The Rai are one of the oldest tribes in Nepal, consisting of a collection of groups. Historically, they inhabited the region between the Dudh Koshi and Tamur rivers. The Rai claim that their land, known as Kirat Desh in modern times, extends across Nepal, Sikkim and West Bengal in India, and southwestern Bhutan. Traditionally the Rai engaged in animal farming and agricultural practices.

They are known for their reverence for nature and ancestral spirits. The Rai have been following Kirat religion since the ancient times. Kirat religion is based on animistic nature and ancestor worship. The Rai do not believe in heaven or hell. There is no religious hierarchy. Shamans lead their religious rites, but during the course of their recent history the Rai have increasingly borrowed elements from the major religions they have had contact with, from Lamaism Buddhism or Nepalese Hinduism, without, however, renouncing their own tribal traditions.

How the Adventist Message Reached the Rai Tribe

The story of how the Seventh-day Adventist message reached the Rai tribe of eastern Nepal through Yam Bahadur Rai is a powerful testimony of faith, resilience, and transformation. Here’s an organized account:

Yam Bahadur Rai was born into a poor farming family in a remote mountain village in eastern Nepal. The village lacked modern infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and health-care facilities. The community was deeply rooted in superstitions and relied heavily on shamans and witch doctors for health and spiritual matters.

Yam’s early life was marked by hardship. From birth he was often sick. With no formal education and limited health care, his parents turned to shamans when his health deteriorated. At the age of 8 Yam developed spots on his body. Initially dismissed as minor, the condition worsened. Despite sacrifices of chickens and goats, his condition did not improve.

A Turning Point

Eventually Yam’s parents took him to a doctor, who diagnosed him with leprosy—a disease widely feared and misunderstood at the time. Leprosy patients were often ostracized, as the disease was seen as a curse or punishment for wrongdoing. The doctor, however, recommended that Yam seek treatment at the Leprosy Mission Hospital in Lalitpur, Nepal.

At the hospital Yam began receiving free treatment. During his two-year stay he met James Nakarmi, a supervisor at the hospital, and his wife, Nirmala, a nurse. Both were devoted Seventh-day Adventists. Their kindness, compassion, and willingness to pray and counsel patients deeply impacted Yam, who had experienced rejection from his family and village.

While undergoing treatment, Yam began learning how to read and write, a skill he had not acquired earlier. Nakarmi gave him a Bible and introduced him to prayer. Over time, Yam found solace and hopes in the teachings of the Bible. After a year of studying and observing the Adventist faith, Yam accepted the beliefs and was baptized in Kathmandu.

Jeegat Bahadur and his wife reading Bible.

Photo: courtesy of Umesh Pokharel

Dhan Lal Rai, who is a leader and Adventist pastor (left), with his cousin.

Photo: courtesy of Umesh Pokharel

Haindra Kumar Rai was a shaman but became an Adventist and now is serving as a GO volunteer.

Photo: courtesy of Umesh Pokharel

Three Adventist young people in eastern Nepal.

Photo: courtesy of Umesh Pokharel

The Gospel Reaches the Rai Tribe

Returning to his native village after his treatment, Yam carried not only his healed body but also a renewed spirit and a desire to share his faith. He invited Deep Bahadur Thapa, a pastor and former director of the Himalayan Region of the Adventist Church, to his village. Together they spent a week teaching and sharing the gospel.

Their efforts bore fruit. Six members of the Rai tribe embraced the Adventist faith, marking the beginning of the Adventist Church among the Rai people. This moment was a turning point for the community, introducing them to a new way of life rooted in faith, education, and health care.

Yam’s journey from a sick and rejected child to a bearer of the gospel is a testament to how faith and compassion can transform lives, regional leaders said. Through his experience the Adventist Church found a foothold among the Rai tribe, and his story continues to inspire others to embrace faith and service.

A Gradual Expansion

The Adventist message reached the Rai tribe in December 1992, and since then, it has gradually expanded. During the next decade, the Adventist message spread rapidly through family connections and friendships within this tribe.

Currently there are 16 Global Outreach (GO) volunteers from the Rai tribe, along with two ordained pastors and two pastors who hold Bachelor of Theology degrees from an Adventist university. Additionally there are two GO volunteers with junior college degrees from an Adventist college. The Rai tribe now has more than 4,000 Adventist members who are caring for 19 Adventist churches across Nepal.

The Rai tribe is known for being simple, dedicated, trustworthy, and open to the gospel. Despite the changing perspectives of younger generations, many young people from this tribe still show interest in the gospel, regional leaders said. “They can be valuable assets for the Adventist Church in Nepal, helping to spread the gospel message and prepare many others,” they said.

Gospel Outreach is a nonprofit organization dedicated to extending the international ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the 10/40 window. It is not part of the corporate Seventh-day Adventist Church.