I grew up in a Christian family in Karachi, Pakistan, a bustling port city with a strong British influence. We lived in a neighbourhood with many Christians, went to a well-known Christian school; even some prime ministers attended there. Despite the fact that Christians were often seen as belonging to the lower caste, we experienced relatively little direct discrimination. But we did know: cleaning work, only Christians did that. That was deeply rooted in society.
Until I was 15, I lived in Pakistan, but the call of Europe was already ringing in our family. My grandfather had already left for Germany in the 1970s, and when it became clear that legalisation opportunities were available in the Netherlands, he travelled to Rotterdam with three friends. There, he ended up with a pastor, Pastor Lussenburg, who helped him get housing and a place to stay. As family members were granted legal residence, we too were able to come to the Netherlands. From this first step, a community and later a Pakistani church slowly emerged.
When I was 15, I came to live in the Netherlands. The transition was big, but I had lived in a kind of bubble for a long time, so the culture shock was limited. I saw it as an opportunity. Many Christian families from Pakistan were migrating to Europe, Canada or Australia for safety and future prospects - there was a lot of tension, attacks and fear. I met my wife Nina at a wedding in Pakistan - that's where we chose each other. Love and family are important in our culture, and our bond is a great example of that.
My grandfather once left, like Moses, with nothing in his hands. By God's grace, he was able to prepare the way. Now I live here, with a sense of deep gratitude. I am now an elder in the ICF South congregation. Prayer is my lifeline, a legacy from my grandmother. She was uneducated but had a deep faith. I loved her more than anyone else. Even when she was poor, she gave away her last loaf of bread.
In my work, I try to show my faith. My colleagues know I am a Christian - I share openly what drives me. My prayer? That all my family lives out the faith. Because each of us has been given an area to be a blessing; that is my mission.