Reflections on the Life and Death of Saidi Chishimba

A constant fear I regularly wrestle with is the possibility that a loved one might pass on any day. I mentally go through the list of close family and friends and quietly, agonizingly wonder, who is it? It is true that all relationships after the fall end in tragedy. You are either separated by divorce or death. Last week, Wednesday the 16th, Saidi Francis Chishimba Jnr (Ba Junior!) bid farewell to this world, after weeks of sickness. And just like that, in an instant, Busa (as we fondly called him) is no more. His presence, expressions, voice, habits, and mannerisms are all gone. So are all the dreams and the plans. The Ideas brainstormed with excitement are, in a sense, shattered or set back. Cue in the rollercoaster of emotions. The avalanche of thoughts in trying to unravel the mystery of death and the wisdom of God. All to no avail. It's funny how quickly you can get drained, mentally, emotionally, and physically, when a sucker punch of death hits you.

I first met Saidi in 1998 at Faith Baptist Church Riverside. He became my youth pastor in November 2001, and we started working closely together in 2006. He was instrumental in my deciding to pursue pastoral ministry. Our relationship evolved from pastor-congregant to mentor-mentee to superior-subordinate to colleagues and friends. Since 2006, he was the firm, strong and caring big brother; I was the strong-willed little brother. We played, prayed, preached, planned, travelled, fought each other, and fought battles together. We laughed, cried, rejoiced, got angry, and rejoiced together. Five weeks ago, we met, brainstormed, and thought through some ministry opportunities. But Busa is no more—cue in the tears.

Five observations and Three Lessons

Here are five random observations from the life and ministry of the man now with the Lord. I frame them in terms of what he loved.

1.        He loved talking, and he loved a good story and a good laugh (in person or on the phone). He was always striking up conversations, telling stories, cracking jokes and making elaborate gestures. He did not like quick chats, even though he liked saying “a quick one.” Walking into his office meant a 40 to 60-minute talk. When he was in Lusaka, I knew that a phone call would take up the next hour. “Chopsticks, do you have a minute to talk?” He would say, and after an hour-long chat, the conclusion would be, “We will finish up later, let me not hold you up.” And I would say to him, Busa, you need to learn a summary! Now, I will miss those “quick chats.”

2.        He loved people. He related to and built relationships with the young, old, married, and single. He genuinely was interested in others. He encouraged, challenged, corrected, and rebuked. He wept for and with people and rejoiced for and with people. He possessed the paradox of being a serious-jovial person!

3.        He loved preaching. He preached to the young and old. He preached to married and singles. He had a gift to teach and preach to children and youths. He preached on campuses and in Churches. He preached at camps and conferences. He preached to Christians and non-Christians. He preached across countries and continents. He preached Christ and him crucified.

4.        He loved writing and encouraged others to do the same. He wrote letters, blogs, articles, and books. Through his writing, he talked about his God. “Guys, write something,” he would say.

5.        He loved his wife and children. Who has not heard about Maureen, his “Brown Chocolate?” Who has not heard a story about Hannah, Grace, and Karissa? He devoted himself to his dear girls and lived with them. Even in his death, they all testified that he loved them.

Lessons from the life and death of Busa

The scriptures tell us that it is better to go to a house of mourning than a house of partying. This is for the simple reason that death and funerals sober you up and leave you with some lessons.

1.        Live Fully. Love Hard

Life is short. Our time will soon be over. Make the most of this precious gift of time the Lord has given us. Please do not waste it. Enjoy it to the fullest. Love your spouse and children to the fullest. Live, laugh and love hard! Take risks for God, be adventurous, be intentional. Do not waste an opportunity to enjoy the many good gifts of life. To enjoy a good laugh with people. Live without regrets. Those in Christ must be joyful, courageous, generous, and have a lasting impact on people’s lives.

2.        Serve the Church with your best

Pour your soul into your local church. If you are not formally a member anywhere, talk to the leaders today about it. Figure out your gifts and use them to the fullest. Be a blessing to other church members. Serve selflessly, sacrificially and joyfully. Time is short. And the Lord has placed you where you are for a reason, blossom and bless. Be genuinely interested in people and look for ways to minister to them. Talk to someone today if sin, misplaced priorities or discouragement hinders you from serving. Do not be content with just being a Sunday Christian. Go full throttle till you finally rest.

3.        Stay Focused, Don’t get distracted

Busa used to say our lives are like a loaf of sliced bread, each birthday you celebrate is a slice you take out. He would admonish us not to waste our time. His 51st year was his final slice. This world has a lot of discouragement, distractions, and drama. Avoid them and guard your heart from getting swayed. Love like your Saviour loved you. Serve like you’ve been saved. Reach the world. Disciple your family. Serve your Church. Till the race is done!

Saidi Francis Chishimba Jnr (22 August 1973- 16 July 2025), a marathon runner, a preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Husband to Maureen and father to Hannah, Grace and Karissa. He ran his final race and crossed the ultimate finish line to behold his Saviour face to face and heard the words, Well done, good and faithful servant. The tears still come, but the heart is at peace.