Nepal: Lama Priest Becomes Believer, Pays a Price

Virtually no Christian witness exists among the 12 million Tibetan Lama Buddhists in China, or the 5 million in Russia, Mongolia, Nepal, Bhutan and India. It is difficult to cultivate a witness for Christ among the 130 unreached people groups included in the Tibetan Buddhist world because the price for becoming a Christian is so high.

Consider the story of one man in Nepal and the baptism of fire he received from his family and countrymen. Last year this fifth-generation Lama priest placed his faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior, which completely changed his world. Once wealthy by Nepal standards, he is now destitute. Ironically, it was his own family who made him pay the high cost of conversion from Buddhism. His wife disowned him and his brothers and fellow villagers brutally beat him, breaking his arm and leg. Amazingly, he managed to stumble into the jungle and find medicinal plants to treat his wounds.

After several months, neither of his limbs has healed correctly. Outwardly, his arm appears normal, however, it remains painful to move and is in need of reconstruction. His leg is still badly infected and swollen. In order to facilitate proper healing, both limbs will need to be broken and set correctly. Without transportation, he is forced to walk, even to the medical clinic. A local pastor and his church have helped him, but they lack the funds needed for his treatment. His Christian brothers are, at times, unable to help him, but are moved to tears by his physical condition and spiritual commitment to Christ, and are continually lifting him up in prayer.

Despite the trials he faces for his new life in Christ, he experiences joy and peace, and feels honored that Christ considers him worthy to suffer for His name. He knows he has found the "pearl of great price."

Please note also! "It's smart to pick your friends but not to pieces."