Pray for Nepal

Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia. China lies to its north, and India borders the other sides. Nepal was a monarchy for most of its history. Its current geographical configuration came into being under Prithvi Narayan Shah, who united the various small kingdoms in the eighteenth century.

                                       Source: Caravan Friends

In June 2001, Nepal faced a great crisis when the Crown Prince Dipendra killed his father, King Birendera, his mother, and then shot himself. King Birendra's younger brother, Gyanendra, inherited the throne. He was highly unpopular, however and faced armed resistance from the anti-monarchical Communists. In 2008, the monarchy was abolished and a multi-party democratic republic was established. In September 2015, the new Constitution of Nepal was finalized.

Nepal is a developing country with low-income economy. It ranks 145^th on the Human Development Index (out of 187 countries). Corruption, hunger, poverty, and communist influence are some of the major challenges that plague this beautiful nation. Hinduism is practiced by more than 81% of the Nepalis. 9% practice Hinduism, 4.4 % are Moslems. Christianity consists of 1.4% of the total population. Eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains – including Mount Everest – are in Nepal.

Nepal Flag

The Nepalese people are spread across the nations of Nepal, India and Bhutan. In the last decade, the Nepalese people have been very open to the Gospel. This has been God’s doing.

Meanwhile, attacks against Christians has also been on the rise in Nepal. There were a series of church bomb blasts in Nepal few weeks ago. Incidents of burning of Scripture, physical attack, and threats have increased multi-fold in recent weeks. A radical religious group, Morcha, has warned many of our pastors to stop their work.   

Recently, a mob gathered in a village where we have a congregation. The mob beat up the pastor and his wife and threw stones.

A few days later, one of our junior leaders in another city was arrested by the police without charges, and held illegally in jail. A mob gathered in front of the jail the next day demanding the death of our junior leader, Pastor Mark. We had to take him and his wife back to India due to the danger. Two of our village congregations have been recently asked to stop prayers and Bible study.

“These threats and attacks have not shaken our faith,” said Pastor Mark. “Pray for Nepal. Pray for us.”

PRAY FOR:

1.  The radicals who have pledged to rid Nepal of all Christians. May God move their hearts with His love and truth.

2.  For the persecuted believers. May God grant them strength. May they be a light in the midst of great darkness.

3.  For reconciliation amongst the various people groups, particularly the minority groups that have been traditionally kept from progressing.

One of our Girls Orphanages in the border of Nepal

4.  For the political leaders of Nepal. May God give them wisdom to truly lead this nation.

5.  For the plague of sexual trafficking. It is estimated that about 15,000 girls are trafficked from Nepal every year. We have two orphanages by the borders of Nepal and is planning to start a third one sometime soon.

6.  For our leaders and pastors. Every one of them needs God’s presence and wisdom to serve in Nepal.  

7.  For a spirit of prayer to be poured out for Nepal.