I come from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in which people identifying with the Christian faith comprise a minority of approximately 2.6%. Pakistan is highly influenced by radical Islam, which creates innumerous challenges for progressive minded Muslims and non-Muslims. I have been actively involved in the Christian church since childhood, participating through singing, reading scripture, public speaking, volunteering at soup kitchens, fund-raising projects, children’s ministries, and women’s ministries.
Besides serving God in the church, my family abided by a tradition of family worship every night. My mother taught my siblings and I that we should begin every morning with scripture reading, and come together for family worship every evening. Our family worship included scripture reading, devotionals, singing of hymns in English and our native language – Urdu, and praying. The most formative experience in my spiritual journey with God has been shaped by my family’s worship and devotional practices. I …show more content…
I learned that Christianity was the only religion that proclaimed the love and grace of God for the entire world. I chose to follow Jesus Christ over the religion of Islam because of its teaching about love, forgiveness, grace, and justice for all regardless of their background, orientation and situation. My favorite Biblical passage is John 15, which specifically speaks to me about my love for the members of the Body of Christ and being in communion with God. That communion also includes love for others of different backgrounds. I believe that Christianity is the only religion in the world that is founded on grace. It was really powerful to learn that the Christian faith does not view people on the basis of merit, but extends love and grace to all in the world in the same way God extended God’s love and grace to us