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Manja Tamang's family and at least 25 other Christians eagerly wait for prison officials to announce his name to be released after serving nine years for a crime he did not commit.
After a three-hour wait, GFA's Nepal leader, N. Sharma (R), accompanies Manja as he leaves the prison. Each prisoner was allowed one person to be with them as they were freed.
Manja's wife, Rati, places a garland of flowers around the neck of the husband she has not been able to touch for nine years. She carried on his ministry while he was in prison, and never stopped praying for him and anticipating his release.
Manja hugs his daughter, Tabita, for the first time in nine years. She and her brother were small children when Manja was put in prison.
Friends and staff walk joyously with Manja as he experiences the outside world for the first time in nearly a decade!
A family portrait is possible on their happiest of days. Manja, Rati, Tabita and Andreas pose for the cameras for the first time as a reunited family.
Sambhu Shreshta (L), also released from prison on Nepal's Republic Day, shares another bond with Manja. Sambhu was part of Manja's prison Bible study and decided to follow Christ on Christmas Day last year.
Sharma (C) leads a prayer of thanksgiving in front of the prison gates for Manja's release. GFA leaders joined Manja's family and friends in thanking God for answering their prayers for his freedom.
Home at last, Rati answers the phone as relatives and well-wishers began calling to congratulate Manja on his release. His reply was simply, "I am overwhelmed by joy just to be back home after these long years."
While son Andreas starts taking photos of his dad with his mobile phone, wife Rati laughs and waits for the tea to boil.
There is so much talking and laughter that no one stops to make dinner—after all, they have nine years of tales to tell!
Finally, daughter Tabita serves hot tea for her father and the family.
Rati and children eagerly start decorating their house with the flower garlands and bouquet that friends and families had put around Manja's neck after he was released.
At the end of a long and eventful day, Manja, his family and friends thank the Lord for answering their prayers and reuniting them after their long separation.
date posted 06/01/09