Sukuma Proverbs

1335. JITAB’O JA NG’WA MULUNGU JIDACHOLELAGWA NG’WA MFUMU.

Ulusumo lunulo luhoyelile munhu uyo ocholaga jitab’o ja Ng’wa Mulungu ng’wa mfumu. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agashiga aha ng’wa mfumu henaho alibhabhuja ulu bhalinajo ijitab’o jinijo, gukiki bhang’winhe, kunguno oli adinajo weyi umubhuzunya bhokwe.

Abhanhu bhenabho bhagankumya noyi unzunya ng’wunuyo, kunguno abhoyi bhadebhile igiki ijitab’o jinijo, jidikalaga aha ng’wa mfumu, ijoyi jigikalaga kubhazunya nulu kwikelesia. Hunagwene bhagang’wila giki, “ijitab’o ja ng’wa Mulungu jidacholelagwa ng’wa mfumu.”

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli nzunya uyo agasangijaga mihayo ya ng’wa Mulungu ni ya ng’wa shetani, umukikalile kakwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agajaga ukwisalila ulu oshoga koyi wandya gulamya ya ng’wa shetani, kunguno ya gugayiwa witegelega bho gubhudimila chiza ubhuzunya bhokwe, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Uweyi agikalaga wita mihayo ya bhubhi aha kaya yakwe kunguno ya gugayiwa witegeleja bhunubho ubho gugudimila chiza umhayo go ng’w Mulungu, umukikalile kakwe.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo agikolaga nuyo ocholaga jitab’o ja ng’wa Mulungu ng’wa mfumu, kunguno nuweyi agajaga ukwisalila ukunhu aliita mihayo ya ng’wa Shetani iyabhubhi yiniyo, umuwikaji bhokwe. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga giki, “ijitab’o ja ng’wa Mulungu jidacholelagwa ng’wa mfumu.”

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na witegeleja bho gugudimila umhayo go ng’wa Mulungu bho nduhu ugugusangilija na ya ng’wa shetani, kugiki bhadule kupandika mbango ja kupandika mafumilo mingi na kushiga Ng’widulu, umuwikaji bhobho.

Zaburi 119:33.

Ufunuo 3:15b.

Kutoka 4:15.

KISWAHILI: KITABU CHA MUNGU HAKITAFUTIWI KWA MGANGA WA KIENYEJI.

Methali hiyo, huongelea mtu aliyeenda kutafuta kitabu cha Mungu kwa mganga wa kienyeji. Mtu huyo alifika kwa mganga huyo akawauliza aliowakuta kama kipo kitabu hicho ili wampe, kwa sababu hakuwa nacho katika ukristo wake.

Watu hao walimshangaa sana mkristo huo kwa sababu wao wanaelewa wazi kuwa, kitabu hicho hupatikana kwa wakristo, au Kanisani. Ndiyo maana watu hao walimwambia kwamba, “kitabu cha Mungu hakitafutiwi kwa mganga wa kienyeji.”

Methali hiyo hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye huchanganya mambo ya Mungu na ya shetani, katika maisha yake. Mtu huyo, huenda kusali kanisani lakini anaporudi huanza kuabudu miungu wengine, kwa kutenda maovu, kwa sababu ya kukosa umakini wa kuuishi vizuri ukristo wake, maishani mwake. Yeye hutenda maovu mengi katika familia yake hiyo kwa sababu ya kukosa umakini huo wa kufuata njia ya kuliishi neno la Mungu vizuri, katika maisha yake.

Mtu huyo, hufanana na yule aliyeenda kutafuta kitabu cha Mungu kwa mganga wa kienyeji, kwa sababu naye huenda kanisani lakini anaporudi hufuata mambo ya shetani, kwa kutenda maovu, maishani mwake. Ndiyo maana watu humwambia kwamba, “kitabu cha Mungu hakitafutiwi kwa mganga wa kienyeji.”

Methali hiyo, hufundisha wakristo juu ya kuwa na umakini wa kulishikilia neno la Mungu bila kutenda maovu, ili waweze kupata Baraka nyingi maishani mwao na kuweza kufika Mbinguni.

Zaburi 119:33.

Ufunuo 3:15b.

Kutoka 4:15.

