http://allafrica.com/stories/201306040557.html


Zambia: Jumbos Disrupt Church Service in Mpika
3 June 2013




ELEPHANTS on Sunday disrupted a church service at St Andrew's Catholic Parish in Mwateshi Village in Mpika District and later destroyed more than four hectares of maize fields.

Mpika Central Member of Parliament Mwansa Kapeya has described the situation as serious and directed Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) to drive away the animals.

The elephants attacked the congregants, making them scamper for their safety.

The congregants later climbed trees amid shouts for help as the elephants ate and destroyed their maize fields.

Mr Kapeya, who is Information Deputy Minister, and St Andrew's Parish priest-in-charge Joseph Mulenga Besa confirmed this in separate interviews.

Father Besa said church members watched helplessly as the animals ravaged their fields.

The clergyman said he was forced to end the mass and had since reported the matter to ZAWA officers in Mpika who rushed to the area.

ZAWA area warden Patrick Nyirenda said he had deployed officers to the affected area and that they had started driving the animals away from the village.

Mr Nyirenda said the elephants ran away from Mano Camp of North-Luangwa on Friday in search of maize.

At least four hectares and one lima of maize fields had so far been destroyed by the elephants whose number was not yet confirmed.

Mr Kapeya said he was optimistic that the situation would soon come under control.

Elephants are Protestants?

Where's God when you need Him?

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Robinson:
Elephants are Protestants?

Good one.