My names are Anna Phiri Mwanza born in a family of eight. My parents and all other family members were at first Muslims. With time they converted to the Seventh Day Adventists as “Christians”, yet they weren’t, because later on they became spirits.

Whilst in the SDA, I loved singing. But when my parents stopped attending services with the SDAs, my friend influenced me to join the Reformed Church of Zambia (RCZ). For a number of years, I was a choir member there, yet a heathen among the Christians. I got married to Mr. Charles Mwanza whilst in my an unchristian state. It was him who took me to Baptist Convention, the Church he belonged to. And it was there were I got baptized, but still ignorant of the saving grace of God. I had it in my thinking that baptism saves.

May 2008 marked the turning point in my life. My husband shared the gospel with me and I was made to understand that salvation in not by works, but by grace alone. He taught from John 3:5–8 (I tell you the truth, no one can enter the Kingdom of God unless he is born of water and Spirit) and also from Ephesians 2:8–9 (For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one should boast). I now believe in the Lord Jesus Christ my Saviour. And this salvation received is not accomplished as a result of my personal endeavors and good works, but by His mercy and grace alone.

Therefore, I am what I am, and do what I do because of what God has done for me and in me. I am in a living relationship with God eternally. I walk with Him daily. Amen!