Political
upheaval has gripped the small kingdom of 25 million people in Nepal.
Just when it seems that revolutionary communism has all but disappeared
in the world, Nepal's Maoist rebels seem to grow stronger and stronger.
It is estimated that they now have between 10,000 to 15,000 fighters,
and are active across the country, with many parts completely under
their control. In the last 5 years over 50,000 people have been killed
by the army and the Maoist rebels.
In spite of growing
persecution, difficulties and many hindrances to the Gospel,
missionaries of Harvest NOW continue their work to evangelize, train
believers and plant churches. In 1959 there were just 29 Christians
‘secretly’ living in Nepal but because of the work of the nationals, now
the number has increased to 1.2 million believers. Our missionary Titus
writes, “Please join me in prayer for the people of Nepal. The Nepalese
need God’s mercy and blessings to overcome the challenges they are
facing.
It is still difficult
for us to preach openly. Nevertheless, God has given us a lot of work to
do for His glory. In the recent months we have baptized many new
converts from Hindu and Buddhist backgrounds. People here are hungry to
know the truth about Jesus Christ and how they can have eternal life and
be saved. We have a great open door and each day new believers are added
to the church.
Non-Christians have
been visiting us often with requests to come to their houses to pray for
their sick. Some are carrying the sick on their backs to church for us
to pray. Recently, there were three instances when two Hindus and a
Buddhists came to us with request for prayers.
An elderly woman
about 62 year’s old was suffering from migraine headache. Our team
visited her three times in her home and prayed for her until she became
completely well. The other Hindu man is Laxman, 45 year’s old and
suffered chest pain for a long time. We prayed for him for 8 weeks and
he was healed. The Buddhist man’s name is Sonam, 32 years old; his legs
were partially paralyzed and had gone to hospitals and clinics for
treatment. His legs did not improve and as a last resort he was brought
to the church. The Word of God began to work in his heart. We prayed for
him and he got healed and gave his heart to Jesus.”
Healings and
miracles like these are very common in this part of the world which
causes people to turn to Christ. Yesterday, today and forever, Jesus is
the same. His love draws people like a magnet causing tens of thousands
to turn to Him. Because Nepal is a Hindu kingdom, it is still against
the law to preach the gospel. One can be sent in prison for 1 – 6 years
in prison.
Please continue to
pray for all of our missionaries, churches, training centers and orphans
living in Nepal. Thank you for your prayer and partnership as we
continue to spread the gospel in Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim and the entire
Himalayan region.
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and
how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how
shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they
preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the
feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings
of good things! Romans
10:14
(KJV)