From Hunting Christians for the Pakistani Secret Service to Christian Pastor. Pastor Raheem’s Journey and Mission in Armenia

In a recent episode of On Mission with Shawn Alain, I had the privilege of sitting down with Pastor Raheem, a man whose life story is nothing short of a miracle. From his early years in Iran to his transformation through faith in Jesus Christ, Pastor Raheem’s journey is a powerful testament to God’s redeeming love. Today, he’s on a mission to serve Christian refugees in Armenia, and his story will inspire you to see the incredible ways God works in our lives.

A Life in Darkness

Pastor Raheem was born and raised in Iran, a country steeped in Islamic tradition for over 700 years. Growing up in a culturally Muslim family, he was never deeply devoted to Islam, but the influence of the Islamic Republic was inescapable after the 1979 revolution. As a young boy, Raheem felt a thirst for God but found no satisfaction in the teachings he encountered. By age 13, his life took a dark turn. Expelled from school, he fell into drug use, joined street gangs, and faced multiple imprisonments. His life spiraled into chaos, marked by painful experiences and a sense of hopelessness. At 17, Raheem fled Iran illegally, landing in Pakistan with dreams of reaching the United States. But his troubles followed him. Arrested in Lahore, he spent seven months in a camp jail, where he met hardened criminals and continued his destructive lifestyle. After his release, he became involved in drug trafficking, paying off corrupt police to operate in different areas. It was a life of darkness, driven by a misguided vision inspired by movies like Scarface.

An Unexpected Offer

Raheem’s life took a surprising turn when a police officer in Pakistan offered him a job working against Christian missionaries. These “goras,” as they were called—white people from Europe, Canada, and the U.S.—were accused of converting Muslims to Christianity. Initially, Raheem resisted, but the idea of doing something “for God” appealed to his sense of purpose. He began spying on Christians, attending church services, and reporting on missionaries, including a kind Englishman from Operation Mobilization (OM). Little did Raheem know, this missionary was also “hunting” him—not with malice, but with love. Despite Raheem’s rule-breaking and drug-fueled behavior, the missionary showed him respect and kindness, treating him like family. This unconditional love began to stir something in Raheem’s heart, creating a battle within him. He was spying on a man who loved him more than his own father had.

A Moment of Transformation

Raheem’s turning point came after a failed suicide attempt. After consuming 120 pills and surviving against all odds, he returned home angry and desperate. In a midnight confrontation with God, he cried out, demanding to know Him. Overwhelmed by the peace that flooded his heart, Raheem invited Jesus in. At that moment, he found his missionary friend praying for him on the stairs. Together, they went to the chapel room, where Raheem confessed his sins, forgave those who had hurt him, and surrendered his life to Christ. Baptized by the Holy Spirit, he was born again.

A New Life in Christ

Since that transformative night in 1990, Raheem has never been the same. He dedicated his life to serving the Lord, working with organizations like the Salvation Army, Bible Society, and Arab Ministry. In 1997, he immigrated to Canada, where God provided a godly wife who also came to faith in Christ. Together, they raised five children and now have two grandchildren. Raheem served as a pastor for 15 years, but his heart has always been for missions. From 2011 to 2021, Raheem ran the Wonderful Counselor Ministry, discipling Iranian refugees in Turkey through annual conferences and online Bible studies. He helped over 200 families resettle in Canada and other countries, sharing the gospel through practical love—providing food, shelter, and support to those in need.

A Vision for Armenia

Now, Pastor Raheem is preparing for a new chapter in Armenia, a Christian nation where he plans to establish a refugee center. With conflicts in Syria, Azerbaijan, and Iran driving Christian refugees to Armenia, Raheem envisions a platform to share the gospel and provide practical support. His blueprint includes Bible studies, a coffee shop, youth programs, and counseling services to help refugees rebuild their lives. By partnering with local churches and missionaries, he aims to create a safe haven where the love of Christ can shine. “Practical love is very important,” Raheem says. “If someone is hungry and I have five bucks, I share it. We build bridges of friendship and trust, then share the gospel.”

How You Can Help

Pastor Raheem’s mission relies on the support of believers like you. Donations will provide for his family’s needs, travel to Armenia, and the establishment of the refugee center. More importantly, your prayers are vital for this work. Raheem is currently working with the Foursquare denomination to become an official missionary, a process that requires patience and faith. If you’d like to partner with Pastor Raheem, visit his website, Wonderful Counselor Ministry, to learn more or make a donation. You can also join me in praying for his ministry and the refugees he serves. Support Pastor Raheem’s Mission

A Call to Faith

Pastor Raheem’s story reminds us that no one is beyond God’s reach. From a life of drugs, crime, and spying against Christians, he became a disciple-maker, sharing the love of Jesus with the broken and the lost. His journey challenges us to trust God with our own lives and to serve others with practical love. I glorify our Father in heaven, Jesus my Lord, and the Holy Spirit my Comforter. Let’s join together in supporting Pastor Raheem’s mission to bring hope to Christian refugees in Armenia. Together, we can make a difference for His kingdom. Blessings,