Honouring the Stalwarts Whose Faith and Footprints Continue to Light Our Way!
By Sis Libertha Mutambo – President: 15th Episcopal District Lay Organisation
How can we as Lay Organisation be intentional in recognising and honouring our stalwarts, those visionary leaders who walked before us and whose courage and unwavering commitment to the Lay Organisation carved deep footprints not only in our organisation, but also in the hearts of its membership? I am not referring to the recognition in the form of awards we present at conventions, a plaque , medal or certificate, or the honour bestowed on presidents with the title “Emeritus President”. I am referring to recognition that will transcend beyond the limits of time… recognition that will echo throughout our history long after our voices have fallen silent… recognition that will forever linger in the memories of those who walk the lay journey long after us… recognition that will remind future generations of the steadfast leaders and devoted members who shaped the trajectory of the Lay Organisation and whose impact continues to illuminate our path today!
So how then do we recognise and honour those who had the courage and fortitude to build the roads we now trod? Those who embody Isaiah 58:12 and “raise up the foundations of many generations, who shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in”.
Honouring them calls for innovative creativity and a willingness to think outside the box. Is there an opportunity for us to ensure that the names of our lay heroes and heroines are not about just reading a name in recognition, but that their names are engraved forever in the annals of history, by renaming Lay Organisations in their honour? We could begin by renaming some of our local or Presiding Elder District Lay Organisations, where befitting, after these great women and men of our Zion, particularly where they hail from and where their impact was felt the most.
Imagine the Wilfred N Nduna Lay Organisation,
George Longwe Sr. Lay Organisation
Charles De Wet Lay Organisation,
Weldon Schuman Lay Organisation,
Jerry Manjinja Lay Organisation,
Alfred S Goliath Lay Organisation,
Bandile Deke Lay Organisation,
Petro Dala Lay Organisation,
Lerato Oliver Lay Organisation,
Stephen Storm Lay Organisation,
Theo Messiah Lay Organisation, to mention but a few.
While we reflect on how to bestow honour on these our lay heroes, let us not forget that some of them still walk among us, and like the elders whom Scripture urges us to honour, their spirits would be lifted by a simple call, a visit for a moment of memorable conversation, a running of an errand. Let us, therefore, recognise them not only with our remembrance, but with the gift of our presence—for in this, too, we bestow honour to them. Let us say to them: SAWUBONA! WE SEE YOU! And yes, even when you are no longer with us, we will continue to see you, because our organisations shall bear your names!
“… You shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.” — Isaiah 58:12
Photo Gallery Descriptions
- Bro Charles De Wet – President 15th District (1988)
- Bro Lerato Oliver – Stalwart 15th District (Kalahari) The Te Deum will never be the same
- Jerry Manjinja -15th District President (1997)
- Weldon Schuman – President 15th District (1992)
