Yubaraj’s Story

It all started when…

I was born and raised in a devout Buddhist Family. I was devoted to Buddhism even though I didn’t know much about religion as a child, and it was my dream to become a monk. However, that didn’t work due to scars on my nose, as monks were expected to have a flawless appearance. Despite that, I remained committed to Buddhist practices and rituals like puja and storytelling. I was taught about subjects like sin, death, and life, and the endless cycles of reincarnation; because of that, there was a kind of fear in my mind. I was 9 years old when I first read the story of Jesus’ Cross.

There is an interesting account about how I ended up reading a Christian book. It was Christian love that made me secretly go to their house because they treated me well and offered food. That’s the reason I often used to go to their fellowship, even though I was not allowed. As a Buddhist child, I was already influenced by a couple of Bible stories, which are Joseph’s journey, God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt, and above all, Jesus’ suffering on the Cross. I enjoyed reading all of them, but Jesus’ story on the cross struck my heart. I still remember I used to read His painful story all day long with tears. Now I realize it was God who touched my heart that time. However, due to my family background, I was not able to show my faith publicly. I decided to wait until I grow enough, so I can make the decision.

I was 15 years old when I decided to accept Jesus as my personal Savior and Lord publicly, the same year I took water baptism too. My life was so different from that moment, even though I had an opposing family and society; there was no fear in my mind anymore, but a perfect sense of peace. Now I am 33 years old, I can testify that God has been so faithful through every season of my life, even in the times of my errors and unfaithfulness. It was Jesus who touched a 9-year-old boy's heart, it was the Holy Spirit who gave courage to a 15-year-old boy to follow Him despite challenges. And it is Heavenly Father who has been faithfully leading me all the way. I now surrender my life every day for His kingdom work.