An outstanding Nepali Christian leader, Shaha Gurung died suddenly on May 16.
Born on January 23 1960, in the village of Ghachok near Machhapuchhre (‘Fishtail’) mountain, Shaha began a 25-year career with International Nepal Fellowship (INF) in 1978 as a paramedic in leprosy rehabilitation in Pokhara.
Later Shaha was given overall responsibility for INF leprosy rehabilitation work and travelled extensively, visiting families and communities in Nepal’s Terai plains and the hill districts of the western regions. As a result he gained a great understanding of his country and people.
People in need
In 1991, Shaha went to the Philippines on an INF scholarship to study for a degree in community development. He returned to work in INF’s community health and development programme, initially as a senior community relations officer, then as senior social development officer and later as manager of the programme. He worked for over seven years with many different community groups and organisations helping people in need. He facilitated the career development of many Nepali staff in INF, some of whom went on to work in key positions.
Word and deed
He moved to Nepalgunj near the border with India, where he worked as project director and had significant input in reviewing and restructuring INF’s work. Following the model of Jesus, Shaha wanted to see sustainable improvements in Nepal achieved through acts of compassion and empowerment of the people.
In 2003, Shaha left INF and became a director of the United Mission to Nepal [UMN] in Kathmandu. In addition, he was involved with Sagoal, a Nepali Christian organisation which encourages churches to live out the Good News of Jesus not only in word but also in deed and, from 2005, he served as a member of the new all-Nepali board of INF Nepal.
UMN Director Mark Galpin said: ‘It was a privilege to work with Shaha. I greatly valued his wisdom and friendship. Shaha has had a profound impact on thousands of people’s lives across Nepal and beyond. He will be deeply missed’.
Shaha leaves behind his wife Samjhana and their three sons.
This is an edited version of the obituary on the INF website (http://www.inf.org), and is used with permission.
