This parable takes place after the end of the 1994 African
Synod as two Zambian bishops return to Lusaka from Rome. In the story they
become the two disciples returning to Emmaus. The two bishops are tired,
disappointed, disillusioned, and even depressed about their month of hard work
in Rome and the uncertain results. They are helped by a taxi cab driver named
Mtonga who takes them to a meeting of a Small Christian Community in an area
known as Bauleni, an estate established by squatters. A young woman with a
two-week-old baby named "Sinodi," a young man with the dreams of youth, and an
elderly refugee speak with the bishops. The parable narrates: "The bishops
listened, their hearts moved. Why were they bored while listening to the solemn
speeches given in the Vatican hall during the synod? Instead the simple language
of their people set their hearts on fire. Their tiredness was gone. They felt
more and more at home."

    In an interesting African twist to the biblical parable,
Mtonga and the SCC members together as a community are the Jesus figure in the
story. The lay Christians together minister to the two bishops and give them new
hope. In the last part of the parable the younger bishop says: "They have
proclaimed the Resurrected Lord to us."