 

ENGLISH: THE BOOK OF GOD IS NOT SOUGHT FROM A TRADITIONAL HEALER.

This proverb speaks of a person who went to seek the book of God to a local medicine man. A certain person went to such medicine man and asked him if he saw the book of God so that he could give it to him, because he did not have it in his Christian life.

These people were very surprised at such Christian because they clearly understand that such book is found among Christians, or in the Church. That is why these people told him that, “the book of God is not sought from a traditional healer.”

This proverb is paralleled to a person who mixes things of God and those of a devil in his life. Such person can pray in church but when he returns he begins to worship other gods, by committing evil deeds, because of a lack of responsiveness of living his Christianity well, in his life. He commits various evil deeds in his family because of a lack of thoughtfulness of following the path of putting into practice the word of God well in his life.

This person resembles the one who went to seek the book of God to a local traditional healer, because he also goes to church but when he returns he follows the possessions of devil by doing evil in his life. That is why people tell him that, “the book of God is not sought from a traditional healer.”

This proverb teaches Christians about being cautious enough to hold on to the word of God without doing evil, so that they can receive several blessings in their lives to the point of reaching Heavenly Kingdom.

Psalm 119:33.

Revelation 3:15b.

Exodus 4:15.

 

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1332. IGULILU LYA NGOKO GUGULA NA GUSINZA NI JIYU JILIB’ONA.

Iligulilu lya ngoko liligulilu ilo bhanhu bhagajingaga na gugula ngoko. Ahi igulilu linilo abhaguji bhagajigulaga ingoko jinijo na gwandwa gujisinza ni jiyu nulu susu jilib’ona kunguno ya kuhaya gupandika hela bho guzuka nyama ya ngoko na guijinja aha nada gunuyo. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, “igulilu lya ngoko gugula na gusinza ni jiyu jilib’ona.”

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kubhanhu abho b’agitaga mito ga b’ub’i na gasoni na bhana bhalib’ona, umukikalile kabho. Abhanhu bhenabho bhagitaga mihayo ya b’ub’i na ya soni yiniyo habhutongi bho bhana bhabho bho nduhu nulu gucha soni, kunguno bhali na nhungwa ja bhubhi umuwikaji bhobho. Abhoyi bhagabhalangaga abhana bha ha kaya jabho gwita mihayo ya b’ub’i kunguno ya nhungwa jabho ijabhubhi jinijo, umukikalile kakwe.

Abhanhu bhenabho bhagikolaga nabho bhasinzaga ngoko ni jiyu jilib’ona, kunguno na bhoyi bhagitaka mihayo ya soni na bhana bhalibhona, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagabhawilaga giki, “igulilu lya ngoko gugula na gusinza ji jiyu jilib’ona.”

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhabyaji higulya ya guleka nhungwa ja gwita mihayo ya soni na bhana bhalib’ona, bho gwikala na nhungwa jawiza kugiki bhadule gubhinha lilange lyawiza abhana bhabho bhenabho, umuwikaji bhobho.

Mathayo 5:27-30.

Zaburi 106:39.

Mathayo 22:23-33.

Waefeso 5:3.

1Wathesalonike 4:3-6.

Wakolosai 3:5.

Wagalatia 5:19.

KISWAHILI: GULIO LA KUKU, KUNUNUA NA KUCHINJA NA VIFARANGA WANAONA.

Gulio la kuku ni soko lile ambalo watu huuza na kununua kuku. Kwenye soko hilo wanunuaji wa kuku huwanunua na kuwachinja na vifaranga wakiwa na wanaona, kwa sababu ya kutaka kupata pesa kwa kupika nyama ya kuku na kuiza hapo gulioni. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, “gulio la kuku kununua na kuchinja na vifaranga wanaona.”

Methali hiyo, hulinganishwa kwa watu wale ambao hutenda maovu na mambo ya aibu na watoto wakiwa wanaona, katika maisha yao. Watu hao, hutenda maovu hayo na mambo hayo ya aibu mbele ya watoto wao bila hata ya kuona aibu kwa sababu wanatabia mbaya, maishani mwao. Wao huwafundisha watoto wao tabia ya kutenda maovu kwa sababu ya tabia yao hiyo mbaya ya kutenda mambo ya aibu, mbele ya watoto wao hao, katika maisha yao.

