Shristi’s mother abandoned her when she was four years old – running away with another man. Her father, working as a trekking guide, left the village for long periods at a time, and remarried. Shristi was sleeping throughout the town in random homes and was not being adequately taken care of by anyone. SARA Ministries had no choice but to help her.

Shristi is excelling alongside all of the other children. Tej, the pastor leading SARA Ministries, notes that she is an intelligent and talented girl who can speak some English and loves to dance. Tej’s sister, Hanna, leads the care at the girl’s home. Shristi has a great group of friends, including Hanna’s youngest daughter and other girls similar to her in age. Seeing the impact on Shristi, her father has begun going to church in his village and is encouraged to visit Shristi.

"All of the children came together when we visited in late 2019. I loved seeing the way the children smiled at one another and cared for one another - older children helping the younger ones...

...encouraging them along in activities or dance, and helping them to share about themself. We brought some games, and they were huge hits. The kids were so thankful and appreciative. I’m proud we are supporting the outreach of SARA Ministries – you see the impact of not only the education support but of the love and mentorship the community provides.” - Christian Ferraro, Hope Story

Despite the persecution the church has experienced, pastor Tej’s commitment to bringing people together in Christian outreach is having an impact.

A great Christmas event hosted by SARA Ministries occurred at the end of 2019, where the children sang and danced for some 700 people. The children’s teachers and friends from school, along with government officials and many from the community attended. Tej took the opportunity to share the meaning of Christmas in his message. Feedback indicated that what he shared was eye-opening for many in attendance. When the Children’s Department officials saw how happy the children were, they were delighted. The children received warm clothes, and everyone enjoyed a meal together.

A local member of parliament spoke at the event sharing that in the 21st century, people should be free to choose the religion they want. The previous chief of police told Tej that it was his first time learning about Christmas. “He sat with me and asked many questions,” shared pastor Tej.

In addition, Pastor Tej recorded seven Christmas broadcasts, sharing the Christmas message across 15 radio stations.

On December 24th and 25th, pastor Tej was also broadcast on T.V. to over 100,000 viewers through prime-time television programs. Pastor Tej opened his phone line, as did other pastors around the country, and he personally received over 50 calls, giving him the opportunity to speak with and pray with many seekers across the country. You may recall that Tej also operates a weekly radio broadcast, offering a message, hymns, and prayer.

A man named Amar from eastern Nepal called pastor Tej, sharing that in his whole village there is no church, but hearing Tej he wanted to believe in Christ. Tej prayed with him over the phone and they have remained in communication.

Another man visiting from out of town called Tej from a local bus stop, sharing that he wanted to know more about Jesus. He had come to Kathmandu for work. He came to the church to visit Tej and requested a Bible and hymn book. Tej prayed with him and has remained in touch.