We Are Slow To Learn
Jubilee Centre July 21st, 2008
It is all true. Zambia is magnificent country, it is one of the few countries in Africa that has enjoyed relative peace since independence, and its famous Victoria Falls is one of the wonders of the world. But what is the Zambians’ attitude to it all?
Amazingly, God has given us long to build on this beautiful foundation so that all may enjoy prosperity, 
democracy and social justice. But what have we been doing? Ever since we became the Republic of Zambia we have been preoccupied with hero worshipping rather than learning from our successful leaders so that when they leave us, we will continue on in their successes. We gave titles to Dr. Kenneth Kaunda that are only meant for God to the effect that when he retired from active politics no one in his party was able to respond to his dream. When Mr. Chiluba became president we worshipped him as a hero and gave him the name “Moses.” When he left office it was not a “Joshua” that took over but Dr. Mwanawasa. Today, no newspaper remembers what positive things Dr. Chiluba contributed to this nation.
Currently President Mwanawasa is seriously ill in a French hospital. The people of Zambia have shown great fondness and concern for his well-being. We have been praying unceasingly for his healing and sending messages of goodwill to him and his family. However, something is missing in our prayers for his healing and in our messages of goodwill to him. What have we learned from him that we are sustaining?
President Mwanawasa is concerned that the Zimbabwean government reflects the will of the Zimbabwean 
people. We have not heard a single voice from our government leaders on the Zimbabwean situation since Dr. Mwanawasa became ill. Did cabinet members agree with his position? President Mwanawasa is passionately committed that Zambia achieves the Millennium Development Goals. Which government leader has sustained the momentum that our president has shown? The president understands that strong families are the bedrock of a successful nation. He takes time from his busy schedule to attend his children’s activities at their schools. How many of us have learned something from him about spending quality time with our children?
Jesus asked, “Why do you call me Lord and you do not follow my commandments?” Dr. Mwanawasa is not Lord. But from the goodwill he is receiving, it shows that he is a good leader. How many of us are working to see that Zimbabwe has a freely elected leader? How many of us are mobilizing in order that Zambia’s poverty be reduced by half? How many of us are faithfully committed to our children and spouses? Let us take strength in the fact that God is sovereign whether he decides to heal or not, so that Dr Mwanawasa’s work of labor for a Zambia free from AIDS and hunger will be continued.
Lawrence Temfwe
