Dikembe Mutombo and Mark A. Smith, An Ambassador & A Missionary

One afternoon, in a small village in Leopoldville, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the outskirts of the city of Kinshasa, two of my childhood hero’s had a chance meeting.

One of the men was my Father, Mark A. Smith.  Mark and his wife Elaine were a year into their 2 year commitment of a mission abroad for their church.  Their mission calling had been focused on efforts to oversee an educational fund, allowing local Congalese access to education and skilled trade training.  On this particular day they were participating in the celebration and dedication of a new orphanage in Kinshasa, D.R.C.

The other man was an unannounced guest to the days festivities.  Towering at over 7 feet tall, this Giant of a man traveled on foot into the village.  Yet as he walked, a crowd of over 30 of his fellow Congolese countrymen travelled along with him.  Some of these were associates, some were onlookers trotting along in hopes of the chance to meet one of the most extraordinary sons of Kinshasa.  Dikembe Mutombo arrived without fanfare, and as he pressed hands, shared stories and embraces with the organizers and missionaries, many whom he knew by name, he quickly joined the efforts of the missionaries at hand, quietly going about the work of aligning efforts and setting up chairs, tents, tables and refreshments.  Dikembe had not arrived to receive accolades or service, Dikembe was there to roll up his sleeves and serve.  Forever a goof ball, and never having met a stranger, Mark approached Dikembe and mimicked Mutombo’s own classic “finger wag”.  Mark and Mutombo were laughing immediately, they hit it off instantly.

Dikembe Mutombo rose to fame during a stellar collegiate basketball career at Georgetown University where he was a two time Big East Defensive Player of the year, and ultimately the 4th overall selection in the 1991 NBA draft.  As a professional basketball player, Mutombo shined as an 8 time NBA All Star and 4 time NBA Defensive player of the Year.  His towering defensive presence completely changed opposing team strategies.  Coaches and players knew, you just couldn’t take the ball inside with Dikembe Mutombo in the game.

In 1984 on a cross country trip in the family camper van, my Brothers and I had fallen in love with Pro Basketball.  Our Father, who had been a basketball coach for each of his 3 sons teams, had planned a two week summer family vacation.  Meticulous plans across thousands of miles had been made ensuring we were carefully landing in the homes of family and friends, precisely in time for tipoff on each of the evenings of the NBA finals as we headed by Volkswagon camper van, all the way from Ohio to California.  We stopped in French Lick, had lunch at Larry Bird’s restaurant and memorized his career stats.  We felt like we were in a holy place, a sacred basketball museum.

1984 was the year of the first Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird, Lakers vs. Celtics matchup.  We watched each of those thrilling 7 games in different cities with different friends and family.  And in between cities, talk in the car would encircle the shifting tides and drama of those exciting matchups and strategies.

For my Father, basketball was a community building experience, best shared with friends and family.  As a devout BYU, Utah Jazz and all things NBA fan, Marks encyclopedic knowledge and love for the game found him common ground and fellowship.  Throughout my youth, my Fathers passion to serve others while connecting with them about that nights basketball matchups went hand in hand.

Our family outreach efforts both in Boy Scouts, volunteering at community events or feeding the homeless as a family seemed to always be the perfect venue for Mark to talk shop about the prowess of the team on the jersey someone happened to wear to that event that night.  There wasn’t a team, a coach, a trade or a series in basketball that was off limits.  As a superfan, and a super connector, Mark could talk shop and bond in world class fashion with anyone about any team at any time.

Dikembe Mutombo had risen into superstardom and into the world limelight when his 8th seeded Denver Nuggets defeated the 1st seed powerhouse of the Western Conference, the Seattle Supersonics.  Mutombo would average over 6 blocks per game during that improbable series, cementing himself as “Mount Mutombo” in the Mount Rushmore of all time NBA defensive greats.  Shutting down the interior of Seattles offense, Dikembe was a nightmare for high flying acrobatics of Shawn Kemp, steely handed Gary Payton and NBA veteran and warrior (and Grandfather of the Mullet) Detlef Schrempf.  For even the casual sports fan, it is impossible to not smile while watching replays of Dikembe Mutombo rejoicing at the end of the game 5 while on his back, on the ground holding the ball in outstretched arms, after the come from behind first round victory over the vastly superior Seattle Supersonics in 1994.

One could argue that the hometown hero of Kinshasa had captured the interest of those who’d encircle him that day at the orphanage because of his basketball prowess, or his superhuman stature.  But those who knew of his works as an NBA Global Ambassador would argue Dikembe’s real successes happened on the other side of the world from the glitz and glamour of the hardcourts of the National Basketball Association.  Present at the orphanage also that day was current First Lady Jill Biden, who was accompanying the African Ambassador at large for a Womens & Gender equality issues focus campaign in Africa.

During his NBA playing career, Mutombo founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997.  Mutombo’s life was full of charity and humanitarian work.  He sat on numerous boards including Special Olympics International, the CDC Foundation and the National Board for the U.S. Fund for Unicef.  Most notably, Mutombo was pure of heart.  He seemed to exist to serve others.  For those in his disease vanquished and chronically troubled Kinshasa, Dikembe Mutombo built a hospital, while pouring in over 15 million dollars of his personal wealth.

I had marveled in my youth watching my Father break bread, bond and serve others.  And on this day in Africa, in a sweaty mist, two of these like minded servant leaders would have a chance to share a laugh, and join forces in their passion of service to others.  I wish I could have been there to see it.  The graininess of the photo helps me imagine this reunion happening in heaven, complete with Mutombo’s gravelly laugh and Mark’s pinpoint questions about Denver Nuggets head coach & their offensive strategy that amazing year.

This week, while the world mourns the loss of a truly great ambassador, and Kinshasas greatest son, our hearts rejoice in memory over the chance meeting of these two kindred Kinshasa spirts, on this, Mark A. Smith’s Birthday.  Happy Birthday, Dad.  Rest easy in peace, Mark & Dikembe, and thank you for your gifts to humanity.  Your service made the world a much better place.

Ben Smith is the Founder, President and C.C.I.C. (Chief Caregiver In Charge) at Always There Home Care.  Great care begins with a great conversation.  Call or text Ben Directly to begin your great conversation.  (614) 649-0684.

Always There Home Care has served in Columbus, Ohio for 20 Years.  Our motto “Your Home.  Your Rules.  Our Care.” means your loved one doesn’t have to change the way they live their life to receive care. Reach out to us to learn how we can help. If you enjoyed this message, please Share this article with someone we may help.