Ghani - India

Nickname: gunnysack

Hi, my name is Ghani. I was born in Kolkata to a very rich and influential family. Yet from a young age, I rebelled against the very thought of being forced to say the Islamic name I was given at birth, and I disliked the compulsory reading of the Koran.

While I was young, my father decided to send my many brothers, sisters and me to Christian schools. During my days in a Catholic school, I found I was fascinated by classes on Bible history. There, I heard stories that matched those being told to me by my Islamic teacher but with some slight differences. So I became curious, and my interest in the Bible increased when I found I could read and understand it for myself. This was different from the Koran that was written in Arabic. Next, I started to compare the Allah of the Koran with the God of the Bible. My little knowledge and understanding at that time drew me closer to the God of the Bible. He was a God easier to approach, easier to relate to, and full of love.

While playing field hockey at 15, I became friendly with a group of young people who invited me to their church. I went and met others I liked very much; and soon, I was visiting their fellowship on a regular basis. One day, a young Chinese man asked me to sit with him and discuss ‘life.’ I was not too sure what he meant by ‘life,’ but I sat with him and discussed the topic. After an hour, he asked me if I was willing to give Jesus a chance and make my life more meaningful. I was hesitant at first. I thought about it for a couple of days and said why not. It was on the 24th of June 1969 that I closed my eyes and accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. At first, I was afraid to speak openly about my decision because I came from a very orthodox Muslim family. I was 17 years old at the time.

It was not long before my family learned of my decision. They were not happy and threatened to harm me. They tried many ways, but my Friend and God, Jesus, helped me go through all the tests that came my way. It reached a point where I had to leave home and go on my own. It was very difficult. I faced having to earn a living, something I had never done before. I returned to school, but my family would not pay the fees. So I worked during the day and studied at night.

I never aspired to a high position in any job I held because I believed God's love can be passed on by rubbing shoulders with common people - sharing their sorrows and joys as it says in Psalm 126:5-6, "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him." These verses first became important when I was introduced to the woman who was to become my life partner. After borrowing money to buy a Bible for my father, the next time I saw him he said he had found the ideal woman to be my wife. I prayed and fasted over my decision, and when I returned to Calcutta, I told my father I was ready to marry the girl he had chosen for me. She was Muslim, but soon after our marriage in 1977, she asked me to help her believe in Jesus. So I helped her meet the Savior, much like the young Chinese man had done for me. Today, my wife and I have two lovely children, a daughter and a son.

The days of testing strengthened my faith in God and remain a precious part of my life. Now, I am not afraid to go forward with all the odds against me. I know that if I had not accepted Jesus as Lord of my life, I would never have seen today. Jesus shed His blood on Calvary for me.

As time went by, I became interested in photography and saw that it is a great way to share my faith with others because the eyes of people are the windows to their heart. Most of my photographs focus on the eyes. I have been able to help a lot of people - not by telling them about the pain or sorrow I see in their eyes - but how to attain the true inner joy that comes from knowing the Lord.

Today, my work involves coordinating and teaching courses and encouraging young people to pursue their studies in photography.