Muhammad Khurram's surname means “happy person,” and that's what he is, despite trials, tribulations and a life of insane violence. Born in Pakistan, he was brought up in a world where truth is defined by the barrel of a gun.

“Where I come from, the Taliban determine what's true or not,” he says. “These fanatics are always right. Anyone who dares to think differently is punished or killed.”

Once, a Taliban commander ordered him to shoot a handcuffed and blindfolded man. Oddly enough, this was to be the start of Muhammad's journey with God.

Taking Lives
Muhammad's father was a strict, devout Muslim. Though not active himself in the Taliban, his father supported their ideas.

At home and at the religious school where Islam was taught, Muslim fundamentalism was instilled from a young age.

“Brainwashing starts at school,” Muhammad explains. “The extremists train children in their way of thinking. For example, I witnessed eight-year-olds being put in a room with chicks and ordered to trample them to death in the name of Allah. That's how children get used to taking lives.”

Taliban Warrior
“So I grew up in a world of violence and extreme views,” Muhammad says. “But to be honest, life as a Taliban warrior appealed to me. When you have a gun, you feel like Rambo. I didn't like the way the leaders behaved, though. They thought they were always right, and you had to follow orders.”

The battle to be always right took many victims, especially among Muhammad's own people. “Most of the assaults were in mosques where moderate Muslims worshipped.”

The question of whether there was a God who wanted prosperity, peace and happiness for humankind became more and more important for Muhammad.

“But I doubted if such a God even existed.”

This doubt disappeared when Muhammad was ordered to kill a Pakistani Muslim journalist.

“ 'Shoot him,' I was commanded. I hesitated. God, where are you? I pulled the trigger and … nothing.

“ 'The gun doesn't work,' I told my commander. I pulled the trigger again. It still didn't work.”

“ 'Take mine,' the commander said. I pulled the trigger and again it didn't work. God is here! I realized.

“The commander looked at me and said, 'There's something strange about you.' I learned that the prisoner was later killed by another warrior. But there my journey with God started.”

To the Netherlands
After years of hopeless violence, Muhammad couldn't take it anymore.

“I was able to start a new life in the Netherlands. I bought a nice apartment, got a job and started a relationship.”

“I know you are there,” he prayed to God on New Year's Eve 2010. “I want a perfect connection with you.”

God answered his prayer in a remarkable way when the police came to his apartment in 2011, telling him that his stay in the Netherlands was illegal. “I was imprisoned. My apartment, my girlfriend, my job, everything was gone.”

Life-Changing Dreams
“Three months later,” he continues, “I was sitting in prison when a Catholic priest entered, laid his hand on my shoulder and said, 'Everything will be all right. Even Jesus was punished when he wasn't guilty of anything.' I went back to my prison cell and fell asleep, even though it was the middle of the day.

“I had a dream. I was in a misty space. There were people in long gowns walking around and playing music. To the left of me was a small group of people. 'Someone is calling you,' they said. I walked toward them, where a man was sitting. Could that be Jesus? The man looked at me and smiled. I knew it was him.

“ 'There you are,' he said without moving his lips. Putting his hand on my shoulder he told me, 'Don't be afraid. You are not alone.' Then I woke up.”

The next day, Muhammad was released from prison. He contacted his lawyer, who was surprised. “Your file is still here,” he told Muhammad. “We haven't been able to work on it yet. How is it possible that you're out?”

“That dream gave me inner peace,” he says. “In a second dream, I was baptized in Jesus' presence.”

Meeting Jesus in his dreams changed Muhammad's life, and he decided to become a Christian.

“A Soldier of Life”
After a short period of homelessness, Muhammad came into contact with a Salvation Army church.

When Muhammad Khurram became a Christian, a fatwa (religious conviction) was issued. This means that if he returns to Pakistan, he'd have to answer to a court and likely be executed

“Now I want to fight in another army,” he smiles, “an army where we battle to save people. I want to tell everyone, Muslims, Hindus, Jews and atheists about God's grace that is there for them, too.”

When Muhammad talks about Jesus, his face shines with happiness.

“He has changed me forever. Jesus died for me on the cross and carried my sin away. It's my favourite part of the Bible. He conquered death. That's what Christians celebrate. Jesus' Resurrection not only showed that He lives but that He is Lord over life and death.”

Muhammad's future is still uncertain as he has not yet been granted a residence permit.

“Until then,” he says, “I'm here and living on the promise Jesus made to me in my dream. Despite everything, I am happy. I was a soldier of death but now I am a soldier of life.”

Reprinted from the Netherlands War Cry.