Watu hao hufanana na wale waliochinja kuku na vifaranga wakiwa wanaona, kwa sababu nao hutenda maovu na mambo ya aibu mbele ya watoto wao hao, maishani mwao. Ndiyo maana watu huwaambia kwamba, “gulio la kuku kununua na kuchinja na vifaranga wanaona.”

Methali hiyo, hufundisha wazazi juu ya kuacha tabia ya kutenda mambo ya aibu mbele ya watoto wao, kwa kuishi katika tabia njema, ili waweze kuwapatia malezi mema watoto wao hao, maishani mwao.

Mathayo 5:27-30.

Zaburi 106:39.

Mathayo 22:23-33.

Waefeso 5:3.

1Wathesalonike 4:3-6.

Wakolosai 3:5.

Wagalatia 5:19.

 

ENGLISH: CHICKEN MARKET, TO BUY AND SLAUGHTER WHILE CHICKS ARE WATCHING.

Chicken market is an arcade where people sell and buy chickens. In that arcade, chicken buyers buy and kill them while chicks are watching, because they want to make money by cooking chicken meat and selling it there in the market. That is why people say, “Chicken market, to buy and slaughter while chicks are watching.”

This proverb is related to individuals who do evil deeds by doing shameful acts in front of their children in their lives. These people do those evil deeds shamefully in front of their children without even feeling ashamed because they have wicked manners in their lives. They teach their children practices of doing evil deeds because of their evil conducts of doing shameful deeds in front of their children in their lives.

These people are like those who slaughtered chickens in front of their chicks, because they also commit evil deeds by doing shameful acts in front of their children in their lives. That is why people say to them that, “Chicken market, to buy and slaughter while chicks are watching.”

This proverb teaches parents to stop doing shameful acts in front of their children, by living in virtuous character, so that they can provide their children with worthy upbringings in their lives.

Matthew 5:27-30.

Psalm 106:39.

Matthew 22:23-33.

Ephesians 5:3.

1Thessalonians 4:3-6.

Colossians 3:5.

Galatians 5:19.

 

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1324. UDIZUDALAHA JITENGILWE UDAMANILE UMO B’ALUHILAGA AB’AZUGI.

Ulusumo lunulo lyandija kuli munhu uyo agadalahija jiliwa ijo oliotengelwa. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agagenia ha kaya ya ng’wa munhu nhebhe. Abhanhu bha ha kaya yiniyo, bhagapemba moto, bhunzugila jiliwa mpaga jupya chiza kunguno ya wizanholo bhobho. Abhanhu bhenabho bhagantengela na kunkaribhusha giki ajilye ijiliwa jinijo.

Aliyo lulu ungeni ng’wunuyo agandya guyujidalahija ijiliwa ijo otengelagwa jinijo kunguno ya libhengwe lyakwe umuwikaji bhokwe. Hunagwene abhanhu bhenabho bhagang’wila giki, “udizidalaha jitengilwe udamanile umo b’ahuhilaga ab’azugi.”

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu ndoshi uyo agadalahijaga imilimo iyo bhagayitaga abhiye umukikalile kakwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agamanaga uyidalahija imilimo iyo bhagayitumamaga abhiye bho guyisondagula sagala kunguno ya libhengwe na bhudoshi bhokwe bhunubho, umuwikaji bhokwe. Uweyi agabhagwisha ng’holo abhanhu bha ha kaya yakwe kunguno ya guyidalahija sagala imilimo iyo bhagayitumamaga aha kaya yiniyo, umukikalile kakwe.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga nu ngeni uyo agajidalaha ijiliwa ijo oliotengelwa na bhanhu abho oliobhageniha, kunguno nuweyi agayidahijaga imilimo iyo bhagayitumamaga ibhiye, aha kaya yakwe yiniyo. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga giki, “udizidalaha jitengilwe udamanile umo b’ahuhilaga ab’azugi.”

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya guleka bhudoshi bho guyidalaha imilimo ya bhichabho kugiki bhadule gubhiza na bhulumbi bho gubhakamya abhichabho gwikomeja gutumama milimo iya gubhapandikila matwajo mingi, umu kaya jabho.

Wagalatia 5:16-26.

