A Chaplain in Zambia

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Written November 2023

 
He was the chaplain for the 200-person leprosarium and 250 bed hospital when we arrived in Zambia in 1968. We quickly got to know and respect him for the maturity that had developed over a lifetime of ministry. He would organise Sunday services, one in the hospital chapel, the other in the church attached to the leprosarium. As we were doing a round we would hear him doing weekday morning prayers in the next ward. He would be around when food rations were distributed to patients resident in the leprosarium - and be willing to relay complaints if there were any. He dedicated our firstborn; he buried our second child just a few days after he was born. He would be there when things went wrong, supporting bereaved families or staff themselves upset with an accidental death. On occasions they needed protection. He was there!
 
He was available as a guide and counsellor on what was appropriate behaviour for newly arrived staff. I spoke to him shortly after we arrived, confiding in him our anxiety as to how the people would accept us, coming as we did from apartheid South Africa. 'We do not judge you on where you come from,' he told me, 'It's who you are and what you do that matters. We will watch you,' he continued. I thought that a good principle to apply to all, especially when we were working for acceptance and respect for people with leprosy. 
 
Most of the time his role was as a priest; he ministered pastorally to patients and staff. But there came a time which must surely have exercised his heart and mind to the limit. There was growing discontent with denominational leadership at national level. Awkward and uncomfortable tensions had arisen. He had received complaints from colleagues and he felt things needed to change. Things had to be made straight!  Eventually the issue became headlines in the national press. He was identified as the source. Some labelled him as ambitious and 'anti-missionary', but he stood his ground. As a result the change and need for greater cultural sensitivity he had called for took place. 
 
Not every prophet lives to see the results of their ministry. He did, even if his action led to a degree of alienation and loneliness.  He must have felt he was in the wilderness. 
 
Please Lord, grant wisdom and courage to those engaged in challenging activities and even leaders for the sake of the values of your kingdom. 
 
October 2023