Among a ridge of large mountains in China sits a small beautiful valley that is home to my Hui village. My family has lived there for generations. It is a poor life, but it is the only life we have ever known until now.
After attending junior high, I went to technical school just like all the other kids in the village. I learned a trade and began working. My parents were happy. I was making money, but I was not happy. I wanted a different life. I dreamed about the world. I wanted out of the village. I began studying every night. Every free moment, I taught myself everything a student would learn in high school. I learned English, Chinese history, Chinese grammar, literature, math and science. I studied them all. Then I took the high school, self-study graduation test. I passed! I finally had a way out.
When I informed my parents I was leaving for the big city to attend college, they were not happy. They wanted me to stay home and work. They believed I had a stable life. They were also afraid that at the university I would be taught to reject my Muslim faith. It is said and believed by many in China that knowledge is found inside the gates of the university while religion is left outside. By going into the university, my family and community feared I would walk away from Islam.
I have lived in the big city now for many years. I enjoy studying at the university. I hope to write many books someday. I am still Muslim culturally, but I struggle with Islam. I no longer know if it is true or not. Most of my friends and classmates do not know I am Hui. I only admit it if asked. I am tolerant of all beliefs. I believe it is wrong to tell someone what to think. It is fine if my friends are atheist, Buddhist or Christian as long as they do not challenge my beliefs.
Prayer Requests:
- Pray that this young man will open his eyes and ears to hear the Gospel and see its truth. May he turn to follow Jesus this year.
- May Chinese Muslims understand and believe that there is only one way. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and only through Him can Chinese Muslims come to know the Father.