The Story of Zuri: Called to the Light – Part 1

Part 1: The Calling of Zuri

The story of Zuri is set in a quiet village nestled in the hills of East Africa. There lived a young woman named Zuri; her name meant “beautiful” in Swahili, and she lived up to it—not only in her outward appearance but also in her heart, which radiated with kindness and compassion. Zuri came from a humble family known for their skills in weaving baskets and tending to crops. They lived in harmony with the land, respecting nature and its Creator.

Though her village was steeped in tradition, Zuri always felt a stirring in her heart. She had heard stories about a great God who created the heavens and the earth, and she was curious. Her wise grandmother often spoke of the ancestors’ faith, the old ways, and the spirits that watched over them, but Zuri’s heart longed for something more. She had a deep yearning, a desire to know this God who was said to love all people, no matter who they were.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16 (NIV)

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow across the fields, Zuri was walking near the river. She often came here to think, to pray in her way, and to listen to the world around her. That evening, the air felt different, as if something profound was about to happen.

A soft breeze swept through the trees as she stood by the water, and Zuri heard a voice—not with her ears, but deep within her soul. “Zuri,” it whispered, “I have called you by name. You are mine.”

Startled, she looked around, but no one was there. The village was still, and the only sound was the gentle murmur of the river. Her heart raced as she fell to her knees, unsure of what was happening. But the voice came again, this time stronger and filled with a peace she had never known.

“Zuri, follow me, and I will show you the path of life.”

Tears filled her eyes. She didn’t know who was speaking, but she felt an overwhelming love wash over her as if her very soul was being held by the Creator of all things. For the first time, she understood that the God she had heard about in passing was real, and He was calling her to something greater than herself.

Zuri rose to her feet, the weight of the moment pressing on her. She knew her life would never be the same. Though, not fully understanding it, she felt a divine purpose had been placed upon her. She would follow this call, wherever it led.

But how would she explain this to her family? How would they react? And what did this voice mean by “follow me”? As she turned back towards the village, questions swirled in her mind. But one thing was clear—Zuri had been called, and she could not ignore it.

Summary: The Story of Zuri – Part 1

Zuri, a young woman in an East African village, feels a deep longing. One evening by the river, she hears a divine voice calling her by name, inviting her to follow a path of faith. Overwhelmed yet filled with peace, she realises her life will change forever.

What about you? Can you relate to Zuri’s story? Have you ever felt an inner calling, a deep sense that you were meant for something more? Share your experience in the comments!

>>Read The Story of Zuri – Part 2  <<