Are you a banana or a banyan tree? You may think that’s a
strange question but it is a question we often use when we do any Dignity training.
Perhaps you don’t know how either works. The banyan tree is actually a fig tree
that takes root and germinates on other trees. It sends multiple shoots down to
the ground, giving the appearance of many tree trunks. It has the nickname “strangler
fig” because it grows so thick and dense it kills all around it. It grows large
and strong at the cost of other life around it. The banana tree is different
though. Actually a plant, it grows and bears fruit, but then it dies. Once this
tree has died, its roots will allow a number of other banana trees to grow in
its place.
So what? Well, for Dignity, we could either try to be all
about “Dignity”. We could try to grow our own name, our own reputation and seek
to become well known. This could be with the best intentions. We could reach
more areas, raise more money and have more influence. But ultimately it would
be about Dignity…it would be rather like a banyan tree. We might grow, but
would we allow those around us to grow or would be accidentally squeeze the
life out of them?
The alternative is that we actively seek to make sure the
work we do is not about us, Dignity. To be banana tree like would mean giving
up our own desire to “take the credit” or be the name, and actively allowing
those we work amongst to outgrow us.
As you’ve probably figured by now, we try to be more like a
banana tree than a banyan tree. This means we actively seek to grow others
around us. We are always looking for those who can step up and lead the work of
Dignity in their area. We work hard to equip these men and women to do more
than they thought could in their villages. In turn, we encourage them to do the
same. We challenge them not to take all the glory for themselves; not to seek
to be the one who benefits from what they are doing. We ask them to keep looking
for others around them who can also carry the work forward. We encourage them
to look for the gifts and skills that others have and seek to bring these to
the fore.
To this end, three times a year we run EQUIP training camps, gathering our Impact Team
members (local leadership teams) and spending a week learning together. There are
now 23 Impact Team members working from the far northwest of Zambia to the very
northeast of Zambia and all the way down to Namibia. They are working hard to
help others love God and love their neighbour. This means a holistic approach addressing spiritual,
emotional and practical needs.
Last Tuesday, our team members gathered, pitched tents and
settled in for a three and a half day theology camp. (Other camps include
teaching skills, leadership skills and conservation farming skills.) To give us
some structure we were exploring the Apostles Creed. We dug deep into the
character of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Lots of
questions, lots of discussion and lots of learning for us all!
It was great to catch up with old friends I haven’t seen for
ages and also to meet all the new team members who have joined since I was last
here. I heard stories of how Life! discipleship groups are growing and going
from strength to strength. As people see the difference they are making in
communities they are drawn towards them and discovering Jesus at the heart of
them. I heard how those who have learnt conservation farming skills have had successful
crops and, despite people laughing at them at first, are now being asked to
share what they know. It was fascinating to hear them saying how the
discipleship and farming work hand in hand. The discipleship softening peoples’
hearts so they are willing to try something different and the farming showing
people that God cares about their practical needs as well as their spiritual
needs.
As I got to know some of the new team members it was amazing
to discover that they had first got involved with Dignity through local
training events that I had been privileged to be a part of. It’s great to see
how the seeds of ideas we planted three or four years ago have now grown. It
was also great to chat to team members and find out that they had got involved
through their friends who had invited them to come and see what they were a
part of. Both ways are rich and lead to others growing in God’s kingdom.
Alongside the serious stuff, the week was full of both fun
and frustrations! Not being on time… enough said. Culturally, the host will do
all the work for their visitors. As hosts of the training it was assumed that
we would do all the work, but when you’re camping and making breakfast for 25
people it really is helpful if people play their part, even by washing their
pots. We got there by the end of the week, but I had to remember to work
patiently and seek to understand the culture and approach the challenge
respectfully and in a loving way rather than an impatient and frustrated way!
Despite the hard bits though, we had much laughter about our differences. We
discussed Zambian hair braiding, weaves and wigs compared to my English hair
dye. I caused constant amusement with my poor attempts at the three different
languages spoken by team members. We sang and we sang… whenever we started a
session, when we had 15 minutes to spare…whenever there was an opportunity. I
was woken at 5am to the sound of singing and I took showers to the sound of
singing. It adds a level of joy to the day, even if it is early in the morning!
On Saturday lunchtime we waved goodbye to all the team
members as they set off home. Some will get home the same day, others won’t get
home until Tuesday! Frank and I are committed to covering the cost of the
trainings we are a part of along with other team members. If you would like to
help us do this, you could donate £39.40, the average cost of a team members
bus fare, here: www.give.net/Zambia2015
Since Saturday we’ve had time to catch up with friends here
and catch up on sleep and “me-time”. Much needed after time living in close
proximity with lots of people. Tomorrow we will be catching the train to
Tanzania. We had thought we’d have to get the bus as there was a strike on the
trains. For a number of reasons I really didn’t want to catch a bus so I’m
very grateful that the trains are running again now and we are able to travel
there slower, but hopefully more safely. We have plans to meet with a few
people in Tanzania. We’d really appreciate your prayers that we will meet with
the right people and know he right words to say to them. Pray for discernment and
wisdom beyond our experience as we seek to plant and grow the beginnings of Life!
Groups in Tanzania.
