I am a thirty-year-old Hui man. I was born in a poor, small village. My parents pushed me to do well in school when I was younger. Because of my hard work and good grades, I was able to go to Beijing for University. This was a great privilege for me, since many Hui people where I am from do not have these kinds of opportunities. After I graduated I remained in Beijing to work for a few years. Although I liked the worldview I gained from this experience, the big city was a little too much for me. Life in Beijing is very fast-paced and everyone spends all of their time working hard just to get ahead. I decided to move back to the capital city of my home province, so I could be closer to my family and enjoy a slower paced life.

To get a decent job, I joined a government owned company. Being Hui in a company like this means that I am not allowed to wear the traditional Hui hat or grow out my beard. I also do not have time to attend the mosque regularly, as I must keep normal working hours. I am currently working at an entry level position, but I would like to earn a higher position. In order to do this, I must join the Communist Party. The Party requires all members to renounce their religion and put all “faith” into the Party. If I join and make this statement, I could no longer openly practice my religion, including going to the mosque in my hometown with my family for the holidays. I am currently wrestling with this decision. I would like to have a better job to support my family in the future, but this would be a huge sacrifice.

Religion is very dear and interesting to me. It is dear because of the Islamic traditions that I grew up with and have practiced my whole life. It is interesting because of the things I have learned about while away at school. During this time, I was exposed to the religious beliefs that people around the world hold. I love to learn and have spent much time studying other religions and history.

I recently met a foreigner who is a Christian. We have had many in depth discussions about Christianity and Islam. My basic conclusion is that having religion is a good thing. Fundamentally, I think that all religions are the same, in the sense that they make you a better person. I know that Christianity and Islam disagree greatly about who Jesus really is. Although I appreciate hearing my Christian friend’s view point, I am not willing to change my beliefs.

Prayer Requests

• Pray that students who leave their village to study at universities in bigger cities would encounter Christians on their campuses and hear the true story of Jesus.
• Pray for young Muslim professionals struggling with the decision of whether or not to join the Communist Party. Pray that they would find that their greatest hope lies not in the Party, nor Islam, but in following Christ.
• Pray for seekers, Muslim people who are interested in learning more about Christianity. Pray they would meet Christians who would love them and point them to Christ.
• Pray for Muslims who have heard the Gospel. Pray that their knowledge would move to repentance and faith.

The picture is not of the storyteller in order to protect the identities of those who have shared their stories and lives with us over the years.