Tell us a bit about yourself.
I come from a Catholic family background. Born in Pakistan, lived in Iran as a toddler and then at 23 moved to Dubai and lived there for over 24 years. Even at a young age, my curiosity as an altar boy, volunteering in church activities and events, the singing and playing music in a choir, among many things, have always left an impression that God wanted me to be different. This feeling became evident as a young adult that there was a calling into a unique place of serving and seeing God's people being empowered and released. Worship music and leading has also played a very important role in my life. To see a community of believers, adoring the Lord in worship, is a priceless experience and journey I feel God has led me into. By serving in various church expressions, God has instilled a passion in me to see new expressions develop in churches that are based on good theology and authentic discipleship.
I am grateful that I had some very good mentors in my life at an early age who inspired and challenged me to see the works of God in others and help them see it too. I have always been drawn to how Jesus treated people. His understanding of the culture of His time and those outside it (Mt.8:5-9) and how He demonstrated Kingdom values that were not of the world. This has attracted me to dig deeper into the Word and sacrament, to see how valuable these gifts are and being entrusted to us, to glorify Him. We forget that God is a King and as a King, He has established a Kingdom with a unique way of living and engaging with others. I wish to be part of that and to help others live that way of life too.
What first drew you to study at St Mellitus College?
I was at HTB Focus with my food truck a few years ago when a Chaplain friend of mine came to get some food. In our conversation, he suggested I consider doing the Peter Stream as he knew my heart and passion to serve the Lord. During that day, I met with the Lead for Peter Stream who advised me that I needed to be in an Anglican Church to be considered for enrolment. The next day at Focus, a vicar friend of mine came to buy some food and I casually mentioned my desire to pursue ordination/Peter Stream. His encouragement and invitation to join his church community was very welcoming and gave me a sense of direction that I felt was also God sent. After six months at this new church, I enrolled at St. Mellitus to be part of Peter Stream. During that time, through discernment both at St Mellitus and within my own Diocese, God’s calling on my life, which has been evident from an early age, became very clear and is now being further continued through ordination training.
How has your experience at St Mellitus surprised or challenged you?
To be able to connect with the wider college community and engage in deep and meaningful conversations, to lead worship and make new friends in a very short time, has taken me by surprise. The atmosphere at the college is very welcoming and friendly. The fellow students and lecturers intently connect and check up on you. It feels like a massive family.
Can you share a moment or experience at St Mellitus that has been particularly meaningful or transformative for you?
Experiencing different worship styles from traditional to contemporary has been a joy for me. To see so many students lead, respond and engage during morning worship, has taught me the vast richness of God’s tapestry of people that are seeking His face, and it is such a privilege to be part of. Finally, to see each other grow as one body in Christ has been life giving and transformative for me. One particular session was led by a lecturer in which there was an image we had to contemplate on. The waiting, the gazing and the process of seeing God in it was amazing. It just tells me that God is present is all things and we are surrounded by His designs.
How have your studies shaped your understanding of God, faith, or your calling?
Learning about the Anglican way of life and the Church of England, I feel drawn to her missional values and newness. Quoting the Archbishops’ Council of 1999, from their vision and objectives, I am drawn and excited about a “younger and diverse church”, “revitalized parishes”, and “new Christian communities” to live out the five marks of mission. Spending time in my own church, being on the PCC, church leadership and engaging with Sunday services has all reminded me of why I feel the call even more deeply. ‘The harvest is plentiful, and the workers are few’ (Mt. 9:35-38) is a serious reminder to me that the Lord is seeking labourers for His vineyard.
My own discernment has been clear since an early age, and seeing that being used ever since leaves no doubt that this is something the Lord is calling me to. I have a strong passion to serve young people, encourage diversity and inclusion and equip a multi-generational congregation that worships God through the five marks. I am keen to explore a ‘Eucharismatic’ approach to Communion and Liturgy that celebrates the intimacy and reverence and the invitation of the unworthy. In my understanding, we need to be better at communicating our Christian faith by making our Sacraments and Liturgy not just accessible but more engaging and inviting, leaving congregants hungry for more. I believe in my training towards priesthood, I can perhaps represent these passions richly and help in building a community that is genuinely challenged to love God and His people.
What tips or advice would you give to someone thinking of studying theology or joining St Mellitus College?
I would say "God is painting a picture of you in His grand design. He always had you in mind. Your life may have taken many turns and perhaps even left you uncertain. But what is certain that He is painting you into something new and it will be wonderful because He is just getting started."
In three words, describe your time at St Mellitus College?
Authentic: We are all called to be authentic. This is where God truly meets us. Face to face. His image is in me, and He is making me into His likeness, transforming me daily from the inside out. I am here to discover myself in Him as I discover Him in me. Young people are also searching for Jesus. Not just from the bible but through those who call themselves Christians. They are looking at our lifestyles. They need to see the real Jesus in us and not just in our words. We can draw them into the authenticity of Jesus by being authentic ourselves.
Curious: Being curious is an exciting character to possess. It opens doors to understanding the hidden mysteries of God. And then to take that into the world and share it, is a privilege. It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out. Proverbs 25. (ESV)
Hunger: Hungry for more of God’s presence, more of His nature, more of His knowledge. How can I feed others if I am not hungry myself or understand the value of hunger. In my prayer time, these words I believe from the Holy Spirit, came to me: ‘your hunger can feed thousands. Stay hungry.’ I believe this resonates with me when Jesus fed the five thousand, there was no food, and the disciples barely had enough to feed themselves. They were hungry too. They never saw what was coming when Jesus multiplied it. It was the demonstration of the power of God to provide for many out of the little. I know that whatever little I possess or have, God can use to bless many if I offer it to Him. This is what makes the journey beautiful.
