On Friday, July 4, at 8 a.m. supporters of the Church of God dressed in orange hats and T-shirts busily prepared a welcome ceremony in front of the gate at Kimhae International Airport. An airplane scheduled to arrive at 8:30 a.m. arrived an hour later. As soon as they saw a guest they've been waiting for, all of them shouted "Namaste" at once, with bright smiles.

ⓒ 2003 WATV

Arayan Shrestha, Nepalese Wushu martial art player, got injured during his match at the Busan Asian Games last year. At that time, because he had to stay in a hospital he didn't get chance to see the supporters' passionate cheers and to feel their love. This time, he was deeply moved by 30 supporters of the Church of God who arranged the welcoming ceremony just for him. One of the church members said, "I hope he will be completely recovered soon," and added she expected this meeting to be a chance to share the love of God.
Shrestha had a chin revision operation after being wounded at the fierce Wushu match last year. He returned to Nepal but didn't get the prosthesis removal surgery due to bad economic condition.

In March, he called the BAGOC (The Busan Asian Games Organizing Committe) and the Busan city to ask for a support. To comply with the request, the Busan city remembered the Church of God supporters who actively cheered for the Nepalese team at the games and asked the church whether she can help the player.

ⓒ 2003 WATV

The Church of God received the request with pleasure. The church promised to pay not only for his operation charges but also the expenses for his stay in Korea such as travelling and dwelling expenses.

An official of the BAGOC expressed his gratitude to the Church, saying, "I can't stop thanking the Church of God for doing the work that is actually our duty." As soon as Shrestha arrived in Korea, he went to the hospital and underwent the removal operation. Though he suffered from the pain, he didn't lose smile and kept expressing his thanks to the supporters, saying, "Thank you. I am so happy."

For 10 days Shrestha will stay at a member's house where the three generations live together and will get medical treatment and experience Korean love and culture as well as touring the country. He is planned to participate in the Family Walking Festival Daegu coming up on this Sunday. The festival is held to wish for the success of Daegu Universiade in August.