All of the blind children in Jumla came to the Lord only three to four years ago, and they have a heart to serve the Lord.  They are becoming key leaders in the churches around that area.  Following is the story of one of the girls, Shanti Rokaya, living in the Blind Hostel told in her own words.

My name is Shanti Rokaya, and I am 15 years old.  I was born in the village of Farsebada in the Jumla district.  I have a large family.  There are seven members in my family including me, and all of them, except me, live together under one roof.  My father runs a small shop, and my family survives through his earnings.

I was born blind in one eye, but when I was three years old I fell off the roof of my house onto a pile of firewood.  The homes in our region are almost always flat roofed.  Unfortunately my good eye was jabbed with a sharp piece wood, and I lost my good eye.  Eventually I became fully blind.

I wanted to learn to read and write, so with the help of my family, I was taken to the blind hostel in Jumla and put in the school eight years ago.  Now I study in grade eight.  My favorite subject is Nepali because it has folktales, poems and other interesting things.  Singing is my hobby, and I have a habit of humming songs all the time.

My aim in the future is to serve God through ministry.  I really like to sing hymns and choruses for praising God.

I have been a member of Himalaya Church in Sinja (Jumla) for three years.  I became a Believer for a meaningful life on earth and eternal life in heaven.   My parents, who are Hindu, have not discouraged my faith in the Lord Jesus.

In the hostel, we have a timetable for everything like eating, reading, playing and sleeping.  This has helped us to become disciplined students.  We also have a particular time for prayer, and we have strong fellowship with God by singing the hymns and choruses.

Rick has shared that we have made the decision to keep the blind children where they are and build them a better place to live.  This is a big step of faith for us.  I appreciate your prayers, and thank you for standing with us as we help those who cannot help themselves.

Dream His Dreams

Bev & Shane