KLBC_Church

TRIP TO NEPAL



		Taking advantage of the strong Baptist movement in Nepal, this trip was to hold a conference to encourage and fast-track the youth ministry work there with the aim to establish a youth training centre. At the same time, we took this opportunity to touch base with the local missionaries supported by our Mission Fund. We were blessed with a very good fellowship time with the General Secretary, Mission Director and other executive staff of the Nepal Baptist Church Council, missionary trainees of a nearby missionary training centre and Baptist Bible College students, etc. The churches that we visited were mostly very basic and poor. Nepal is in deep spiritual bondage, poverty, illiteracy experiences and governmental instability. With the Maoists forming the government after the General Election, it may appear to have regained a semblance of normalcy, but the Nepali brethen are still desperately praying for peace and a sustainable government. There is a great need and challenge to provide real liberty to the people, as the grip of power of darkness over its 59 tribal and ethnic groups, who are mainly animistic and HIndu worshippers, remain strong. Out of a population of 28 million, only 2% are Christians.

		There are currently 115 churches and 500 fellowships under the Baptist umbrella. The Nepali Baptist Church is very serious and committed to the work of evangelism coupled with social action. Nepal is in a transition period and her people need hope and opportunities. They believe that evangelism must go hand-in-hand with efforts towards sustainable livelihood and capacity building of the people.

		I am thankful for this trip. Much as we have blessed them materially and in terms of training, yet spiritually and in terms of hunger for God, especially when they burst forth in worship, praise and prayer, the Nepali Church is a sight and sound to behold!