The document discusses the author's journey of exploring different religions and ultimately converting to Islam. It describes feeling distant from childhood friends and family due to religious differences. The author realized many religious texts and teachings had been corrupted over time and people followed religious leaders without thinking critically. After researching different faiths and questioning religious authorities, the author found Dr. Zakir Naik's teachings on Islam most convincing and "reverted" to Islam, though kept it a secret from family due to fears of being disowned. The author tried to convince their father of the truth of Islam but he refused to convert due to threats of losing his job and social isolation.
So why do I feel that this message about being adopted by God is so foundational to the normal Christian life?
Because Jesus came to bring us back to the Father. Jesus came to show us the Father. If you’re a Christian and you don’t know the Father, you’re missing one of the main reasons that Jesus came to earth. His death on the cross was just the means to enable us to know the Father and be the adopted as his children.
Video of this message at https://tinyurl.com/yar3t5j4
Here are some valuable examples and teachings from the Bible and from the lives of others about how God wants to partner with us to do His will on earth.
This message is online in audio form at http://www.john10-10.org/john10-2015/Sermon_Audios/Entries/2015/9/20_Entry_1.html
After a short reflection of last week's series of meeting with a visiting evangelist, I talked about two points from Genesis that could strengthen us all to trust God more and thank Him more for His beautiful Fatherly care of us--even when many things seems to be going wrong. The story about Pastor Yonggi Cho is worth remembering in all our trials.
So why do I feel that this message about being adopted by God is so foundational to the normal Christian life?
Because Jesus came to bring us back to the Father. Jesus came to show us the Father. If you’re a Christian and you don’t know the Father, you’re missing one of the main reasons that Jesus came to earth. His death on the cross was just the means to enable us to know the Father and be the adopted as his children.
Video of this message at https://tinyurl.com/yar3t5j4
Here are some valuable examples and teachings from the Bible and from the lives of others about how God wants to partner with us to do His will on earth.
This message is online in audio form at http://www.john10-10.org/john10-2015/Sermon_Audios/Entries/2015/9/20_Entry_1.html
After a short reflection of last week's series of meeting with a visiting evangelist, I talked about two points from Genesis that could strengthen us all to trust God more and thank Him more for His beautiful Fatherly care of us--even when many things seems to be going wrong. The story about Pastor Yonggi Cho is worth remembering in all our trials.
When someone asked me recently how I came into the fold of Islam, I was taken aback and a bit
surprised. For I have never thought of my coming into Islam as having one critical turning point.
When did I first question Catholicism? When did I first want to become a Muslim? The answers
to these questions and many others require more thought than I could have ever imagined. To
really anwer these questions I have to start at the very beginning so that you understand the point
to where I got in my life that led me to finally accept the truth of Islam. I became a Muslim at the
age of 67, and I thank God that He has blessed me to become a believer in Islam. “Those whom
Allah (in His plan) wills to guide,- He opens their breast to Islam; those whom He wills to
leave straying,- He makes their breast close and constricted, as if they had to climb up to the
skies: thus does Allah (heap) the penalty on those who refuse to believe.” (Quran 6: 125)
Sure You're Mature_Session 1_The First dayroadsidebbc
Sure You're Mature's first session revisiting the day the delegates got saved, including stories of salvation from different people (a gay rocker, a deaf, and te preacher from the Titanic).
Sure You're Mature was a values formation event for the young professionals of today, and was held at Road Side Bible Baptist Church from December 26-29, 2010. The event was attended by different churches.
Gallery of Voices - HiTOPS Faith Initiative HiTOPS
The Faith Initiative seeks to help LGBTQ+ youth and their families share their experiences with faith communities by creating opportunities for authentic dialogue between a variety of faith communities, LGBTQ+ organizations, and community members regarding spirituality, family relations, and the LGBTQ+ community.
