Testimony : My Journey of Faith
I was once a devoted Muslim worshiper and preacher, giving the Azan every day at our local mosque. Raised in a Muslim family as the youngest child, I was born in Dhameru, Kovuru Mandalam. My maternal grandfather, an Imam and leader in the mosque, inspired me deeply. We lived close to the mosque in a house gifted to my grandfather in honor of his position.
From a young age, I aspired to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps and become a Muslim preacher. Under his guidance, I learned many Surahs and Islamic teachings, dedicating myself to the faith. For twelve years, I passionately called the Azan, sharing the words of Islam. I was deeply committed to the teachings of Muslim prophets, passionately testifying Surahs and proclaiming that salvation could be found through Prophet Mohammed and Islam.
I was once opposed to Christianity. When I heard about Jesus crusades happening near our house, I would ask my parents questions, but they would beat and scold me, even for clapping my hands at home. Born into a poor family, we didn’t have our own house. My father struggled with alcoholism, and my parents faced many challenges. I am the youngest of three children; my sister got married, and my mother went to work in Kuwait.
Due to family issues, I had to stop my education after the 7th grade and work as a mechanic in a morning time and I took up a job as a cleaner in a hotel Later in evening. To help pay off the debts incurred from my siblings’ marriages.
When I had deep faith in Islam as a follower of Muhammad, I actively participated in the Ramadan festival, preaching to everyone in the congregation. It was my grandfather’s dream for me to become an Imam, and he taught me only the Surahs and religious matters of Islam.
At the age of 12, I was performing the adhan in the mosque five times a day. Suddenly, my grandfather fell ill and became bedridden. I informed our neighbors, including my aunt, uncle, sister, and brother. They came to care for him, but his condition did not improve. The doctors told us there were no more options available.
My mother was in Dubai, an Arab country, when my grandfather became gravely ill. At that time, we did not have mobile phones or individual landline phones. I ran to an STD booth to use a landline phone and contacted someone who could arrange a call with my mother. I informed her that my grandfather’s condition was severe and that she needed to return immediately.
I informed my mother, but her employer refused to allow her to return to India. Instead, they offered to pay the hospital fees. Despite my efforts to convey this situation, my grandfather became more distressed each time he heard about my mother’s inability to come back. Eventually, he passed away.
During my studies, I struggled with the heavy burden of my mother’s inability to return home. My academic mentor noticed my discomfort and lack of concentration. Concerned, he asked me what was troubling me. I explained that my grandfather had recently passed away. He then asked why, despite my daily Azan prayers at the mosque and my devotion to sharing my faith, I was still facing such difficulties.
He invited me to consider his faith, suggesting that if I attended his church on a Friday, he would visit my mosque in return. Initially, I was hesitant. However, curiosity eventually led me to explore why Christians are so devout and why they actively share their faith through flyers, street announcements, and other means. I went to the church, but I did not enter. Instead, I stayed outside, dressed in traditional Muslim attire and wearing a cap. I followed the customary practice of washing my hands and face, and then observed their prayer from a distance.
Salvation(Experiencing Faith and Understanding: A Personal Journey) :
Without realizing it, I entered a church and cried along with the congregation, participating in their prayers and worship. I became deeply involved in the prayer, and the pastor asked me why I was crying. I told them it was because my grandfather had passed away, instead of mentioning that my mother was stuck in an Arab country. After that, I returned home, said nothing to my father, and went to sleep. Early in the morning, I heard a voice saying, “Wake up and pray.” I heard it again, “Wake up and pray.” Shocked, I praised Allah, saying “Subhan Allah, Subhan Allah,” confused by what was happening. Then, I heard the voice a third time, urging me to wake up.
Then, I woke up and, unsure of how to begin, prayed earnestly like a child. I questioned Jesus in my prayer, saying, “If You are the true God, then please help me find out about my mother’s whereabouts. I haven’t heard from her in two months, and I don’t know if she is alive or dead since there have been no phone calls or any news. If I receive a call and hear my mother’s voice before 9:00 AM today, I will believe in You and proclaim Your word to people until I die.”
I prayed fervently for three hours until I fell asleep. Normally, I would go to the mosque to give the adhan early in the morning, but I didn’t go that day. Instead, a postman came to my home and called out to me, saying that I had a call but they didn’t know who it was from. I ran immediately to the STD booth to take the call, praying as I went that if it was my mother, I would proclaim the word of Jesus to the world. When I answered, it was indeed my mother. She said to me,
I was wrongly accused and jailed by the owner I served in an Arab country for an offense against his wife, and my passport was taken away from me. I was released just yesterday, and the Kuwaiti government has arranged a visa for me to return to India. When I heard this news, I felt so happy and recognized it as a miracle from God, praising Him for it.
Walk with God / My Journey along with GOD :
I stood firm in my faith in Jesus, despite opposition from my neighbors, family, and society. Today, I am a servant of God, leading hundreds of people in Kesavaram Village, Andhra Pradesh.
However, my spiritual journey took a transformative turn. I found a new calling in worshiping Jesus and proclaiming the word of God with even greater fervor. Embracing Jesus as my savior, I now dedicate my life to spreading his message, grateful for the profound change in my faith and life.
