Yasir becomes a motorcycle mechanic and child of God
By Tianna Haas | Pakistan in South Asia
Yasir* was just 13 when his father died and 14 when his mother died. It is common in Pakistan for orphans to stay with their remaining family to survive, so he lived with his brothers. He couldn’t provide for himself, and he was forced to stop studying in order to work and survive. But God saw Yasir.
SIM’s youth vocational training centre in the area welcomes in young men, especially those aged 15 to 20 who haven’t received much education. Yasir was soon connected to the centre, where he began training to become a motorcycle mechanic.
The centre also teaches students mathematics, so they can effectively do business. They also learn to read so they can study the Bible. The students are expected to attend Bible study, even though few come from Christian backgrounds.
Obed*, a mission worker involved with the centre, said: “The young men range in belief systems. Some are Jesus followers already, others are nominal Christians, many are 'seekers' and several are irreligious.”
Yasir was irreligious when he arrived at the centre. But after studying there for two years, Yasir’s heart changed. He realised he needed salvation through Jesus, so he repented, believed and was baptised. Obed and the local pastor mentored him and witnessed the development of his faith in Jesus. His motorcycle repair teacher also played a key role as Yasir considered the gospel.
At Yasir’s graduation, he made a simple yet dramatic announcement: “I am a Christian, and I have been baptised.” The crowd was astounded at his brief testimony, and the Jesus followers at the centre were overjoyed by his courage to publicly share his faith.
After graduation, Yasir opened his own motorcycle shop, and underneath the sign, he proudly posted a Bible verse. He continued to mature in his understanding of scripture and love for God through a discipleship group at the city church.
Yasir also married a woman, Saba*, and started building a family of his own. They opened their home as a meeting place for worship, and a pastor who works with the centre now comes to facilitate the gatherings. Yasir encourages his neighbours to join their worship meetings, and he invites his brother, who is only a seeker and not yet a Jesus follower.
Yasir is no longer an orphan. His ever-present heavenly Father placed caring mentors and teachers around him when he felt deserted. He has become a member of God’s family, and he now exhorts others to commit their lives to Christ.
• Yasir and Saba’s worship gatherings to lead their neighbours to saving faith in Jesus.
• Yasir’s brother to come to know the living God.
• the vocational training centre to continue to be a place for Pakistani youth to hear the gospel and learn vital skills.