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Because of its high altitude, Sikkim, India, experiences frigid temperatures during the winter. Some parts of the state even receive heavy snowfall. Sadly, the cost of living in Sikkim is so high many people can't afford proper warm attire.
Subaas Tamang, a Gospel for Asia-supported missionary, lives in rural Sikkim, where he and his family shine the light of Christ. In the spring and summer, he can go out wearing a short-sleeve shirt. But that's not enough in the winter.
Subaas' wife Ruth and son Prithivi support him in his ministry. Sometimes they even join him as he travels to homes and villages. But that becomes difficult in the dead of winter, when the weather is so cold.
Subaas doesn't always want to get out of bed in the freezing morning hours. And when he sets out to share the Gospel, he faces another burden: inadequate footwear. He has no boots for the cold weather, so sometimes he walks barefoot in the snow.
Hiking up and down mountain trails takes a lot of stamina and energy, even in pleasant weather. But when it turns cold, Subaas doesn't give up. "No matter how cold it is outside, we have to minister all the time," he says.
Homes in Sikkim can sometimes be miles away from each other, but Subaas visits several homes each day to preach the Good News. If the residents of the house are open to speaking with him, he tells them about Jesus and asks if anyone needs prayer.
By God's grace Subaas was able to lead his friend Aashish to the Lord a few years ago. Now they work together, taking the love of Jesus to the far-flung areas of their rural homeland.
Subaas and Aashish trek for hours over the mountainous terrain to share the Good News and encourage believers. "We have to do ministry no matter what the weather outside is." Subaas states.
Most days when Subaas arrives home, the family gathers around a fire in their rustic kitchen. "Whether we are rich or poor, we are able to serve the Lord, and that fact fills my heart with joy," Ruth says.
Through the work of Subaas, Aashish and their families, God has brought believers from miles away to worship together and learn from His Word.
A truly dedicated missionary, Subaas wants to serve God no matter what the weather is: "…I have pledged to the Lord that I will do ministry no matter what may come," he says. "That's why even if I didn't have proper and sufficient warm clothes, I have never quit ministry or stayed home not doing anything for the Kingdom."
date posted 10/26/2010