Mithali 13:1.

Mithali 29:8.

Mwanzo 21:5.

KISWAHILI: USIDHARAU KILICHOWEKWA MEZANI HUJUI VILE WALIVYOHANGAIKA WAPISHI.

Methali hiyo ilianzia kwa mtu aliyedharau chakula alichowekewa mezani ili akile. Mtu huyo, alienda ugenini kwenye familia ya mtu fulani. Wenyeji wa kwenye familia hiyo walikoka moto, wakampikia chakula mpaga kikaiva vizuri kwa sababu ya ukarimu wao. Watu hao walimuwekea mezani chakula hicho na kumkarisha ili akile.

Lakini mtu huyo, alianza kukidharau chakula hicho alichowekewa mezani kwa sababu ya dharau yake hiyo maishani mwake. Ndiyo maana watu hao, walimwambia kwamba, “usidharau kilichowekwa mezani hujui vile waliyohangaika wapishi.”

Methali hiyo hulinganishwa kwa mtu mwenye majivuno ambaye hudharau kazi wanazofanya wenzake, katika maisha yake. Mtu huyo, huzidharau kazi wanazofanya wenzake kwa kuzikosoa ovyo, kwa sababu ya dharau na majivuno yake hayo, maishani mwake. Yeye huwakatisha tamaa ya kufanya kazi watu wa kwenye familia yake kwa sababu ya kuzidharua hovyo kazi wanazozifanya kwenye familia hiyo, katika maisha yake.

Mtu huyo, hufanana na yule mgeni aliyekidharau chakula alichokuwa amewekewa mezani ili akile, kwa sababu naye huzidharau kazi walizofanya wenzake kwenye familia yake hiyo. Ndiyo maana watu hao humwambia kwamba, “usidharau kilichowekwa mezani hujui vile waliyohangaika wapishi.”

Methali hiyo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuachana na majivuno ya kudharau kazi za wenzao, ili waweze kuwa na shukrani za kuwatia moyo watu wao, kiasi cha kutosha kujibidisha kufanya kazi za kuwapatia mafanikio mengi, kwenye familia zao.

Wagalatia 5:16-26.

Mithali 13:1.

Mithali 29:8.

Mwanzo 21:5.

 

 

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ENGLISH: NOT DISDAIN WHAT HAS BEEN PLACED ON THE TABLE, YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE COOKS HAVE WORKED HARD FOR.

This proverb is originated from a person who disrespected the food that was set on the table for him to eat. Such person went abroad to a certain person’s family. The people of that family turned on the heat, cooked a delicious meal for him because of their hospitality. Those people put the food on the table for him to eat it.

But he began to disrespect such food that was set on the table because of his disrespect in his life. That is why those people told him that, “Do not disdain what has been placed on the table, you do not know what the cooks have worked hard for.”

This proverb is matched to a proud person who disrespects works which his colleagues do in his life. Such person disrespects the works that his colleagues do by criticizing them carelessly, because of his pride, in his life. He discourages his family members from working hard because he so disdains the works which they do in his family.

This person is like the stranger who disdained the food that was placed on the table for him to eat, because he also disdains the works which are done by his family members. That is why those people tell him that, “Do not disdain what has been placed on the table, you do not know what the cooks have worked hard for.”

This proverb teaches people to do away with pride of disdainful work of their colleagues, so that they can be grateful enough to encourage their people to carry on working hard for bringing them much success in their families.

Galatians 5:16-26.

Proverbs 13:1.

Proverbs 29:8.

Genesis 21:5.

1322. MUMO UGAGUZUHILA UDIKOMILE GULIMILA LUGEMBE.

Aho kale olihoyi munhu uyo olina nguzu nyingi uyo wikalaga muchalo jilebhe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agaja gujulima ngunda gokwe bho gutumila lugembe kunguno ya gwisanya nguzu jakwe jinijo. Uweyi agaduma ugulima kunguno ya gutumila lugembe ulo ludadulile ugugulima ungunda gokwe gunuyo. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wila giki, “mumo ugaguzuhila udikomile gulimila lugembe.”

