A Golden Opportunity

We went to Livingstone about four hours from our home to be part of an induction service.  What is an induction service?  We were wondering the same thing when we were asked to be a part. We learned that it is a special service where a church welcomes their new pastor and introduces him to the community. It is a time when the pastor is challenged by others to fulfill his calling.

Wes had been asked to share a brief welcome and challenge to Pastor Golden Kyungupengu on behalf of the Baptist Mission. He had mixed feelings about being a part of this service.  On one hand, he was excited to welcome Pastor Golden, a young man we had met when he was a youth, who definitely is called by God.  In fact, he is a real answer to pray for the southern province of Zambia where we minister. But, on the other hand, Wes doesn't like to speak to large crowds, and hates to dress up in formal attire--why do you think he loves the bush!

Pastor Golden gave us instructions on Friday that we were supposed to arrive on Saturday morning by 8:30 a.m. to greet the minister who was scheduled to arrive at 9:00.  He was not talking about a guest pastor, but a government official who would be the guest of honor for this event. A minister is equivalent to an American senator.

We arrived on time and were ushered in to a small room with other pastors who also had a part in the program.  The minister did not arrive on time. This is not unusual here in Zambia.  Government officials are expected to make people wait.  Just before 10:00 we were told that the minister was on his way and we should form reception line outside. He arrived soon after with his aide, and after greeting him, we went back into the small room where the pastors chatted with him briefly.

Finally, we made our way to the stage behind the minister and took our seats.  We would sit here for the next three hours in temperatures that must have reached 110 degrees. I looked over at Wes who was thoroughly miserable in his suit and tie and whispered, "Try not to look so miserable." I felt sorry for him.

The service began with the Zambian national anthem, and I noticed we were being watched as we tried to remember the words.  I'm sure those watching us could tell that we were faking some of the words (but not all).

There were some really good choirs, and then the speeches began.  Each speaker greeted the minister by name and another government offical who was somewhere in the audience, as well as pastors, etc. etc. I could tell that Wes was getting nervous wondering if he would be the only one to break protocol if he did not greet everyone by name and give their "official" title.

Thankfully, not long before Wes was to speak, the minister called the master of ceremonies over and asked him to please tell the speakers that they could dispense with the protocol that normally is used for greeting.  I saw relief wash over Wes' face. 

When Wes got up to speak, I said a little prayer for him.  He welcomed Pastor Golden and his wife to the southern province, and was presenting a short challenge to him, when suddenly there was a loud crash. Two men had fallen from their chairs in the front row, when one chair broke and fell into the other. Poor Wes, no one listened much after that, but he retained his composure--I was proud of him!

The service finally ended and Wes was able to take off his coat and tie and breathe a sigh of relief. After presenting our gift to the pastor and his wife, we said good-bye and headed for home. The first 40 kilometers was rough, as the road is being repaired, and we had to take a detour on a dirt road for a good distance.  The dust was so thick at times that we literally could not see what was in front of us.  Even Wes admitted it was a very dangerous situation. We thank the Lord that He led us and that we made it home safely. 

Although the day was hot, and we were exhausted, it was another "golden opportunity" to be involved in Zambian culture and share our lives with the people.