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Zambia2006 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses
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Neutrality
“Every one who serves as a soldier keeps himself from becoming entangled in the world’s business—so that he may satisfy the officer who enlisted him.” So wrote the apostle Paul. (2 Tim. 2:4, Weymouth) Remaining wholly at the disposal of their Leader, Jesus Christ, requires Christians to avoid involvement in the world’s political and religious systems. This stand has presented challenges and “tribulations” to true Christians, who wish to remain neutral in worldly affairs.—John 15:19.
World War II saw many brutalized for lack of “patriotism.” “We saw old men being thrown on a truck like bags of maize for refusing military service,” recalls Benson Judge, who went on to become a zealous traveling overseer. “We heard these men say, ‘Tidzafera za Mulungu’ (We shall die for God’s sake).”
Though not baptized at the time, Mukosiku Sinaali well remembers that during the war the issue of neutrality was never far away. “Every person was required to dig and collect the roots of the mambongo vine, which produce a valuable latex material. The roots were stripped and beaten to make bands of material that were bundled and later processed as a rubber substitute used in the manufacture of boots for military personnel. The Witnesses refused to harvest these roots because of the link that this work had to the war effort. Consequently, the brothers faced punishment for their noncooperation. They became ‘undesirable elements.’”
Joseph Mulemwa was one such “undesirable.” A native of Southern Rhodesia, he had come to the Western Province of Northern Rhodesia in 1932. Some claimed that he encouraged people to stop cultivating their fields because ‘the Kingdom was at hand.’ A minister from the Mavumbo mission who despised Joseph promoted this false accusation. Joseph was arrested and handcuffed to a mentally disturbed man. Some hoped that the man would assault Joseph. However, Joseph pacified the disturbed man. After being released, Joseph continued to preach and to visit congregations. He died faithful in the mid-1980’s.
Strengthened to Face Trials
The spirit of nationalism and tensions within communities led to the intimidation of those who could not in good conscience participate in the political process. Even though the atmosphere in the country was tense, the 1963 “Courageous Ministers” National Assembly at Kitwe testified to the peace and unity existing among Jehovah’s Witnesses. Almost 25,000 delegates, some of whom came with tents and caravans for the five-day event, enjoyed the program in their choice of four languages. Significant was Milton Henschel’s talk that focused on a Christian’s relationship to the State. Frank Lewis recalls: “We remember his telling us to help our brothers understand the issue of neutrality. How happy we were for the timely counsel we received because most of the brothers in Zambia met the severe tests ahead and remained faithful to Jehovah!”
Through the decade of the 1960’s, Jehovah’s Witnesses faced widespread, violent persecution along with destruction of their property. Homes and Kingdom Halls were razed. Commendably, the government responded by imprisoning large numbers of those involved in the intimidation. When Northern Rhodesia became the Republic of Zambia, Jehovah’s Witnesses took special interest in a provision for basic human rights that was made by the new constitution. However, a wave of patriotism was soon to come crashing down on an unsuspecting target.
National Symbols
In colonial days, children of Jehovah’s Witnesses had suffered punishment when for religious reasons they did not pay homage to the flag, at that time the Union Jack. They were also punished for refusing to sing the national anthem. After representation was made to the authorities, the department of education softened its view, writing: “Your [group’s] views about saluting the flag are well-known and respected, and no child should be penalized in any way for refusing to salute.” The new republican constitution fueled hopes that fundamental freedoms, including freedom of conscience, thought, and religion, would be strengthened. However, a new flag and anthem led to an upsurge in patriotism. Daily flag-salute and anthem ceremonies were reintroduced in schools, with great vigor. Though some Witness youths were granted exemption, many others were beaten and even expelled from school.
A new education act, passed in 1966, gave reason for hope. Incorporated was a provision allowing a parent or a guardian to request that a child be exempted from religious services or observances. Consequently, many children who had been suspended or expelled were reinstated. However, shortly afterward and with a measure of secrecy, regulations were appended to the act, which defined flags and anthems as secular symbols that promote national consciousness. Despite the brothers’ discussions with the governmental authorities, by the end of 1966, more than 3,000 children had been expelled from school for taking a neutral stand.