We at HiTOPS know there is a wide array of experiences people hold at the intersection of faith and sexuality. Our organization cares deeply about the lived experiences of queer youth. Over the next several months we will be gathering stories of individual’s experiences to encapsulate the varied narratives of LGBTQ+ youth in New Jersey.
Our initiative will seek to hear the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth who are part of an affirming community, LGBTQ+ Youth who are a part of a non-affirming faith community, as well as LGBTQ+ youth who have left their faith communities. We will also seek to hear from faith leaders and straight youth who attend affirming and non-affirming faith communities.
1. INTIMATE COMMUNICATION MARK 1:35-39
2. PERSISTENCE IN PRAYER Based on Luke 18:1-8
3. HELP! I CAN'T PRAY based on Rom. 8:26-7
4. EMPOWERING OUR ACTIVITIES WITH PRAYER Based on Eph. 6:10-1
5. THE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Based on Phil. 1:3-6
6. THREE KEYS TO A BETTER PRAYER LIFE. Based on Col. 1:3
7. SPONTANEOUS PRAYER Based on I Thess. 5:12-28
8. PATRIOTIC IN PRAYER Based on I Tim. 2:1-
9. ASKING GOD based on James 1:5-8
10. CHRISTIAN CONFESSION Based on I John 1:8-9
11. SEEKING GOD'S FACE Based on II Chron. 7:11-22
12. THE PERPETUAL PREPARATION OF PRAYER Based on II Chron. 7:11-22
13. UNANSWERED PRAYER Based on Matt. 6:1-14
14. THE PLEASURE OF PRAYER Based on Psalm 84:8
Enjoying Good Health, 3 John 1-8, Adapted from a Steve Shepherd sermon http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/enjoying-good-health-steve-shepherd-sermon-on-aging-150916.asp
When someone asked me recently how I came into the fold of Islam, I was taken aback and a bit
surprised. For I have never thought of my coming into Islam as having one critical turning point.
When did I first question Catholicism? When did I first want to become a Muslim? The answers
to these questions and many others require more thought than I could have ever imagined. To
really anwer these questions I have to start at the very beginning so that you understand the point
to where I got in my life that led me to finally accept the truth of Islam. I became a Muslim at the
age of 67, and I thank God that He has blessed me to become a believer in Islam. “Those whom
Allah (in His plan) wills to guide,- He opens their breast to Islam; those whom He wills to
leave straying,- He makes their breast close and constricted, as if they had to climb up to the
skies: thus does Allah (heap) the penalty on those who refuse to believe.” (Quran 6: 125)
Sure You're Mature_Session 1_The First dayroadsidebbc
Sure You're Mature's first session revisiting the day the delegates got saved, including stories of salvation from different people (a gay rocker, a deaf, and te preacher from the Titanic).
Sure You're Mature was a values formation event for the young professionals of today, and was held at Road Side Bible Baptist Church from December 26-29, 2010. The event was attended by different churches.
Gallery of Voices - HiTOPS Faith Initiative HiTOPS
The Faith Initiative seeks to help LGBTQ+ youth and their families share their experiences with faith communities by creating opportunities for authentic dialogue between a variety of faith communities, LGBTQ+ organizations, and community members regarding spirituality, family relations, and the LGBTQ+ community.
We at HiTOPS know there is a wide array of experiences people hold at the intersection of faith and sexuality. Our organization cares deeply about the lived experiences of queer youth. Over the next several months we will be gathering stories of individual’s experiences to encapsulate the varied narratives of LGBTQ+ youth in New Jersey.
Our initiative will seek to hear the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth who are part of an affirming community, LGBTQ+ Youth who are a part of a non-affirming faith community, as well as LGBTQ+ youth who have left their faith communities. We will also seek to hear from faith leaders and straight youth who attend affirming and non-affirming faith communities.
