Pastor Rajesh Kumar was born and brought up in a Hindu family. At the age of 16 he was diagnosed with stomach disease, he consulted the doctor and was on
medication but the disease was not cured and he even went to temple and did many sacrifices but still nothing happened and he was so discouraged. One
of his friend was a believer and he suggested him to go to a pastor who can pray for his healing but pastor Rajesh hesitated to go thinking that all gods are same
but later he thought to give it a try and he went to church and met the Pastor. And the pastor said that if he believes in Jesus then he can be forgiven and be
healed. A few days later Pastor Rajesh attended a fasting and prayer meeting and while the prayer was going on he could remember all his sins and asked
Jesus to forgive him and he invited Jesus in his life.
He felt peace in his heart. Then he knew that Jesus is real and he decide to serve him. He went to a seminary and finished his degree.
Now he is serving the lord in Ranchi road, in Sundargarh. By the grace of God he has a church and almost 40 people from non Christian background
are attending the church regularly. He has received many threatening from Hindu radical groups but he was persistent in prayers and sharing the gospel. And
now 23 people from that community have accepted Jesus as their Lord and have taken baptism.
Pastor Rajesh Kumar lives in Bargarh with his wife Sunita Minz and their 18 years old son Ayub Kumar and 9 years old son Anup Kumar.

ABOUT WESTERN ODISHA
With a population of 19 million people, predominantly Hindus, Western Odisha (Koshal) has been in the news for a few years now, because of the huge persecution against Christians in the state. Despite the persecution, the Lord is drawing thousands of people to Himself. The Christian population is growing
which consists mostly of the tribal people.
Western Odisha is experiencing revival as more and more people are coming to Christ. This is one of the most fertile field and stands out as one of the most missionary sending place in India.

ABOUT SUNDARGARH
SUNDARGARH is home to 2.3 million people. The main religion is Hindu with 98.6% and 0.8% are Christians. Out of 299 people groups, the total number of
unreached people group is 278. Please continue to pray for our disciple makers in Sundargarh district.