The delivery driver: ‘I carry Jesus’ presence to every doorstep’

My name is Azeem Khokhar, and I work as a supermarket delivery driver. If a customer places an order, someone picks the shopping and puts it in crates at night. I then arrive in the morning and collect the shopping. I can deliver up to 24 orders during my eight-hour shift.

I’ve been with the company for ten years, and on deliveries for three. I have served in the café, in food preparation, customer services, the staff canteen and other jobs in the store. I know my supermarket inside out.

I really enjoy driving, even when the satnav takes me to the wrong place, or roads are closed. Dealing with difficult customers is a challenge, but I try to put myself into their shoes and deal with their concerns. If I can understand why they are unhappy, I can work out a solution. I can transform a situation positively by the way I respond.

I’ve prayed for more than 50 of my customers over the years. When I worked in the café, it didn’t matter what I was doing – cleaning the tables or serving coffee – I always had a smile on my face.

One customer said: “They must be paying you a lot of money. You’re always smiling.” I laughed and told them: “I’m not doing this for the company; I’m doing it for God.” We had a great conversation. I invited him to my life group and, after a few weeks, he gave his life to Christ. On deliveries, I drive carefully and look after the van. I treat all my customers individually, and I know what’s happening in their lives.

I always carry Jesus’ presence with me, which can change the atmosphere in the store or on the doorstep. Nearly all my colleagues know that I am a Christian, and they respect that. I’m honest; I don’t swear; I don’t cut corners. If they are struggling, they will often seek me out to talk with me or ask me to pray. 

Please pray that I will represent Jesus well in my workplace; that I will follow in his footsteps.

Azeem was speaking to Paul Woolley