The Power of Christ in Zanzibar

So far we have just given you some very general summaries of our trip, but there is one thing we did that we decided needed a post all on its own. We visited Christ Church, which was built in 1873 to celebrate the end of slavery in Zanzibar, which Christian abolitionists had fought for fiercely. In fact, the church is built on top of what used to be the largest slave market in Zanzibar. Since Zanzibar was a trade hub for the region, this was a major point where slaves from all over the interior of Africa were routed on their way to mainly Arab countries, though some also to other parts of the world.

Beneath the church, the cement rooms where the slaves were kept until auction are still intact. They are dark and low-ceiling-ed with only small slits to let in some light and fresh air. Fifty to seventy slaves would be kept in each of these tiny cells where they could not even stand up straight. A trough running through the center of the cell was all they had for a toilet and the stench must have been unbearable. Many slaves died in these cells before they could be sold. Our guide told us this was to assure buyers that the slave they were buying was extremely strong.

After seeing and hearing about the terror these enslaved people endured, it was incredible to enter the church itself and see what has risen from that horrendous history. The church is beautiful, made of coral stone and adorned with breathtaking stained glass windows. Inside is a baptismal fount that was used to baptize believers among the freed slaves. Most movingly, the site of the old whipping post is remembered with a marble circle… laid at the feet of the crucified Christ.
John and I went on a tour of the church and were able to return the next day to worship with the believers there. Praise God that this church is not just a historical marker, but a living congregation and an active part of the body of Christ!

I think what moved me so much about this experience was that this beautiful testimony is not the legacy Christians have left in response to slavery elsewhere. Too often, Christians were part of the slave trade themselves and used Scripture to justify their oppression of other humans. I hate that that is part of our story as the Church.

So to see that at least here, in this place that meant death and pain and enslavement for so many, Christ’s power DID break literal chains and bring freedom in this world is beautiful. Jesus’ message was perfect, but it has been entrusted to such imperfect people. When something of His truth actually makes it through our dirty vessels… well, that’s just the grace of God. It was incredible to sit in a pew at this church and pray that God will let John and I be part of His story of liberation, reconciliation and hope too, in spite of ourselves.

-Stephanie