aEight years ago, a mother rushed her daughter, Shilpa, to Umri Christian Hospital (UCH). Shilpa was critically ill and in a coma after consuming a deadly poison in her third suicide attempt. Doctors placed Shilpa on a ventilator, and for two weeks her condition remained extremely serious. Her mother, a daily wage earner from a village 30 miles away, was a believer and never lost hope. She prayed earnestly, and the hospital staff joined her in prayer. Over the next month, Shilpa began to recover slowly.

Shilpa’s life had been full of hardship. Her father had left the family, and she had been living an immoral life, while struggling with addiction. But during her month-long stay at UCH, something changed. Surrounded by care, compassion and prayer, Shilpa encountered the love of God. Her physical healing was just the beginning of a deeper transformation.

A week after being discharged, Shilpa returned to the hospital  ̶  alone, but with a suitcase in hand. She told the staff she didn’t want to go back home. The staff was hesitant to receive her because of her addictions and past attempts at suicide. But she was given a place to stay in the nursing hostel. With guidance and support, Shilpa completed her high school education and enrolled in UCH’s nursing school. She went on to earn her Midwifery ANM certification.

Today, Shilpa works at Umri Christian Hospital. Her life has been completely changed. She is full of joy and hope, eager to help others, and openly shares how God changed her life. Through prayer, her marriage was arranged with the right man who was raised in a good home. They are now married and have a beautiful daughter. Shilpa’s story is a powerful reminder of how faith, compassion and community can bring healing and new beginnings – even in the darkest moments.

Umri Christian Hospital began in 1923 in a small building with six rooms. Today, the hospital is a 100-bed facility serving around 5,000 outpatients each month. Its ministries include the Yardy English School, which educates 800 students from kindergarten through 10th grade, and the Helen Rose Nursing College, which trains 220 future nurses. Together, these programs reflect Umri Christian Hospital’s mission to bring hope and healing to those in need – just as it did for Shilpa.

Learn more about the history and current ministries of Umri Christian Hospital at uchospital.co.in.