This man is the main “king” or “chief” in our area. In the Mwinika culture he is a big clan leader over other clan leaders and therefore has much power. He not only is a “king of kings”, but he is also the reigning political party representative (called a “secretary”). We (the Hattinghs) live in his area and are therefore under his jurisdiction. We have acknowledged him in many decisions like: who to appoint as workers and what amounts to pay for salaries. He is also the guy who has to take responsibility for us and therefore will inform us when we do a huge cultural “boo-boo”. 🙂
On this picture he is performing a mukuttu or grain offering. Traditionally this is where the Mwinika ask their forefathers to take care of them (or an ancestor) or bless a building or project. (See also our partner’s blog: blogs.ethnos360.org/phil_henderson/). When we came, the Mwinika mentioned God only in the passing during these offerings, and mostly prayed to their ancestors. However, more and more we hear them pray mostly (and sometimes exclusively!) to God, rather than their ancestors! This happens as they learn more about God through the Bible teaching and translation. We see in many Mwinika a genuine desire to know God and up till now they have worshiped Him the best way they know…
In only a few weeks the Mwinika will learn that Jesus has already offered Himself for the complete payment of our sins…
Soon, we pray, they will know God through His Word and worship Him alone!