Nepali Entrepreneur Leaves American Success to Plant Churches in His Homeland
Ujjwal Rai's journey began in Nepal, one of Asia's poorest countries, where his parents converted to Christianity through a Presbyterian congregation. As a young Christian, Rai pursued theological education and helped his father with church planting and microfinance initiatives aimed at helping the Dalit community.
After facing persecution, including physical violence, Rai moved to the United States as a refugee in 2014. He quickly embraced the American dream, earning an MBA from Utica University and pursuing another master's degree at Harvard. Together with his wife Grace, he established multiple successful businesses, including a grocery store and a tax preparation company.
Couple embraces
However, Rai's pursuit of financial success led him away from his ministry roots. "It's interesting how much the capitalism gets you," he reflects. "The gravity of it is hard to fathom. You are on a treadmill of working hard and getting more."
Recently, Rai and his wife made a dramatic shift. They sold their business ventures to focus on planting Christ-centered churches in Nepal. This decision came after deep spiritual reflection and recognition that their relationship with Christ had taken a backseat to financial pursuits.
Their current church planting efforts in Nepal face unique challenges:
- Demographic gaps due to male migration to the Middle East
- Need for permanent church buildings to establish legitimacy
- Managing microfinance initiatives through elder committees
- Supporting bivocational pastors who work as plumbers, teachers, and drivers
Rai's approach to ministry has evolved from purely strategic to more spiritually focused. "I keep going back to the Heidelberg Catechism—I belong, body and soul, in life and death, to Jesus," he says. "I am praying, 'God, use me. But above all, let me grow in your grace.' That is the most important thing."
Through their work under the Nepali Community Church in Utica, New York, the Rais continue to build sustainable church communities while maintaining strong accountability and structure in their ministry efforts.
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