1. INTIMATE COMMUNICATION MARK 1:35-39
2. PERSISTENCE IN PRAYER Based on Luke 18:1-8
3. HELP! I CAN'T PRAY based on Rom. 8:26-7
4. EMPOWERING OUR ACTIVITIES WITH PRAYER Based on Eph. 6:10-1
5. THE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Based on Phil. 1:3-6
6. THREE KEYS TO A BETTER PRAYER LIFE. Based on Col. 1:3
7. SPONTANEOUS PRAYER Based on I Thess. 5:12-28
8. PATRIOTIC IN PRAYER Based on I Tim. 2:1-
9. ASKING GOD based on James 1:5-8
10. CHRISTIAN CONFESSION Based on I John 1:8-9
11. SEEKING GOD'S FACE Based on II Chron. 7:11-22
12. THE PERPETUAL PREPARATION OF PRAYER Based on II Chron. 7:11-22
13. UNANSWERED PRAYER Based on Matt. 6:1-14
14. THE PLEASURE OF PRAYER Based on Psalm 84:8
Enjoying Good Health, 3 John 1-8, Adapted from a Steve Shepherd sermon http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/enjoying-good-health-steve-shepherd-sermon-on-aging-150916.asp
This book will clear all your doubts about Islam and will answer all the questions your have about Allah "God", Islam, Muhammed, Jesus and the creation.
Why Allah created the universe?
About our beloved Palestine. Pictures showing how Palestine is a great country to live in but we and our children were deprived from our homeland and forced out by the Zionist Jews who occupied our land by force in 1947 till now.
This book outlines the way muslims treat non-muslims pursuant to the holy Quran and prophet's Sunnah "daily lifestyle". This is how a muslim life should be.
Since the beginning of mankind, more thought has gone into the understanding of God than any other subject under the sun - and still nobody is any the wiser. In the length of a taxi ride, this little book explains once and for all.
Why i converted to islam (embraced eslam)Arab Muslim
This is a real story of an American youth who converts to Islam and how he tried many religions and philisphies but chose Islam when he found it. Do you know WHY?
See for your self.
TEN --~--One Question Left Unanswered ----~ ...docxmattinsonjanel
TEN
--~--
One Question
Left Unanswered
----~ ... ·----
Among all my patients in the second half of life, that is,
over thirty-five, there has not been one whose problem in
the last resort was not that of finding a religious outlook
on life. It is safe to say that every one of them fell ill
because he had lost that which the living religions of every
age have given their followers, and none of them has really
been healed who did not regain his religious outlook.
-C. G. Jung,
Modern Man in Search of a Soul
IF there had been psychiatrists in Jerusalem twenty-five
hundred years ago, Ecclesiastes might well have gone to
one and told him, "I'm unhappy because I feel that some-
thing is missing in my life. I feel that I'm not as consis-
t~ntly good as I should be. I feel I'm wasting a lot of my
lime and my talents. I keep trying to live up to the stan-
dards I set for myself and sometimes I almost get there,
~ut never quite. I feel that with all the advantages I have
ad, I have wasted my life. " And the therapist might have
:?Id him, " You're asking too much of yourself. Be realis-;• !0~er your standards. After all, you are only human ."
c esiastes would have left the appoint ment feeling even
177
WHEN ALL YOU'VE EVER WANTED ISN'T ENOUGH
more disappointed in himself for not being more com.
farted by such well-intentioned professional advice.
But it would probably have been the wrong answer. A
man like Ecclesiastes needs to set his sights high. In order
for his life to take on meaning, he has to feel that he has
been summoned to do important things. We feel better
when significant moral demands are made of us. We feel
we are being taken seriously as moral creatures. It would
have been better to tell him that God would forgive him
for trying and falling short than to suggest that he give up
the effort and lower his expectations of himself.
A young man who ran away from his conventional
middle-class home to join the Unification Church was
asked why he had done it. He replied, "My father only
talks about getting into college and getting a good job.
