In the quiet hills of Almora, Uttarakhand, Pastor Nandan Singh lives a life few would have imagined possible for him. Not long ago, he was known for his fierce opposition to Christianity. Today, he leads a thriving church and helps heal the wounds he once helped inflict.
Early life and opposition to Christianity
Nandan grew up in a community where suspicions about Christians ran deep. From a young age, he was taught that Christians were outsiders who threatened local traditions. As he got older, he joined groups that actively harassed believers and disrupted church services. It was a time of anger and conflict, backed by the conviction that he was defending his culture.
A surprising encounter
Everything changed when Nandan met a group of Christians who simply showed him kindness. They didn’t argue or try to debate him. They just listened and shared a meal. Over time, his hard heart began to soften. He found himself drawn not to their arguments, but to their willingness to love and forgive.
“I didn’t expect it,” Nandan recalls. “I thought they would fight back. Instead, they welcomed me.”
The decision to follow Christ
Moved by their example, Nandan started reading the Bible and asking questions. He spent hours talking with pastors and church members, wrestling with what he had learned. Eventually, he realised he could no longer ignore the change stirring in his heart. He was baptised and took on the name “Nandan,” marking the start of a new life.
His choice came at a cost. Many in his old circle felt betrayed. Neighbours he had known for years turned away. But Nandan says he never regretted his decision. “Yes, I lost friends,” he admits. “But I found something worth more than approval—peace.”
From convert to church leader
Life as a new believer wasn’t easy. Nandan joined a local Bible study and began helping out with youth groups. His natural leadership skills and genuine story made him a source of encouragement for others. Within two years, he was invited to train as a pastor.
Today, Pastor Nandan leads a congregation of around 80 people. He preaches on Sundays, visits the sick, and helps coordinate relief work for families displaced by local conflicts. He also speaks at conferences organised by Persecution Relief, the charity that first connected him with supportive church networks.
A message of hope
When asked what drove him to stay despite the challenges, Nandan points to one verse: “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). “I was broken,” he says, “but He made me whole.”
His story—well documented by Persecution Relief—has inspired many. Nandan now travels across northern India, sharing how a simple act of kindness changed his life. He hopes his journey will remind both believers and non-believers that people can change, no matter their past.
Looking ahead
Pastor Nandan Singh admits he still worries about his safety and that of his congregation. But he faces each day with confidence that comes from his faith. “I was a persecutor,” he says with a gentle smile. “Now I’m a pastor. If God can do this for me, He can do it for anyone.”
This is a rewritten version of the original story published on Persecution Relief.
