Cathy Douglass, Director, NayaJeevan Project:

I may not look like an immigrant, but I feel like one.  After living abroad for 21 years, when we returned to our native US in 2002 it felt like a strange foreign country.  We had lived in Kenya and interacted closely not only with Africans but also Asians (Indians and Pakistanis) living there.  By culture I was more eastern than western.  I struggled with feeling that Americans were unfriendly and rude.  I worried about how the moral standards would affect my family.   I made friends more easily with Indian immigrants than with other Caucasians.  Soon I was dreaming of a website which would help South Asian immigrants adjust to life in North America.  I love the idea of extending a helping hand to those who may be as confused, lonely, and uncomfortable in their new land as I was at first.  Together with some great friends who also care about immigrants, we present to you “NayaJeevan.org.”  Are we helping?

Silva Kandiah:

I am Hindu Sri Lankan Tamil origin, born and bred in Singapore and became a follower of Christ. My wife is of Indian Christian ancestry, born in Guyana and migrated to New York where I met and married her. Our daughter was born in Singapore and we all decided to move from Singapore to Florida where we are now.

So we are all twice removed and feel especially privileged to be able to help South Asians migrating to the US or seeking to follow Christ.

Sandip Chauhan:

I am from Baroda, Gujarat, India. An immigrant to USA since 2005. When Cathy came to our Gujarati Church in California and shared her vision about Naya Jeevan Project, I immidiately voluteered as I had experienced the problem myself and I knew many are feeling the same. Since then I am involved in this project in various capacities. Rightnow, I serve as webmaster and e-mentor.

I like to meet people from different faiths and learn about different perception about GOD. Nowadays I am trying to improve my writing skills :) . You can reach me at info@nayajeevan.org

God bless you!