A Victorious Life

Many hearts have been heavy here in Zambia this week, including mine.  Richman Syabbamba, a Zambian mentor, leader, visionary, father, and friend to many, passed away due to injuries sustained in a car accident.  Richman has many close ties within the Pilgrim Wesleyan church, and therefore people I work and interact with were deeply affected by his death.

My first encounter with Richman was in 2006.  It was my freshman year of college and the Zambian Orphan Choir, under his leadership, performed in a chapel service.  I didn't know it then, but I know now that the Lord used this concert to grab my heart with a passion for Africa.

In 2009 I took my first trip to Zambia with Reach 4 Life, an HIV/AIDS awareness program.  Richman was our Zambian leader and planner for the week. His passion for the youth of Zambia; for their purity, faith, and life was, and still is, contagious.

Since coming to Zambia long term I haven't worked directly with Richman by any means, however we have interacted on a number of occasions.  It has always been encouraging to meet up with him and he graciously lent me a guitar from the music academy for use at the Bible College.

This is my short story of interactions with Richman.  As you can see it has been minimal, yet his life and death  have impacted me greatly.  I can only begin to imagine the grief that the many other people whose lives he ministered to have been affected.

There are many people around the world grieving and praying during this time.  Yesterday I attended his funeral service and burial in Choma and was glad to be a very small representation of the many people in America who were closer to him than I was.

It was an emotional service that began with the orchestra from the Choma Music Academy playing hymns as people entered the sanctuary.  This was my first time hearing their beautiful music and I was impressed by their talent.  Despite some bad tuning and poor balance of sound, this was some of the most beautiful orchestral music I have ever heard.  The meaning behind these orphans new lives found in this orchestra, all under Richman's vision and leadership, is powerful.

During the service several people shared words about Richman, including his wife Regina and eldest daughter Vanessa.  A singing group wrote and recorded a meaningful song in his honor, celebrating his life and reflecting upon the ways he impacted them personally.  Prayers were offered and a reading of Richman's life history was read.

The pastor shared an encouraging message of hope titled "A Victorious Life."  Richman's life was one spent in full devotion to his ministry and to his Savior.  Many people have been touched by him and inspired by him. Richman wouldn't take credit for any of it- this victorious life is only a result of Christ's saving work within him and the Holy Spirit's guidance and power throughout his life.

The funeral service was standing room only.  I would guess around 600-700 people came to the church.  About half that many managed to find a seat inside, either on a bench or on the floor.  The rest huddled around the windows and doors.  Many more people arrived for the burial at the cemetery.  And this number only represents the people who were in Choma remembering his life.  I know that there have been many other memorial and prayer services held throughout the world in his honor.

Micah Kephart, close ministry partner and friend of Richman's,
holding Richman's youngest son at the burial

Please pray for the following:

-For Richman's family- his wife Regina and five children (four biological children ages 2-11, and 23 year old adopted niece)
-For the many orphans to whom he was a father-figure and mentor
-For the Poetice/Fortress Vision organizations as they make decisions about the future of the ministry
-For Micah Kephart and his family who worked very closely with Richman
-For the many other people whose lives have been affected

Although we grieve Richman's death, we do not grieve without hope.  Richman's vision and passion lives on, and the Lord who gave him the gifts, abilities, passion and vision which affected so many, cannot be shaken.  The Lord's work will be "carried on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Phil 1:6)

Read an article about Richman here:  http://wesleyan.org/doc/news/article/2129#.UFzNDuIF6Kg.facebook

Watch a video here: http://vimeo.com/43476030