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In 2000, Nepal outlawed bonded labor. Workers were freed, and their debts were forgiven. They began earning daily wages. But the old mindset has remained in many areas.
For years, the Rana community worked hard for others. But all they received in return was rice and lentils. Neither could pay for an education, so the children weren’t able to attend school. Adults never learned to read. Under these circumstances, the people struggled to provide for their families without a clear way to change what had always been.
A Business Idea
Surendra grew up in the Rana community. After coming to know the Lord, he traveled to nearby areas to share the hope of the Gospel and plant churches. He crossed paths with our partner during one of his visits to Kathmandu.
He shared that his village was barely getting by; our partner listened with compassion and asked if they had tried starting a business. Such a thing had never been considered, yet Surendra sparked an opportunity when he said:
“Sometimes, we plant watermelons.”
A Community Effort
Surendra decided to pursue business training and accept a financial investment from our partner, using both to start a watermelon farm with his community. Surendra distributed seeds to 96 families and explained that the watermelons weren’t for eating, but for starting a business.
The families committed to the process. They also learned business skills from our partner and diligently worked together to till, plant, and water until the promised harvest day arrived.
Months later, their first crop produced a well-earned profit, and the farm has continued to grow since then.
A New Way to Live
Today, the Rana community is transformed—happy, purposeful, and full of hope for the future. The ongoing profits from watermelon farming have allowed parents to afford food for their families and send their children to school. Half the community works with the watermelon farm in some capacity. Those homes have installed clean drinking water and toilets to keep the community healthy.
As the community cares for one another, the hope of the Gospel continues to spread. Over 7,000 in the community have come to know the Lord so far.
Community transformation like this happens when we boldly pursue inseparable work: fighting injustice and making the Gospel known. Your gift always supports both—bringing hope to tough places in ways that invite lasting change.
