NEPAL
Ark of Hope
In Nepal, access to compassionate healthcare is limited, especially in mountain communities where geography, poverty, and spiritual barriers intersect. Through the Ark of Hope clinic in Pokhara and our partners Peter and Dr. Roni Gurung, we seek to make healthcare a bridge that meets physical needs while opening doors for discipleship and gospel witness.
Nepal Is Beautiful,
but Spiritually Burdened
Nestled between India and China, Nepal is marked by Himalayan mountains, remote villages, and fertile plains. More than 120 ethnic groups and languages form a culture shaped by deep tradition. Once a Hindu kingdom, Nepal became a republic in 2008 after years of instability, civil conflict, and the 2015 earthquake, all of which continue to impact its infrastructure and economy.
Today, Nepal remains one of the least developed nations in Asia, with limited access to quality healthcare, especially in rural areas. Pokhara sits beneath the Annapurna range beside Phewa Lake, where Hindu temples and Buddhist shrines shape daily life. In this setting, Ark of Hope seeks to provide compassionate care and a clear witness of Christ.
Population Density
Nepal is home to 30 million people. The country is roughly the size of Iowa but has five times the population density.
A Nation of Mountains
Nepal contains eight of the world’s highest mountain peaks, including Mt. Everest, the tallest mountain on earth.
A Unique Flag
Nepal is the only country in the world with a non-rectangular national flag, formed by two stacked triangles symbolizing the Himalayan mountains and the nation’s two major religions.
Searching for Hope
Nepal may appear like paradise, yet the spiritual atmosphere is often heavy. The people of Nepal are deeply influenced by religious traditions, mainly Hinduism and Buddhism. Their daily lives are shaped by practices such as karma, caste, and ritual obligation, creating a sense of duty and a fear of offending deities. In this environment, changing faith can bring risk and rejection. Healthcare offers a means to meet tangible needs while gently sharing hope.
“Nepal is beautiful, but spiritually dark. We are three million people serving thirty-three million gods and goddesses.”
– Peter Gurung
The Gurungs
Peter Gurung
Raised in a Hindu family in rural Nepal, Peter moved to the UAE for work and advanced his career with Unilever. There he came to faith through a former Buddhist from Bhutan and later founded the first Nepali church in the UAE while working professionally. He holds a theology degree and MBA from the University of Gloucestershire and completed a leadership residency at a Christian mission hospital before returning to Nepal for healthcare ministry.
Dr. Roni Gurung
Roni, an eye doctor from the Philippines, came to faith in university and later pursued advanced optometry training and a PhD. She served fifteen years at a Christian mission hospital in the UAE, helping launch its first ophthalmology center and serving in chaplaincy. There she met Peter, and together they committed to healthcare, discipleship, and church planting in Nepal.
“The medical field is such a powerful and approachable way to serve the community; reaching people who are in great need physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Of course, we treat the patients, but God is the one who heals.”
Peter Gurung
A Collaborative Calling
Peter and Roni are uniquely equipped to serve at the intersection of healthcare and gospel ministry. Peter brings pastoral leadership and operational experience, while Roni brings clinical excellence and compassion for patients.
Together, they have invested their own savings to launch a community healthcare center in Pokhara. Land is secured, permits approved, and a five-story structure is already built, with limited eye care operating on the ground floor. Once completed, it will be a full multi-specialty clinic. This project is called Ark of Hope.
Building the ark of hope
The current structure is five stories and permitted for seven. The exterior is complete, but the interior remains unfinished. This project will complete construction, finish the interior, and open the clinic and discipleship center.
Ground Floor:
Vision care, optical shop, and café
Floor 2:
Medical vision care and offices
Floors 3-5:
Dental, primary care, lab, imaging, therapy
Floors 6-7:
Training and discipleship spaces
Where Healthbridge Comes In
Healthbridge Global is partnering with Peter, Roni, and their team to complete, equip, and open the Ark of Hope—a place where healthcare and discipleship grow side by side.We will advocate for the project, consult with the leadership team, connect strategic partners, and help raise the funds needed to bring the clinic to completion.
Cost Breakdown
Remaining Construction & Finish Work
$198,000
Medical Equipment
$332,000
Project Permits, & OpEx
$88,000
Timeline
Finalize Operational Plans & Medical Specialties
2026
Finish Construction
2027
Purchase Equipment & Open
2028
We invite you to partner with us to bring this project to fruition.
Project Investment Needed: $618,000
Frequently Asked
QUESTIONS
Ark of Hope is a multi-specialty community healthcare clinic and discipleship center located in Pokhara, Nepal. The clinic is led by Peter and Roni Gurung. Peter is a Nepali pastor and church planter, and Roni is an ophthalmologist originally from the Philippines.
Healthbridge Global partners with Peter, Roni, and their team to help complete, equip, and open this community healthcare center. We advocate, consult, network, and help fund the project to completion.
Generally, no. Rather than providing operating funds indefinitely, Healthbridge partners with projects and leaders that have the ability to sustain their own operations moving forward. Some early operating expenses may be included within the broader project budget.
Feel free to reach out. We'll answer any questions you may have.
info@healthbridgeglobal.org
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