“Without Him, I Am Nothing” - Mukesh Maharjan’s Journey of Faith and Work

From a pastor’s son to one of Nepal’s youngest Christian litigators, Mukesh shares how faith guides his calling to defend the weak, seek justice, and live boldly for Christ.

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In Nepal, where over 80% of the population is Hindu and Christians remain a small minority, living out one’s faith publicly can be fraught with challenges. Despite constitutional protections, Christians often face social and legal obstacles, from threats to church property to persecution for sharing the gospel. Mukesh Maharjan, a litigation lawyer and committed Christian, stands at the intersection of faith and justice. His story highlights how faith can guide ethical leadership, inspire communities, and provide hope even in a society where legal protections for Christians are limited and societal pressures are strong.

For Mukesh, the gospel is not just a private comfort but a public calling. Because Jesus laid down His life to bring justice, mercy, and forgiveness to undeserving people, Mukesh sees his work in the courts as a small reflection of Christ’s greater advocacy for us. It is this good news of grace, not merely religious conviction, that gives him courage to defend the weak and to love even those who oppose him.

Navigating Faith in a Secular Yet Traditional Society

Nepal was declared a secular state in 2007, making it legally acceptable to discuss Christianity. But in practice, living out one’s faith publicly can still be risky. Over 80% of Nepalis follow Hinduism, and while the Constitution recognises all religions, societal and governmental norms often favour Hindu traditions. Christians rarely receive legal protection, and public expression of faith can invite scrutiny or even imprisonment.

“I’ve handled cases where churches were attacked or individuals were accused of breaking laws simply for practising or sharing their faith. Recently, a foreigner who had lived in Nepal for five years and ran Christian ministries was deported and blacklisted for ten years simply for sharing the gospel publicly. Citizens face legal consequences as well, though usually less severe. Political upheaval and transitional governments have made matters even more challenging, with religious freedom often taking a back seat to power struggles.”

A Calling to Serve Through Law

Becoming a lawyer was not my initial plan. My father is a pastor, and my mother became a Christian later in life. Growing up, my mother often read Proverbs to me, instilling lessons about wisdom and integrity. As a teenager, I dreamed of becoming a musician, but my father encouraged me to study law, saying, “Persecution against Christians will increase one day, and someone must defend our people. You have the courage to do that.”

Christianity in Nepal is still young, only about 50–60 years old, and believers are often treated as second-class citizens. Many legal cases involving Christians are handled by powerful, Hindu-majority institutions, and the justice system is susceptible to political and financial influence. There is not a single Christian judge in Nepal. Seeing this injustice motivated me to step forward. I began assisting Christian NGOs, supporting missionaries with legal paperwork, and advising believers facing discrimination.

When I step into a courtroom, I remember that Jesus is my ultimate advocate before the Father. That frees me to serve my clients with courage and honesty, without needing to win every case to justify my existence.

Challenges and Integrity in Practice

Much of my work involves church-related cases. Nepalese law does not allow churches to register officially, so church properties are usually registered under individual leaders’ names. Over time, disputes arise, often causing painful divisions. Practical concerns, such as the lack of dedicated Christian cemeteries, also highlight the need for advocacy.

Family law is another growing area, particularly divorce cases among Christians, which are increasing due to social and cultural shifts, economic pressures, and early marriages.

Persecution cases are another reality. Pastors and church leaders are sometimes falsely accused of misconduct, creating legal battles that threaten reputations and ministries. These cases test my faith, but I draw strength from Scripture, prayer, and fasting. John 15:5 reminds me, “He is the vine, and we are the branches.” Without Him, I am nothing. This principle guides every interaction with officials, colleagues, and clients.

Finally, corruption is widespread in Nepali society, and Christian professionals often face pressure to compromise. Early in my career, I worked under a Christian pastor who regularly paid bribes to government officials. I refused to participate and eventually left, choosing instead to transfer such cases to other lawyers. I am truly thankful that my family is stable financially, but more importantly, I trust that God will provide.

Integrity, I have learned, is not just an ethical choice; it is a spiritual discipline that flows out of the gospel. Because Jesus was faithful to the Father even unto death, I do not have to secure my future through compromise or corruption. I can lose income, opportunities, even cases, and still know that my life is safe in His hands.

Faith at Work

In my professional life, I try to let God’s presence show in every action. I always keep my Bible on my desk and pray at work, sometimes for 15 to 30 minutes. Over time, colleagues and interns have learned to respect that space. In our profession, people often believe success comes from skills, memory, experience, or connections, but when they see prayer as a priority, they notice a difference.

Small moments often remind me that this is God’s work. I remember an elderly woman whose grandson had been jailed. She did not have money to pay me, but I took the case anyway. Later, she returned with 500 rupees, most likely her travel money, insisting I accept it as a blessing. That small gift reminded me I am not just working for people; I am working for God.

Spiritual Disciplines That Sustain Me

Prayer and fasting are central to my ability to navigate a demanding legal career. I believe my family’s support and faith sustain me greatly. My father fasts regularly, my mother prays from 3 to 6 a.m., and my wife, Moti, wakes up at 1 a.m. to pray daily. Encouraged by her, I fast and pray not only for myself but also for my family and our community.

These practices ground me, providing strength to uphold integrity and act boldly, especially when work or ministry is difficult.

Christian Professionals and the Future of Nepal

Many Christians in Nepal still think ministry only means preaching, praying, or working in the church. Some even view professional life as secondary or risky. This is why very few Christians take up professional roles and actively contribute to national development.

I believe Christian professionals, such as lawyers, doctors, teachers, and engineers, must engage with society, government, and institutions with integrity and courage.

Beyond legal advocacy, I am deeply concerned about the state of theology and unity among Christians in Nepal. Churches are often divided by denomination, and much of the theological material is misaligned with our cultural context. Contextual theology written by Nepalis, for Nepalis, is essential. It will strengthen faith, foster unity, and equip the church to serve society effectively.

My hope is that Christian professionals will rise not only to serve in church ministry but to live out their faith and integrate it with their work in every aspect of society. As the gospel shapes our hearts, reminding us that we are loved, forgiven, and sent by Christ, we will become people of integrity, service, and prayer in every sphere. Only then, as the grace of Jesus works through ordinary believers in law, medicine, education, business, and government, can we hope to see a more just, peaceful, and ethical Nepal.

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Mukesh’s journey is a powerful reminder that faith and professional life can coexist, even in challenging environments. His story shows that integrity, service, and spiritual discipline not only sustain personal faith but also impact communities, inspire colleagues, and build a foundation for ethical leadership. For Christians navigating demanding careers, Mukesh’s life is a call to prioritise God, uphold integrity, and courageously serve others, a model for living faith in action.