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Zambia2006 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses
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Help to Refugees
In Africa many people enjoy a happy, peaceful life. Sadly, though, more and more people are affected by war. Overnight, neighbors become enemies, innocent people have to flee their homes, and communities are devastated. Carrying but few material possessions, refugees seek security where they can. This is the experience of millions today.
In March 1999, thousands of people poured into Zambia, fleeing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As in many wars, advancing forces looted, compelled men to carry heavy loads, and abused women and children. Since Jehovah’s Witnesses would not carry weapons, many were humiliated and brutally beaten. Katatu Songa, a zealous regular pioneer in his mid-50’s, recalls: “They made me lie down in front of women and children and whipped me until I was unconscious.”
To avoid similar mistreatment, many families fled. While running away through the bush, Mapengo Kitambo was separated from his sons. He explains: “We had no time to look for anyone. We just had to move on, though we worried terribly about our loved ones.” Many fled hundreds of miles on foot or by bicycle to reach safety.
The small town of Kaputa was overwhelmed with refugees. Among them were close to 5,000 brothers and their families, exhausted by the long and harsh journey. Though unprepared for the refugees, the 200 Kingdom publishers who lived in the town happily extended Christian hospitality to their brothers and sisters. Refugee Manda Ntompa recalls: “We were profoundly impressed by the love and the hospitality that were shown to us. Upon realizing that we were Witnesses of Jehovah, the local brothers opened up their homes. Like the widow of Zarephath, they were willing to share their meager provisions with us.”
Near the shores of Lake Mweru in the north, a small number of local Witnesses cared for hundreds of refugees. In an organized manner, they supplied food and shelter. Nearby congregations provided cassava and fish. Finally, after three months, the Congolese Witnesses were registered and transferred to a refugee camp.
Those who flee violent conflict rarely bring with them books and magazines. Often the most treasured possessions have to be left behind in the desperate flight to safety. A contrasting situation prevailed among God’s people. Frantic as their escape was, a few managed to bring their publications with them. Still, Bibles and Bible-based literature were scarce. Typically, at a meeting with an attendance of 150, only five books were available. How did those present participate? One brother explains: “Those having a Bible looked up scriptures, and those who did not have a copy paid rapt attention. So all took part in praising Jehovah and encouraging one another by their comments.”
Material Needs Are Considered
Most refugees are women and children. Often they arrive in poor health and with nothing to eat. How have Jehovah’s Witnesses assisted them? The Times of Zambia reported: “It is gratifying that the Zambia Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses has sent volunteers and relief workers to the former Zaire just to alleviate the burden of refugees in the Great Lakes region.” The article explained that Witnesses from Belgium, France, and Switzerland “supplied the refugees with a total of 500 kg [1,100 pounds] of medicine, 10 tons of vitamin products, 20 tons of food and more than 90 tons of clothing, 18,500 pairs of shoes and 1,000 blankets, totaling nearly $1m[illion].”
Brother Ntompa recalls: “It was a very exciting and faith-strengthening day for all of us when the goods arrived. What a caring organization we belong to! This great demonstration of love was a turning point for many of our brothers’ unbelieving family members. Since then, some of them have joined us and are making fine progress as God’s worshippers.” Relief supplies were donated to all refugees, without discrimination.
By late 1999 the number of displaced persons in the country had swelled to more than 200,000. A local newspaper reported: “Zambia has become one of the largest asylum countries for African refugees fleeing conflicts.” Despite the efforts of the authorities to meet the needs of the refugees, frustration and dissatisfaction among the latter led to violent protests. Following one riot, the camp authorities approached the circuit overseer, charging that he had done little to help them in maintaining order, even though Jehovah’s Witnesses had had no part in any disturbances. The circuit overseer kindly but firmly replied: “I have helped you! Can you imagine how much worse things would have been if 5,000 people were added to the mob? Please appreciate that at least 5,000 refugees did not take part in the riot because they are Witnesses. They are my brothers!”
Jehovah’s Witnesses are recognized as a stabilizing influence in the refugee community. One government official commented: “We heard that Jehovah’s Witnesses are very religious, and we assigned many of them to be section leaders. Since then, there is calm in the camp because they are helping, and everybody is concentrating on reading the Bible. I thank God that such people should continue with us and that peace is prevailing in the camp.”
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Zambia2006 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses
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[Picture on page 193]
Right: Manda Ntompa and his family in the Mwange refugee camp, 2001
[Picture on page 193]
Below: A typical refugee camp
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