No School for Feliya
The time had come to test the legality of such action. A test case was chosen. Feliya Kachasu regularly attended Buyantanshi School in the Copperbelt. Though she was known as a model student, she had been expelled. Frank Lewis recalls how the case was brought to court: “Mr. Richmond Smith presented our case, which was not an easy one since it was against the government. Hearing Feliya explain why she did not salute the flag had convinced him that he wanted to take the case.”
Dailes Musonda, herself a schoolgirl in Lusaka at the time, says: “When Feliya’s case was brought to court, we were very much in expectation of a good result. Brothers traveled from Mufulira to attend court sessions. My sister and I were invited. I remember Feliya in court, dressed in a white hat and pale dress. The proceedings lasted three days. We still had some missionaries in the country; Brother Phillips and Brother Fergusson came to listen. We thought that their presence would help.”
The chief justice concluded: “There is no suggestion in this case of Jehovah’s Witnesses intending any disrespect to the national anthem or the national flag by their actions.” However, he did rule that the ceremonies were secular and that despite Feliya’s sincere beliefs, she could not claim exemption under the provisions of the education act. The ceremonies, he believed, were required in the interests of national security. How the imposition of such a requirement upon a minor would serve the interests of the people was never established. No school for Feliya while she held to her Christian beliefs!
Dailes remembers: “We were very disappointed. Nevertheless, we left everything in Jehovah’s hands.” When pressures continued to increase, Dailes and her sister left school in 1967. By the close of 1968, almost 6,000 children of Jehovah’s Witnesses had been expelled.
Public Gatherings Restricted
The Public Order Act of 1966 required that all public gatherings be opened with the singing of the national anthem. This made it impractical to hold assemblies to which the public was invited. The brothers met the demands of the government by holding larger gatherings in private areas, often around Kingdom Halls, fenced with grass. Intrigued, large numbers of interested ones were drawn to investigate what was happening, and as a result, attendances rose steadily so that in 1967, some 120,025 were present for the Memorial of Christ’s death.
“During this period there were outbursts of violent opposition,” remembers Lamp Chisenga. “In the Samfya area, a mob attacked Brother Mabo of the Katansha Congregation and killed him. Brothers were sometimes assaulted at meetings, and many Kingdom Halls were burned down. However, the authorities maintained respect for the Witnesses, and some opposers were arrested and punished.”
Their Own Air Force!
Opposers continued to make false accusations against Jehovah’s Witnesses, claiming that they were unusually rich and that they would form the next government. One day the secretary of the ruling party arrived at the Kitwe branch office unannounced. The first thing that the brothers knew of his visit was streams of police officers arriving at the gate. At a meeting with branch representatives, he got excited. “We gave permission for you to construct these buildings,” he said, raising his voice. “What are you doing with them? Are they your government offices?”
Some among the authorities continued to believe distorted rumors. In Zambia’s North-Western Province, police used tear gas in an attempt to break up a convention. The brothers managed to send an urgent telegram to the branch office. An expatriate farmer owned a small airplane, and he flew additional representatives from the branch to Kabompo to help in calming the situation and in clearing up any misunderstandings. Unfortunately, this did little to dispel the suspicions of some who now reported that the Witnesses had their own air force!
At the site, the brothers carefully collected spent tear-gas canisters. Later, when branch representatives visited government officials to express their concern, these were presented as evidence of the use of unnecessary force. The incident was widely publicized, and the peaceful reaction of the Witnesses was noted.
Explaining Our Stand
The drive to outlaw the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses continued apace. The branch wanted to explain our neutral stand to the government. Smart Phiri and Jonas Manjoni were selected to make a presentation before many government ministers. During the presentation, a minister verbally lashed out at the brothers. “I would love to take you outside and beat you!” he said. “Do you realize what you have done? You have taken our best citizens, the cream of the crop, and what have you left us with? Why, the murderers, the adulterers, and the thieves!”
