Patrick Nkala

My name is Patrick Nkala, and this is my testimony of how I came to understand the gospel and how Jesus Christ saved me from my sins. Before becoming a Christian, my life was marked by sin in ways that were obvious even from childhood. I used lies to escape trouble or embarrassment, and eventually my parents struggled to trust anything I said. Another major sin in my life was my desire to please people. I constantly sought approval—from classmates, teachers, and especially my parents. My sense of worth depended on how others reacted to me. When classmates mocked me for my appearance, behaviour, or dishonesty, I internalised their comments and developed low self-esteem. I measured myself by their opinions, and it shaped much of my early life.

Other sins were also present: laziness, hatred toward certain people, stealing from my parents, and gossip. But the most destructive and persistent was lust.

Around age twelve or thirteen, my father led me in a prayer at church, and I accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour. I didn’t yet understand the gospel fully, but I believe God had begun a work in me. I sensed a need for Him and knew He existed, but my understanding of Jesus and His work was vague.

At thirteen or fourteen, I began feeling deep guilt over my sin. For the first time, I prayed habitually for forgiveness. I also prayed for things like getting out of detention or avoiding trouble at school. I noticed that I mostly prayed when I needed help, and once the situation improved, God became an afterthought. I rarely thanked Him or worshipped Him sincerely. When I was fifteen, approaching sixteen, things began to change. One Christmas Eve, I had a powerful moment with God. After listening to music, I began praying with a sincerity I had never experienced before. I can’t remember the exact words, but I know the experience was real. I was in my brother’s university accommodation, and that Christmas week became a turning point.

Afterward, I started seeking Christian content online and reading the Bible again—this time with genuine desire. I read the entire New Testament on my own. I downloaded the Bible app and explored verses daily. I also began watching preachers online. Although many of them weren’t preaching the true gospel, the Scripture itself was what ultimately helped me grow.

After seeing a TikTok about a Christian Discord server, I joined and became one of the early participants in their Bible studies. Hearing people my age discuss Scripture was incredibly encouraging. I attended almost every day, often staying up until 3 or 4 a.m. because of time zones. My parents weren’t happy about the late nights, but I was genuinely seeking God, and the fellowship helped keep me on the right path. The COVID pandemic gave me even more time to study Scripture and grow spiritually. Even then, I wasn’t always sure whether I was truly saved. I searched for clarity about salvation and eventually heard the gospel clearly preached. I realised that I had already trusted in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. My desires had changed—I wanted to be biblical, imitate Christ, and live a Christian life. As a result, my relationships improved, and I developed a zeal for speaking the truth.

I still fall into sin, but one thing is certain: I have been saved. I feel conviction when I sin, and I repent and trust in Christ’s finished work. I have confidence that God hears prayers, and He has answered many of mine. Matthew 6:25–34 became a great comfort, especially verse 33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness….” It reminded me not to worry and to trust God. 2 Corinthians 1:12, which speaks of simplicity and godly sincerity, has also been invaluable, along with the Sermon on the Mount. When I needed assurance of salvation, I often turned to Romans chapter 8.

At age 17 I moved to Chatham with my parents. I had long needed a bible based, gospel preaching, reformed church. I used Google search to read reviews about churches in the area. I came across a church called Enon Baptist church. I read the review: “Excellent church teaching the truth and full gospel of Jesus Christ, something that is missing in a lot of in churches today.” I visited the church and it was so warm. Pastor Paul Relf was very welcoming and more than willing to answer my questions which was a breath of fresh air. Almost a year and a half later, the time came for me to be baptised. On the 5^th of February 2023, I made a public profession of my faith to the congregation and being around fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who love me and I can love has been such a blessing. The biblical teaching and discipleship have been such a great help to me.

Daily, I am amazed at how content I am in God and how He orchestrates situations to humble me and draw me closer to Him. I am deeply grateful for my parents, who encouraged me to pursue Christianity while giving me space to learn. Their love, discipline, and guidance pointed me toward God, even when I didn’t recognise it. I thank God for what He has done in my life. His grace—shown through Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection—has given me purpose, especially in moments when I felt overwhelmed. I thank Him for saving me, sanctifying me, disciplining me, and reminding me of His love. Though I am an unworthy sinner, His grace has always been sufficient and continues to cover my sin.