Zambian missionaries need special driving skills ….
- At January 20, 2012
- By getchart
- In Mission Stories
- 0
Take the example of the Oblates based in Kalabo that also serve the recently dedicated St. Eugene de Mazenod Church in Lukona.
The trip from Kalabo takes about three hours on a very narrow and twisted track that alternates grass, sand, and mud. The track borders, barely missing, many small villages crowded with small children, goats, chicken, and some belligerent dogs that make running in front of a passing car the occasion for their daily quota of exercise. Smiling little faces welcome the distraction and children enthusiastically wave their hands and shout their greetings … but the driver can hardly respond … he has to concentrate on the next twist of the track and on what lies just around the corner.
And after a joyful Mass celebration in the best Zambian style, with drums, singers and dancers, another three- hour trip back awaits the priest. Back he goes, along the same narrow, twisted track, avoiding chicken and dogs, saying “hi” to the children, and giving a ride to a villager or two that need to bring their produce for the next day market in Kalabo.
In addition to meeting the spiritual needs of the people, the Oblates are involved in humanitarian efforts in Lukona. They oversee the operation of a farm where maize is grown to help feed those with nutrition needs and work to develop a water system for the area. At present, Lukona residents have to carry water from neighboring towns, a journey that usually takes several hours.