A REFLECTION ON GOD’S GOODNESS TO ME ON THE
OCCASION OF MY 40TH BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY ON
Conclusion
As I conclude my reflections on my 40th Birthday anniversary, I thank
God for his goodness to me. To God be the glory for the great things
that he has done! The Lord has given me a gracious and loving wife
Judith and a loving family. I thank God for my mum and dad, who
invested greatly in my upbringing, education and family values. I
thank God for my siblings: Catherine, Kenneth and Tendai. I also am
grateful for my cousins: Hudson and Phyllis Kaneneka, John
Gambwe, Eddy Mweene, Monda, Angela, Lizzie, Christine, Jason,
Obrian, Rosa Kanyemba, Shingisai Revai etc who have been
available in times of happiness and sorrow. Included are my nephews:
Belemu Matapo and the wife and Tovine Kaneneka and the wife. The
Lord has been very gracious to me. I know I’ve failed him many
times. I’ve not been what I ought to be. Yet by His grace, I long to be
the best that I can be for Him! When I look at my heart, I can testify
with Williams that my heart is “Prone to wonder, prone to leave the
God I love” and so I pray that the Lord “would take my heart and seal
it from the courts of heaven above! I thank God for my friends
especially the brethren who have helped me in my Christian walk. I
thank God for my spiritual leaders at church, within Zambia and
outside Zambia. Internationally, I really appreciate the preaching
ministry of Al Martin, Joel de Beeke, Achille Blaize, Ferrell
Griswold, Voddie Baucham and Martin Holdt. As I look forward to
the coming days and years, I pray that I may know more about Jesus.
More of his saving fullness see as I press on the upward way and gain
new heights every day. I end my reflections with the lyrics of the
song “Keep me true” which I used to sing at school during SU times
and has recently been popularised by Jabu Hlongwane of South
Africa.
Keep me true Lord Jesus, Keep me true
Keep me true Lord Jesus, Keep me true
There is a race that I must run
There are victories to be won
Give me power every hour to be true.
Gabriel S. Konayuma
12 February 2008
8 1
12TH FEBRUARY 2008
Introduction
On 12th February 2008, I turned 40 years old. This offered me an
opportunity to reflect on the Lord’s goodness to me up to this point. In
order to best reflect on my life, I have elected to organise this article into
four parts. These are four ten year periods from 1968 to 2008.
The Early Years (1968 -1977)
I was born on 12th February 1968 to Josiah and Betty Konayuma in Kitwe
Central Hospital. My dad was a police officer whilst my mum was a
nurse. The Lord was gracious to me by providing parents with good
medical knowledge thus providing me with the best possible care a
growing baby could require. Another mercy worth mentioning is that I
was born at a time when Zambia had a fairly good economy as it was only
four years old (having got Independence in 1964). This coupled with the
fact that I was the first born meant that I got the best possible care a child
could wish for.
My early years were spent on the Copperbelt in Kitwe and Ndola towns.
In Kitwe we stayed in Parklands whilst in Ndola we stayed in Kansenshi
at Peter Singogo Police camp. In the early 70’s my family moved to
Lusaka the capital city. Our first home was in Northmead and then we
moved to Sikanze Police camp. Memories of my stay there are the times
I’d sing a self-composed song in Chitonga “Oh batata mubole eneno”
which means “Daddy come soon”. This song I’d sing as I waited for my
father to come back from work. This was in 1972 when I was four years
old at the time. Another incident from this period is when I took a “walk”
to the Civic Centre. The police found me and returned me home. I’m sure
they had a “few words” for my cousin who was looking after me.
Anything could have happened when I strayed from home. But the Lord
spared me!
In 1973, my family moved to Emmasdale where my mum is till staying.
