Life and Death in Zambia

Death is never too far away in Zambia.

Today, there were two deaths that hit close to home.

The first: on the way into school this morning, we noticed a car overturned at the side of the road, with a crowd looking on. We found out a bit later that the car was taking a couple of elders from one of the local PAOZ churches who were on their way home after visiting their Pastor, Cephas Musolo, who is ill. We received a report that one of the elders died.

Zambian roads are generally unsafe due to either road conditions, people walking at the side of (or on) the road, the condition of vehicles, or the recklessness of drivers. It's a toxic combination.

The second: at TTC, one of Canadian Frank Bonazzo's construction crew, Boyd, was uncharacteristically late for work. His son had died. Of malaria.

During classes these past two weeks, at least one pastor was late for classes because he was busy conducting funerals.

And I was ready to chew out one student for missing classes when I learned he had gone down to Lusaka because his wife had given birth. He was back in class the next dry.

People being born, living, and dying. In Zambia, you are just one accident or illness away from death.

It is in this light that Zambians embrace the kingdom of God and the promise of eternal life graciously offered and provided by God in Jesus Christ.

Tomorrow Steve Kemp and I are hitching a ride with Simon and Luce down to Lusaka.

We're heading home.