My Testimony: God Called Me into His Ministry

From an Ordinary Life to God’s Calling

Dear friends, I want to share something about my life that still fills me with wonder and gratitude. There was a time when I never imagined I would become a pastor or serve God in this way.

My life was much like that of many working people. I had a job, followed my everyday routine and occasionally attended church on Sundays. I had no plan to enter pastoral ministry, no intention of attending Bible college and no expectation that God would one day call me to preach His Word.

But God’s plans are greater than our own. Ephesians 3:20 reminds me that God is able to accomplish far more than we ask or imagine. When I remember the person I was and the path God opened before me, I see His grace in every part of the story.

2013: A Turning Point in My Life

In 2013, something happened that changed the direction of my life. I was employed at the time, and a transfer connected with my job changed the route of my daily journey. Along that route, I passed a church.

I began stopping at the church to pray. I would spend time before God on my way to work and stop again on my way home. At first, I did not understand what God was doing in my life. I simply wanted to pray and spend time in His presence.

Gradually, that church became a special place for me. What had begun as a quiet moment of prayer became the beginning of a much greater spiritual journey. I now believe God was preparing my heart for service even when I could not yet see His purpose clearly.

Jeremiah 1:5 reminds me of God’s knowledge and purpose before our lives begin. Looking back, I can see how patiently He guided me, one step at a time.

Learning to Serve Alongside a Pastor

As time passed, opportunities to serve began to open. I accompanied a pastor to different places and had opportunities to share God’s Word with people. This was a season of learning, listening and growing in faith.

By observing ministry closely, I began to understand more of its responsibility. I also developed a deeper desire to study Scripture and serve others. What I once thought was impossible began to take shape in my heart.

I gradually became convinced that God was calling me to set my life apart for His service. Acts 13:2, where Barnabas and Saul are set apart for the work to which they were called, became a meaningful reminder of what it means to respond to God’s direction.

I learned that a calling is more than an idea or a title. It is a responsibility that asks us to surrender our plans and offer ourselves to God.

Leaving My Job and Entering Bible College

Eventually, I faced an important decision. I had my employment on one side and a growing conviction about God’s call on the other.

After prayer and reflection, I decided to leave my job and enter Bible college so I could study God’s Word and prepare myself for ministry. It was a significant decision. I did not know exactly what the future would bring, but I trusted the Lord who had been guiding me.

Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and acknowledge Him in our ways. Those verses express the faith I needed at that time.

Bible college became an important season of preparation, allowing me to grow in my understanding of Scripture and my commitment to service. I thank God for sustaining me, guiding me and providing opportunities to continue serving Him.

God Blessed Me With a Beautiful Family

The Lord has blessed me not only through ministry but also through my family. Through the church, God brought a wonderful life partner into my life. I am grateful that my wife shares my desire to serve Him and walks alongside me in this journey.

God has also blessed us with a daughter and a son. I thank Him for the gift of our children, and I pray that He will guide and protect them and fulfill His good purposes in their lives.

Psalm 127:3 reminds us that children are a gift from the Lord. My prayer is that our family will remain strong in faith, united in love and faithful in serving Jesus Christ together.

A Special Calling to Serve Children

As my ministry journey continued, God placed a particular concern for children on my heart. I wanted them to know the love of Jesus Christ, become familiar with His Word and receive the encouragement they need to grow with confidence and hope.

By God’s grace, I had opportunities to preach and serve in different cities across Pakistan. During those experiences, I became especially concerned for children whose families face poverty and limited access to educational opportunities.

My heart was drawn to children in brick kiln worker communities. I began Sunday school ministry among children in these communities and also began work toward providing free educational opportunities for them. My desire is that children should have opportunities to learn, develop good character and build a better future.

I want children to experience both educational encouragement and the love of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus welcomes children and tells His followers not to hinder them from coming to Him. Those words remain close to my heart and strengthen my commitment to children’s ministry.

I pray that God will continue to open doors for this work so that poverty does not prevent children from receiving opportunities to learn and grow. Education and humanitarian help must always respect the dignity, safety and freedom of every child and family.

Ministry Across Pakistan and Beyond

Over the years, I have seen God’s faithfulness again and again. He has given me opportunities to preach His Word in different cities of Pakistan, and I have also had opportunities to serve abroad.

When I reflect on these experiences, I do not see them as proof of my own greatness, strength or wisdom. I see the grace of God, who opens doors and makes service possible.

The words of the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:10 speak deeply to me: I am what I am by the grace of God. That is also my testimony. Whatever opportunities I have received, and wherever I have been able to serve, I give thanks to the Lord.

My purpose is not to build a name for myself. My desire is to glorify Jesus Christ, encourage others through God’s Word and serve people with sincerity and love.

My Prayer for a Greater Ministry

Even today, my heart carries a strong desire to serve more people. I pray that God will expand the reach of this ministry and open opportunities to serve more children, young people, families experiencing poverty and communities in need.

I ask the Lord for wisdom, love, courage and faithfulness. I want to handle His Word responsibly and serve people in ways that reflect His compassion. I know challenges may lie ahead, but I trust the God who has guided me this far.

The prayer of Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:10, asking God for blessing, His hand of guidance and an enlarged reach, is meaningful to me. My prayer is similar:

Lord, expand the opportunities for this ministry. Keep me close to You. Bless and protect my family and children. Grant me wisdom to share Your Word faithfully and opportunities to help those in need. Use my life for Your glory. Amen.

I also ask you to pray for me and for my family, that we may remain faithful to God’s calling and that our service may be a blessing to others.

Closing Testimony: All by God’s Grace

Dear friends, when I look back on the journey that began to change in 2013, my heart is filled with thanksgiving.

I was once a working man who had never imagined becoming a pastor. I attended church only occasionally. Yet God drew me closer through prayer, opened opportunities for ministry, led me to Bible college, blessed me with a family and gave me opportunities to share His Word.

The ministry I never planned for became part of my life through His grace. My testimony is that God continues to call people, transform lives and use ordinary individuals for His purposes.

Philippians 1:6 reminds me that the One who begins a good work is faithful to carry it forward. I trust that God will continue guiding my life according to His will.

My prayer is that each day of my life, each step of my ministry and each member of my family will bring glory to Jesus Christ.

All glory, honor, praise and worship belong to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Alyas Rafiq
Founder and Chairman, Zoy Alyas Welfare Foundation (ZAWF)
Lahore, Pakistan