By that time the family had grown. My late sister Linda was born in
March 1971 whilst Catherine and Kenneth (twins) were born in June
1972. I started my grade one in 1974 at Northmead Primary School. My
first teacher was Mrs. Kaur who taught me the 3R’s i.e. reading, riting with Management College of Southern Africa (MANCOSA) in
Trinity Baptist What
and ‘rithmetic. Church where I that
a foundation was she
involved in the
laid! I also Marriage,
remember Mrs. South Africa. In September 2007 Judith, Shingisai and I went for
Davies my Grade 3 teacher, from Wales who taught us how to sing my graduation ceremony at the International Conference Centre
Happy Birthday in Welsh. In terms of religion I attended church at St. in Durban. It was a colourful occasion with graduands from South
Pauls United Church of Zambia (UCZ) in Kabwata. The Sunday schools Africa, Zambia, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Kenya.
lessons were interesting though at times I’d find some bible passages
scaring. 2001 was quite a sad year in my family. My paternal grandmother
and my uncle died within a space of one week in July. In the
The Growing Years (1978 – 1987) same month my mother had a stroke. I got news of her stroke
of
FromTrinity
1978 Baptist
to 1980,Church
I was inis grades
when five
two to
members
seven. I (Tamara
have fondPhiri and
memories while attending my uncle’s funeral in Kasempa. One of my other
of Mr. Salooje, from Australia, my grade five teacher and my grade six saddest moments was when my immediate sister Linda died in
teacher Mrs. Maganga from Tanzania. My primary school days were fun February 2005 after an illness. It was sad to hear of her death a
and exciting. My performance was fairly good. I passed my grade seven few hours after Catherine and her husband Matthew, Muntanga
exams and got a secondary school place at Kafue Secondary School. I Mwasambiri and I had been to see her at the hospital. As we took
was a pupil at the school from 1981 to 1985. I have fond memories of the her body to the funeral home I felt a sense of helplessness in that
following teachers: Mr. Musipa (French), Mr. Winter (History), Mrs. Linda was no more and that there was nothing we could do to
Siluyele (History), Mr. Grogan (Mathematics), Mrs. Eathorne (Bible bring her back to life. This is the year I “discovered” my cousin
Knowledge), Mr. Parsons (English & Bible Knowledge), Miss. Siafwa Jason on the Internet. Judy and I went for our second honeymoon
(French), Mr. Tembo (Civics) and Mrs. Tembo (English & Religious to Harare and Mutoko (my mum’s village). It was a lovely trip we
Knowledge). I have no doubt that Mr. Grogan’s influence as a Mathemat- met a number of my nieces, nephews, uncle, aunt, and cousins. In
ics teacher led me into becoming one myself! The way he taught influ- 2002, my family then, Judith, Twalumba, Luyando and I travelled
enced my teaching i.e. pupils thinking logically as they solved problems to Sesheke for our holidays. We stayed with her cousin and Ruth
and working out questions without doing rough work. the wife. We also crossed into Ngwezi in Namibia and Victoria
Falls Town in Zimbabwe.
It pleased God to bring me to a knowledge of salvation in 1981 after
listening to a sermon on the new birth from John 3 by Joe Imakando In 2004, Judith and I became members of Kabwata Baptist
time service
during our school afternoon lecturer in Mathematics,
at Kafue Information
Boys. I saw my sinfulness Church (www.kbc.org.zm) where Conrad Mbewe is pastor. It’s
and the need of a Saviour and called upon him for salvation. I thank God an honour to sit under his ministry each Lord’s day. His
moved to me
for saving Lusaka
from after
sin inI my
gotyouth.
a jobTendai,
with the
the Technical
last born inEducation,
our family, preaching ministry is much sought after in many nations. I’ve
was born in 1983. In 1984 I was in form four after passing my form three been involved in the Library and Marriage Enrichment Ministry.
exams. Fond memories in my secondary school days were my attending It’s been a joy to work with other believers in these ministries and
Scripture Union (SU) meetings and camps. This enabled me to grow in in other areas. Our children attend school at Eagle’s Nest under
the grace and knowledge of Christ. I also have rich memories of the times the church. I’m mindful that I may not have served the Lord as I
we had times of prayer and studying God’s word in our dormitories and wish. O for grace to serve him more and serve him better. O that I
the hills close to school. I also developed love for chess during my may join in singing the song “The longer I serve him (Christ) the
secondary school days. Other interests include singing in the school choir, sweeter he gets”!
belonging to the preacher’s club (involved mostly in song leading and

2 7
 preaching at the school hospital in Chitonga).
same hospital as I was born. In 1998, Judith and I became members of Some of my closest friends, Christian Kasumo, Johnson Malipenga and
Trinity Baptist Church where I was involved in the Marriage, Barnabas Chiboboka, went to the same school as I. Christian was my
Library, Youth and Men’s Ministry. I also served as a deacon during roommate later on at the University of Zambia from 1987 to 1990.
