It is a two‑day walk to Palden’s* village in South Asia, where there is high altitude, thin air and icy‑cold winters. For anyone, this is not an easy place to live. But the challenges for Palden are even greater. His young son has been paralysed since birth. Palden believes it is his fault — a curse. He was once a Buddhist monk, and his wife a Buddhist nun; both broke those commitments. Now they believe they are cursed.

An OM worker first met Palden last year during a visit to Palden’s village. The men prayed together and shared stories of faith. When the OM worker learnt that the family travels down to a lower altitude each winter, he invited them to stay at his house. Palden gladly accepted.

As they shared life together, the OM worker and his family spoke about the hope they have in Jesus. They also connected Palden with a faith‑based hospital for his son’s physiotherapy and arranged a special wheelchair. Palden and his wife were deeply grateful. “Even our relatives and our own people don’t care for us in this way,” they explained. Practical acts of love helped point the family to the Lord’s love. Or, in Palden’s own words: “Caring hands are far more than only praying words.” 

Now, Palden and his wife have moved to another city, waiting for their second child to be born. While they have become more open towards the gospel, they are afraid to commit to following Jesus. What if the spirits get even more angry? What if their second child will also be cursed?

Please pray for them during this frightening and uncertain time. Pray that the words they have heard will take root in their hearts, and that they would put their trust in the One who can bring them peace.

*name changed