July 17, 2014
The Church of God
Chilupuka, Zambia
ccm Cross #0038
GPS/DMS 11°46’60” S 27°10’60” E
Born Again
Sunday September 17, 2017
John 3:3
Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” NKJV
My name is Pastor Stephen Kiboko and this is my ccm Cross testimony “Giving God Glory” for all He has done in my life.
I grew up in the far North of Zambia in South Central Africa. This area is known as the Copper Belt for all the Copper Mines in the area. You may remember this country’s name was previously known as Northern Rhodesia.
My journey with the Lord began when I was born, as my Father was a Pastor. I was the oldest of eight children. 4 boys and 4 girls. When we grew up we were always in church. 7 days a week. We had all the head knowledge but along the way I never developed a personal relationship with Jesus. Then came my teen years — here rebellion set in. I was being tested and it became a test of fire.
My friends were an angry crowd, and drinking, smoking and partying became our way of rebellion. My desire was to spend time with the crowd and all my parents could do was pray for me. And pray they did.
Then a Pastor named Mwape came to preach at my dad’s church. This particular day I was present in the congregation and his topic of the day was John 3:3. It was about our responsibility to be “Born Again”. All my life I had heard the term but to me it was just another Christian slogan. It was not until the Holy Spirit grabbed me and shook me during Pastor Mwape’s sermon that the scales fell off my eyes and I understood. Why then and why there I’ll never know until I reach glory. It was the Christmas sermon on December 25, 1994.
My life for Christ became real. Excitement was on every page of the Bible. Now I finally knew what the “Born Again” experience was all about. My parents were so happy for their answered prayer and now it was time to prepare for working for Jesus. Then I met my wife Beatrice and we married. I entered Bible school and eagerly learned everything I could. Two years later I graduated and it was incredible to understand the Lord had a purpose for my life and now it was time to put it into action.
While still in Bible School I became the youth Pastor at Kawama local church. Soon I was assigned to the Kamuchanga local Church as Pastor. Here the Lord blessed us with three children, two boys and one girl.
The church grew as Beatrice worked alongside me as the worship director. The Lord opened doors for me to preach in other locations. Jesus has become so real for me. As I preach John 10:10 signs and wonders follow me wherever I go. When I travel and preach Beatrice prays holding me up and people are saved, delivered and set free from demon influence and many are baptized.
Over the years our ministry grew and I was installed as a bishop over 10 churches. The Lord helped us establish an orphanage and His plans for my life were unfolding all around me.
At one of our meetings a lady by the name of Mary was brought forward who had not walked for 10 years. She had been the victim of a witch’s curse. Jesus broke the curse, set her free and she walks today just as if nothing ever happened. To God alone be all the Glory honor and power. Mary is currently active in one of our local churches.
A few years ago demons attempted to take my life. We had just completed a successful crusade when I was stricken with a fever that no one knew about. Later it was determined that the witches where we held our meeting had placed a spell on me. The doctors placed me in the hospital and diagnosed me with Kidney failure. I grew weaker and weaker. The doctors sent me to the Congo for treatment. Everyone was praying for me. Then the Holy Spirit prompted me to fervently pray out loud and cast out any attacks against my kidneys. I began and as I prayed Jesus healed me. I walked out of the Congo hospital never to return. When back in Zambia I reported to my doctors and they could find nothing wrong. The Lord had made a way where man said there was no way. PTL!
Pastor Bill, this Cross means so much to me. It teaches me that Jesus suffered on the cross for me. It is where I received my freedom when Jesus gave his life for me. It is where all power of the devil was overcome. Jesus finished everything so that I may have a victory. This victory was accomplished when Jesus shed His blood on the cross.
My favorite Bible verse is: John 8:32 “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” NKJV. It is my desire that as we go forward that we preach the truth as
people are set free and re-claim their lives for the Lord Jesus Christ.
Our community will be so blessed as this is the first Cross to be planted here — we have many churches planted by the original missionaries to our country but this is the first Cross. We talk so much about what Jesus did for us on the Cross and now we will have our own symbol of His victory over death. Thank you so much for being obedient to the Lord and making this happen.
Prayer: Father thank for Jesus dying for our sins and making a way for us in heaven. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!