the time along with Festus Chipungu, Fwasa Singogo and Joseph Phiri. Christian is a reliable friend. He is a godly man, quite organised,
I thank God for the privilege of serving Him in a growing church determined, loving husband and father. It’s a privilege to be a friend to
(established in 1995). Some of the great times in this period are the him. Johnson was our headboy and SU chairman at school. It’s a joy to
Copperbelt Annual Reformed Baptist Youth Conferences’ (CARBYC) see how the Lord has led us from those school days to the present day.
which took place in Kitwe and Ndola. Other moments are the hosting of Johnson is one man that seeks to live his whole life under the whole of
Men’s Rally and Baptismal Services. One of the sad moments in the life Scripture. Barnabas I can describe as a poet whom many do not know.
of Trinity Baptist Church is when two members (Tamara Phiri and His poems along with Muki Phiri of Lusaka Baptist Church qualify to be
Judith Singogo) died within a space of 24 hours. This was in 2001. rich modern hymns. Barnabas has a burning passion to live a godly life.
Whilst on close friends I do not wish to forget Richard Ngwisha whom I
My working life at Mpelembe Secondary School was quite enriching got to know through attending SU meetings and camps and later at
and an addition to the wealth of experience I gathered at DK. Both Lusaka Baptist Church. Richard has been a true friend, pointing out what
schools had some of the best students in the country. DK was a public is wrong in my life without fear or favour. He’s also been an
school while Mpelembe was a private school. Both had their challenges encouragement to me and many others in the faith. His zeal for the Lord’s
and opportunities. It was a privilege to be a teacher and also a patron of work is amazing! A rebuke to mine! Interestingly the number of things
the Scripture Union, Mathematics and Computer Studies Clubs. Most of we share in common extends to our dates of birth (separated by 2 days),
the times I preached were at Trinity Baptist Church and Mpelembe our spouses (very close friends), children born at almost the same time.
Secondary School.
During SU Camps and rallies, I remember very well the preaching and
In 1998, I graduated from the Reformed Baptist Preachers College in counselling ministry of Donald Mwape, Fred Phiri and Roy Kaonga
Lusaka together with a long time friend Ray Munsaka. During this time, which was useful to my and other youths spiritual growth. Some got
I bought a house in Kitwe after ZCCM mines were privatized and saved during this time. I thank God too for Ron and Carol Eathorne, Steve
Mpelembe
It pleased God served
to under
bring new
me owners. I taught at
to a knowledge of Mpelembe
salvation inup1981
to 2002
after Winter and Derryck Orridge (from UK) for the vital role they played in
when my contract was not renewed. Thereafter I taught
listening to a sermon on the new birth from John 3 by Joe Imakando at Copperbelt offering me discipleship in my Christian life at school. They planted a
University as a part-time lecturer in Mathematics, Information good seed which the Lord has been pleased to flourish over the years. In
Technology and Management Information Systems. In 2003, my family 1986, I was introduced to the doctrines of grace (Reformed doctrines) by
moved to Lusaka after I got a job with the Technical Education, Kunda Kalifungwa through Christian literature and chats with him. To
Vocational and Entrepreneurship
was born in 1983. Training
In 1984 I was in form Authority
four after (TEVETA).
passing my form threeI God be the glory for these wonderful truths! In 1987, I was offered a
worked with TEVETA as a Curriculum Developer up to 2005 when I place in the School of Education at the University of Zambia. I majored in
joined the Ministry of Science, Technology and Vocational Training Mathematics and did Computer Science courses.
(MSTVT) as a Senior Vocational Education and Training Officer deal-
ing with Entrepreneurship promotion. The job at MSTVT has enabled The Adult Years (1988 – 1997)
me
the to visitclose
hills all provinces
to school.in IZambia and seen me
also developed lovetravel to a number
for chess during ofmy In 1988 at the age of 20, I was doing my second year at UNZA. My days
nations: Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania and China. at UNZA developed in me the discipline of perseverance. Despite chal-
From 2004 to 2006 I did my Master of Business Administration Studies lenges faced in certain Mathematical courses, I eventually completed my

6 3
studies after doing part time studies in two courses. Notable lecturers at
UNZA for me were Dr. Nkwanga (Education in National Development),
Professor Bartholomeuz (Algebra & Toplogy), Professor Theo (Algebra),
Mr. Chikunji (Algebra), Mr. Chipeta (Real Analysis), Mr. Njobvu
(Computer Science).
