Dinah Dutta
My name is Dinah E. Dutta, and I am from India. After working two years in Germany, I came to the USA with a PhD in chemistry almost 10 years ago to work as a scientist in the department of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. My husband Dr. Apurba Dutta is associate professor in the same department.
I was born and grew up in a Hindu-Christian family. My parents converted to Christianity from a high caste Hindu background. My father, the late Rev. Dr. Pooranchand, gave me a choice after spending much time in teaching the Bible as well as the Hindu religion to decide if I would be Christian or Hindu. In India, we have to write what religion we belong to in our legal documents.
It was a hard decision to make. There are so many things I like and still like in the Hindu religion. But the scientist in me tested the Lord, and with the promise He gave in Isaiah 43:1 I have summoned you by name, you are mine, I chose to become a Christian when I was 14 and never turned back. I was baptized in a Baptist church, studied in Catholic private schools in India and attended Lutheran, Methodist and Pentecostal churches--whichever one was near to where I studied.
Learning the word of God is important. My father and mother taught us since childhood to read the word of God, memorize Bible verses and Psalms, and pray without ceasing. Praying was the main part of our Christian upbringing. My dad always used to say, "Did you ask God before you asked us?" My parents are more than biological parents; they are faith parents.
I was actively involved in many ministries while growing up and studying in India, like campus crusade by Billy Graham, Gideon Bible ministry, university student fellowship, etc. However, after coming to the USA, I was comfortable sitting in the front row and leaving church right after worship every Sunday for some years.
When I came to Lawrence, I visited Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (GSLC) and liked the pastor, Rev. Jeff Lilley, and his style of preaching and friendly demeanor. The teachings of Martin Luther--that we are saved by grace no matter who we are and also Luther's knowledge and enthusiasm in reading the word of God attracted me to continue to go to the Lutheran church and become a member.
To become a scientist was my desire since childhood, and I am very passionate about what I do. However, Rev. Lilley and my faith friends at GSLC helped me to take my Christian faith to a new level. I was certified as a Parish Ministry Associate (PMA) in December 2006 after completing all the courses and requirement. I preach and lead Bible studies, visit church members in their homes and have an unpaid position as minister of evangelism and outreach at my church. I also preach once a month at St. Paul Lutheran Church at Valley Falls, and that has been a blessing to me.
It is not me who wants to do all these things; I want to remain a scientist. God is helping me to do the things that I don't want to do and also the things I don't think I can do. The Holy Spirit helped me do all this and also is teaching me that the work I do in the laboratory is different from what I do at church. At work, I have to prove I am a good chemist. In God's work, I don't have to be perfect to serve the Lord. "Love one another as I have loved you: is the key to serving the Lord.
Often times, people ask me if I feel a conflict with science and religion. I say no because it is the science of creation that helped me love and admire God. It makes me want to help young people, to teach and encourage them in studies, and by working hard to produce new drugs.
My father went to be with the Lord in December 2006, but he was the spiritual mentor and friend who taught me to trust and serve God even after his death, helping me take his place to serve God in many ways. He started a ministry in India among non-Christians and served God for 52 years diligently through radio messages as well as personal witnessing. "Taste and see the Lord is good" was his favorite verse and has become mine, too, over the years.
I continue to work as a scientist and serve the Lord here in Kansas and remember the promises that the Lord has given to me in Isaiah 44:1-4 when I am discouraged: "Do not be afraid whom I have chosen I will help you. He knows me by my name." What a great promise!
Each morning when I wake up, I sing like David "morning by morning thy mercies I see all that I have thy hands have provided, great is thy faithfulness Lord unto me."
I humble myself from the memory verse I got from my parents during my baptism. From Psalm 116:12-14
How can I repay the LORD
For all his goodness to me?I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the Lord.I will fulfill my vows to the LORD
In the presence of all his people.
