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When Interserve Partner Sally crossed paths with Samundra* in Nepal several years ago, a seed of an idea was planted. The idea rose like sourdough through the pandemic, and now five years later, Sally is on the brink of an exciting new venture.
A few years ago, we received news of Samundra,* a fourteen year old girl from the Nepali village where our NGO works. She had been befriended by a young man who convinced her to run away with him. In the weeks that followed they travelled west towards the border where women and girls are trafficked daily. Miraculously, she was spotted and taken in by a local organisation helping people at risk of trafficking. They contacted us, and Samundra was rescued and returned to her family within a few days.
This was the first time I had been directly exposed to the dangers that people face that put them at risk for human trafficking and exploitation. I knew that this situation was one that our NGO, Bridges Nepal, needed to look at. I truly believe that we must work to prevent this, whatever the cost.
At home during the Covid-19 years, I started making sourdough, and recreating other British flavours I was missing. My love for baking grew. I felt such joy in being able to create something from scratch. I would gift loaves of bread to friends, and invited others over for special tea times when I could. I began to dream of starting ‘Sally’s Tea Room’. As I shared this with other members of Bridges Nepal, we prayed for vision and purpose for this venture. It became clear that we were to use this business as a platform for trafficking prevention.
Imagine a quintessential British tearoom in the heart of Kathmandu, offering not only vintage teacups and freshly baked treats for visitors, but also providing hope and a future for vulnerable employees. Our hope is that through Sally’s Tea Room, we can provide a safe working environment, skills training, income and discipleship for young girls who are desperate to continue their education and develop independence. We want to shape the community around the business, share the love of Jesus and raise the standard of local business practice.
Starting a business focused on things of the Kingdom brings both challenges and spiritual opposition. After a difficult six month search we have recently found the perfect location for our Tea Room! The Lord faithfully provided start-up funding in record time, and we are so excited to start this new venture.
It’s such a privilege to serve the Lord using the natural skills He has given us. For me that’s baking, music and a love of people. He has placed different gifts in each of us for a reason, and these are what help the Kingdom of God to flourish, and what draws people to seek and find Him.
The Lord has instructed us to walk in joy, and to wait patiently for Him, so that’s what we did. He has provided the finances and brought along the right place at the right time, and hopefully we will be up and running soon!
Follow our journey on Instagram:
sallysbritishtearoom.np
*Names changed for security purposes
This article was first published in GO magazine June 2025. Click to read or download the full magazine here.
Want to support more work like Sally’s? Tea for Transformation gathers together communities to fundraise and raise awareness for the important work of Interserve. Click here to find out more.