The Faithful and Fruitful Warrior
A Tribute To Mwansa Ndemi Mbewe
On November 19th, 2023, a close friend, confidante, and partner breathed his last. I was privileged to give a tribute at his funeral service and would like to share my speech with you all here.
Faithful and fruitful. These two words are inscribed on a family crest that Mwansa had designed in an effort to visibly portray the virtues he sought to live by and the virtues he would set before his household. On this family crest a lion is imprinted on a shield used for battle. The lion is a symbol of strength but also points to the sovereign ruler and King of all who is worthy of all glory, praise, and honor. Behind the shield are a pencil and shovel. The pencil is a symbol of creativity, a reminder to use whatever is in your hands to be fruitful. The shovel is a symbol of diligence and service, a reminder to work hard toward the nurture of relationships and the gifts God gives. It is a reminder that work is a privilege and a means through which God establishes His kingdom here on earth. While we no longer have the creator of this crest, the ideals inscribed upon it and its symbolism are meant to inspire countless generations because of their eternal significance. It is my hope that they inspire us this morning.
As a servant of the most high King, as a leader among men, as the patriarch over his household, as a loving husband to Sonile, as a discipler of the young, as a laborer in many fruitful vineyards, as a son to a Titan and queen, as a brother to formidable siblings, and as a friend to countless people, Mwansa lived to be faithful and fruitful in everything and with everyone he was given to steward and love. This was not something that inadvertently happened to be the case, it was something he intentionally devoted himself to. This is how he endeavored to live his life: with no excuse, no apology, no delay, and no complaint. He was determined to not merely exist but to claim every ground and area of life for the Kings of kings. He was determined to build something glorious in every place his hands and feet touched.
The truth is, Mwansa deliberately lived with a sense of urgency. On November 11th, less than two weeks ago. Mwansa and I met for breakfast which was supposed to last an hour but turned into a five hour conversation; a usual occurrence whenever the two of us were around each other; an occurrence that nurtured the sanctification of our wives in learning and exercising patience with their husbands. Ladies, those many moments were all about your sanctification; nothing more, nothing less. We were just being faithful husbands to you. You can thank us later. No rush.
There was no area of life that would remain untouched in our conversation and this particular dialogue on this day was no different. We spoke about our many visions, plans, and projects. We spoke about theology and worldview, we spoke about the health of our marriages and raising children, we spoke about fighting sin in our personal lives (in recognition that this is where leaders must fight most fiercely), we spoke about the heritage we had inherited and wanted to build on. After praying together and wrapping up our conversation we ended it by saying one of our most frequent phrases: And I quote “Plan like we have many tomorrows but live like we only have today to achieve it.” We had plans and projects that we hoped to build, projects that would stretch across several centuries beyond what we would be alive to witness, but we wanted to at least establish firm foundations. We gloried in having our head in the clouds, but were quick to remind each other that all we have is right now, to do something. We strived to live as if we were ready for our King to remove our status of invincibility at any moment.
The great philosopher, preacher, and theologian, Dr. Phillip Hunt, our beloved friend, would often repeat the following words to us, and I quote: “Brothers, we are invincible until God says it’s over.” He would say this to remind us to never be ruled by fear and to live with courage in our service of Christ. We have nothing to fear in faithful service of our sovereign King. Mwansa intentionally nurtured this confidence which prompted his sense of urgency, seeking to pour himself out into the service of others, seeking to build wherever he saw opportunity, seeking to bring order in whatever chaos existed around him, seeking to inspire deep thought to any listening audience, seeking to utilize countless moments for Gospel witness, and seeking to give everything he had in worship of our King.
Mwansa was my fellow soldier. We fought alongside each other on countless occasions. If ever there was a friend who shared the same convictions and determination to live our lives in a manner worthy of the Gospel, Mwansa was precisely that.
Many children of pastors experience the strain of living under the heavy expectation of onlookers but Mwansa and I would often talk about the privilege of being raised by our fathers. We recognized and embraced the heritage that had been given to us and were determined to work together to build something great upon it, something that would continue for many more generations. Our fathers have built much together, their brotherhood forging a bond between our families that will leave an indelible mark on the world. Mwansa and I celebrated this heritage but always expressed to each other that one of the greatest gifts given to us by our fathers was the blessing of multigenerational friendship. Our fathers brotherhood was the building block for our own phenomenal brotherhood. And this was not a brotherhood merely built on sentiment but on mission, in service of our Lord and King. I could guarantee without fail that anytime we were on a battlefront, fighting for truth, beauty, and goodness, that Mwansa would be right there with me. Always.
I recall weekends we would stand outside an abortion clinic, evangelizing to women walking in to murder their children. I recall standing side by side with him in formal debates, arguing for truth against error. I recall speaking on college campuses with him where we would field countless questions from students. I recall countless occasions on which we were side by side serving our God together. Much of the work Mwansa and I engaged in earned us several critics and while we both had tough skin to endure what was thrown our way, it was always comforting and encouraging to have each other.
To all those seated here this morning, to my friends, to all those Mwansa mentored and discipled, to all those who knew Mwansa, to those who are here because his life impacted them: Mwansa’s passing is a moment that God has given us to reckon with both life and death. This is a moment none of us can afford to miss; to reckon with what it means to live all of life for the glory of Christ, and to reckon with what it means to die a glorious death, one that is full of celebration, inspiration, and the lifting up of God’s holy name.
So, how will we live now? How will we utilize whatever time we have left? Even as we mourn, how can we use this very trial to give onlookers an answer and reason for the hope and joy that lies within us?
As we gather here this morning, Mwansa beholds the face of His savior, free from the pangs of this world, free to fully celebrate all that Christ has accomplished for him. Take note that he is not in glory on the basis of this great life he lived, but on the basis of having believed in what Christ fully accomplished for him. Mwansa was able to live such a glorious life as an expression of gratitude for the freedom that Christ granted him. While we must look up to Mwansa and learn from his life, we must look to Christ even more.
The King of kings has honorably discharged Mwansa from excellent service and duty. Mwansa now awaits a resurrection as he dwells with our Lord in glory. A giant has fallen asleep and his life and death has created ripples across the world. I believe the world is better for Mwansa having passed through it. While we wait to see him once again, may our lives be a demonstration of the ideals Mwansa sought to live by: Being faithful and being fruitful.
While the Faithful Warrior Sleeps Hoist the flag upon the hill Sound horns of hope from grief The earth now shakes in triumph still While the faithful warrior sleeps Enlisted in the King's command His voice spoke truth and peace With fruitful labor from his hand Over all that he could reach A life well lived with love and joy To build, to keep, to fight For truth, for beauty, and all good To give and spread a light Though we remain, we must go on To fight, and laugh, and feast The King still reigns and we must strive While the faithful warrior sleeps We await the day when morning comes When glory fills the skies As bliss replaces all our tears And with the faithful warrior rise
For those of you who would like to watch the entire funeral service, you can watch it here. Although it was a difficult occasion to endure, it was a glorious moment which made much of Christ’s name.
Beautiful words. Thank you.