Our Governing Board

Born and raised in the rugged terrain of Nepal, Peter Gurung grew up with the values of hard work, community, and faith. His spiritual journey took shape early, but his calling to serve in full-time ministry would come later—after years of professional and personal transformation.

Like many of his countrymen, Peter moved to the United Arab Emirates in search of opportunities. He joined Unilever, where he faithfully served for nearly two decades in supply chain and warehouse management. Later, he worked in hospital administration for three years, gaining invaluable experience in organizational and healthcare operations.

During this season, he pursued academic excellence, earning a Bachelor of Theology from the International Open University (India) and later an MBA from the University of Gloucestershire (UK). These two streams of learning—business and theology—would become the twin anchors of his leadership style: biblically grounded and operationally sound.

In 2003, when Peter arrived in Al Ain, UAE, there were hardly any Nepali Christians in the region. With a vision burning in his heart, he began evangelizing in labor camps and public parks.

By 2005, a small house fellowship had formed. In 2009, the Nepali Bible Fellowship (NBF) was officially established in Al Ain. Under Peter’s leadership, NBF grew into a vibrant community, ministering to hundreds through:

• Weekly worship services
• Bible study groups and discipleship programs
• Outreach to labor camps and broken communities
• Raising and sending leaders, including missionaries to other nations

NBF became a spiritual home for the Nepali diaspora—many finding Christ, healing, and hope for the very first time.

After nearly 20 years of fruitful ministry in the UAE, Peter and his wife, Dr. Ronima Niog Gurung—a Filipina optometrist and servant of God—felt a powerful calling. This was not a decision of comfort but of conviction. With secure careers, international connections, and a thriving ministry in the UAE, they could have stayed in stability. Instead, they chose obedience.

They returned to Nepal, not to the urban centers of opportunity, but to remote and rural places where medical care is scarce and spiritual darkness is deep.

At the heart of this return was Ark of Hope—a God-given vision to bring holistic transformation by integrating healthcare and the Gospel. What began as a small clinic is envisioned to grow into a multi-floor hospital that will:

• Heal the sick with professional medical care
• Offer counseling and spiritual support through Christ
• Reach rural and marginalized communities often forgotten by mainstream systems

Their mission is simple yet profound:
“Healing the body, touching the soul.”

Peter now leverages his years of corporate and healthcare administration experience to build systems, while Roni uses her medical expertise to serve patients. Together, they travel through rugged terrains, reaching villages where the name of Jesus has never been heard, planting seeds of faith and compassion.

Pastor Peter Gurung is not just a pastor—he is a visionary builder and mentor. He has no biological children, but hundreds across nations call him “Guru Ba,” shepherd, and mentor. His spiritual children now carry the same DNA of faith, humility, and boldness.

Ark of Hope is more than a project; it is a living testimony that when God calls, His vision sustains. Peter and Roni’s life embodies sacrificial obedience—trading professional prominence for pioneering ministry, and comfort for the call of Christ.

Those who know him will tell you: Pastor Peter doesn’t just preach about faith—he walks in it daily. Whether navigating construction challenges, comforting the grieving, or trekking to distant villages to share the Gospel, his life reflects one unshakable truth:

“When God calls, He provides. When we obey, He multiplies.”

In a time when the world longs for leaders grounded in character and compassion, Pastor Peter Gurung remains a beacon of light—carrying the hope of Christ from the Himalayas to the nations.

Ark of Hope stands as a lighthouse in Darkest City Nepal, born from God’s vision and carried out through the faith and sacrifice of Pastor Peter and Dr. Roni Gurung. It is not just healthcare—it is the Kingdom of God touching lives in body, mind, and spirit.

Dr. Roni is a highly skilled and licensed Optometrist, whose career reflects both professional excellence and heartfelt dedication to patient care. She began her remarkable journey as one of the pioneering staff members of the Eye Clinic at Kanad Hospital (formerly Oasis Hospital) in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, where she faithfully served for several years. Her contribution to the clinic was not only in delivering expert eye care but also in shaping its reputation as a center of excellence in vision health.

