Khatris (Nepal)
Shyam
My father was a Hindu priest, and it was expected that I would follow in his footsteps. By the time I was eight, however, both my parents had died. I was taken to a Christian orphanage, run by a Canadian missionary, in Kathmandu. I lived there for nine years and came to know the Lord when I was 16.
In 1990, I was chosen from among 50 children to go to America. My idea was to study medicine and remain in the USA for the rest of my life, but after two years, God called me back to my homeland.
In preparation, I attended Pensacola Christian College receiving a BA in pastoral ministries and an MA in Bible exposition. I returned to Nepal in 1998.
Paula
When I was three years old, my six-year-old sister said, "Paula, you're going to hell if you don't believe in Jesus." I readily accepted. By the time I was seven, I understood better and received assurance of salvation.
My parents were missionaries in Brazil and instilled in me a heart for lost people. By third grade, I had decided I wanted to be either a teacher or a missionary; later I found out I could be both. Missions trips to Romania and Moldova confirmed God's call. I studied elementary education at Pensacola Christian College where I met Shyam. I began my missionary work teaching at an international school in Bangkok, Thailand.
Shyam and I were married in August 1999, and now serve in Kathmandu. We hope to reach the great number of abandoned and impoverished children in Nepal through an orphanage ministry.
About Nepal:
- Population: 29 Million
- Language: Nepali
- Religion: 80% Hinduism, 11% Buddhism, 4% Islam
- Slightly larger than Arkansas
- Home to the Great Himalayan Range, including the highest point on the Earth (Mt. Everest-29,028 feet)
- More about Nepal...
