Spend a little time with Farhana Nazir, ThM ’04, and it becomes apparent very quickly that she is a humble woman. However, make no assumptions about Nazir’s mild demeanor. She has spent her entire life living against the status quo. For that, this single Christian Pakistani theologian, who is also the dean of studies at Gujranwala Theological Seminary, has been dubbed “the rule breaker.”
From the beginning, Nazir has been an outlier in her country. Growing up in a predominantly Islamic society where approximately 96 percent of the population is Muslim, Nazir was born into a small religious minority of Christians. Four generations ago, her family converted from Hinduism.
“It’s a miracle that Christianity exists in an Islamic country like Pakistan. But it is a very tiny community that has little or no political protection,” says Nazir. “But, the Christian community exists. Thankfully, we are free to profess our faith. It’s not like other Islamic countries where you are not free.”
Nazir’s Bible teaching and preaching career began as early as 17. By foot, Nazir would travel to Pakistani villages to spread the good news and deliver messages of hope. Her rousing sermons and home visits inspired young girls and women to dream bigger and bolder.
“I had a passion to preach and encourage young women,” says Nazir. “I would encourage many girls to attend Bible school. Nobody was coming for those girls, who in many cases were unable to read.”