Reverend Moon talks to me about helping him save the
world." Just as we misunderstand what it means to be a
parent when we make life so easy for our children that
they never have to test themselves, we misunderstand
human nature when we think we are helping people by not
expecting very much of them. "Only human" should not
be an excuse for laziness, carelessness, or selfishness. To
be human is a great thing, and God pays us the ultimate
compliment when He makes demands of us that He makes
of no other living creatures. It may be hard to be good,
given all the distractions and temptations of the world, but
it is a lot harder to be told that you don't have what it
takes to be good, so you are excused from trying.
Ecclesiastes asked, "What makes my life matter? What
makes it more than a passing phenomenon, not worth
noticing while I am alive and ...
The process of conversion or reversion isn't a simple journey, and sometimes a person feels rather alone, understandably so.
For the new convert who is just learning and isn't quite yet sure what is opinion and what is the fact, may be awe- inspiring.
God brings everyone to Islam on the path that suits them best and He then sends them tests to confirm their faith.
So there is no one right way to make the adjustment to the new life as a Muslim, but there are some general suggestions that could help to make the journey smoother.
OnIslam.net sheds light in this book on stories of new Muslims and how they took their way for finding Islam.
Download here: http://www.onislam.net/english/ebooks/reading-islam/476807-why-i-chose-islam.html
Cultural Competence and Professional TrainingIdentify the tr.docxdorishigh
Cultural Competence and Professional Training
Identify the training, workshop, seminar, or conference on diversity or cultural competence you selected for the Unit 9 study (name of association, title of training, dates of training, location, cost, et cetera).
Describe to your course room colleagues why this would be a worthwhile training to attend (learning opportunities, CEU credits available, networking opportunities, speakers, et cetera). Relate your comments to Sue (2010), Chapters 10–12.
Eleven
Bob’s Story
The Good Christian Son
In Bob’s story, we read about how he views himself in terms of his cultural identity and the shifts that occurred in his religious life as a result of family relationships, his move from the South to the Northeast, and his rethinking about his role in society and in his family. He also talks about what influenced his first career choice as a minister in an Evangelical Christian church and what accounted for the choice of his second career as a teacher. As you read, pay attention to his shifts in personality traits and in his understanding of his religious affiliation and other shifts in his cultural identity.
Bob’s Story
I must admit from the outset that I was somewhat surprised that someone would even be interested in my story. What I mean by that is, when it comes to culture, I have often thought that my life was somewhat void of it. I’m just another White guy with a job, two children, and a wife. I have nothing special to offer in the way of a story, right? Upon further reflection however, I have come to realize that one’s cultural heritage is not about being impressive or unique. Rather, each person’s history is more significant than he or she could ever imagine—at least to them and those with whom they come in contact. So what follows is a sort of snapshot of my life from a cultural and especially spiritual identity standpoint.
I was born in south central Kentucky in a town that had no hospital. My mother and father had to travel several miles to access the needed medical assistance for my birth. This was not seen as a hardship or even an inconvenience, just how things were. My mother was the daughter of a farmer and a homemaker. She was the youngest of 10 children, 7 daughters and 3 sons. My father was from another town in Kentucky. His father was a professional in the trucking industry, and his mother taught music. My father met my mother while he was a college student in music education. He was also the music director of the small rural Southern Baptist church where my mother was a member. My mother’s ethnic background was Scottish and Welsh. Her maiden name reflects that heritage. My father’s ethnic heritage was Dutch and English. I cannot say that these historical roots made any significant contributions to my cultural heritage. Both of my parents seemed to prefer the notion that they were “American,” and that was all that was necessary to them.
In the region of Kentucky I grew up in, people.
To stop racism, jealousy and untamed emotions! Get it together world. We need to create change and give love instead of indifference. Change your heart!
