Be a Good Samaritan(Raphael Mamvura) To many people, the biblical story of the Good Samaritan seems far-fetched. Being a Christian myself, I was one of those people who thought that I could never go by the wayside when I come across a person in need of help. Well, how far from the truth that can be.

One sunday, while on my way to a farm store next to our village, I came across an old man who had just been robbed. He was sobbing like a child and pointed me in the direction in which the robber had gone. I fell short of holding his arm to help him when I realized that he had soiled himself. Although I wanted to help, I felt I could not at that time. I stepped aside and said, "There are people gathered at a kraal next to the village, go there and seek help". Even as I said that, I could barely face the old man as he was smelling badly. I then continued on my way to the shop. As I left, the old man fell on his knees but I scoffed at it and told myself that he would come to his senses and do what I told him.

When I came back from the shop, no one had gone by along the same path. I was struck when I came to the scene of the robbery to find that the old man was still there. This time he was sprawled on the ground, motionless. I rushed to feel his pulse. He was gone. At that time I hated myself for what I had done. It felt so bad that I had left someone to die when I could have helped. It was as if I had helped to kill him. Nonetheless, I rushed to the village to alert others. Upon our return, it was discovered that the old man had been stabbed and had lost a lot of blood. If he had gotten help earlier, he could have lived.

That day I replayed the story of the Good Samaritan in my head a million times. I felt shameful. However, in the midst of it all, I drew my lessons: Firstly, that "never will it happen to me" is a very strong phrase to use in all human situations; Secondly, that i should always be ready to lent a hand when i can. And, to all you who read this, always try to help when you can. If you can't help instantly, call for help. It could mean a difference between life and death.

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