Ulusumo lunulo, lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agajaga kujutumama nimo na jitumamamilo ijo jidajilanijije nu nimo uyo aligagutumama, umukikalile kakwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agigulambijaga gutumama milimo aliyo oduma uguimala chiza kunguno ya guhadikija gutumamila jitumamilo ijo jidadulile ugugutumama unimo gokwe gunuyo, umuwikaji bhokwe. Uweyi agakoiyagwa ni koye lya gugaiwa ijiwa aha kaya yakwe bhuli ng’waka kunguno ya gugayiwa witegeleja bho gutumamila jitumamilo ijo jidulile ugugumala chiza unimo gokwe gunuyo, umubhutumami bhokwe.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga nuyo agahadika gulimila ngunda lugembe uduma, kunguno nuweyi agajaga gujutumama nimo na jitumamilo ijo jidadulile ugugutumama unimo gokwe, umuwikaji bhokwe. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga giki, “mumo ugaguzuhila udikomile gulimila lugembe.”

Ulusumo lunulo, lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na witegeleja bho gutumama milimo na jitumamilo ijo jidulile uguimala chiza imilimo yabho yiniyo, kugiki bhadule gupandika matwajo mingi, umubhutumami bhobho bhunubho.

Mithali 26:13-15.

2 Wathesalonike 3:6-15.

KISWAHILI: HATA UWE NA NGUVU KIASI GANI HUWEZI KULIMIA WEMBE.

Hapo zamani alikuwepo mtu aliyekuwa na nguvu nyingi ambaye aliishi kwenye kijiji fulani. Mtu huyo alienda kulima shamba lake kwa kutumia wembe kwa sababu ya kutegemea nguvu zake hizo. Yeye alishindwa kulima kwa sababu ya kutumia wembe ambao hauwezi kulima shamba lake hilo. Ndiyo maana watu walimwambia kwamba, “hata uwe na nguvu kiasi gani huwezi kulimia wembe.”

Methali hiyo hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye huenda kufanya kazi na kitendea kazi kisichoendana na kazi anayoenda kuifanya, katika maisha yake. Mtu huyo, hujibidisha kufanya kazi lakini bila kupata mafanikio ya kuimaliza vizuri kazi yake hiyo, kwa sababu ya kulazimisha kutumia kitendea kazi ambacho hakiwezi kuimaliza vizuri kazi yake hiyo, maishani mwake. Yeye hukumbwa na tatizo la kukosa chakula kila mwaka kwenye familia yake kwa sababu ya kukosa umakini wa kutumia kitendea kazi kinachoweza kuzimaliza vizuri kazi zake hizo, katika utekelezaji wa majukumu yake hayo.

Mtu huyo, hufanana na yule aliyejaribu kulimia wembe shamba lake akashindwa, kwa sababu naye huenda kufanya kazi na kitendea kazi kisichoweza kuzitekeleza kazi zake hizo, maishani mwake. Ndiyo maana watu humwambia kwamba, “hata uwe na nguvu kiasi gani huwezi kulimia wembe.”

Methali hiyo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na umakini wa kutumia vitendea kazi vinavyoweza kuzimaliza vizuri kazi zao hizo, ili waweze kupata mafaniko mengi, maishani mwao.

Mithali 26:13-15.

2 Wathesalonike 3:6-15.

ENGLISH: NO MATTER HOW STRONG YOU ARE, YOU CANNOT PLOW BY USING A RAZOR.

Once upon a time, there was a very strong man who lived in a certain village. This man went to plow his field by using a razor because he relied on his strength. He failed to plow because he used a blade that could not plow his field. That is why people told him that, “No matter how strong you are, you cannot plow by using a razor.”

This proverb is compared to a person who goes to work with a tool that is not suitable for the work which he is going to do, in his life. Such person, exerts himself to work but without achieving success in completing his work well, because of forcing him to use a tool that cannot complete his work well, in his life. He suffers from problems of not having enough food every year in his family because of not being attentive enough to use a tool that can complete his tasks well, in carrying out his duties.

This person is like the one who tried to plow his field by using a razor and failed, because he also goes to work with a tool that cannot carry out his tasks, in his life. That is why people say to him that, “No matter how strong you are, you cannot plow by using a razor.”

This saying imparts in people a clue of being careful enough to use tools that can complete their tasks well, so that they can achieve several successes, in their lives.

Proverbs 26:13-15.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15.

