Until Jesus Called My Name

A JOURNEY FROM A SLUM TO DISCIPLING HUNDREDS OF STUDENTS

I was born into a Hindu family and grew up worshiping idols. My childhood was marked by poverty and pain. When I was in the 6th standard, my father passed away, leaving my mother alone to raise five children. She worked tirelessly as a helper to feed us, but life was full of hardship. I longed for a father’s love but found none, and gradually my heart became empty. 

As a young boy, I tried to find purpose by serving idols at the temple every Tuesday. I believed that by doing so, the gods would bless me. But when I failed in the 8th standard despite my devotion, I was shattered. I thought, “If God is real, why does He not help me?” I felt completely abandoned. In despair, I even thought of ending my life, but fear stopped me. That day, I made a firm decision that there was no God. 

Days turned into months. I grew up without any aim or direction. I stopped studying and began spending time with bad company, stealing, and abusing. My mother tried to correct me, but I rejected every good thing she said. Deep inside, I was broken, hopeless, and angry at life. 

How I Met Jesus: When I was living without purpose, my brother invited me to join a Gospel Center he had joined a couple of months ago. I went reluctantly, just to please him. There I met a teacher who welcomed me with kindness. On the first day, he taught me a few English words, encouraged me, and gave me samosa and jalebi. His care touched me, and for those simple snacks, I kept coming regularly! 

As I continued attending the Gospel Center, my teacher—who was also a friend of my elder brother—began teaching me a one-to-one Bible study. The topic was Matthew 7:7: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” 

My teacher told me, “Jesus is the Lord, and when you sincerely ask in His name for what you truly need, He will answer your prayers.” I replied with tears, “My father passed away when I was very young. I have suffered along with my family. We live in a one-room house in the slum—five siblings and my mother. We struggle even for food. God never gives me anything. I don’t think there is any God.” Gently, my teacher said, “Just pray for what you actually need—in Jesus’ name.” So I decided to pray for two things: 

1. That I pass 8th grade, because I had already failed twice and this was my last chance before the school expelled me. 

2. That I learn to play the guitar. 

From that day, my teacher and I prayed together every day. He didn’t just pray—he also spent his days and nights teaching me English and other subjects along with my regular Bible study. He even arranged another teacher to teach me the guitar. To my surprise, I began to do well in my studies, and my guitar skills improved. After two long years, I finally passed 8th grade and began playing guitar. When I saw these results and the change in my life, I broke down in tears. I realized that Jesus had heard my prayers. I repented for all my sins—my stealing, abusing, immoral life, and not believing in Jesus—and asked Jesus to forgive me. I prayed, “Lord Jesus, please accept me as Your son and take care of me.” I accepted Him as my one and only God and Savior. I believed that Jesus died on the cross for my sins because He loves me. And from that moment, there has been no turning back. 

After accepting Jesus, my life began to change completely. I continued to study the Bible and went to the Gospel Center every day. I spent most of my time there—studying, eating, sleeping, attending morning prayers, and then going home only to get ready for school. God helped me grow both in faith and in my studies. By God’s grace, I passed my 12th grade with a good percentage and was admitted to the University of Delhi—a dream for many students in India. During my bachelor’s degree, I served full-time as a leader in my Gospel Center. I swept the floors, cleaned the halls, taught the Bible, helped others to study, taught the guitar, and led praise and worship. God used me in every area of ministry and shaped my heart as His servant. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I started a new Gospel Center. Later, He blessed me with a wonderful job at the Embassy. Through this, God provided stable work and a good salary so that I could take care of my family and also sustain the Gospel Center financially. I have seen that when we trust and obey, God makes the impossible possible. Today, I serve at a Gospel Center, where around 100 students gather regularly. I deliver Sunday messages, teach music, guide students in their academics, and lead group Bible studies. The same God who rescued me from darkness is now using me to bring His light to others. Not only this, after receiving a stable job, I have now moved out of the slum and am living a dignified life. My prayer is that God may use my life for His glory. 

I believe music is a powerful tool to draw youth closer to Christ, so I want to use my gifts to strengthen our ministry in praise and worship. I also believe that education removes poverty and restores dignity. My vision is to educate and disciple young people across India so they may know Jesus personally and become leaders for His Kingdom. 

I pray to see a generation transformed by His Word—disciples who become lights in their families and communities. Through these Gospel Centers, I believe many more “Rahuls” will find purpose, forgiveness, and new life in Jesus.