My names are Chopo Chikomekome Mwanza. I grew up a
very angry and bitter person, because my father refused to take responsibility over
me, having been conceived out of wedlock. That meant I had to move from one house
to another since my mother was not in a position to support me. I was angry
with God, my father, and the world. I thought I deserved better. In 1998 I heard
the gospel at a camp, were I was shown that I deserved nothing but hell. I gave
my life to Christ that day. Throughout secondary school I would teach and
preach the word but never thought about ministry. My goal was to become a
lawyer.
In 2006, a cousin offered me an opportunity to do
nursing with a goal of joining her in Scotland. It was during the same time I
was seriously sensing the call to ministry through my devotions, sermons, and
people giving advice. I tried my best to ignore the call and avoid it but I
eventually submitted and surrendered my life to work for the Lord. I have done
my theological training at Central Africa Baptist College, and graduated this
year (December 2011). I am still seeking the Lord’s leading as to what step I
should take ministry-wise. I, however, think the ministry experience and exposure
to be gained at Kabwata Baptist Church will be very valuable.
* * * * * *
My names are Sydney Bwalya Kombe. I was brought up a
religious person. If morality was one of the qualifications for heavenly
inheritance; I was one of the qualified candidates. At the age of
eighteen, in 1998, I heard the gospel preached after watching a Jesus movie.
At the end of the movie, the presenter proclaimed the unadulterated gospel, and
also answered my question. He said that unless I repent and believe on His
sufficient death on the cross unto salvation, I would suffer from the eternal
damnation. I could not remember how the whole thing happened, but I just found
myself on my knees pleading for the Lord's mercy and forgiveness.
In 2008, I was called for training to South Africa at
a Baptist seminary - Christ Seminary. Coming from a Charismatic background, I had theological struggles.
But in due season I found my own theological stance founded on the infallible
truth of God’s Word. Then, I had the privilege of doing my internship in
South Africa at Antioch Bible Church under Pastor Tim Cantrell whilst
undertaking studies at Christ Seminary. Pastor Cantrell, along with my seminary
professors, advised me to find a like-minded church, so that my personal and
ministry life could be nurtured. Praise be to God for the unceasing love He
has shown me in enabling me to serve at Kabwata Baptist Church as a
pastoral intern.
