Surendra, an Acts 29 church planter in Nepal, didn’t realize he was missing the heart of the gospel until a friend introduced him to Acts 29. His story is one of transformation—from a life steeped in addiction and insecurity to one centered on Christ and the mission of the church.

A Struggle with Identity and Addiction

Born into a Hindu family within the Newar community in Kathmandu, Surendra’s early life was marked by profound loss. His father passed away when he was only four years old, leaving him without the guidance of a father figure. This early grief, compounded by deep insecurities and a sense of emptiness, set him on a destructive path.

By the time he was eleven or twelve, he had fallen into a life of addiction. Liquor and marijuana became his escape from the turmoil he felt inside. Surrounded by bad company, he felt directionless and adrift. But in the midst of all of this, God had a plan Surendra couldn’t yet see. 

The Turning Point: Hearing the Good News

Surendra first stepped into a church at fourteen years old, and his life was forever changed. He remembers hearing hymns sung and witnessing the preaching of God’s word. It was a moment that planted a seed in his heart, a seed that led to faith in Jesus shortly after. 

Despite his newfound faith, his addictions didn’t vanish overnight. His life became a juxtaposition of church and addiction. He would go to church and try to live a Christian life, but his heart was still entangled in the habits that defined him for so long. 

Breaking Free: The Power of the Gospel

In 2008, Surendra reached a turning point when he began pursuing a Bachelor of Theology degree. He found himself in a place where he was required to spend time in daily reflection, Bible study, and prayer, and through this time, the Lord continued to refine his heart. Surendra remembers, “During this time, I walked away from my addictions. I started in a place of not being able to love myself and love others, and I reached a place where I loved myself and loved others!”

Understanding the Complete Gospel

After completing his degree, Surendra took a full time ministry role at his home church. He began preaching as best he knew how, focusing on moral teachings, prosperity, and good works. But he felt like something was missing. Was there more to the Christian life than just prosperity and good works?

In 2022, a friend introduced Surendra to Acts 29. Through working with Acts 29, Surendra learned he had been missing the full gospel message. “I got to study in detail about the true Gospel, Christ-centered teaching, and how to lead a healthy church,” Surendra says. From 2022 to 2023, Surendra’s understanding of the gospel deepened, and his faith was further refined.

He saw that the prosperity gospel actually turns people away from Christ and deceives them as to what our relationship to our Savior is intended to be. Surendra learned to instead preach Christ and the cross (1 Corinthians 1:23). 

A Vision for Church Planting in Nepal

Today, Surendra leads a gospel-centered church in Nepal, and his heart is set on planting more churches to spread the true message of Jesus. His vision aligns with the Great Commission given to us in Matthew 28–spreading the gospel of the cross through the biblical mandate of church planting.

This is why we plant churches worldwide. Pray with us for the gospel efforts of Surendra in Nepal and for Acts 29 church planters like him around the globe!