I am Doug G. from Butwal, Nepal. I am 25 years old. I was born and brought up in a small Hindu family (4 members). I am the only son, and I am the only believer. It is a great joy for me to testify of the saving work of God in my life. I am so thankful to God for the free gift of salvation that He has given me.
2009 was the first time I heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. At that time, I was studying in the 10thstandard nearby my village. I grew up in a society that has strong convictions about following the religion of the forefathers. Therefore, I grew up with the mentality that I should keep the same religion I had been taught from childhood. I therefore worshipped the Hindu gods. I use to think that I was more righteous than others because of my devotion. This was until one Christian teacher told me that all people are sinners. Hearing that, I was very shocked and disturbed. I started to question him, wondering how I could be a sinner. He told me the story of Creation, Adam and Eve, and how they committed sin against their Holy Creator. He told me that all human beings became sinners because of Adam’s sin. He then proceeded to tell me about my need for a Savior. He told me about Jesus Christ, who alone could deliver me from my sins. At that time, I was not fully convinced.
One day, he took me to the local church where I met pastor Gary G.. I was interested in attending his church service. I got a Bible for the first time and began to read it. As I continued to listen to every sermon and read through the Gospels, God opened my blinded eyes and convinced me of my sins and my need of the Savior. I came to know that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). God gave me a new heart to repent and believe in Jesus Christ. I repented from my sins and put my trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior. It was all His grace that brought me into saving faith. I understood that salvation is not by human works, but it is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Eph. 2:8).
My family was against me. The villagers were counseling my family to stop me, but they were not able to do so. Who can stop the work of the hand of God? None. I continued to grow in the faith and holiness. A few months later, Bro. Silas came to the local church to serve there. He had just completed his seminary studies, and began discipling me. Through him, I was given the opportunity to understand the gospel from the Scriptures very clearly. In 2012, I was baptized in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:29).
In 2012, I moved to Butwal to get my bachelor degree. It was a big struggle for me to live in a city, but God opened the door, and I received the opportunity to work in Ps. Greg S. bookshop part time. I began attending the local church that Silas began to lead. I became part of that local church and started helping bro. Silas in the ministry. There, God gave me a greater desire to serve Him and His people. Silas encouraged me to go to a Bible college. I was undecided because I had the financial burden to help my parents, but in the final year of my bachelor degree, I was fully convinced that God was calling me to the pastoral ministry. We began praying about this, and Praise the Lord, He provided support for my seminary studies through HeartCry. I am so thankful to the Lord and His provision.
In 2015, I went to Pastoral Training Seminary (PTS) in Goa, India for the M Div. program. I had opportunity to study God’s Word and be trained in godliness under respected men of God. God used this time in the seminary to train me in sound doctrine and in holy character. In Feb. 23, 2018, I graduated from PTS. I came back to Nepal with the great desire to serve the Lord in my country and among my people. I am now in my local church as an intern and helping Bro. Silas. I thank God for His purpose in my life and I thank HeartCry for the encouragement, prayers, and support. May the Lord make me faithful and fruitful in His ministry.
In Him,
Doug