HIS WILL YOUR WAY SYNOPSIS
His Will your way is a religious book, His will your way exposes the word of God and its meaning to help people understand what God expects from them. It is theologically inclined, it is meaning derived from the word of God. His Will your ways teaches people that there is no other way one would understand the will of God than going through the word of God. “I have learned that religiosity comes in the picture when ministers of the word begin to super impose religious view upon people. Forcing them to fast, pray, eat or drink what they (Ministers of the word) believe it is good and etc. while God called us to teach and equip the saints. In so saying, knowing the will of God is imperative, we need to know and understand the will of God.” His will your way was written to play a role of a sign that directs people to the correct information. People in this generation may try to fit in the lives of people on television but His will your way by William Seitshiro stands to say ‘if only you knew Gods will for you then you would understand that you are better than them.
AUTHOR’S INFORMATION
William L. Seitshiro is a young Contemporary Pastor who attended school at Global School of Theology NW and is a young Pastor at Mamelodi International Assemblies of God. He is a Pastor in Sunday school, he loves working with young people hence he is a young man, William loves writing and believes that he writes to all ages including young people, middle aged and the older generation. William noticed that the church is in need of theological accuracy in this contemporary world, hence he considers himself a contemporary pastor. He is a man who lives a Christ centered life, in his age he believes that can change the world through literature.
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
Ethnobotany and Ethnopharmacology:
Ethnobotany in herbal drug evaluation,
Impact of Ethnobotany in traditional medicine,
New development in herbals,
Bio-prospecting tools for drug discovery,
Role of Ethnopharmacology in drug evaluation,
Reverse Pharmacology.
Students, digital devices and success - Andreas Schleicher - 27 May 2024..pptxEduSkills OECD
Andreas Schleicher presents at the OECD webinar ‘Digital devices in schools: detrimental distraction or secret to success?’ on 27 May 2024. The presentation was based on findings from PISA 2022 results and the webinar helped launch the PISA in Focus ‘Managing screen time: How to protect and equip students against distraction’ https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/managing-screen-time_7c225af4-en and the OECD Education Policy Perspective ‘Students, digital devices and success’ can be found here - https://oe.cd/il/5yV
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptxPavel ( NSTU)
Synthetic fiber production is a fascinating and complex field that blends chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. By understanding these aspects, students can gain a comprehensive view of synthetic fiber production, its impact on society and the environment, and the potential for future innovations. Synthetic fibers play a crucial role in modern society, impacting various aspects of daily life, industry, and the environment. ynthetic fibers are integral to modern life, offering a range of benefits from cost-effectiveness and versatility to innovative applications and performance characteristics. While they pose environmental challenges, ongoing research and development aim to create more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Understanding the importance of synthetic fibers helps in appreciating their role in the economy, industry, and daily life, while also emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and innovation.
Palestine last event orientationfvgnh .pptxRaedMohamed3
An EFL lesson about the current events in Palestine. It is intended to be for intermediate students who wish to increase their listening skills through a short lesson in power point.
The Art Pastor's Guide to Sabbath | Steve ThomasonSteve Thomason
What is the purpose of the Sabbath Law in the Torah. It is interesting to compare how the context of the law shifts from Exodus to Deuteronomy. Who gets to rest, and why?
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
Welcome to TechSoup New Member Orientation and Q&A (May 2024).pdfTechSoup
In this webinar you will learn how your organization can access TechSoup's wide variety of product discount and donation programs. From hardware to software, we'll give you a tour of the tools available to help your nonprofit with productivity, collaboration, financial management, donor tracking, security, and more.
Operation “Blue Star” is the only event in the history of Independent India where the state went into war with its own people. Even after about 40 years it is not clear if it was culmination of states anger over people of the region, a political game of power or start of dictatorial chapter in the democratic setup.
The people of Punjab felt alienated from main stream due to denial of their just demands during a long democratic struggle since independence. As it happen all over the word, it led to militant struggle with great loss of lives of military, police and civilian personnel. Killing of Indira Gandhi and massacre of innocent Sikhs in Delhi and other India cities was also associated with this movement.
How to Split Bills in the Odoo 17 POS ModuleCeline George
Bills have a main role in point of sale procedure. It will help to track sales, handling payments and giving receipts to customers. Bill splitting also has an important role in POS. For example, If some friends come together for dinner and if they want to divide the bill then it is possible by POS bill splitting. This slide will show how to split bills in odoo 17 POS.
