Explaining the Practice of Elevating an Ancestor for Veneration - Paperback

by George Shakwelele (Author)

The Bisa people of Nabwalya, Zambia love their culture and gladly celebrate all their traditional festivals. This book presents exciting research into Kusefya pa ngena, rituals through which the Bisa elect ancestors for veneration. The Bisa speak freely of how their belief in ancestor veneration does not conflict with their worship of God. For them, the two work hand in hand. Traditional practices are considered vital to the community because they enhance life, reinforce cultural values, and explain life events. Those questioned said ancestor veneration should continue because it benefits current and future generations. For example, their most celebrated ancestor, Kabuswe Yombwe, when petitioned, provides rain and a good harvest for the community. People affirmed that rain fell each time they petitioned Kabuswe. One woman, who is married to an elder in a Pentecostal church, vowed not to give up ancestor veneration, to which she attributed the healing of her son and daughter. She pledged her allegiance to both Jesus Christ and to her family's ancestors. In another story, an ancestor appears in a dream to an expectant woman demanding that her child be given a feminine name. The mother obeys to avoid the child being born with a sickness . . .

Author Biography

George Shakwelele has been a pastor with a Baptist church for over twenty years in Zambia, and he also served as a professor at the Theological College of Central Africa, now Evangelical University in Zambia. He has spoken at missions conferences in Germany, Africa, and the USA. He has published some articles with Evangelical Missions Society. Shakwelele is currently serving as a missionary with Liebenzell USA. He serves as professor at the Global Impact Academy and is also in charge of training and mobilization on the West Coast.