
From Darkness to Light: Sharada's Journey from Hinduism to Faith Amidst Persecution in Nepal
Nepal, a land where Hinduism and Maoism vie for
influence, is also witnessing a remarkable growth in its Christian population.
From a mere 29 believers 60 years ago, the Christian community has surged to
nearly one million, primarily comprised of former Hindus.
Sharada, who grew up in a Hindu family, shares her
transformative experience: "Before I came to Christ, my life was in
darkness, and I didn't know God." However, her decision to follow Christ
was severely opposed by her family.
"When I accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour, the
persecution started to come into my life," Sharada recounts. Her mother
questioned her devotion, asking if she loved her religion more than her
parents. Despite Sharada's affirmation of love for both, her mother's animosity
grew, marked by verbal abuse.
Tragically, the persecution escalated to physical violence. Sharada's mother threatened her with a sickle and attempted to blind her with a nail to prevent her from attending church.
"She took the nail, pushed me to the ground, and
tried to stick the nail into my eyes. I moved, and the nail hit my ear,"
Sharada reveals.
Fearing for her life, Sharada fled to the jungle and
now lives with a friend. Her story is a testament to the challenges faced by
converts in Nepal, even amidst the significant growth of Christianity in the
nation.