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Among the writings of such Africa hunting legends as Karamojo Bell and, more recently, Peter H. Capstick, are glimpses into the life and death of one of our greatest game animals, the African elephant. Hunting elephants is a difficult and dangerous prospect even on a good day, but the task is made much more challenging when it involves an exceptionally large bull because he’s usually not alone. He’s often accompanied by one or more askari bulls; younger, fully mature bulls with sharper senses but sometimes lacking the wisdom possessed by their older companion. The term “askari” is a Swahili term usually used in reference to watchmen or private guards, but has been borrowed as an appropriate description of certain bull elephants. These askari bulls have accounted for more than one untimely death of a hunter who, focused on the larger bull in the distance, was unaware of their presence until he found himself out-flanked and soon reduced to a puddle of quivering jelly. The job of an askari is simple. Watch and listen for danger to the dominant bull and serve as a screen for his escape if an enemy approaches, even if it means taking a bullet intended for the larger animal. If the older bull is shot, the askari will often intervene as the hunter approaches, and will make several attempts to get the other bull up, sometimes for an hour or more. It’s an amazing display of the quality of the relationship between an askari bull and the larger animal, and one that has left more than a few seasoned hunters with feelings of awe, amazement and respect.
In the Christian brotherhood, everybody wants to be the “main man”, but few are willing to serve in the shadows where recognition often consists of being known as “so-and-so’s friend”. After all, who wants to be a side-kick when they can have their own show? Few are willing to serve as an askari to another brother; to watch for danger, to protect him, and to get him up if he falls. We prefer to be the solitary bull, wandering on our own and free of the dependency involved in remaining connected with our brothers. But the fact is that when the shooting starts, an askari may be exactly what you need; someone who can screen you from attack, and alert you to hidden, unseen danger of which you are unaware. Scripture is filled with men who enjoyed such relationships with one another: Moses and Aaron, David and Jonathan, and Paul and Timothy are but a few of many examples. Serving as an askari is a simple task. Watch and listen for danger, and serve as a screen if an enemy attacks. What does this mean? It means that you have to get to know the other person well enough to see his weaknesses, and care enough about him to not let those weaknesses impede the relationship, but rather to watch for enemy attacks in those same blind spots. It means that if the other person is wounded, you are there to help him through the healing process; to get him back on his feet again. Though pride and arrogance often impede our relationships, and in some cases make such a relationship impossible, we are stronger if we can learn to depend on one another day-to-day so we can be there in times of trial and great need.
“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:1-2 (NIV)
| A veteran of over two decades of Alaska hunting, Michael Strahan received an Alaska Registered Guide's license in 1994 and has taught Alaska hunting tactics since 1993 in private seminars and large outdoor shows, including the Safari Club National Convention. Michael is the author of "Float Hunting Alaska's Wild Rivers", a how-to, where-to guidebook on float hunting in Alaska. He is actively involved in mission work and shares oversight responsibilities involving ministries on four continents. |
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