There are good things about island culture. The people are warm and friendly. They look after one another and there is relatively little crime and no homelessness. But in one area, island culture lacks—commitment and reliability. The lack of commitment has an effect on every level of society, from parents not caring for their children, to the government not even trying to fulfill its duty. Lack of reliability means people rarely seem phased or concerned when someone doesn’t show up for an appointment, university teachers are notorious for not showing up to class, and government is just as notorious about not paying government workers. The negative results are numerous: broken homes, poor education, broken government, pervasive distrust and disappointment.
Among the island people there is a phrase you will often hear. It is a common phrase for people of their faith. The phrase said quickly is “ekamngwavenze.” It means, “If God wishes.” For islanders you can expect the phrase to be used with any and all ventures in the future. For example: Leaving an English class Tom says, “I’ll see you next week.” The class responds, “Ekamngwavenze.” A friend tells us he hopes to receive a scholarship and go to America to study and adds “ekamngwavenze.” Another friend says, “I will travel on Friday, ekamngwavenze.”
Islanders and others of the same religion have a strong sense of fate. They believe that God directs all actions. Some will even go as far as to suggest that everything men do is fated, and that there is no freewill, no choice, but that everything has already been decided. But often ekamngwanveze is used as a way to not commit or avoid saying that you aren’t committing.
We wanted to share with you some of the anecdotes both serious and silly that illustrate this pattern.
#1 Making Plans
Every week we meet with a language helper who assists us in learning the island language. Not long ago we had to change our schedule. Tom was teaching a new class and the old time wasn’t going to work. So we talked to the language helper and planned a new schedule. “Can you come on Saturday?” we asked him. He thought for a moment and said, “Okay.” “So then, we’ll see you at 4:00pm on Saturday.” Our langauge helper responded, “Ekamngwavenze.” That Saturday he didn’t show up. That week we saw him and went through the conversation again. It ended the same way. “Ekamngwavenze.” It was only then that we realized that ekamngwavenze meant, “I don’t like that time and it’s highly unlikely that I’ll come then.”
#2 CHE
This week Kathryn and Aly were starting a Community Health Education (CHE) course. They had collaborated with the mayor of a village in setting it up. Then they went around town inviting lots and lots of women to come. Many women said they would come. They said it was a great thing and that they had time but of course adding, ekamngwavenze. No one showed up for the first class.
#3 Group
There is a group of island brothers that is supposed to meet every week. We often remind them to attend meetings and explain to them the importance of meeting together. Sometimes there are opportunities to gather for prayer, again we invite them to attend. Often we hear the reply, ekamngwavenze. Often the brothers don’t come.
The sad outcome of this pattern is that we don’t take islanders at their word. They promise to do things, but often don’t follow through. The most meager excuses or lies are given for these failures. This is a prominent feature of the culture. Proverbs and James talk about not boasting in the future, so we commend the idea of holding the future loosing in our minds and hands. We affirm that God is in control. We should be ready to be flexible and know that our plans don’t and won’t always turn out. But neither should we use God as an excuse for our failures. He has given us the power to choose, whether in small commitments or ones of eternal consequence.
PRAYERS ANSWERED
The elections went smoothly, though apparently turnout was poor. There will have to be a run-off election next month with the top two candidates. Gabe has recovered from malaria. The school project has come together. Tom bought all the supplies and we will do it on Sunday. Chris made it safely to Kenya.
PRAYERS REQUESTED
Grace has a mild case of malaria. We caught it early and are treating for it. Caleb (5 yrs) also has malaria. Many of the kids (including Grace) have contracted Pink Eye. Pray for a quick recovery and that this contagious virus won’t spread. Sergio has been quite sick this week. Pray for his speedy recovery. Next week we will be participating in a special seminar. Pray that we (as well as the islanders & visitors who participate) would learn much and be changed. The couple leading the seminar and 9 visitors planning on attending it will be arriving and hosted by our team. Pray that all the logistics go smoothly.
