Meet the Reader of the Month for September/ October 2003:

Christine Najjar

Can you give us some background information about yourself?

I was born in Syria 1964. When I was 8 years old, my family moved to Lebanon. I lived in Beirut for 19 years. There, I studied general nursing and worked as a nurse for seven years. I then moved to the United States when I was 27 years old. I have been living in Chicago since then.

Why did you come to the USA?

It was my childhood dream to come to the US because I felt there were more opportunities in the US. I also felt that this is a Christian country filled with so many blessings and freedom. I think it is also because my aunt used to live in the United States and when she came to visit us, she used to show us a lot of love, and I guess I wanted to be with her. But now I see God’s hand in everything.

How so?

The first day I came to the US, my aunt shared with me the gospel and I accepted the Lord on that same day.

Just like that?

Well, I always loved the Bible and read it since I was a child, but I never knew about salvation. Maybe I was a superficial reader. When I was young, I didn’t know when I died whether or not I am going to heaven. I thought that only God would know this. I didn’t have assurance of salvation. I didn’t know what salvation is. That day, My Aunt and I stayed up late and she told me that we all are sinners and that Christ came to die to pay the penalty of our sins. All I need to do is to accept him as Lord and Savior of my life. And I prayed the sinner’s prayer.

How did your life change after you accepted Christ as Lord and Savior of your life?

At the beginning I didn’t feel anything and I kept giving my life to Christ again and again. I never experienced that joy or that emotional thing that everyone talks about when they become born-again. I was a good person doing good work, so I didn’t have to stop doing what I was doing. But later what really changed is that my desires towards God increased, my prayers increased, and my dependence on God also increased.

I think that after you get saved God teaches you how to depend on Him. I feel His work in my life. I feel that I need to rely on Him for every detail of my life. My prospective has changed. I know that He is with me all the time. I know that He does the best for me. Just the fact that you rely on someone that is omnipotent is great. Where you can get that? You can talk to God anytime. He is real. God is the most everything, most powerful, but at the same time He is my father and He loves me and He wants to do the best for me. It is amazing the eternal life that He gave me. I always have daily experiences with God that brings joy to my life.

What is the difference between living in America and the Middle East? Were you home sick?

No. I felt the change. The change was not easy but I still I didn’t want to go back.

Do you have a citizenship? What is your identity?

Yes, I am an American. I am happy to be an American. Don’t misunderstand me, I am proud of my background.

Did you continue to work as a nurse in the States?

No. I am working in retail in cosmetics. It is a job, but at the same time I feel that God sent me there to be with believers. They are really on fire. I have great fellowship at work.

Do you feel that God has called you to some mission?

I am sure of this. I am told that I have the gift of prayers. This is a ministry. I feel that God is calling me to be a godly woman, and, maybe, in the future, if he wills, to help in raising up a Christian home- of course, unless God has something else in mind.

Do you have a passion?

I like to get married and help in raising up a Christian family.

Do you believe that there is specific guy out there for you?

I am sure there is someone for me out there.

What is the qualification of Mr. Right?

He has to be a good believer, not just a churchgoer, but also one who lives his Christian life everyday. He knows his responsibility as a man. He has to have some social manners. Established, or have the potential to be established. I like someone to have an opinion, to look up to, to trust, someone to be the head of the house. I like him to be a good decision maker.

How would you describe your personality?

I am passive aggressive. I believe I have a strong personality.

Tell us three words that best describe you?

Loving. Patient. Good listener.

What is your strength?

I think my tolerance. I have high tolerance. I am an understanding person. I try to look always at the good points. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt.

What are your hobbies?

I love Bible studies. I also like shopping. I don’t like to work.

Why don’t you like to work?

I grew up in a place, where men worked and took care of their women. My mom never worked and my grandmother never worked and they had good life. That’s what I look for. I like to be a housewife. I don’t have personality issues with staying at home.

Do you feel that women should stay at home?

I think if a woman has kids then she is the first one responsible to raise her kids. I don’t think a baby sitter or nanny can do the job. How can you miss seeing your child growing up? You miss all the special moments with your child. I don’t believe in the quality time concept. Personally, I would love to be with my kids.

Do you feel that your viewpoint is not currently accepted by the culture, especially by men?

I don’t feel that it is accepted by men. From my experience, everyone likes for the woman to work because of the money issues.

So you want a husband who shares this view with you?

I have an image in my mind that the man should support his family; this is how I feel. I like it and I agree with it. If life requires me to work, then I will definitely work. But if I have kids, I really like to stay at home. But you never know what life will bring.

Who is your hero, and Why?

Jesus Christ because he is perfect.

What is your favorite food?

Sweets.

Favorite place?

Hawii, Maoi.

Favorite verse?

I have lots of them: Isaiah 43, Lamentations 3: 31 – 33.

Favorite book?

The Bible.

What was the best advice you ever received that you can share with us?

Let’s pray. The shortest path to anything is prayer.