Oh yeah, water heater is still broken so still have ice cold showers. I am getting used to it, but hey Hot water would be nice :)
Thank you again for supporting me through your prayers as well as financially. I couldn’t do this without you!!
With all my love,
Bonnie
Here is the latest prayer update from Bonnie.
LouAnn
Goodness, I don’t even remember when I last gave you an update. Sorry, I have been crazy busy! Thank you everyone who sent goodies in the bin through Doug Hayes, what a blessing that has been!
Things are going really well and I am so excited to see all that God is doing here in Ndola. I had a sleep over with a few of the college girls from church, we had a lot of fun and needless to say we got little sleep, but that is kind of the point, right? Lol. Yesterday was National Woman’s Day here in Zambia, a national holiday. On Sunday we had a special service to honor the woman. (we had a lot of guests) All the woman dressed in traditional attire and we had special music, testimonies and readings. The woman did everything but the preaching. At the end of the service, Pastor Wilbroad shared the gospel and 7 people came forward. During the counseling session, I was speaking one on one with a college age girl who was rededicating her life to the Lord. She said she attended the college service and wanted to come forward at that time, but said it was like she was glued to her seat. Praise God that she was obedient this week to the prompting of the Spirit. I was amazed to see how she opened up so much with me and was able to encourage her in the Lord. She really just needs to have a mentor and be held accountable. I invited her over for dinner this week and plan on making that a regular habit. I am having a family over tonight, well minus the parents…The parents are pastors and are out of the country. They range in age from 8-27 I believe (there are 6 of them).
I also got a new pupil today, Emanuel, so that rounds the number off to 30. He is very quiet but I am confident with time he will warm up to me and the rest of the class. I made a point to remind the boys to include him in the games at recess, they needed a couple reminders.
Prayer:
1. Please continue to keep the college ministry in prayer, specifically that the Lord will continue to draw souls and that they will be open and vulnerable when we meet.
2. Please pray for the pupils that they will be able to grasp the concepts that are being taught and that the Lord would continue to give me creative ways to get the points across.
3. Pray for strength and patience. I need a lot of both, when I am tired my patience seems to be lacking. J
4. Pray that I do not grow weary in doing good and that God will be honored and glorified through my work.
5. Pray also that the children will come to know and love the Lord.
6. Please also keep Susan (the head teacher) in your prayers, she was getting a lot better and then this week took a sudden turn for the worst. Her kidneys and liver are operating at 50% and the medications are no longer working.
7. Oh yeah, water heater is still broken so still have ice cold showers. I am getting used to it, but hey Hot water would be nice :)
Thank you again for supporting me through your prayers as well as financially. I couldn’t do this without you!!
With all my love,
Bonnie
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
03/01/11
Dear Friends & Family
Reaping always follows sowing be it sparingly or generously, which is between us and God as to how that works out in our lives. The important thing is the attitude with which we give; that is, not reluctantly or under compulsion but rather cheerfully giving.
LouAnn and I are being constantly amazed at the overwhelming, cheerful generosity of so many of you regarding your gifts to our daughter, Bonnie. We want to let you know that Bonnie, LouAnn and I, and others are being so blessed by you. We are so aware that Bonnie remains in your hearts and in your prayers. Even more so, we would like to remind you that God loves a cheerful giver. Amazing, not the amount, but the heart's posture in which we give matters most to God.
The overflow of your giving not only causes abounding grace that comes your way from sowing into the kingdom, it produces an abundance for your own need as well.
God is the source of the seed that we sow and the bread we eat. He increases our seed, He enriches us in every way so that we can be generous on every occasion.
This cheerful generosity results in thanksgiving to God from those receiving the temporal blessing from your giving. All they can do is thank God, the true source who is so worthy. Not only is there a supplying to the needs of the people of God, there is an overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God. Men will praise God at the testimony of your obedience accompanying your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity toward them and others as well.
In their prayers for you (hear that) they'll be praying for you and their hearts will go out to you because they realize there is surpassing grace given you by God for this work of service.
There is simply no way for us to personally express our gratitude except to remind you that our God is aware of what you are doing to serve Bonnie as she serves there in Zambia. Please understand there will be eternal fruit in the lives of those children and in your own lives as well.
Simply put, nothing can be said by us that is adequate enough but thank you all so much!
Charles & LouAnn Sherer
2 Corinthians 9:6-15 - Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Reaping always follows sowing be it sparingly or generously, which is between us and God as to how that works out in our lives. The important thing is the attitude with which we give; that is, not reluctantly or under compulsion but rather cheerfully giving.
LouAnn and I are being constantly amazed at the overwhelming, cheerful generosity of so many of you regarding your gifts to our daughter, Bonnie. We want to let you know that Bonnie, LouAnn and I, and others are being so blessed by you. We are so aware that Bonnie remains in your hearts and in your prayers. Even more so, we would like to remind you that God loves a cheerful giver. Amazing, not the amount, but the heart's posture in which we give matters most to God.
The overflow of your giving not only causes abounding grace that comes your way from sowing into the kingdom, it produces an abundance for your own need as well.
God is the source of the seed that we sow and the bread we eat. He increases our seed, He enriches us in every way so that we can be generous on every occasion.
This cheerful generosity results in thanksgiving to God from those receiving the temporal blessing from your giving. All they can do is thank God, the true source who is so worthy. Not only is there a supplying to the needs of the people of God, there is an overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God. Men will praise God at the testimony of your obedience accompanying your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity toward them and others as well.
In their prayers for you (hear that) they'll be praying for you and their hearts will go out to you because they realize there is surpassing grace given you by God for this work of service.
There is simply no way for us to personally express our gratitude except to remind you that our God is aware of what you are doing to serve Bonnie as she serves there in Zambia. Please understand there will be eternal fruit in the lives of those children and in your own lives as well.
Simply put, nothing can be said by us that is adequate enough but thank you all so much!
Charles & LouAnn Sherer
2 Corinthians 9:6-15 - Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
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