Saints & their Service- Blog Post #2 (EA)

When I first think of the word “service”, like most people, I think of some sort of public activity that involves helping someone else. Often times the reason for this public assistance is usually based in a morality argument (after all, the Golden Rule is to treat others the way you would want to be treated, right?). In these first couple of weeks working at my NGO, I have observed some of the motives of people dedicating their lives to service. There is a large religious component to the lives of most Zambians, and, from what I have seen, this enters the world of NGOs as well. Many NGOs here are faith based, and even the ones who are not still have Christian tones to the everyday operations of their organization. For example, at SANI, I noticed that there is prayer during lunch time with all of the trainees and trainers before the meal. Christianity as a visible aspect of everyday life is seen throughout the country as there is some sort of church establishment on most corners and I have seen many mini buses with “God Bless” on the windshield. Because of this, I feel as though religion, particularly the Christian religion, is an important avenue by which to define service in the context of Zambia.

One of the sermons that I have listened to since being in Zambia shared a very interesting Bible verse and, at the risk of completely missing the mark on this assignment, I think it is applicable in defining service in Zambia. Galatians 3:28 reads, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus”. I think this verse really exemplifies the sense of community that fuels NGOs and service as a whole in Zambia. It does not matter who you are or where you come from, but Christianity unites people here and really drives them to help others. It does not mean that you must identify as a Christian to be deserving of this service. If anything, it may be quite the opposite. People committed to service here are especially intrigued by our differences. They are quick to ask you where you are from, why you are in Zambia and what you think of the country. Upon visiting someone at their house or organization, they usually proclaim multiple times “you are most welcome”. When I am obviously lost in the streets of Chilenge, someone is quick to give me directions. I think service here means that everyone tries their best to help out and make comfortable others as much as they can.

Zambia is a developing nation and, like anywhere, has its faults. There is such a need for NGOs because of the incredible levels of economic disparity and social exclusion of vulnerable populations. However, being here for the last couple of weeks has really made me think more about what it means to truly be of service. I think that their motto of “One Zambia, one nation” as well as the religious backbone of their country, all goes to emphasize the importance of community to Zambians. Because of that, I think service means being a part of something bigger than yourself and working in small and large ways to continuously help strengthen that community.