Jesus Encounters and Healing Among People with Minimal Understanding of Who He Is

Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Haridwar and Rishikesh are among the holiest cities in the Hindu world. Here, the Ganges River emerges from the mountains and begins its long journey across India. Millions of pilgrims visit these cities every year to bathe in the sacred waters, believing the river can cleanse sins and bring spiritual freedom. Haridwar is known for its Ganga Aarti ceremonies, while Rishikesh has become an international center for yoga, meditation, and spiritual seeking. This region is also deeply influenced by rising Hindu nationalism. Uttarakhand has implemented anti-conversion laws that place strict scrutiny on Christian activities. In many villages Hindu background believers face rejection from their families, social boycott, threats, or pressure to return to Hinduism.

Among the people living in this region are the Garhwali people, who have limited access to the gospel. Though there are believers and ministries faithfully serving in Uttarakhand, many remote mountain communities remain spiritually unreached. Reena, a Garhwali woman, was once bedridden, but the Lord miraculously healed her. She and her husband chose to follow Jesus, but her parents rejected her because of her faith. After years of faithful prayer, more than half of her family has now accepted Jesus and are serving the Lord together.

Focus on: Upper Ganges: Haridwar and Rishikesh, Uttarakhand