The truth about god terrorism and what they are hiding from you
1. The Truth About God, Terrorism and What THEY Are
Hiding From You
Being a Muslim I slowly see the very people I grew up with distance themselves from me
like a single duck leaving the flock. Upon realising this, knowing that religion is the only
thing prying us apart I studied religion and its etiquettes. The more I research the more I
was lost; Instead of remaining still in quicksand I fluttered and squirmed only to sink in
quicker. There were far to many questions and hardly any answers, I suppose being a
colossal subject with individuals changing and misinterpreting the holy scriptures for
their own gain; be it political social or perhaps for status, made this a daunting task, the
authenticity of religious scripture were too liable for corruption. The enthusiasm put in to
the talk by the pastor was very convincing, the shouting, the tears, the intense look in the
eye. Little did I know that he was quoting just one verse and the rest was his own
understanding.
Perhaps if I was to ask another pastor, his take on things would be indeed far from this
man's understanding of God. But I was intrigued, as corrupt as it is how then do they still
follow their pastor and scripture? Perhaps they're seeing something that I'm not? not
likely. They celebrate they're celebrations like everything is sound but its far from the
truth, they don't think for themselves, they merely follow they're parents and what they
believed in. Religion has gone through all sorts of bounds and people are hijacking it to
serve their purpose and need, some are mixing it with their culture (e.g. Curry is a Hindu
style of cooking or way of worship), some are making it race related (e.g. Christianity is a
white-only religion) and some are mixing it up and selling it off as a national thing (e.g.
Christmas is a thing that was performed and practiced by Jesus).
It seemed that the answers were not merely given to me, nor were they denied from me,
but it was given to me "Half Baked" so I had to decipher the good bad and the ugly.
When I heard of the the pastor in America saying he just received a revelation of God
that certain rich man will have to pay up more than 1000 dollars because God demanded
it, I realised that we have not progressed much at all. In fact to say the very least we did
not progress at all, the rich man did pay the pastor the money and it seemed like every era
and generation of people will have its good, bad, ugly, dumb and smart people. The rich
man must have been stupid to fall for that trick, but that holy man abusing his position
and using the name of God for his own gain is no different, but God will not favour him
for his wrong doing.
A similar story hits me I recall hearing from some where that in one of the world wars
the soldiers entrusted their children and wives to the church man to look after, they went
2. off to war some lived to tell the tale others were not so fortunate, but after some time
alone with the women and children and the third guy known as the Satan he convinced
the priest to have illegal sexual intercourse with the women with or without her consent
and abuse the children whether it be a girl or boy. I never had a bible, I just heard and
believed in what the pastor told me, if he told me that the sky is red I was willing to
believe in him even if I saw it to be blue, I thought that it was one of those "Faith" things,
though I recall Jesus saying something along the lines of seek the truth and it will free
you, so in other words blind faith is unacceptable.
The individual has work to do and so many duties and such a busy schedule that they
really have no time to ponder on these "insignificant subjects" they are willing to follow
around a dodgy, Erie and/or sinister pastor thinking that he is somehow the ambassador
of God, so holy he could not harm a fly. But let me tell you, the reader, nothing is as it
seems and deception is ripe, this pastor is not a pastor out of passion for religion, but he is
doing it as a career and a job, he really does not care about the other stuff though he may
look convincing.
There was once a man who brought a car and employed a driver to drive the car to take
him to different locations, one day the driver said to the employer the car is broken and
will not work. The employer told him could he fix it, the driver said he can fix it, the car
needs lamb chops, cooking oil, bread and a couple of frying pans and a hob, so the
employer gave him those things he needs to fix the car, the driver went home, had a party
and feast then came back the next day reconnected the battery plug which he
disconnected in the first place and then told the employer that the car is working and that
the lamb chops really did the car wonders, the employer not knowing the workings of a
car genuinely thought that the car needed meat and food to work, this happened at a time
when cars were seldom seen and the idea of automobile was still very new. It just shows
you the importance of knowledge and intelligence also the ability to think for yourself,
had that man in America read his Bible he would have known that the pastor asking for
1000 dollars was a con man.
