Meet Youth Retreat Speaker: Mohammad Ali

Hey there! It’s Youth Minister Max, here. A few months ago at PayPal Park, I got so excited when my friend Mohammad walked into a Garden City Sunday Gathering! I met Mo in college when he served on the SJSU Cru worship team with me. He has an incredible story and love for Jesus, and I was excited to book him as this summer’s Youth Retreat speaker! We’re headed off to the mountains this weekend with our youth, and I want you all to meet the speaker… so here’s a bit about Mo, from Mo:

[Where are you from, what was childhood like?]

“I was born in Ukraine, raised in Jordan and Kazakhstan. I came to the United States with my mom at the age of 12. She brought me to church all the way up until high school. As a kid, I did the altar call, but never left my life of sin. I chased after sports and popularity.

At 18, I went to Jordan, began reading the Bible, had my eyes opened to the Gospel, and gave my life to Christ. I left Jordan, came back to the States, and started going to Church again.”

[What about your passion for ministry?]

“I was recommended by the kids’ director to lead the middle/high school Bible study because they needed somebody. I began leading music and teaching kids how to play instruments, getting them involved in the main service. My love for worship is almost on par with my love for studying the Scriptures! It’s a close second (:

I started to recognize my calling for Pastoral ministry and have been affirmed by Godly people in the process. Just left SJSU with my undergrad in psych and am currently a little past halfway through my M.Div at Western Seminary!”

[What are your goals in ministry?]

“The goal is to serve the church, supporting the people’s needs, with the various gifts God has given me. Wherever I am, worship, preaching, and evangelism will follow.”

[How long have you been at Garden City?]

“We have been at GC since I married my wife in March!”

[What do you do for work right now; What do you like to do with your time; What are you excited about?]

'“I work for ubreakifix, repairing cell phones in my van. It’s amazing. During my free time, I love to hang with the wifey, kick it with friends, read, play music, play and watch basketball, and go outdoors with the pup! My dog is a pitsky (pit bull + husky in case ya were wondering). Our fav coffee place is called Ali’i in Honolulu, Hawai’i. We had the best coffee of our life there on our honeymoon and can’t wait to go back!

I am excited about Jesus because He, as my creator, Savior, and sustainer, satisfies my soul and loves me more than anyone can. What I look forward to, more than anything, is spending all of eternity in His presence. One of my favorite verses sums it up well: “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we will see face to face. Now I know in part; then I will know fully, even as I am fully known” (1 Cor. 13:12).”

Click Here for retreat details

Please join me (and Mo) in praying for our Youth Group this weekend – that God would speak through Mohammad and use our time together, as well as praying over the youth of the Bay Area, that God would use us to draw them to Himself into joy and purpose!