Am I Muslim? Do I need to pray?

I am an intern for an NPO that deals with Muslim-Jewish youth (fostering dialogue between the two). As I was moderating the forums, I came across this question. I didn't know what to tell her. Despite however many times I tell people to come to Sunnipath, they go to islamicity and google answers they want to find. I was hoping you could tell me the answer and I could provide her a link back to it? Here it is:

Okay, I feel a little stupid asking this stuff, but I need the answers. I was born to a Muslim father and a Christian woman, and I was raised going to Mosque. Well, I moved with my mom to a predominately Christian area and I have been attending a church there. I am pretty sure that I will be a Muslim, but I still do not know for sure. I am 14, and I know it is time that I need to learn to pray, or I will be making them up in hell. So I was wondering since like I know what I am probably going to choose as my religion, but not completely sure would Allah (God) forgive me if I repent and not make me make the prayers up in hell? Praying is one of the 5 pillars, and it is a big commitment, so I am not completely sure about anything. I feel like if I do not make a religious decision now, that I will end up spending an eternity in hell. So could you please help me and give me some advice. Thanks and God bless and may peace be with you.

In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

Dear Sister,

I pray this message finds you in good health and iman.

This is not a stupid question by any means!

The first question you must ask yourself is: What do you really and truly believe in your heart. If, in your heart of hearts, you are a Muslim, then you should stop going to church. You need to connect with a Muslim community who can help you along in your journey to Allah. We all journey to our Lord, in different ways, and with varying speeds. Be patient, sister, and ask Allah Most High for His help and guidance.

Contained within the beautiful teachings of Islam, particularly the Qur'an and hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) is a vast ocean of repentance. The only people destined for eternity in hell are those who deliberately rejected the truth once it had been made manifest to them. You, dear sister, are certainly not in that category.

It is a good sign that you care about your prayers.

First, you should reaffirm the shahada, the testimony of faith that There is no god but One God and Muhammad is His Messenger.

Then, you should ask Allah's forgiveness for any past confusion.

Work on learning how to pray. There is no need to be overwhelmed. Take baby steps in the right direction by taking a class with other Muslims, observing how they pray, and asking questions. Be patient with yourself. Learning how to pray is not a skill that will come overnight, but, with time, this is something that is definitely achievable.

Is it possible to ask your father for help? As a Muslim, it is his duty to point you towards the right answers.

Allah Most High says in the Qur'an:

"Say: 'O my Servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah. for Allah forgives all sins: for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful'" (Al-Zumar, 39:53-54)

I pray that Allah Ta'ala helps you with your decision and gives you people to guide you along the Straight Path. Islam is a beautiful way of life; don't hesitate to explore it!