All the Other gods Failed: Jesus Didn’t

MY FAITH JOURNEY FROM NEPAL TO THE UNITED STATES

Resha is a student from Street Level Ministries in Menomonie, WI

Growing up in a Hindu family in Nepal, I was accustomed to visiting temples on various occasions, making offerings, and worshiping different gods according to different festivals. Following the teachings and path of my parents, I believed that connecting with God meant going to the temple. We would stand in long lines for hours, and when it was our turn, we would have to quickly perform the religious rituals in front of the deity so others in the line could have a chance. This is what we did until I was 18 years of age. It never occurred to me that I could have a personal relationship with God.

However, everything changed when I discovered Jesus. I learned that He is not just a distant deity. He is a loving friend who desires to be intimately involved in our lives. I discovered that I could talk to Him about my insecurities and worries, as stated in Philippians 4:6. Through Jesus, I realized that God is not limited to specific temples or places of worship.  Rather, He dwells within us. While some say you can find God anywhere, few truly believe or act upon this truth.

In 2014, I tragically lost my aunt. My aunt was battling breast cancer at the time, and we tried various treatments, including traditional medicine and herbal remedies. My father, being her elder brother, stood by her side throughout her medical journey, but sadly, her health got worse after surgery.

As I mentioned, my family followed the Hindu religion, and my grandmother worshiped multiple gods and goddesses, a total of 32. When she learned about my aunt’s breast cancer, she sought the help of shamans (like a Hindu priest) in hopes of finding a cure. She followed their instructions, performed sacrifices, and visited different temples. The shamans claimed that my aunt’s illness was a result of her not fulfilling a promise to visit a particular temple. They said her suffering was the wrath of that specific god. Believing the shamans, my grandmother faithfully carried out their rituals and prayers, but sadly, nothing improved my aunt’s condition.

Then, one day, my father’s best friend came to visit my aunt. He spoke to her about Jesus and asked if he could pray for her. My aunt agreed. After he prayed, she expressed feeling a sense of peace, and her pain lessened. The friend continued to visit and pray for her. One day, during a prayer session, my aunt felt something leave her body. This experience strengthened her faith in the power of prayer and in Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Although my aunt is no longer with us, in her final days, she urged my father to believe in Jesus as the true God. Over time, this led to the salvation of many members of my family.

Witnessing how Jesus transformed my aunt’s life, even amidst her pain, my family began attending church regularly. As we each grew in our relationships with Jesus, my grandmother abandoned her idols, realizing they had no power to answer her pleas. Instead, she embraced Jesus as her true guide.

However, when I attended church, I initially doubted whether I was in the right place. For a few weeks, I attended without truly knowing who Jesus was. But one day, during a worship session, I suddenly felt His presence for the first time. The lyrics of a song proclaiming His immense love and sacrifice moved me to tears. In that moment, I experienced His love for me and understood why He had sacrificed Himself for my life. From that day on, I pursued a closer relationship with Jesus, fell more deeply in love with Him, and committed to following Him wholeheartedly.

Encountering Jesus transformed me from the inside out. He taught me to love strangers and to forgive those who have hurt me. Gradually, He freed me from my pointless worries. Previously, I would obsess over my future, fearing how my studies and goals would unfold. Yet, through His words and promises, I found a sense of security that surpassed my worries. That does not mean I will not have problems anymore but through all situations I see Him walking with me. I trust that my future is secure in His hands. I see myself changing because of Jesus. Because of Him, I can love my enemies and forgive people.

“When [my grandmother] learned about my aunt’s breast cancer, she sought the help of shamans (like a Hindu priest) in hopes of finding a cure.”

Now I am in the United States as a master’s student at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, studying Food Science. I never imagined leaving my family and friends behind to study in a foreign country, but God made it possible. He gave me strength and courage through His Word when I was unsure whether to go. I had some people telling me not to go, but God brought His Word to my mind when I was in prayer: “This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, NLT). I trust that God has a purpose for my life, and I am eager to discover it.

Before arriving in the United States, I worried about finding genuine Christians and friends who shared my faith in God. I always thought that the U.S. was a country where people had the freedom to pursue whatever they pleased, unlike our own country and culture. However, upon my arrival, I searched for an authentic church that worshiped the true God.

Surprisingly, I stumbled upon The Blind Munchies Coffeehouse during a friend’s birthday celebration. That day, I witnessed a group of friends engaging in a Bible discussion through Street Level Ministries. I sat among them, listening to the Word of God. I was overjoyed to find a community of young people who shared the same love for Jesus as I did. Through them, I learned more about Street Level and Believers Campus Church. I began attending church services at the Street Level House, just behind Jarvis Hall.

I found friends in unexpected places, and their support has helped me remain steadfast in my faith despite being far from my home and loved ones. Though it hasn’t been easy to be separated from my family and focus on my studies, the presence of these friends has made the journey much more bearable. I finally found a place where I feel like I truly belong.

I am not sure where God will send me next, but no matter where I end up, I am committed to seeking His will for my life. I want to keep building a close relationship with Him. I am driven to serve others and share the blessings God has given to me with those around me. Wherever I go, I know that God desires me to walk closely with Him and show His love to others.

– Resha