This meditation
was written by regional liaisons Ted and Sue Wright.
Native Zambians—94 percent of whom live on less than
$2 per day—belong to more than seventy tribes. Although
they speak different languages, they come together by speaking
in English.
For more than forty years Zambia has succeeded where much
of the African continent has failed. Peace prevails. Such great
diversity seems to advance tolerance, but ethnic conflicts continue
to challenge the dream of “One Nation, Strong and Free.”
The United Church of Zambia—organized to blend leading
tribes and traditions—has been watching its influence
slide in favor of churches with distinctions.
Opportunities abound to join churches in ministry and mission
of all kinds. Though officially Christian, Zambia still has
remote, unreached people groups. In more established areas,
demand for services far exceeds supply. Schools, clinics, vocational
training, farming, church buildings, and microenterprise are
all needed, and much, much more. But the greatest gift of all
is simply your presence.
One recent visitor came with empty hands (often a good start!)
and went to church on Sunday morning. Right away he noticed
the power of the singing and the warmth of the Holy Spirit,
and he lost track of time. The next thing he knew, he was invited
to give a message. Unprepared, he spoke from his heart. He later
thanked God and his new Zambian friends for this richest of
blessings that money could never buy. |
