Above: Proclamation Institute Zambia, where the Symons serve.
For those of you unfamiliar with Zambia, it’s a country of roughly 19.5 million people. About 65% of the population are under the age of 24. It’s considered a developing nation and its main industry is copper mining. Most people would consider themselves to be Christian (ranging from mainstream denominations to some slightly more obscure ones too). One of the biggest ‘Christian’ influences comes via tele-evangelists, mainly from America and Nigeria. The prevailing church culture is becoming increasing driven by the prosperity ‘gospel’, which is far from the message of good news about Christ. Instead, it’s a message of health, spiritual protection and prosperity.
As Andy and I discussed how best to approach writing an article on sharing the gospel in Zambia, we decided to draw upon the best resources we have – our Zambian friends! After a message requesting their pearls of wisdom, our friends Jitto, Prince and Tamira sent helpful replies back, all highlighting the same considerations which are necessary for sharing the gospel here, in Zambia.
Firstly, in a country full of people who believe themselves to be Christians, one has to really unpick what a person thinks a Christian is. Do they understand what God’s grace means? Do they understand that being ‘good’ doesn’t lead to salvation? Do they understand the Bible’s teaching on works?
Secondly, what is their view on suffering? Do they expect abundant ‘blessings’ and no trials?
Thirdly, when things go wrong, to whom do they turn? Do they fear the devil and his power or do they believe that Christ is sufficient? Is their instinct to seek an alternative source of assistance?
Christianity has been present and widespread in Zambia for a long time, but often the message of the Bible has been merged with the teachings of traditional African religions. In the past, people would have readily turned to witch doctors for help with issues surrounding health, marriage, employment and blessings or curses.
The idea of a mediator to step in to appease the spirits or ancestors has long been ingrained in Zambian culture. One would think that this lends itself to people being willing to accept that Christ mediates on our behalf. In reality, it actually means that many people seek another person to do that, even in a church setting.
This is where the ‘Man of God’, ‘Prophet’ or ‘Apostle’ steps in. A quick search-and-scroll on social media and you’ll find many of these men and women pedalling their pseudo-Christian trade. And what a trade it has become. One of our friends helpfully put it that ‘church has become a business’ – and therefore there’s a CEO of that business who ultimately profits.
This means that your average church-goer is often duped into the false teaching that if you give to the leader of your church, God will pay you back a double portion. This is often very attractive, especially for those struggling materially. It also means that those churches are on the rise.
With these false teachings ensnaring many in the church, you can imagine the freedom that is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ! We have known students to weep with joy when they have finally understood the gospel of grace – that it is Christ’s work alone that saves us, that even in our sufferings, he is there, walking with us and that we are hidden in him, no longer living in fear. What freedom to be found in the perfect mediator who bears all our burdens and saves us completely from all our sins.