Walking in the Master’s Footsteps - NEPAL
by Sonu Maharjan & Pradip Shahi
First, we want to thank Disciplers International for giving us a clear understanding of true discipleship and helping us experience spiritual intimacy with God and each other. Discipleship is not a solo journey but a shared experience that happens best within the church community where support, accountability, and encouragement are fostered. It involves a commitment to serve others and engage in the mission of the church. This outward focus reflects Christ’s love and compassion in action – just as God so loved the world, so must we.
After finishing the Step by Step Process, we shared it with our family members first. Then, we recognized the need to employ this training in remote areas of Nepal where people only have a cursory understanding of Christ.
We selected the village of Dhading, one of the most remote locations in Nepal's north region on the border of Tibet, which is an autonomous area under Chinese control. There has been widespread conversion from the prevalent religions of Buddhism and Hinduism to Christianity in this district. Yet, religion and culture have been closely associated due to the animistic influence and tribal social structure with religion having a significant influence on communal norms and values. As a result, the customs and traditions of this region have a significant influence on the Christian community.
A year ago, I had the chance to attend a church service in this area of few churches and few full-time pastors. In the Dhading District, many people rely on traditional techniques to get through difficult times. They believe that every adversity is a sign of their gods' wrath. To placate enraged “gods,” many rely largely on witchcraft and mediums. In fact, pastors often solicit a witch doctor because they view every catastrophe as the product of demonic activity.
We have chosen to focus especially on the youth. Thus far, we have trained two young people from our family and have selected additional youth from various locations and churches. We look for those who show a genuine desire to follow Christ and become true disciples. Our goal is to lead them to spiritual maturity by walking step-by-step with them in the footsteps of Jesus, growing in faith and obedience day-by-day.
Besides our ongoing discipleship work with members of both our natural family and church family, we are also training several believers via Zoom. This group includes pastors and church leaders from the far western part of Nepal, about 800 Km from Kathmandu.
Sonu (sister-in-law) and Pradip (brother-in-law) along with their family members all live under one roof.
It has been a tremendous blessing to have Sushant Shahi journey with us from the very start of our mission trip. From day one, he has shown a heart full of dedication, humility, and a deep hunger for God. Sushant faithfully committed himself to the entire Step-by-Step Process and he is now joyfully preparing for his upcoming oral examination. What stands out most about this faithful servant of God is not just his obedience, but his deep love for the Lord, especially through worship. As a worship leader, Sushant pours his heart into every song and every word of praise, creating an atmosphere where people can truly encounter the Lord. His intent is not to perform, but simply to lead people into God’s presence, that they may experience His love, peace, and glory for themselves.
Although Sushant is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Theology, he has openly shared that the Disciplers International Step-by-Step Process has touched his life in a way that academic studies could not. Sushant’s life is now a living testimony of what God can do through a heart that is surrendered, and his growth has been visible—not just in his knowledge, but also in his character, his leadership, and his spiritual discernment. As a result, Sushant is more confident, more joyful, and more intentional in his calling as a worship leader and disciple of Christ. He said, “This training has made it very simple to connect with God. It’s not filled with complicated theology, but with real-life application. It speaks to the heart. I’ve learned more about intimacy with God through this journey than in any classroom.”
Hearing this was a powerful reminder for all of us: Spiritual maturity is not measured by degrees or titles, but by obedience, intimacy with God, a transformed life. The Step-by-Step Process has helped Sushant to slow down, reflect deeply, and walk closely with the Lord, while giving him practical tools, biblical truths, and spiritual habits that he can apply every day. That kind of experience can be yours as well!
