"I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase"
1 Corinthians 3:6
A Message From the Horne of Africa
Celebrations and Felicitations
01 25 2009
Although the cool mountain breezes had died down, the "winds of change" were inexorably gusting across Africa. The new flag had been hoisted up the mast in the village square, but it was eerily still in the glow of the oil lamps. The people of the Wanji tribe in traditional tribal dress were seated on the ground. The occasion demanded our Sunday best, so we had complied. The African chiefs had graciously seated us, the Wazungu (white folk), on chairs with the dignitaries, while the rest of the tribe sat on the dusty ground. The cloudless sky offered no barrier to the bright moonlight, which illuminated what might have been a very dark night. The backdrop consisted of the cone-shaped mud brick shacks with their grass-thatched tops. The Wazungu were silent and in deep thought. What was going to happen? Had we been summoned to the Uhuru (freedom/independence) celebration to be victimized
or perhaps mutilated? Or maybe murdered? We did not know nor could we even hazard a guess what the outcome might be. Our neighbors to the north, Kenya, had obtained Uhuru in a blood bath. The Mau-mau, who were either "the terrorists" or "freedom fighters" depending on your perspective, had mutilated and maimed all who resisted their revolution or were perceived to be their antagonists. Ears and noses had been cut off. Rape was common. Murder by panga (machete) was committed with impunity. Huts had been burned down. Missionaries were fair game in the war to throw off the shackles of Colonialism.
It was 1964. We were young, inexperienced and downright scared. But God seemingly decided that our work was not finished on the earth as yet. He neither threw us to "the lions" nor did he forsake us, Hebrews 13:4-5. Eldred Echols, our senior missionary, had prepared a Swahili speech on our behalf. His wife, Jane, was at his side. Donna was at my side with our little Lisa. After tribal dancing and singing, one speaker after another droned on about Uhuru na Umoja--"freedom and unity." They properly identified their national problems as "poverty, ignorance and disease." Our man stated our group's congratulations at having obtained their "self-determination." Later we slipped away to our mission station as celebrations continued deep into the night. We have no idea when the reveling and the rhythmic drum beats from the village eventually fell silent. We were glad to escape from the drinkers of their intoxicating pombe (the local brew) to the refuge of the mission. Thus independence from Great Britain came to Tanganyika (Tanzania today) on that so-called festive night.
What made me think of this? On Tuesday, January 20, we witnessed the orderly transmission of political power from the Bush administration to the Obama administration. This was determined by the will of the people in a free election. This is unheard of in many parts of the world. The inaugural celebrations were said to cost US$170 million which is probably more than the annual national budget of modern-day Tanzania. But most remarkable of all was the historic landmark of an African-American citizen being inducted into this office. Not only that--but he is a man with Kenyan connections. American is truly "the land of the free and the home of the brave." When I served as a missionary in today's Tanzania, three countries formed the East African federation--Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika. The inter-tribal language was Swahili, the currency was the shilling and the airline of DC 3's was East African Airways. Jomo Kenyatta was Kenya's president and Julius Nyerere filled that post in Tanganyika. After five years in Tanganyika we moved south to South Africa in order to start another Bible School and to enroll our little girl in regular school.
Though my values and views differ from that of the new president, the events of Tuesday's inauguration was cause for nostalgia and the making of never-to-be-forgotten memories.
When the celebrations die down and the festivities cease, the new president has to return to the mundane realities of a vibrant but troubled country. He has to administer this mighty land. Pray for him that the God of heaven will guide him and that he will not resist that leading, 1 Timothy 2:1-2; 1 Peter 2:13-17. Be a good citizen showing an exemplary life in all circumstances and be deeply grateful that you live in a land like the United States of America. As citizens of the kingdom of God, Philippians 3:20, we have much to do no matter where we are geographically. Let us be about our Father's business, Luke 2:49. May God bless you and may God bless America.
Love you all,