BIC community in Zambia mourns loss of leader

The Zambian BIC Church is mourning the sudden passing of Esther Kalambo, chaplain at Macha Hospital, and three other Macha staff members, who died in a tragic auto accident on January 21. In this excerpt from a recent message to her supporters, long-time BIC missionary Esther Spurrier remembers her friend, Esther.

Our community is still reeling from the deaths of our four friends in a road accident near Harmony on 21 January. Hundreds gathered within the first hour of hearing the news to pray.

In our Bible study group, we have been studying the book of Hebrews. One of the women in our Bible study group told me recently that Esther Kalambo is one of her “Heroes of the Faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Indeed, it is hard to realize that she is gone. Esther had just returned from her last extraordinary ministry assignment (in addition to her chaplaincy work): training eleven Copper Belt (BIC Church) pastors and leaders in peacebuilding. She was scheduled to teach a short course in peacebuilding to Sikalongo Bible Institute third-year students before they go for internship next month, and to hold a church doctrine course to the students’ wives when the husbands are out in internships.

Esther was not only my friend and partner in theological studies, but she was my hero of hospitality, providing graciously and bountifully for anyone at any hour of the day or night.

We buried her in the Macha Church cemetery on 27 January. I can’t even estimate the number present—maybe 2,000? The church was packed with people sitting on the floor, while hundreds more stood outside. Thankfully, the Kalambo children and spouses were able to come; Mutinta and Sibajene will stay on for some months.

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