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By Monica Smouter
NEARLY four years ago, a visiting speaker at Deer Lake
United Church in Burnaby brought a photo display; the subject was the
mission field in Zambia.
Bill Hilliard, a member of the church, noticed one
particular photo. It was of young Zambian, Charlie (Zambian name Chali). He
found out that Charlie was an orphan who wanted to continue his education,
but was unable to afford it.
Bill recalls that moment vividly. “Without asking
anyone, I declared, ‘We will get the money!’ A lady standing
next to me reached into her purse and said, ‘To whom do I make the
cheque?’” The church raised nearly $4,000, enabling Charlie to
enroll in college and obtain an advanced diploma in business
administration.
Charlie sent an email message to the church expressing
his thankfulness and desire to meet the person responsible for his support.
Bill was reluctant. “No,” he said, “I'm too old to be
dealing with a young lad.” The church elders disagreed, and
encouraging Bill to send his first email!
“Hi Charlie, this is Bill . . .”
“You’re not Bill to me. I want you to be
my replacement dad, so I want to call you ‘dad’ from now
on,” Charlie responded.
“You can call me dad if you use your real name
Chali', (pronounced Shally) . . .” said
Bill back.
And so it began. Bill searched the internet to learn
about Zambian customs. Chali began to experience a positive adult male role
model in his life.
Bill recalls that time.
“He was 21 going on 12 when I met him –
totally naive.”
Through emails, and later weekly phone calls, a special
father–son bond formed between the two.
“At first there were a few doubts from people
here, that maybe I was being taken for a ride,” said Bill.
“But I discussed Chali with my family, and then a
doctor from our church actually met Chali when she was in Zambia. She
brought back confirmation that he was a very straightforward young
man.”
Chali’s English improved dramatically from all
the correspondence.
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Bill, who had been an English teacher, helped him,
asking him to reread his sentences and sometimes rewrite them.
In addition to being strong academically, Chali is also
talented musically. Bill has sent poems that Chali writes the music for.
Chali has even performed them on Zambia's national television station.
Would they actually get to meet? Bill wanted to visit
Chali in Zambia but couldn’t for medical reasons. He tried to bring
him to Canada as a visitor but was declined.
Then came the answer to his prayers. Douglas College
recently accepted Chali into a university transfer program so he can get
his Bachelor of Commerce here (it is recognized internationally).
Bill is full of happiness because he has been able to
help someone who is less fortunate than himself. He also says he is feeling
more connected to God.
“This is an enrichment of my faith experience,
perhaps also a repayment. When I was young my father died too and my mom
had four kids. Many reached in and helped out us. Now I get to return the
favour.”
Monica Smouter is marketing manager for The Mulberry
Retirement Residence, which is in Burnaby.
January 2009
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