Remembering Cyrus Phiri

REMEMBERING CYRUS PHIRI

December 2008 marked 5 years since the death of Cyrus Phiri. Cyrus at the time of his death was a husband and father. He was also a Baptist pastor and World Vision Programmes co-ordinator. He went to be with the Lord in his early 40’s. I first met Cyrus in 1981 at Kafue Secondary School where he was completing his secondary school (Form 5), while I was starting mine (Form 1). At the time he was the School Captain (Head boy) and Scripture Union Chairman. He was also a very good marathon runner. Let me share my remembrance of Cyrus Phiri by considering his conversion, character and conviction i.e. three C’s.

Conversion

Cyrus became a Christian in 1977 whilst doing his form 1 (grade 8) for you who did grade 10 in 1984. At the time he was involved in the School Choir and Scripture Union. However, he sensed that all these things were just following religious rituals without having a knowledge of Christ. After sharing about his spiritual life with Mrs. Carol Eathorne (Scripture Union patron) he was pointed to Christ and became a Christian. Cyrus then became a keen disciple of Christ and loved to preach and sing of the Savior. I remember some songs he sang like “There’s a man on the Cross, His name is Jesus Christ the Son of God”, I am going to a city where the roses never fade”. He was a very good guitar player.

Character and Personality

Cyrus was a quiet and honest man. However, he carried a lot of authority with him in whatever leadership position he had. When he called for attention in the dining hall to make announcements boys paid attention and became quite! He was a very smart man. As a student he had very well ironed uniforms. Cyrus also took a keen interest in you as a person. Despite being a Head Boy and School Captain he could make time to listen to you. He also had a good command of the queen’s language. Cyrus was someone who was loved and respected by pupils and teachers alike.

Conviction

Cyrus did what he did in life because of conviction. He loved to preach and sing because he was convinced of Christ as Saviour of the world. Cyrus because of his convictions would run from Lusaka to Livingstone to Kitwe for the cause of HIV & AIDS. He had lost siblings and instead of talk about it. He decided to do something to raise awareness about this disease. As Chairman of Scripture Union at school he encouraged us to meet in hostels as believers to study God’s word and pray together. He would attend SU meetings, sing in the choir (with his lovely soparano voice) and preach in SU, school services and school community with much passion.

Conclusion

As I end I quote these words from the song “I am going to a city” Cyrus used to sing at secondary school. These words were so fitting at his death. He is now in that city of the blessed.

I am going to a city
Where the roses never fade,
Here they bloom but for a season,
Soon their beauty is decayed;
Where the tree of life is bloomimg
And the roses never fade.

I am going to a city
Where the roses never fade,
Here they bloom but for a season,
Soon their beauty is decayed;
We'll be free from all temptations
Where the roses never fade.

I am going to a city
Where the roses never fade,
Loved ones gone to be with Jesus,
In their robes of white arrayed,
Now are waiting for my coming
Where the roses never fade.