Nepal: Sewing Your Way to Jesus | 308 | Report 17

Despite Nepal’s hardline stance on Christian activity, and new legislation proposed to make proclaiming Christ a punishable offence, Trans World Radio’s (TWR) ministry to the nation continues to grow, as the Gospel is shared not just through radio broadcasts but also through sewing and literacy classes. In a recently divulged letter, one 39-year-old woman shares:

“I enrolled in the training programme. We had so much fun in the class! My teacher is a Christian and she often shares with us about Jesus’ life. I was a non-Christian before joining the classes but I can confidently say I am excited to know more about Jesus. I would like to thank TWR-Nepal for caring, and for providing the educational programmes for us. Six months into the course, the fruits of what I gained can now be seen. I am now able to read about current affairs from the newspapers. I can also write to communicate and do basic mathematics.

This woman is typical of the 100 or so who have graduated from the course in Nepal. Through attending these classes they also hear of Jesus and seeds are sown in their hearts.

Source: TWR Listening World: Revival Media

BIBLE STUDY: Acts 16:13-15

PRAISE: God that in a nation where Gospel sharing is limited, these women can be exposed to the love of Jesus while they learn new life skills.

SEAN Course Changes Nepal Village | 306 | Report 7

Ramche, is a remote village in Nepal’s Makwanpur district. Provision of roads, electricity, education, healthcare and sanitation is limited. The village has 60 – 70 households of which 30 – 35 households are Christian. The people are poor and superstitious. Their problems have been made worse by widespread drinking and smoking. Children start drinking and smoking as early as seven. Many do not go to school and, amongst those who do, early marriage (by the age of 14) has led to their dropping out from education.
Various development initiatives have been tried there but with little success. In the midst of these problems, ITEEN (Institute of Theological Education by Extension in Nepal) started work amongst the Christians and there have been remarkable results. SEAN courses are widely used in ITEEN’s teaching and training programme. Two local pastors, Chitra B Praja and Krishna B Praja are among those who benefited. They say that the courses transformed them and their group members spiritually, socially and economically.
The way the Christians live is proving to be a strong witness to the community. More now send their children to school thus making the school more viable. Literacy amongst the adults has improved. Early marriage has been discouraged. Money previously spent unwisely is now being used for income-generating activities such as poultry, rearing goats, bee-keeping, etc. Thus the courses offered by ITEEN have been blessed with positive impacts in various walks of life. This clearly is the work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Source: Spread – Sean Magazine

BIBLE STUDY: Acts 2:46-47

PRAISE: God that the Gospel is penetrating into previously closed areas and making a difference.

Salvation in Nepal’s Refugee Camps | 17th July 2010

Thrust from their homes in Bhutan after Buddhist rulers embarked onan ethnic and religious purge, Christian refugees in Nepal face hostilities from Hindus and others but God is using this persecution tobring exiles to faith. Bhutan has expelled one-eighth of its citizens forbeing of Nepali origin or practicing faiths other than Buddhism since the 1980s.

Persecution in Bhutan led to the spread of Christianity in refugee camps in Nepal. It is estimated that, out of a current refugee population of 85,000, about 7,000-8,000 Christians are in the camps. There are 18 churches of various denominations in the camps.

Gopi Chandra Silwal was a Hindu living in one of the camps with his family. Two of his sisters became Christians, and he would rebuke them mercilessly, not allowing Bibles in the hut. But he contracted malaria, and feared he would die. One night he saw a white-robed figure holding a Bible in one hand and beckoning to him with the other,saying, “Have faith in me.”

He began to read the Bible, was soon converted and eventually became the pastor of a small church in the camp. The plight of the refugees improved after the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) stepped in, receiving permission from the government of Nepal to run the refugee camps. About 26,000 have now been given asylum in other countries, and Pastor Silwal and his family will soon settle in Australia.

“I don’t have grand dreams,” said Pastor Silwal. “In Australia I want to enroll in a Bible college and become a qualified preacher, and then return to Nepal to spread the word of God.”

Source: Compass Direct

BIBLE STUDY: John 15:18-19

PRAISE: God that so many refugees have discovered Jesus right there in the camps. Pray that pastor Silwal and others may realize their dream of going back to evangelise their nation.

Salvation in Nepal’s Refugee Camps | 17th June 2010

Thrust from their homes in Bhutan after Buddhist rulers embarked onan ethnic and religious purge, Christian refugees in Nepal face hostilities from Hindus and others but God is using this persecution tobring exiles to faith. Bhutan has expelled one-eighth of its citizens forbeing of Nepali origin or practicing faiths other than Buddhism since the 1980s.

