“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
— Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
This story is shared by Anwar, a man from northern Bangladesh, who used his pharmacy business as a platform for healing, both physical and spiritual, while he used it to share hope and faith with his community.
I was born in 1959 in a small village in northern Bangladesh. Life for my family, like many others, was a constant struggle. My father worked tirelessly, but our middle-class status meant that higher education was a luxury we couldn’t afford. After completing my Higher Secondary School Certificate, I had to put aside my dreams of further education to search for work and support my family.
In the early 1990s, I was exploring business ideas but lacked the capital to start. One day, at a local bank office in the capital city, I met a man named Hasan. He was different—kind, warm, and full of hope. Over a cup of coffee, Hasan shared the message of the Gospel with me and gave me Christian literature to read.
At the time, I was living in a busy neighborhood, working as a courier service agent for a logistics company. In my spare moments, I read the booklets Hasan had given me. One story in particular, about Samuel, captivated me. His journey of faith stirred something deep within me. I began praying and reading more about Jesus Christ.
One night, I had a dream. Someone whispered, “Jesus Christ is the Savior of mankind.” That dream stayed with me, and the next morning, as I read Revelation 3:20, it felt as though Jesus Himself was knocking at the door of my heart. I surrendered my life to Him and became a believer.
This decision changed everything. I joined a one-year theological course with a local ministry, which deepened my faith and gave me clarity about my purpose. Over the years, I worked with some organizations and NGOs, but in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic turned my world upside down. I lost my job and had to start over yet again.
Determined to build something sustainable, I enrolled in a government health department course and opened a small pharmacy in mid-2022. It was a dream realized, but I still felt that something was missing.
In 2024, my friend and mentor, Elias, invited me to attend a Pioneer Business Planting (PBP) training at a training center in my region. That training was a revelation. For the first time, I understood that my pharmacy wasn’t just a business—it was a ministry.
Through PBP, I learned that God is the true Owner of my pharmacy, and I am merely His steward. Every aspect of my business—finances, relationships, and growth—depends on His blessing. The training equipped me with practical tools like business budgeting and the business canvas, but it also gave me a renewed sense of purpose.
Today, my pharmacy is not just a place to sell medicine; it’s a platform to share hope and faith. I distribute the Holy Word (a Bible contextualized for local readers) and Christian literature to my customers. I have even seen lives begin to change—people like Rifat, Nazmul, and Sumon are exploring the Christian faith because of the seeds planted in my pharmacy.
When I’m not at the shop, I visit unreached homes, praying for healing and sharing the love of Christ. This journey hasn’t been without challenges. Financial constraints still limit me—I am currently seeking a loan from a Foundation to secure my pharmacy’s license—but I trust that God will provide.
Looking back, I see how God has used every twist and turn in my life to prepare me for this moment. What began as a simple dream to support my family has become a ministry that brings healing—not just to the body but to the soul.
To Him be the glory.
*The names, organizations, and places are changed for safety reasons.
