This ministry began out of the ashes of 9/11. My heart was pierced by the tragedy that took so many innocent lives. As a fourth generation Christian from Pakistan, I pondered many things, as I stood wounded from the events of that day. I ached for my country that I have grown to love and call my home, as well as for my fellow freedom loving Americans. A sense of hopelessness and despair seemed to be in the air. As I prayed on my knees for the healing of our nation and wisdom and guidance for our President George W. Bush in the storm of 9/11, I was led to a passage in the Bible. “In His (Jesus) Name the nations will put their hope.” Matt 12:21. Thus the ministry of IJN Hope was born. IJN Hope stands for “In Jesus Name Helping Others on the Path to Eternity.” In the midst of the tragedy, God gave me an opportunity to plant a glimmer of hope into the hearts of my fellow Americans. I was deeply touched as I saw the photo of American heroes planting Old Glory in defiance and pride at the site of the toppled Twin Towers. The colors of our flag and what they represent served to inspire me to write the poem on the IJN Hope card as a lasting memorial to 9/11. I was also inspired to create a memorial lapel pin (Hope Pin), that incorporates the colors of our flag and what they represent, along with our rich heritage as a Christian nation -- the Trinity which is the crux of Christianity (represented by the 3 stars enclosed in the triangular design), along with the color black representing the death and destruction of 9/11, and yellow at the top which represents our “Hope” in God. The design of the “Hope Pin” also serves as the IJN Hope Logo representing “Christian Patriotism at its Best.”

Being a Christian from Pakistan (a nation that has played a pivotal role post 9/11 on the war against terrorism), I was compelled return the blessing of hope to this great nation that an American bestowed upon my family over130 years ago. Samuel Martin: an American Presbyterian missionary from Knoxville, Ohio brought the hope of the Gospel to my ancestors in the late 1800’s. My familial village (Martinpur) is named after this great man of God. He was a former soldier who served the United States during the Civil War in the cause of freedom. Once he resigned his commission as a soldier from the United States army, he along with his new wife followed the “Great Commission” of Matt. 28:19 as a missionary to present-day Pakistan. Samuel Martin was instrumental in leading my great-grandfather to Christ and into a career as a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Wishing to follow in the footsteps of my great-grandfather, I now share my story of hope and inspiration encompassed with the message of “Christian Patriotism at its Best” with all Americans. God has placed a special burden on my heart to minister to the spiritual needs of our soldiers who bravely protect our freedoms as they fight terrorism on distant shores. It is only fitting that I bring this legacy full circle in the message of hope to a new generation of soldiers who fight valiantly for the cause of freedom and democracy. The seeds of hope Samuel Martin planted four generations ago now bear fruit in the ministry of IJN Hope to our troops and our great “One Nation under God.”

In His Name
Shabnam Chowdry
Founder: IJN Hope

P.S. To all members of the Armed Forces. The term “Soldier” is used in all posters and poem prints for the sake of prose and covers all branches whether it is the Army, Navy, Marines or Air Force. This message honors all of the brave men and women who serve this great “One Nation Under God.”

Vision for the future

• Meet the spiritual needs of our soldiers and their families on a national and worldwide level by sharing the message of IJN Hope.
• Raise awareness of meeting the very real spiritual needs of our Armed Forces.
• Reach the families of victims of 9/11 with our message.

You can help

• Pray for God’s holy protection for our nation, soldiers and our leaders.
• Sponsor a squad of soldiers with a “Soldier Hope Pack.”
• We are a 501c3 and your contributions are tax-deductible.
• Share our message and web-site with others.
  

Founder Biography:

Ms. Shabnam Chowdry arrived in the United States of America at the age of nine from Pakistan. She is an ordained Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ who willingly shares her story of hope and inspiration coupled with the message of “Christian Patriotism at its Best” with all Americans. Currently, she is pursuing her Masters in Ministry Leadership at Indiana Wesleyan University. Please use contact information for speaking engagements and other requests.