“Let us go to other towns to proclaim the Good News. That is why I have come” (Mk 1.38)

Finally, the day of our expedition had come. The van was loaded with two camping tents equipment and food. Early in the morning on 25th February 2002 we started off for Lusu area, destination for the new mission. The appointment letter is with me in the pocket. There was no need to take it on the journey but it was nice to have it, perhaps it gives me a sense of security…
My companion is Mr Shalila a good driver on the bush - safari like rods and he took the first turn behind the wheel. It will take 9 hours to arrive at Lusu. In the name of God, this is the beginning of a new Mission Adventure. Our task is to go and survey the area in view of opening of a new Catholic Mission. A sweet challenge for a missionary!

A bit of anxiety from within was expected, but courageous surrender into the hands of God, the initiator of the “idea”, was a consoling feeling. Are we going to be received there, do they need a Mission, are they going to see the value of what we wish to offer, are we going to find enough financial support for construction….?

The great red ball had announced the beginning of a new hot day. Perhaps a beginning of a new center from which the Good News will spread, too.

First Contacts
After 6 hours drive, we make a stop at Kalobolelwa village where we were told that there was a Catholic family. A young man, joins our team and now we are three: Shalila, Innocent and me.

Arrival at Lusu
At around 16 hours we arrive at hilly area along Zambezi river. First of all we have to find a camping place, to rest and the day after to start the survey. From the top of the hill there is a lovely view to the river and islands. We leave the main road turning left towards the rapids. Somebody has made a small house there on the cliff by the river. The habitants were friendly and gave us the land to put up our tents for the night. We hoped that the crocodiles and the hypos from the Zambezi would be friendly too, and they were.
End of day one.

Day Two
According to the local custom, we had to report our presence to the local village authorities. Early in the morning we climbed the hill and went up to see the Headman Jakobo. It wasn’t difficult to find his village, everybody new it. Some men led us to his field where he was cultivating his maize. We introduced ourselves and explained the reason for being here. He listened carefully and called us to come tomorrow so that he can first talk to his villagers about our request.
So far so good, we thought, we were given a chance to speak. Tomorrow we have to come with some suggestions regarding the land for possible mission center. The rest of the day was spent in studying the area, observing movements of people, natural centers, concentration of population, problems and needs and so on. It was obvious that a school and a clinic were priorities. Generally, people were poor, with no jobs, hunger because of insufficient rain was already present.

Day tree
Meeting in the village Jakobo. All men from the village were there seated in the shade of the big tree. Women were seated aside. I was asked to explain the meaning of the word “Mission” and our request. I said that we wish to bring the Word of God, organize a Christian Community. The Word of God lead us to all possible development projects to improve the living standard. There were many questions about our plans and people had hopes. Village headman (Nduna) Jakobo and his people accepted the offer. Next step is to call the area headman (nduna silalo Imbwae) with other headmen and to ask for their agreement.

Day four
More time spent on survey and identifying the best spot for construction of the mission.


Second Visit : 18- 22 March
Meeting with area headman, local headmen and villagers. It looks like there is a high level of democracy in deciding on issues of common interest. All present were asked to express their opinion on whether they want a mission or not. It appeared that they were all FOR the mission. Then they asked us were did we want to build. We showed the place where the old cross was, explained the meaning of the cross and then all of us went there to see. Generally, our offer to bring a Catholic Mission amongst them was accepted. They gave the land but it had to be confirmed by the Prince Inyambo in Mwandi Royal Establishment. This means another trip had to be made to Mwandi, one day journey from our base in Shangombo Mission.

Third visit 10-20 April
Trip to Mwandi Royal Establishment together with the nduna silalo and the local ndunas. This proved to be the most difficult trip. First we were received by the “Kuta” – the government of the Prince. They initially were very suspicious about our request and asked for a lot of explanations on the intention of the mission. What prevailed in the favor of mission was the past record of Catholic Missions in Barotseland. They recalled that Catholic Mission brought schools, hospitals, roads and other development to their land. The other thing which prevailed in favor of mission was the historic cross at Lusu built in memory of a Jesuit missionary who drowned in the rapids in 1883 during a missionary journey.
Waiting to be received by the Chief demanded a lot of patience on our part. It took as 4 days of waiting. The actual audience with Chief Inyambo was very impressive. Court protocol was strictly observed and great respect of the subjects led by nduna Lyashimba (the Prime Minister) was memorable.
Most importantly, the letter of approval of the land requested was issued and signed by the office of the Royal Establishment. With this letter, the way towards the new mission was cleared. The AFRICAN MARTYRS MISSION can now go ahead.