When we arrived here in 2005 and the community heard that we need language helpers to “walk” with us, it was decided that Ziria should be my helper. One of the reasons, I believe, was because none of her children lived with her and she was then divorced (once again), thus her responsibilities were fewer than most Mwinika women’s. Photo1: Ziria has a great sense of humour and we often laughed together when there is no-one else around. Getting to know Ziria is an interesting journey and although we spend many hours together and I enjoy her sense of humour (when not at the expense of others), she kept her heart closed to any real intimacy. I soon realized that she is burying many hurts and behind her loudness, a feeling of inferiority. Unfortunately, with her strong personality, she often puts others down in order to make herself look better. She is also very proud, fiercely jealous by nature and feared by many in the community. She has some spiritual “powers” and has manifested spirits at times.
And she wanted me for herself…
Many of my other friends stopped visiting, saying that they are too scared to come. Too scared?! Why? Well, they didn’t want to name any names, but there are those (and their body language and the direction of their eyes told me who they were talking about) that did not want them to visit me. Still, I continued to visit everyone, my friend Ziria and all the other women as well. Hoping that with time Ziria will realize that our friendship is not exclusive. More friends started to visit me again after a while, although the fear is still there.
When the Bible teaching in our village started in May, Zaria did not come. Her not coming was a huge statement and many in the community watched to see what will happen. It was as if she was trying to create conflict, craving attention. My heart was aching, because I realized what a huge decision and mistake she is making. How could she realize what it means to choose against knowing God? I continued to pray for her and asked you to pray too… Photo3: Ziria last week during the Bible teaching.
Then, a few weeks back, she suddenly decided to come! I was delighted! However, I didn’t foresee what a negative influence she will be…
She seems to still spread the same fear and many other women started to attend less often… When they come, they try to ignore me, reserving a place for me next to Ziria. She is also loudly using every opportunity to criticise the teachers when they make mistakes. She took charge, loudly ordering others around, telling them how they should sit and what they should do. I started the wonder if it is such a good idea for her to come… Photo2: Ziria the morning after a all night healing ceremony a few years ago. Her face, lost and tired, speaks louder than any words: she needs a true Saviour.
But I know this is only my flesh talking. God is still God and He can win any heart, no matter how hard. Please pray for Ziria’s salvation, for her to open her heart, for her to humble herself before the Lord and to accept Him. Pray too that her presence will not affect the other seekers and that they will continue to come. Pray for wisdoms for Francois (whom she loudly puts down at every opportunity) in how to handle the situation.