The story of Tembo

Tembo,* a man from a small community near Senga Hill, didn’t belong to a church and, in that community, this effectively made him an outsider. People like that were ignored — perhaps even despised. When someone in that situation died, no one from the churches took responsibility for their burial. There would be no prayers, no respect, and no sign that anyone cared. Often, the only ceremony was a few men who would gather and sing drunkenly at the graveside, an indication of how isolated and little regarded the deceased was. Tembo saw this happen many times.

When Dignity Life Groups began in the area, they started to bring together people from different churches and from no church. They started to meet to study the Bible and pray and began to help one another in times of need. When someone was sick, they visited. When someone lost a loved one, they came together to help with the burial.

Tembo was drawn by the way the Life Groups cared for one another and their neighbours. He came to understand what the value of belonging to a Christian fellowship might be. He didn’t want to die alone, without dignity or prayer.

‘I don’t want to be buried like a dog,’ he said.

He wanted to belong to a community that would support him in life and honour him in death. So, affected by the love he saw, he joined a Life Group, and moved from being an outsider to becoming part of a believing community.

Through his involvement in the Life Group, Tembo became part of a devout and loving fellowship. He felt a sense of belonging and saw the Gospel in action — not just in words. Now, he belongs to a group of people who help their neighbours, and demonstrate the kindness that first drew him in. The Gospel that once seemed far away for Tembo has altered the way he lives his life, and his story illustrates the way a Life Group can change people and rebuild a community.

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*Name and image amended for privacy