The brothers quickly responded: “But that is what some of them were! They were thieves, adulterers, murderers, but because of the Bible’s power, these very people have made changes in their lives and have become Zambia’s best citizens. That is why we appeal to you to let us preach freely.”—1 Cor. 6:9-11.
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Zambia2006 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses
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[Box/Picture on page 232, 233]
I Had to Run for My Life
Darlington Sefuka
Born: 1945
Baptized: 1963
Profile: Served as a special pioneer, a traveling overseer, and a Zambia Bethel volunteer.
It was 1963, and times were turbulent. Often, as we went into the field ministry, gangs of politically motivated youths would go ahead of us, warning people not to listen and threatening that if they did, someone would come and break their windows and doors.
One evening barely two days after my baptism, I was badly beaten by a group of 15 youths. Blood streamed from my mouth and nose. On another evening, a brother and I were assaulted by a group of about 40 who had followed us to where I stayed. Recalling the experiences of the Lord Jesus strengthened me. The talk delivered by John Jason at my baptism had made it clear that a Christian’s life would not be problem-free. When these things happened, they came, not as a surprise, but as an encouragement.
At the time, politicians wanted support in their fight for independence, and our neutral position was seen as aligning ourselves with Europeans and Americans. Religious leaders who supported political groups made sure that they fueled any negative talk about us. Things were difficult before independence, and they remained challenging afterward. Many brothers lost their businesses because they would not obtain party cards. Some moved from urban areas back to their home villages and took up low-income jobs to avoid requests for donations to support political activities.
When I was a teenager, my cousin, who wasn’t a Witness, cared for me. My neutral stand led to intimidation and threats against his family. They were afraid. One day, before leaving for work, my cousin said, “When I come back in the evening, I want you gone.” At first I thought he was joking, since I had no other relative in the town. I had nowhere to go. I soon realized that he was serious. When he returned home and found me there, he was furious. He picked up stones and began to chase me. “Go to your fellow dogs!” he screamed. I had to run for my life.
My father heard reports and sent a message: “If you continue to stick to your neutral position, never step in my house.” That was difficult. I was 18. Who would take me in? The congregation did. Often I meditate on King David’s words: “In case my own father and my own mother did leave me, even Jehovah himself would take me up.” (Ps. 27:10) Let me tell you, Jehovah is true to his promise.
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Zambia2006 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses
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[Box/Picture on page 236, 237]
My Conduct Won the Respect of Many Teachers
Jackson Kapobe
Born: 1957
Baptized: 1971
Profile: Serves as a congregation elder.
In 1964 the first expulsions from schools began. The branch office helped parents to see that they should prepare their children. I remember Father sitting down with me after school and discussing Exodus 20:4, 5.
At school assemblies, I stood toward the back to avoid confrontation. Those found not singing the national anthem would be called to the front. When the headmaster asked why I refused to sing, I answered using the Bible. “You read, but you do not sing!” the teacher exclaimed. He reasoned that I owed loyalty to the government for providing a school that taught me to read.
Finally, in February 1967, I was expelled. I was disappointed because I enjoyed learning and was a good student. Despite pressure from workmates and unbelieving family members, my father reassured me that I was doing the right thing. My mother too was under pressure. As I accompanied her into the fields to work, other women would ridicule us, “Why is this one not in school?”
My education, however, was not abandoned. In 1972 greater emphasis began to be put on literacy classes within the congregation. As time went on, the situation in schools eased. Our house was across the road from the school. The headmaster would often call to get cold water to drink or to borrow brooms used to sweep classrooms. Once he even came to borrow money! My family’s acts of kindness must have touched him, for one day he asked, “Does your son want to continue school?” Dad reminded him that I was still one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. “No problem,” said the headmaster. “What grade do you want to start?” he asked me. I chose grade six. Same school, same headmaster, same classmates—except my reading skills were better than most because of the literacy classes held at the Kingdom Hall.
My hard work and good conduct won the respect of many teachers, which made school life easier. I studied hard and took some examinations, which allowed me to accept a responsible position in the mines and later to support a family. I am happy that I never sang in compromise.
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