Rajya is a young Nepali woman who is studying to be a teacher. She is also a devoted follower of Jesus and a Seventh-day Adventist Christian. We have become good friends with her. I recently interviewed her for this article.

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Jared: “What does your name mean?”

Rajya: “It means ‘kingdom.’”

Jared: “What challenges do you face being the only Christian in a Hindu family?”

Rajya: “I’m from a strict Newari Hindu family. My parents are very strong Hindus. At least two times a month, the Hindu priest comes to my parents’ home to do rituals and give offerings to the gods. Often, a feast accompanies the rituals. My father and mother feel very sad that I don’t participate with them in the worship of Hindu gods. Also, some of our Hindu neighbors gossip about me and say I am a naughty daughter for disobeying my parents by not taking part in the rituals.”

Jared: “It sounds like it isn’t always easy for you to be a Christian. Why is Jesus so important to you?”

Rajya: “After learning about Jesus from the Bible, I can see that He did so much for me and for all human beings. He sacrificed Himself for me. The stories about the Hindu gods tell of them doing so many bad things to human beings. Jesus is different. His attitude toward humanity is totally different. He loves everyone, even those who do bad things to Him. He doesn’t just bless His followers with sunshine and fresh air, He gives blessings to everyone.”

Jared: “What dreams or hopes do you have for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nepal?”

Rajya: “I want to see the Nepali Seventh-day Adventists working from their hearts and not depending on outsiders for everything. My Hindu parents are very committed to their religion, and I want to see Seventh-day Adventists in Nepal who are as committed to Jesus Christ. I also want to reach the Newari people of Nepal for Christ. This is my burden and my passion.”

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