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How a Sufi Found His Lord: I Join the Methodist Church
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I JOIN THE METHODIST CHURCH
When I came to Bareilly I had no Church affiliation. I was simply an
ex-Romanist. My sentiments regarding the Church were as already stated.
It was natural that after leaving the Roman Church I should seek readmission
to the Anglican, my original home after leaving Islam. I found this
readmission rather a difficult proposition as it was tied down with my
seeking an appointment at the same time. My offer of service to the
Anglican Church was not accepted by them.
In Bareilly I came in close contact with Methodism. My only knowledge
of it was through the fellowship that I had enjoyed with Dr. Millicans
Khan, who lived out and out as a good Methodist. In the Seminary I had
personal and close contact with some who were its representatives.
Rev. J Devadasan's life was such a contrast to what I had found in others
holding a similar position in their Churches. His meekness, gentleness
and good nature bore witness to his real Christian life. He was an
evangelist at heart, a man of prayer and a student of the Bible. He
administered the office of the Principalship not only in a democratic
spirit but in a Christian way as well. He was truly primus inter pares
among his colleagues. Then there
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was Rev. H. J. Sheets, a true Methodist indeed, a man of great intellect,
but all unconscious of his greatness. I found him always a good friend and
ever accessible in such times when his advice was necessary. There was
the Rev. P.S. Hyde equally zealous in the service of His Lord, and a good
friend to me. The pastor, Rev. A. Gulab, was ever active for the spiritual
good of his congregation, and he took a keen interest in me. He was such
a help in my study of Methodism, guiding me at every step by his helpful
and frank advice in this great decision as to my joining the Methodist Church.
From the step of joining the Church as an ordinary member till the day of my
ordination as an Elder, he guided me as a friend and an adviser. In such
a fellowship, and with an opportunity provided in the Seminary, I experienced
no difficulty in making my decision in the matter of choosing my dwelling in
"a definite part of the Church," and I chose Methodism.
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