Muslim to Minister: My Journey to God

Reverend Patrice Turner
Write The Vision Publishing (2006)
ISBN B005J1TS0I
Reviewed by Tammy Petty Conrad for Reader Views (10/06)

What a title! That will catch your attention at the bookstore. I was intrigued to learn what makes a person switch religions. Reverend Turner, brought up in the African American Muslim movement, briefly explains how it began and evolved. She points out that growing up Muslim means different things to different Muslims in different situations. While she treasures her memories, the author points out that Christianity shapes her future.

She compares her life journey to that of Ruth in the Bible. In each chapter she introduces a segment of the story of the daughter-in-law who didn’t abandon her mother-in-law even after her husband died. Then the author compares her own life to this story and explains her religious evolution.

I enjoyed the format and it was a quick read. At the end of each chapter, thoughtful questions help readers review their own walks with God. To get the most out of the book, take your time answering each question before moving on. I would have appreciated more information about how the Muslims reacted to her conversion and what connection she has now with that faith as a minister.

Reverend Turner has a powerful message to share with people of faith and those who are looking for one. Most of us go through situations from time to time worrying about how we are going to handle everything. But she reminds us that “God is not going to meet one or two of your needs and leave the rest to chance. He never half does anything.”

In “Muslim to Minister: My Journey to God,” she goes on to say “The end result of my going through Islam is that it controlled my life for a time but it never soaked into my soul, my spirit…I have a powerful testimony that can change someone else’s life and introduce them to or lead them to our Lord.” What better reason to write a book!

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