Many people claim to be men of God but really they are just men of money, they have
many secret agendas, one such man is the Pope, No offence but have you seen him? what
happened to the 7 deadly sins? what about pride and materialism and vanity? this man is
falling foul of a couple of commandments here, he has clothe that are so glamorous and
fashionable, what happened to the statement Jesus said to that man Sell your house clothe
belongings and follow me, and all that stuff about giving in charity? obviously this
individual is not the ideal example of a holy man, but one man of our time whom I know
personally who is a holy man has no hidden agendas and is genuine his name is Dr Zakir
Naik, some of you may have heard of him, some of you may not have heard of him, but
this man is not in the religious business for the sake of personal gain, but for the better
understanding of religion.
3. I heard some of his talks and then started asking my family pastor some questions
obviously he was avoiding the question, long whining and always quoted one verse of the
bible and a million of his own words telling me what he believes it meant. I started
hearing more of Zakir's talks and was asking the pastor and hustling him, eventually he
told my father who was very upset with me, however after some more research and
visiting mosques and talking to Muslims I converted or as Muslims like to say it
"reverted" to Islam because we believe every child is born Muslim but later changes to
the faith of the parents. My conversion to Islam was a secret one as I feared social
isolation and disowning by my parents and family, I'd often have arguments with my
brothers which would eventually turn into a fight. But my suffering and struggle is not
exclusive to me, Jesus, Moses, and the last prophet of Islam and God Prophet
Muhammad (Peace and blessings of God/Allah be on them all) also suffered like this.
I was Preaching to my father because he is a strict Christian who visits other countries for
the sake of visiting their monastery and talking with old time Christian friends at local
Churches, my father is very well acquainted with these men and somehow believes that I,
his own son am possessed by the Devil, he seeks to have those old cranks talk and
persuade me back to Christianity, I told my father the reason for my conversion, upon
talking with him for 4 months he eventually saw the mistake of his ways and faith. My
father took it a step further then I, instead of converting to Islam in secret he went to one
of his old Christian friends and told him about how he intends to convert to Islam, upon
hearing this his friend told some pastors and local priest who said to my father that if he
converted to Islam they would either kill him or go to his home country and burn down
our house.
My father having so much pride told them that he will not convert to Islam but that this
conversation remains a secret. upon coming back home he never spoke a word about that
and when I tried to preach to him some more he told me, with death and destruction on
the rise man has to fend for himself, in doing so he thinks of himself as independent and
tells himself repeatedly, if I never needed God's help all this time then why should I
ask/need it now? and thus atheists are born, and should you realise your wrong after all
these years you may start to cry, some people say crying is pointless, but I say it is the
first step to a resolve. I told him that he was up for converting to Islam what changed his
mind, he said he can not tell me, after a lot of talk he eventually told me. After hearing
what he has to say I told him, so father your not going to follow the truth even though
you know your ways are wrong and sinful? Did Jesus not say speak the truth and the truth
will free you? he said if I convert how will I earn a living? our neighbours will hate us, I
will lose my job, they may burn the house down and we may be victims of social
isolation, no one will want to know us.
I told him, true friends are not people that stay with you because of your money or
religion, they are people that earned your trust and care about you, so if anyone hates you
after you convert to Islam, then they were never your true friends to begin with, I also
explained my situation and told him that I was prepared to tell my friends the truth even
4. if that means I will never see them again, this was just some of the hardships facing me,
but the hardest part was to tell my childhood sweetheart who is a strict Christian that I
grew up with since I was 8 years old. We were due to get married and because we both
were Christians everything kept working out for the better, but when I told her I was
going to convert to Islam it broke her heart. She tried to tell her parents that she still
wants to get married to me even though I was a Muslim but her parents forbade her, and
she was unwilling to convert to Islam because of the fear of disowning by her family.
