Samuel Khawas, born in Bhutan, was once a well-known Hindu priest (Dhami), representing the fourth generation in his family’s spiritual lineage. But his life was radically transformed by both political persecution and divine intervention. During the ethnic cleansing in Bhutan, Samuel and his family—his wife and seven children—were forced to flee and resettle as refugees along the banks of the Kankai River in Kankai Mahi, Nepal.
In the midst of deep suffering and uncertainty, Samuel witnessed a miracle that changed the course of his life. His only son after six daughters, presumed dead, came back to life after a heartfelt prayer offered by a Christian neighbor, Krishna Pariyar. This powerful encounter led Samuel and his entire family to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, leaving behind generations of Dhami tradition to follow Christ.
He was soon connected to Pastor Dhan Gajmer of Jhiljhile Jyoti Church and later to Pastor N.D. Thulung. With their support, Samuel planted what is believed to be the first Bhutanese refugee church—Jyoti Church in Kankai Mahi. He faithfully served as a pastor in the Bhutanese Refugee Camp in Beldangi 1, Jhapa, Nepal, overseeing not only his local congregation but also several emerging Jyoti Churches across Nepal under the leadership of the Central Jyoti Church.
In 2009, Samuel relocated to the United States, believing that his mission had come to an end. But God had other plans. Through phone and video calls, he began reconnecting with former congregation members and planting churches across various U.S. states and Canadian provinces. He traveled widely, preaching the gospel, mentoring leaders, and strengthening the faith of Bhutanese and Nepali believers in diaspora.
In the earliest phase of his resettlement, Samuel dedicated 100% of his Social Security income to support struggling pastors and new church planters in Nepal. His sacrificial giving, bold faith, and relentless commitment to God’s mission laid the foundation for Love the Lost Ministries (LTL)—an initiative that later formed under the spiritual supervision of Pastor John Martha Tamang.
Today, Samuel Khawas is remembered not just as the first Bhutanese refugee pastor, but as a devoted spiritual father, servant leader, and global pioneer who helped ignite a powerful movement to reach the lost with the love of Christ—both in Nepal and across the nations.(READ MORE ABOUT PS. SAMUEL K.)