Sam and Karin met in 1997 and got married in 1998. Sam comes from the south of India, Kerala, where he grew up. He used to work as a pastor and also in some companies. Sam is trained and skilled in primary healthcare and community development. Karin originally comes from Drachten in the Netherlands, where she grew up. After finishing her nurse training (HBO-V) in Groningen she worked as a registered nurse for seven years, the last five of which she lived in Assen. Karin is a trained nursing officer for developing countries and specialized in primary healthcare. In 1995 Karin left for India to work there as a nurse and be part of missionary work. Both have a desire to help Tibetan Buddhist communities. Sam and Karin have 3 sons: Joshua, Stephen and Joel.

The activities mentioned above, started in 2001 in rural, remote mountain villages in India in the state of West Bengal and Sikkim, first as part of YWAM (Youth with a Mission). In 2011 they founded the charitable trust Ropheka Foundation, which is based in Kalimpong in the North East of India.
Jehovah Ropheka: “The God who heals”.

older sister comes with the patient

elder sister brings her younger sister to medical camp

going on a house visit

going on a “house visit”