Roni’s academic accomplishments are equally impressive. She earned both her Master’s Degree and Ph.D. in Optometry from the European University, Paris, equipping her with advanced knowledge and skills in her field. Her strong academic foundation, combined with years of hands-on clinical experience, makes her a respected authority in eye care and vision health.

More than a healthcare professional, Roni is a devoted Christian and an active spiritual leader. For many years, she served as a leader within the Nepali Bible Fellowship (NBF) church in Al Ain, where she led worship, supported women’s ministry, and participated in outreach to the Nepali labor community.

Though not Nepali by birth, her heart beats for the Nepali people. She has become a spiritual mother to many—praying, counseling, and mentoring women and youth with love and wisdom. Her character is marked by humility, generosity, and a Spirit-filled life.

What sets Roni apart is not only her clinical expertise but also her empathy and patient-centered approach. She is deeply valued by her patients, colleagues, and superiors for her compassion and generosity. Patients are often delighted to see her around the clinic, as her warm presence and attentive care bring comfort and reassurance. Her coworkers describe her as approachable, open, and a true “open book”—someone who is easy to understand, learn from, and be inspired by.

Throughout her career, Roni has consistently embodied the belief that healthcare is more than a profession—it is a calling. Every consultation she conducts carries a calming presence that instills trust and confidence. Her dedication to excellence and her compassionate heart have touched countless lives, leaving a legacy not only of restored vision but also of hope, kindness, and dignity.

Roni and her husband Peter have recently transitioned to Nepal to serve full-time in holistic ministry through the Ark of Hope, a community health and outreach project. Here, Roni is using her medical background to serve rural and underserved populations while continuing to encourage and equip women in their faith.

Whether offering eye check-ups in remote villages or sitting with widows to pray and encourage them, Roni serves with the heart of Christ.

Married to Pastor Peter Gurung, a pioneer of the Nepali Christian movement in the UAE and founder of the Nepali Bible Fellowship.

Known for her gentle spirit, sharp intellect, and unwavering commitment to God’s mission.

Passionate about discipleship, women empowerment, and faith-integrated healthcare.

Fluent in English and Filipino, with growing familiarity with Nepali, making her a bridge between cultures.

While Roni and Peter do not have biological children, they are spiritual parents to many, deeply invested in raising the next generation of godly leaders.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”
— Proverbs 31:25

Roni is open to collaborations that align with her mission—especially in healthcare missions, women’s ministry, and cross-cultural discipleship. Her story is a powerful testament to how faith and profession can beautifully serve hand-in-hand for God’s glory.

Born in a rural village of Nepal within the Gurung community, Jitendra grew up in a culture rich with tradition, resilience, and unity. In his village, even teachers had to learn the Gurung language before teaching in the school—a testament to the community’s strong cultural identity.

From a young age, Jitendra was shaped by village life—hard work, cooperation, and the collective spirit of his people. The Gurung tribe, widely respected for their honesty and bravery, inspired his dream to serve in the military, a path that would later define much of his life.

After completing his higher education, Jitendra fulfilled his calling to serve by joining the Indian military, where he dedicated almost two decades of his life. His service took him through various departments, but one area brought him particular joy: the military band.

Music had always been his passion, and being part of the band allowed him to combine duty with delight—serving in military life, while also uplifting the spirit of his fellow soldiers. His warm nature and people-oriented personality made him not just a soldier but also a source of encouragement and camaraderie for those around him.

Beyond his military career, Jitendra is admired for his character and values. He is dependable, approachable, and deeply community-minded—a man known for humility, generosity, and cooperation.

As a devoted husband and father, he has been blessed with two sons and a daughter. He leads his household with faith, discipline, and godly principles, instilling values of unity, integrity, and responsibility in his children. His family reflects the very principles he lives by.

After retiring from the Army, Jitendra continued his journey of service by taking on full responsibility for the Ark of Hope building construction project in Nepal.

He has overseen official documentation, registration, and project supervision with care, precision, and leadership—helping the vision move forward smoothly. His dedication to the Ark of Hope reflects his lifelong commitment to community service, discipline, and faith-driven leadership.

In summary: Mr. Jitendra Gurung is more than a soldier or a project leader—he is a man of God, a devoted family man, and a community pillar whose life continues to inspire through faith, humility, and service.