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1295. NJINJA ATINA NYANGO GUMO.

KISWAHILI: MWUZAJI HANA MLANGO MMOJA

ENGLISH: The salesperson (seller or merchant) does not have only one door. Sukuma (Tanzania) Proverb

Njinja atina nyango gumo. (Sukuma)
Mwuzaji hana mlango mmoja. (Swahili)
Le marchand n’a pas qu’une seule porte. (French)
The salesperson (seller or merchant) does not have only one door. (English)

Sukuma (Tanzania) Proverb

Background, Meaning and Everyday Use

The Sukuma Ethnic Group is the largest ethnic group (more than six million people) in Tanzania in East Africa and live mainly in rural areas in the northwestern part of the country on or near the southern shores of Lake Victoria – mainly in the Mwanza and Shinyanga Regions.
The Sukuma are the largest ethnic group in Tanzania. Sukuma means “north” and refers to “people of the north.” They are relatives of the Nyamwezi Ethnic Group and share a similar language of Bantu origin.

Traditionally part of an oral culture, the Sukuma people use many types of oral literature such as proverbs, sayings, riddles, stories, myths and songs to communicate values and priorities.

A popular Sukuma proverb says the salesperson (seller or merchant) does not have only one door. He or she goes all over the place. The salesperson goes to every door to sell his or her wares. He or she is ready for any response. The person is accustomed to be praised in one place and scorned in another place. The salesperson perseveres whatever happens.

This Sukuma proverb is posted on the:

Sukuma Legacy Project Website

https://sukumalegacy.org/category/sukuma-proverbs

Nanetya Foundation: Ethnic Stories in Mother Tongues Website 
http://nanetya-foundation.org/sukuma-proverbs

Biblical Parallels

St. Paul says, “Preach the word; be ready/prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2). 

This Sukuma proverb relates to always trying and not being afraid to launch out into the deep. Compare Jesus’s words to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4).
The missionary experience is very similar. It is an experience of moving out and reaching out. “And Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15). And in another place: “as the Father has sent me, so I send you” John 20:21). Missionaries are not meant to look inward only but to reach out. Missionaries are called to explore new vistas and new ways of doing things, to be flexible and ready for new experiences. Missionaries adapt to new and unexpected situations.

Missionaries adapt to new and unexpected situations. Compare this with St. Paul’s description of his missionary work in Philippians 4:12-13: “I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well‑fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Contemporary Use and Religious Application

There are many characteristic African proverbs from across the continent of Africa — Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia — that describe the universal human experience of moving out, of going elsewhere. This reaching out experience is a learning experience as seen in many similar African proverbs and sayings: Traveling is learning (Kikuyu, Kenya). Traveling is seeing (Kikuyu, Kenya/Shona, Zimbabwe). Those who travel see much (Sukuma/Swahili, Eastern and Central Africa). One who does not move about knows very little (Haya, Tanzania). Thus, traveling broadens the mind and enlarges one’s experience.

This Sukuma proverb promotes mission and evangelization. The missionary, the evangelist uses all doors, all means, all avenues of spreading the Gospel. For example, today we reach people with the Good News of Salvation using many means of communication: traditional means, mass media, internet, social media, etc. Pope Francis encourages us to be “bold and creative.”

All Catholics, all laypeople and SCCs members have the missionary obligation to go out to proclaim the good news starting with our own local neighborhoods.

Another application is to African SCCs that adapt to the local context and adjust to local circumstances and situations. SCC members try to find creative ways and “doors” on the grassroots level.

Another application: In brainstorming about various pastoral solutions in youth ministry in Africa (how to reach out to young people) someone said: “If you can’t use the door, use the window or even the roof to get in,” meaning use all possible options or alternatives.

Further information on this proverb can be found in “To Be Called Is to be Sent,” Chapter Eight in Joseph Healey and Donald Sybertz, Towards an African Narrative Theology, (Nairobi: Paulines Publications Africa, 1996 (1st Reprint 1996, 2nd Reprint 1997, 3rd Reprint 2000, 4th Reprint 2005, 5th Reprint 2012) and Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1997, (many reprints, New Cover 2012). Available as an Ebook on Amazon (for Kindle), Google and Barnes and Noble (for Nook).