At HeartCry, we never grow tired of talking about the remarkable Reformed Baptist movement in Zambia, Kabwata Baptist Church, and Pastor Conrad Mbewe. But don’t just take our word for it. Below is the testimony of Simon Patilo, in which he speaks of his experience in the internship program at Kabwata. According to Pastor Conrad, Simon almost quit after the first few weeks, but in the end, almost never went back home to Tanzania! The change in his life was extraordinary. Kabwata’s internship program is partially funded by HeartCry, and is now attracting pastoral interns from all across the continent of Africa.
“I would like to use this opportunity to acknowledge the great joy I have experienced at Kabwata Baptist Church. When I first arrived at KBC for my internship, I thought it was merely a Baptist church like other so-called ‘churches’ back home in Tanzania. But the more involved I became, the more I understood, and the more I was challenged. My twelve-month internship at KBC was a wonderful experience beyond my expectations.
I was amazed to find myself in a church focused on glorifying God in all activities and sound in doctrine. I observed a good church government structure, with an eldership that was approachable and organized. The church is truly committed to God’s word and they are consistently fed by sermons from powerful preachers, who rebuke, comfort, correct, and instruct people in righteousness. I learned how the church works together as the body of Christ. Everyone is committed and active in various ministries, reaching a hand out to the surrounding community, other towns within Zambia, and even abroad, with evangelistic urgency.
I appreciate the opportunities to learn through various meetings – home groups, prayer and Bible studies, retreats, elders’ prayer meetings, pastors’ fraternal, and visits to mission works. Various assignments also enabled me to gain ministry experience – preaching, mission work, reading assignments, working with Evergreen Publishing in the bookstore and library, church ministries, preparation for and leading church services, as well as closely observing Pastor Chipita and Pastor Conrad.
I would like to encourage all those who are interested in pastoral ministry and willing to learn that they do an internship at KBC. Here you can gain a biblical understanding of being a good steward in all the work of the church that God Has commissioned. Thank you.”
