Stephen Akingbesote
East London
Before Christ, what was your world-world view?
Before I gave my life to Christ, I was raised in a Christian home. However, I just never cared or thought much about it, I thought it was just another religion like every other out there, and I just wanted to enjoy my life and ‘go with the flow.’
When did you first hear the Gospel? How did you feel about it?
The first time I heard of the Gospel was at my youth church; there was something unique about the message. At the time, I did not completely understand the message and in all honesty, I never really looked deeper into that particular message; but that was the start of the Gospel softening my heart.
What was your biggest question before you became Christian?
“Can God really change my life?”
What was the turning point in your attitude? When did it all change?
On the 30th of October 2019, I was heading home from College; and just felt so down and low. I knew within me, deep down, that I needed to change, however; I just felt far away from God. When I got home, I burst out in tears and started to cry out to God to save me and began to confess my sins. Then all of a sudden within me, I just felt this overflow of joy and peace running through my whole system and ever since then, I knew that God took me in.
What changes did you see in your life, actions, attitudes, problems?
I became more remorseful any time I did something wrong, and I was quick to repent. I started to love the people around me from the bottom of my heart. I became obedient to my parents and the surrounding elders, and I began to despise unrighteousness and anything that posed harm to anyone around me. I also struggled with masturbation and sexual immorality; I was a fraud, full of hate and so much more. However, God with His supernatural intervention set me free.
How long did it take before you noticed changes?
Literally, within weeks of giving my life to Christ, I saw massive changes I deemed were impossible. I was set free.
Where are you now?
Currently, I am still growing in Christ, which really, is the stage I believe every believer ought to be at because we are to be like Christ and conform to His teaching and Image which requires growth every day.
What is your favourite bible verse and why?
I like quite a few scriptures! However, one of my favourite verses is Romans 8:28 which says “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This verse is key to my heart because it makes me understand that as an individual who loves God, I should not worry because in all my situations whether favourable or the contrary, God is in control and all things will turn out well at the end of the day.
Advice to a non-Christian:
God is always willing to save those who call on Him because He does not want us to perish. Romans 10:13 says “Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” This implies that if, deep down, we truly want to know God, we can call on His Name and He will show Himself.