A CHURCH is offering Bradford’s “hidden” community of South Asian Christians a place for worship.
In just two years, pastor Nathan A Javed has seen the congregation at Grace Urdu Hindu Church grow from just one family to more than 40 members.
Found within Beacon Community Church, it has become a space where people of all faiths and Christian denominations can share prayers, meals, and friendship.
It was born out of Reverend Javed’s dreams to carve a space for Christians with connections to places such as Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.
Rev Javed first saw Bradford when he was 11 years old. His father worked within a church in West Yorkshire before they returned to Pakistan.
When the pastor was 18, his father was assigned to a church in Dewsbury and the family settled here.
Rev Javed, who lives in Bierley, said: “During Covid lots and lots of people wanted to connect with us as Pakistan Christians - dealing with their problems, personal issues, counselling, we did food distribution, all sorts of things. The most important thing was to pray with people.
“We used to meet once every month previous to Covid and Asian families got together. The vision came from, if I’m working for so long with English churches, why can’t I do it with Pakistani Christians, to extend it for our South Asian people from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, all these Christians that are hidden gems within society, that nobody knows of.
“The church is all about God’s love and his care for people, being good Samaritans as well as waiting for him to return. It’s preparing the hearts and minds of people to be focused on God, what he’s done for us. Preaching God’s word is what my job is. I can do it bilingually.
“Lots of other churches come in, we just worship God.
Speaking about the Christian faith in Pakistan, he said: “I visited Pakistan in summer and once every year try to keep in touch with Pakistan.
“So many churches that existed within Pakistan are built by the English.
“They’re attractive buildings.
“They’re preserved in Pakistan.”
In early December, the church opened its doors for a bilingual Christmas service - featuring North Indian drums, tablas, and carols.
Among the crowd were people from churches across Bradford and representatives from different faiths.
There was even a visit from Santa Claus himself as children eagerly shared their Christmas lists and wishes.
It is a busy time for the church with plans for a Christmas Eve service and Christmas Day meal for those in need of company or support.
When December 25 arrives, Rev Javed and his wife will be offering a traditional Christmas turkey alongside flavoursome Asian dishes.
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