”Joseph” (surname withheld) is one of our old boys. He writes, "...I belong to a particular tribal community (name withheld) in Nepal. This is a backward, poor, marginalised and stigmatised community. Our Hindu caste is known as Dalit (Untouchable). There are almost no educated people in our community. I was born into a Hindu family.

My father became a follower of God when I was five years old. When I was just a small child, I had a great passion to become a medical missionary doctor. Then God did a miracle in my life by giving me a great chance to join the EMPOWER Nepal Asha Kendra boys’ home in Kathmandu (commencing from grade eight). I lived there for seven years. I was taught the meaning of life, and I learnt how we should live. I had many opportunities to take part in all manner of school activities; sports, music and academic as well as church activities."

I always wanted to experience the touch of God, so one time while I was at the hostel, I got a chance to attend a Christian conference. The pastor was praying for everyone, and he prayed for me also. Then I felt God’s touch. My life changed. From then on, I completely wanted to serve Him.

In my Hindu community, I am the first one to study medicine. After completing 12th grade at high school, I joined a coaching class in order to gain entrance to MBBS (medical degree). One Saturday, I went to church. It was during singing time that the leader came up to me and said, “Brother, I don’t know you. I don’t know what you are studying, but God has shown me in a vision that you are already a doctor.” I was very happy, but I still had not got into medical school! I started praying about it. Then I wrote my MBBS entrance exams. but still I did not qualify. In fact, it took four attempts before I was successful.

At a later time, the same church leader again prayed for me when God spoke to him again, saying that I would not get into a medical college in a “cold place” but that my medical college would be in a “hot place”. Following this, I sat the entrance exam for Christian Medical College, Vellore in Tamil Nadu, Southern India – a very hot place. It is a dream of every Indian child to join this particular medical college because it is one of the very best in Asia (and ranked second in India). All glory to the Lord.

Joseph has since graduated from Medical College and has gained entry to study general surgery at India’s top medical college.