Applicant Information: Name: Pastor Siman Ramdam Organization: Nepali Golden Church Location: Atlanta, GA Contact: 770-480-5132 Introduction and Background: My name is Siman Ramdam, and I serve as the pastor of the Nepali Golden Church in Atlanta, Georgia. I was born in Bhutan, a small yet beautiful country nestled in the Himalayas. However, Bhutan is predominantly a Buddhist nation, and it is not welcoming to Christians. My family and I were persecuted for our Christian faith and our Nepali heritage. The Bhutanese government subjected us to harassment and torture, forcing us to abandon our culture and language. Faced with the ultimatum to either renounce our faith or leave the country, we chose to leave everything behind and seek refuge in Nepal, driven by our unwavering belief in God's redemption. Life as refugees in Nepal was extremely challenging. We lacked basic necessities such as food, clothing, and proper shelter. Despite these hardships, we continued to preach the Gospel and relied on prayer to sustain us. Through the grace of God, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) facilitated our resettlement in the United States, a land of opportunity, much like how God delivered the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. Upon arriving in America, I quickly realized that many of my fellow refugees were struggling with various issues, including language barriers, unemployment, and depression. The education system in Bhutan and Nepal had left many of our people illiterate, making it difficult for them to adapt to life in the U.S. Without a strong command of English, they faced significant challenges in securing employment, accessing essential services, and integrating into American society. These difficulties have led to widespread feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, and depression within our community. Organization Overview: The Nepali Golden Church is dedicated to serving the Nepali refugee community in Atlanta, GA. Our mission is to provide comprehensive support to refugee families as they navigate the challenges of resettlement in America. We offer a range of services, including: - Homework assistance for children - Job placement support and appointment scheduling - Free transportation services - English and Citizenship classes - Small business grants and car purchase assistance - Biblical training and Vacation Bible School (VBS) for children - Gospel conferences and Bible school - Church, youth, and children's trips - Church planting initiatives - Food donation and distribution - Cultural preservation and skill development programs - Housing assistance and transportation for older adults Statement of Need: Despite our efforts, the needs of our community continue to grow. Many refugee families are still struggling with the transition to life in America. The language barrier remains a significant obstacle, preventing many from finding employment or accessing necessary services. Additionally, the mental health of our community members is deteriorating due to the stress of resettlement and isolation. To address these challenges, we urgently need financial support to expand our programs and reach more families. Your support will enable us to continue providing critical services such as English and Citizenship classes, job placement assistance, and mental health support. Furthermore, we seek funds to help refugees start small businesses, purchase reliable transportation, and access housing. These initiatives will empower our community members to become self-sufficient and contribute positively to society. Request for Support: We humbly request your support in the following ways: 1. Prayer: We believe in the power of prayer and ask for your prayers as we continue this important work. 2. Financial Support: A one-time, yearly, or monthly donation would greatly impact our ability to serve the refugee community. We are officially registered with the government and have an EIN number, which we are happy to provide upon request. Conclusion: The Nepali Golden Church is committed to uplifting the Nepali refugee community in Atlanta, GA. We believe that with your support, we can help our people overcome the challenges they face and build a brighter future. Please pray and ask the Lord how He might lead you to support our mission. Thank you for considering our request. Sincerely, Pastor Siman Ramdam Nepali Golden Church 770-480-5132 Nepaligoldenchurch@gmail.com http://ngc.liveblog365.com/