Courage is often seen in quiet moments — in the choices we make to help others, even when it costs us everything. Hemu Subba’s life is a powerful reminder of this truth. Her story shows how deep suffering can become a place where faith grows stronger and love shines brightest.
While washing clothes one day, Hemu heard the frightened cry of a five-year-old neighbor rushing toward her, shouting that there was a gas leak at her house. Without a moment’s hesitation, she ran to help.
She quickly opened the windows, checked the gas, and made sure everything was safe. But moments later, tragedy struck — the child turned on a light switch, and in an instant, a ball of fire erupted. Seeing the little girl lying helplessly on the floor, Hemu didn’t think twice. She ran into the burning house to save her.
As she pulled the child out, the gas cylinder exploded violently. Flames engulfed them both. The fire burned Hemu’s face, hands, legs, and back — yet she shielded the child with her own body. The little girl was burned less because Hemu had covered her completely.
Despite her pain, Hemu felt no regret. “I was happy,” she said. “I was brave because I am the daughter of Christ. I felt proud because God was glorified.”
The burns left Hemu in unbearable pain. Her eyes were swollen shut for a week, and her body was covered in deep wounds. Every day, doctors and nurses cleaned and treated her burns. The pain was intense, yet she drew strength from her faith.
“I remembered my Savior — how He suffered on the cross for my sins,” she said softly. “His body was covered in wounds to save those who believe in Him. That gave me strength.”
During her recovery, she received constant love and support. People from her church and village came to visit her in the hospital, bringing gifts and prayers. “Even those who were not Christians told me they were praying for me,” she smiled. “That made me very happy.”
Today, Hemu lives with a grateful heart. The wife of a CRPF soldier and mother of an Indian Army personnel, she now enjoys her role as a grandmother — teaching her grandchildren one powerful lesson: Love your neighbor.
“Because when we learn to care for our neighbor, we learn to care for our nation,” she says. “That’s how we build a stronger nation. God has taught me to love others, and I thank Him for this life.”
