Experiencing God's love through God's people

By Nagina Kaleem

My journey as a Christian woman began in Pakistan, where my husband and I dedicated our lives to empowering the downtrodden Christian community through education and skill-building initiatives.

Our mission was driven by the conclusion that education is a powerful tool for transformation and Christian women deserve better chances, rather than being limited to menial-jobs and facing abuse because of their faith.

We moved to the UK in 2011 and after a year and a half, I was diagnosed with cancer. This news filled me with fear and made me feel very vulnerable. I was already facing many socio-cultural challenges, and the different medical uncertainties added to my stress.

Encouragement from God's Word

During that period, I read a passage from the Bible, Luke 22v42, where Jesus prays on the Mount of Olives, saying, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." This verse resonated with me because I was also praying for my suffering to end.

The next verse, Luke 22v43, says, "An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him." After reading this, I wondered whether God would send an angel to strengthen me during my harsh cancer treatment. But the thought of encountering an angel in the hospital filled me with fear rather than comfort. As I struggled with these thoughts, I kept on thinking about how God might provide the strength I needed.

Encountering God's love through His people

The next day, there was a women's conference at my church. I didn't want to go. I wanted to avoid any cancer-related conversations, but a friend encouraged me to attend.

When I arrived, another friend greeted me saying, "Sister, don't worry. We will be your strength wherever you feel vulnerable. We are here to pray with you and support you." Her words were a direct answer to my questions. This assurance was a turning point in my faith journey.

I understood that God is always in control and knows our needs. He uses His people to convey His message to others. He was showing me the strength of angels through human kindness and compassion.

Today...

My passion for empowering Pakistani Christian women never faded and after my cancer treatment, I also began supporting immigrant women in the UK. Although I don’t preach to them directly, I try and live out the gospel through sharing Christian love, kindness, and compassion.

Also, for the past five years I have been a part of a Christian broadcast on a local Asian radio station. Despite not knowing who listens, I am convinced that God uses this platform to touch hearts and strengthen people by His Word through us.

I am committed to sharing God's love, and I encourage everyone to be thoughtful of those around them and offer support and encouragement.

Just as God strengthened Jesus on the Mount of Olives, He can use us to strengthen and uplift those in need.

Nagina Kaleem is a professional science teacher with over two decades of experience promoting girls' education in Pakistan. She runs a social enterprise called Cross-Culture Hub in Southampton to fulfil her passion for empowering and educating women.

This blog is part of an everyday evangelism series written by women in Passion for Evangelism for Evangelicals Now.