Kevin's Journey of Faith: A Modern Call for Truth in New York City

February 28, 2025, New York City, USA – Amid the rising movement of believers across the globe, spreading the message of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, one individual’s journey reveals the power of faith, the importance of spiritual integrity, and the call for unity in a fractured world.

Kevin, a Filipino-American with a deep-rooted Roman Catholic upbringing, has answered the call to embrace a faith that seeks to unite the spiritual and temporal realms. His transformation began with a deep inner search for truth, one that led him to the belief in a reformer who, as prophesied, has arrived to guide humanity toward peace and oneness.

Kevin’s path to spiritual discovery was shaped by a deep sense of curiosity about the world’s cultures and religions. Raised in the Philippines, he grew up in the traditions of Catholicism. As the world was plunged into uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kevin began to intensify his prayers, seeking answers to life’s most profound questions.

"I explored different cultures, religions, and philosophies, hoping to find a common thread that would lead to peace," Kevin says. "As I grew more religious, especially during the pandemic, I found myself on a quest to be the best servant of God I could be."

In his exploration, Kevin uncovered a powerful connection between the ancient messages of the past and the present. "Every messenger of God since the time of Adam," he reflects, "came with a will and testament from a predecessor to announce his divine authority over both politics and religion."

For Kevin, the revelation of Jesus holding the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue became the defining moment that linked the past to the future. This understanding led him to realize that, just as Jesus was the promised Messiah for his people, so too must there be a contemporary figure fulfilling this divine role.

Kevin’s faith journey took a decisive turn in 2024, when he encountered a YouTube channel, The Mahdi Has Appeared, which highlighted the arrival of the awaited reformer. Initially skeptical, Kevin soon found his beliefs confirmed through a powerful personal experience.

"I made Ziyarah (pilgrimage) to Imam Muhammad Al-Mahdi after the Fajr (morning) prayer on November 1, 2024," Kevin recalls. "Within days, I had a dream that confirmed his presence among us. It was then that I pledged my allegiance to him."

This pivotal moment opened Kevin's eyes to the teachings of the Wasiya (will) of Prophet Muhammad. Through his deep study, Kevin recognized that the true path to salvation lies in following the rightful heirs, the companions of the will, who carry the guidance of the past into the present day.

As Kevin embraced his new faith, the road was not without its difficulties. "The challenges I faced were often internal," Kevin reflects. "I had to make decisions that went against my desires, learning to prioritize God’s will over my own ego."

This self-reflection resonates with the words of Prophet Muhammad from the Quran: "Do people think that once they say, 'We believe,' that they will be left without being tested? We certainly tested those before them" (Quran, The Spider, 2:4). For Kevin, these tests were an essential part of his journey toward spiritual growth.

Since pledging his allegiance, Kevin has immersed himself in understanding the message of the reformer. He has connected with others through social media, joined Telegram groups, and met fellow believers, including one in person—Tazeem Islam, a brother he encountered in New York. Kevin has made it his mission to share the message with those around him.

"I speak with those I can connect with, hoping to share the truth without forcing it upon anyone," he says. "My goal is to make people aware of this call, so that they can seek it out if they are truly searching for the truth."

In his mission, Kevin sees the importance of financial and intellectual support in spreading the message of peace and justice. "Islam did not rise except through Imam Ali’s sword and Lady Khadijah’s wealth," he says, quoting the Shajara Tooba by al-Ha’iri. Kevin believes that true believers support their faith through both material contributions and the spread of divine knowledge.

While Kevin’s family and friends have been respectful of his new faith, few have followed his lead. "They don’t fully understand, but they have been respectful," Kevin shares. However, Kevin remains steadfast in his mission, despite the challenges he faces in his local community. One sheikh, with whom he spoke at a Shia Islamic center in New York, dismissed the message of Imam Mahdi as the work of a "fringe" individual. Yet, he found encouragement in a younger student who expressed interest in the call.

Kevin envisions a long-term plan for spreading the message of peace and unity, including graffiti art projects that highlight oppression and the solutions offered by Aba Al-Sadiq. He also dreams of publishing a book that outlines the history of the call and organizing a march with fellow believers through the streets of New York City.

"I want to gather as many people as I can to share in this mission," he says. "The ultimate goal is for everyone to know about this message and, if they are sincere in their search for truth, to be guided to it."

For Kevin, the mission is larger than just one person. "The true faithful supporters of God come from all corners of the Earth," he says. "I am one of them, fulfilling a prophecy that has been foretold for over a thousand years."

He draws strength from the words of tradition:

"The Companions of Imam Mahdi will come from different parts of the Earth to him. Some will come while in the nights they are in their beds and in the morning they shall be with Imam." (Behaar Ul Anwaar, vol.52, pg. 327, tradition 43).

As the global movement of believers continues to grow, Kevin remains steadfast in his mission—one that transcends borders and speaks to the heart of every human being. His message is simple: the awaited reformer is here, and it is time for the world to unite under the banner of truth.

To learn more about Kevin’s journey or get involved in spreading the call, visit The Mahdi Has Appeared YouTube channel or connect with local dawah groups in New York City.