Linda was born and raised in a small country town in England by parents who emigrated from India in the 1950s. Growing up with her three siblings, Linda was immersed in Hindu culture and worldview, learning early that Hinduism is both a religion and a way of life. Yet even in childhood, God was quietly planting seeds that would later come to fruition.
At the age of five, a neighbor invited Linda to Sunday School. She attended regularly until she was twelve, when her family moved to the United States. Settling in San Francisco, Linda found herself surrounded by a large Indian community and became increasingly involved in Hindu cultural and religious events. As she learned more about the many Hindu gods—whom she believed required strict adherence to rules and rituals to avoid punishment—fear began to take root in her heart.
That fear later contributed to Linda remaining in an abusive arranged marriage, believing her suffering was punishment from God. In her search for answers, she delved deeper into Hinduism but found no peace. Eventually, Linda was connected to a center for battered women, where she received counseling and support. With courage and strength she could not fully explain at the time, she left the abusive relationship with her two children. Though her family and community disowned her for this decision, Linda sensed an inner strength sustaining her.
Three years later, Linda had a vivid dream in which she was sitting inside a church. She did not understand its meaning, but the image stayed with her. A year later, during a conversation with a friend, Linda asked why God was punishing her when she was trying so hard to be a good person. Her friend responded simply, “God does not punish you. He loves you and wants a relationship with you.” Together, they began reading the Bible, and Linda asked if she could attend church with him.
The first time Linda walked into the church, her dream became clear. In her heart, she heard the words, “You are home now.” Wanting to know more about this loving God, Linda signed up for a women’s retreat. On the final day, during worship and prayer, God spoke to her through Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear, for I am with you…” In that moment, the heavy weight of fear lifted, and Linda placed her trust in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.
Early in her faith journey, a pastor praying over Linda at a conference shared a word from God: “You were not saved for yourself, but to be a beacon in your community.” Linda’s honest response to God was, “I would prefer a different community!” Having grown up in the Hindu community, she felt unprepared and ill-equipped to minister among them.
Several years later, while attending a family wedding in India, Linda felt a renewed stirring in her heart. As she prayed, she repeatedly sensed God saying, “Love them.” Slowly, her heart began to change toward her own people.
During the COVID pandemic, Linda experienced deep grief as she lost family members and friends with whom she had never shared the Gospel. In a moment of surrender, she repented and prayed, admitting her fears and lack of confidence, and asking God to guide her. The very next day, she received a phone call from a stranger. A pastor in India had given him Linda’s name, saying she had a heart for missions. The caller asked what was holding her back from reaching the Indian community. When Linda said she felt unequipped, he directed her to an evangelism program focused on South Asian communities.
Linda enrolled, and the training transformed her heart and confidence. Soon after, she joined Leaders in Community (LINC), receiving coaching and prayer that brought clarity to her calling. This led her to complete a Certificate in Bible and Mission through Bethany Global University and to join the MCN family in March 2024.
Today, Linda has launched Aasha Ministry—Aasha meaning “Hope” in Hindi. The heart of Aasha is to bring heavenly hope to Hindu neighbors by empowering believers to build genuine friendships and share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Through Hindu-cultural workshops, evangelism training, and monthly Zoom gatherings, believers are being equipped and encouraged as they step into disciple-making among Hindu communities in Northern California and beyond.
Linda has transitioned to serving as a full-time MCN missionary, faithfully equipping believers across the United States to reach Hindu communities with the love, truth, and hope found in Jesus Christ.
Any funds raised that exceed Mission Partner’s Total Cost of Missionary Service may be used to further support Mission Partner in missional activities, or Mission Partner may donate, after consultation with the Executive Director, any excess funds to one or more Mission Partners who are in good standing with MCN or to MCN’s General Fund. The purpose for this is that any funds raised are to support missional activities throughout the world.
