AP

I moved to Australia in 2004 from Bangladesh as a student. I was raised in a moderate Muslim family, where following the rules and practices of Islam was important, but never forced upon me by my parents. While living in Australia, I shared accommodation with other Muslim students and became part of a Bangladeshi community. We would often gather on weekends to socialise and enjoy ourselves. Over time, I fell into a lifestyle of drinking alcohol, which eventually led to alcoholism.

In 2007, after a night of heavy drinking, I was driving a rented car to pick up a friend when I had an accident that resulted in the car being written off. As a student with limited working hours and no savings, I was unable to cover the cost, and none of my friends could help. At that time, a Bangladeshi Christian friend suggested that I meet Mr. Ewen Brown, a pastor at Bexley Presbyterian Church.

My initial intention in meeting him—whom I came to call Pa Brown—was to seek financial help. However, when I met him, he welcomed me warmly. He listened patiently to my situation and gently pointed out that my real problem was not financial, but my sinful lifestyle, especially my drinking. He gave me a Bible and invited me to attend church.

Motivated partly by the hope of help and partly by his kindness, I began attending church. Pa Brown later assisted me in arranging an instalment plan with the rental company. At times, he would even pick me up from Campsie to take me to church services. Through this, I began to hear the Word of God, although I continued in my sinful habits of drinking and gambling.

As a result of my lifestyle, my life began to decline. I left my studies, stopped working, and eventually found myself unable to pay rent. During this difficult time, I again sought help from Pa Brown. He and his wife, Elizabeth Brown, were generous in their care for me.

At this time, I became more consistent in attending Bible studies and church services. With the help of a Christian community, I regularly participated in Bible studies, prayer meetings, and church activities. During this time, I grew in my understanding of God’s Word, and by His mercy, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour.

Throughout this journey, I witnessed Pa Brown’s dedication in helping many others. He became a mentor, teacher, and guardian to me. Through him and Elizabeth, I saw what it truly means to live a Christian life. In 2008, I was baptised at Bexley Presbyterian Church.

However, after moving out and living again with other Bangladeshi friends, I fell back into my old habits of drinking and gambling. I distanced myself from Pa Brown and from my faith. Despite this, he never gave up on me. He would occasionally call to check on me, encouraging me to be sincere with God, to read the Bible, and to return to church—but I often avoided him.

My life went through many ups and downs. In 2015, my wife joined me in Australia. We had some good years together, but my struggles with alcohol and gambling caused serious problems. I sought help through counselling and medical advice, but nothing brought lasting change. Eventually, I responded again to Pa Brown’s call and went to see him. After that visit, I began reading the Bible again, attending church, and taking my spiritual life more seriously.

On 20th December 2025, while having a long conversation with friends overseas about religious beliefs, something changed within my heart. I felt a deep conviction that what I was speaking about was true, and that I must follow it with all my heart and soul.

Since then, I have experienced the presence of God in my heart in a real and personal way. I now truly understand what Jesus Christ has done for us and why. I believe with all my heart that He is our Saviour, and that apart from Him, there is no eternal life.

I thank God wholeheartedly for this true transformation. I am deeply grateful to Pa Brown and Elizabeth for their unwavering love and support throughout my journey. I pray that God blesses them with long life and good health so they may continue to guide and help many others who are lost, just as I once was.

Now, I desire to devote the rest of my life to spreading the Good News to the world, especially among the Muslim community, both locally and abroad.

– Syed Hossain