My name is Khamza. I am twenty-four years old and I was born in Kazakhstan. Throughout my life, I changed my beliefs several times, but I eventually chose one, and I do not regret that decision.
When I was about six or seven years old, my parents began telling me about Islam. In 2009, I started attending a mosque and communicating with a local mullah. He taught me the foundations of Islam, and I began reading the Quran. I was the only disciple of that mullah.
From the ages of seven to about fourteen, I was a Muslim. I recited surahs from the Quran, and although I did not know the entire Quran by heart, I knew enough (about a quarter) to be considered a Muslim in Kazakhstan.
When I was fourteen years old, I changed schools and began learning about evolution, the Big Bang, and science. My worldview began to tremble. My cousin introduced me to atheism, and after several discussions, in 2016 I became an atheist. From ages fourteen to twenty-two, I was very convinced of my belief in atheism. I loved science, scientific books, and critical thinking, and I was interested in philosophy, history, and science. I am still interested in those things today, but at that time, they were the foundation of my atheist beliefs and my conviction that there is no God.
In April 2023, I visited a friend who introduced me to Timur. The month of April is important to me, and I will explain why later in my testimony. That same day, Timur shared the Gospel with me and gave me a Four Gospel wristband. I really liked the bracelet because it was aesthetically pleasing. Timur and I became friends, and we are still close friends today.
In December 2023, I became more curious about Christianity. My goal was to study the Christian faith. I learned that Christianity is one of the major world religions. One day, while watching a YouTube video, I learned that sin entered the world and caused war and suffering. I also learned that the Bible says Jesus came to pay for sin and that He conquered sin. That message touched my heart deeply, and I repented and accepted Jesus into my heart as my Lord and Savior. I shared this with my friend Timur and asked him what church he attended in his city. I joined a local house church and in all my work transitions it continues to be a supportive place for my walk with Jesus. I have now been part of the body of Christ for the past two years. I am convinced that I know the truth, and I now use my critical thinking to defend my faith and to argue that Christianity is the truth.
Before becoming a Christian, I was growing up as a regular kid who was taught false beliefs and who either became Muslim or atheist. Many young people pursue pleasure, live by the flesh, and enjoy sin through alcohol, sexual sin, and other destructive behaviors. Those who do not live that way often end up living meaningless lives. I believe that faith in Christ is the salvation they need, and I am grateful that I found the truth.
I mentioned that April is an important month to me and that is because it was in April when I first heard the Gospel. It was in January 2024 that I accepted Jesus into my heart. That is exactly nine months later, which is symbolic because nine months is the length of pregnancy. Just as a child develops in the womb before being born, we are born again in Christ. I heard about Jesus, and nine months later, I believed and was born again.
It is frightening to imagine what my life would be like if I had never found Christ or believed in Him. Even if I were rich, famous, and strong, I would not be prepared to live this life without knowing Christ. I am deeply grateful that my life took this turn, and I am thankful to now be living my life in Christ. To take the next step in my faith, I look forward to being baptized in the coming months.
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