At UNZA, I also made new friends especially among Christians. I was a
member of the University Christian Fellowship (UCF) where I served as a
Growth Group leader (Cell group at hostel level) and later as a Literature
and Discipleship Secretary. It was such a privilege to serve God’s people
in this fellowship. It was good to have fellowship with saints from
different denominations such Pentecostal Assemblies of God, Wesleyan,
and Brethren in Christ etc. During this period, I also was involved in the
Youth Fellowship at Lusaka Baptist Church. My time at Lusaka Baptist
Church (1987 – 1995) helped me grow in the Christian faith as I sat under
the ministries of Joe Simfukwe and Alfred Nyirenda who were pastors
then. These were gifted expositors whose ministry went beyond LBC. I
became a member of LBC in 1989 after being baptized (eight years after
becoming a Christian). The Youth Fellowship through the weekly meet-
ings, rallies (i.e. whole day meetings), joint-meetings and camps enabled
me to receive sound biblical teaching and also share with others. It was at
this time that I developed a love of Church history which I used to speak
on to youths. I thank God for enabling me to remember him in the days of
my youth. In 1989, I travelled alone for the first time on my own out of
Zambia. My destination was Zimbabwe (where I have travelled to more
than other countries, especially Victoria Falls Town). In 1991, Zambia
became a third republic and multi-party
party democracy was ushered in. I
remember joining thousands of Zambians at the Supreme Court to witness
the inauguration of Fredrick Chiluba as Zambia’s second President and
rejoice in the coming of “the hour”. From 1991 to 1994, I participated in
evangelistic outreach missions by Lusaka Baptist Church to Choma and
Livingstone. It was a joy and challenge moving from door to door sharing
the gospel of Christ.
1992 was a year of mixed emotions for me. In April I started work as a
Mathematics teacher at Highridge Secondary School in Kabwe. Charles
Chowa graciously allowed me to stay with him as I was not
accommodated. Sometime in the year I began to doubt whether I was a
4 5
Christian. In the words of Charles Spurgeon I’d ask “Am I a child of
his (Christ) or not?” A letter from Christian where he urged me to
trust in the finished work of Christ towards the end of the year led me
to assurance of salvation and rejoicing in the Saviour! In July my dad
passed away after a long illness. This meant some changes in our
lives. I got a transfer back to Lusaka to be with mum and the family. I
was posted to David Kaunda Secondary School where I taught for
four years until 1996 when I got a job with Mpelembe Secondary
School in Kitwe. I graduated from UNZA in November 1992. We
were the first graduates in the third republic and the Chancellor then
was John Mwanakatwe, a renowned educationalist, lawyer and
politician.
In 1995, I began a courtship with Judith Liemisa whom I later
married on 10th August 1996 at Lusaka Baptist Chuch. I thank God
for leading me to Judith. She has been a dear wife, friend, lover and
companion for the years we have been married. She has been a de-
voted mother to our four children. Her commitment to Christ and his
cause is a constant challenge to me. Her hospitality is also refreshing.
Her life breathes out the words “Let me serve you with a burning
heart” a song done by her cousin Beauty Shabenzu Pallu. I thank God
for those that played a leading role in our marriage. Among many
others these are Mr. and Mrs. Hibajene (marriage counselors), Mr.
Nyambe (Shibukombe – go-in-between), John Gambwe (cousin who
escorted me to my in-laws village in Sesheke for marriage
negotiations), Richard Ngwisha (bestman), Christian Kasumo (chief
best-man), two Catherine’s (Ngwisha & Mwenya) our bridesmaids,
Ray Munsaka our Master of Ceremonies, and Ronald Kalifungwa the
officiating minister and preacher. Thanks are also extended to the
many friends and relatives that helped in one way or another during
our wedding.
The Expanding Years (1998 – 2007)
This period is called the “expanding years” for that is when the Lord
was pleased to add to our family four children, provide us with our
own house, and enable us to serve him in different and new spheres.
Our four children are: Twalumba (1998), Luyando (2000), Sepo
(2003) and Shingisai (2007). Luyando and Sepo were born in the