I suppose a lot of people are actually willing to convert to Islam but because of fear of
disowning, social isolation and the threat of having your house burned down is not very
encouraging. I read a ebook written by a priest who converted to Islam, the book was
about other priests and Nuns who also converted to Islam and some of the hardship they
had to go through to convert to Islam, death threats, murder and all that, I wonder where
all that preaching of love from the Christians went? But on other hand what about the
crusade? it is already very well known that it was financially and politically and
materialistically motivated
When I took the plunge and converted I had to make a lot of sacrifices, some people will
not be willing to make the same sacrifices I made, but it had to be done. Please let me
take this opportunity to ask that everyone be more understanding and not selfish, do not
only think about yourself or the difficulties you will be facing but also think about the
difficulties others will be facing and how it will affect their lives. I don't mean any
offence by this, but if the Muslims were doing their preaching the correct way then
perhaps my parents could have been Muslim and I might not have gone though such a lot
nor would I have to lose such a valuable person in my life, bombing is not the way,
preaching is.
If you have learned anything from reading this, do not keep it to yourself, share it, tell
your friends, family and relatives and if you know more than one language then please
explain it (the lessons you learnt) to people that are less likely to read something like this.
Please feel free to visit the websites below for more information and research material
that is authentic and unbiased for free, just highlight using the mouse, copy and paste in
the URL bar of windows explorer and press enter.
For authentic religious research material
http://www.irf.net/
For more information on Islam
http://www.irf.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=124&Itemid=97
5. For more information on Christianity
http://www.irf.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=127&Itemid=100
For similarities between Islam and Christianity
http://www.irf.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=128&Itemid=146
For more information on Prophet Muhammad PBUH in the Bible
http://www.irf.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=205&Itemid=101
For more information on Hinduism
http://www.irf.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=146&Itemid=129
For information on Prophet Muhammad PBUH in the Hindu holy scripture
http://www.irf.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=201&Itemid=131
For more information on Buddhism
http://www.irf.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=198&Itemid=141
For more information on Muhammad PBUH in the Buddhist scripture
http://www.irf.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=199&Itemid=142
For proof of the existance of God/Allah/God Almighty
http://www.irf.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=212&Itemid=186
For more information on high profile people converting to Islam
http://www.islamtomorrow.com/converts/
To watch informative videos of all aspects of religion whether debates, dialogues,
speeches or lectures by learned converts and high profile religious scholers/leaders
(Subjects include religious and non religious subjects, Islam, Christianity, terrorism,
similarities between religions, Capitalism ETC).
http://www.watchislam.com/videos/index.php?catid=-1
6. For more information on Christianity
http://www.irf.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=127&Itemid=100
For similarities between Islam and Christianity
http://www.irf.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=128&Itemid=146
For more information on Prophet Muhammad PBUH in the Bible
http://www.irf.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=205&Itemid=101
For more information on Hinduism
http://www.irf.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=146&Itemid=129
For information on Prophet Muhammad PBUH in the Hindu holy scripture
http://www.irf.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=201&Itemid=131
For more information on Buddhism
http://www.irf.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=198&Itemid=141
For more information on Muhammad PBUH in the Buddhist scripture
http://www.irf.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=199&Itemid=142
For proof of the existance of God/Allah/God Almighty
http://www.irf.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=212&Itemid=186
For more information on high profile people converting to Islam
http://www.islamtomorrow.com/converts/
To watch informative videos of all aspects of religion whether debates, dialogues,
speeches or lectures by learned converts and high profile religious scholers/leaders
(Subjects include religious and non religious subjects, Islam, Christianity, terrorism,
similarities between religions, Capitalism ETC).
http://www.watchislam.com/videos/index.php?catid=-1