Persecution in Bhutan led to the spread of Christianity in refugee camps in Nepal. It is estimated that, out of a current refugee population of 85,000, about 7,000-8,000 Christians are in the camps. There are 18 churches of various denominations in the camps.

Gopi Chandra Silwal was a Hindu living in one of the camps with his family. Two of his sisters became Christians, and he would rebuke them mercilessly, not allowing Bibles in the hut. But he contracted malaria, and feared he would die. One night he saw a white-robed figure holding a Bible in one hand and beckoning to him with the other,saying, “Have faith in me.”

He began to read the Bible, was soon converted and eventually became the pastor of a small church in the camp. The plight of the refugees improved after the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) stepped in, receiving permission from the government of Nepal to run the refugee camps. About 26,000 have now been given asylum in other countries, and Pastor Silwal and his family will soon settle in Australia.

“I don’t have grand dreams,” said Pastor Silwal. “In Australia I want to enroll in a Bible college and become a qualified preacher, and then return to Nepal to spread the word of God.”

Source: Compass Direct

BIBLE STUDY: John 15:18-19

PRAISE: God that so many refugees have discovered Jesus right there in the camps. Pray that pastor Silwal and others may realize their dream of going back to evangelise their nation.

Church Growing Fast in Nepal | 1st March 2010

Until 1951 Nepal was closed to the outside world. Nepali Christians were few and mainly lived in north India on the border with Nepal. When, in 1951, there was some opening up, missionaries started a hospital in Pokhara called Shining Hospital. Still, until 1990, it was officially prohibited to have any religion other than Hinduism and it was hard for Christians to fellowship and many were imprisoned. The Census of 1971 counted just 2,541 Christians in Nepal.
However, in 1990, a revolution broke out followed by a new Constitution that granted freedom of religion. Since then many new churches were planted, and the Census of 1991 recorded 31,289 Christians, 0.17 % of the total population of Nepal. But, by 2001, official Census figures put the number of Christians at 101,976. However, Christians argued that the Census underestimated the number of Christians. So the Nepal Research and Resource Network carried out a survey in 2007. According to their work there were 2,799 churches throughout Nepal and 379,042 Christians, 1.46% of the total population of Nepal.
Since the establishment of democratic government in 2008, conditions for the Christian community have further improved, and reports indicate Church growth is spiralling. There remain cases of isolated violence against Christians, and there is concern that the proposed new Constitution prohibits conversion from one religion to another.

Source: Revival Media; Wikipedia

BIBLE STUDY: Joshua 1:8-9

PRAISE: God for faithful witness over years of oppression, leading to a vibrant Church today. Pray that the new law may not obstruct evangelism.

Church Growing Fast in Nepal | 1st Feb 2010

Until 1951 Nepal was closed to the outside world. Nepali Christians were few and mainly lived in north India on the border with Nepal. When, in 1951, there was some opening up, missionaries started a hospital in Pokhara called Shining Hospital. Still, until 1990, it was officially prohibited to have any religion other than Hinduism and it was hard for Christians to fellowship and many were imprisoned. The Census of 1971 counted just 2,541 Christians in Nepal.
However, in 1990, a revolution broke out followed by a new Constitution that granted freedom of religion. Since then many new churches were planted, and the Census of 1991 recorded 31,289 Christians, 0.17 % of the total population of Nepal. But, by 2001, official Census figures put the number of Christians at 101,976. However, Christians argued that the Census underestimated the number of Christians. So the Nepal Research and Resource Network carried out a survey in 2007. According to their work there were 2,799 churches throughout Nepal and 379,042 Christians, 1.46% of the total population of Nepal.
Since the establishment of democratic government in 2008, conditions for the Christian community have further improved, and reports indicate Church growth is spiralling. There remain cases of isolated violence against Christians, and there is concern that the proposed new Constitution prohibits conversion from one religion to another.

Source: Revival Media; Wikipedia

BIBLE STUDY: Joshua 1:8-9

PRAISE: God for faithful witness over years of oppression, leading to a vibrant Church today. Pray that the new law may not obstruct evangelism.

God is at Work Throughout Asia | 25th Nov 09

Thrilling things are happening in many of the Asian nations. According to Christian Freedom International (CFI) Nepal is now home to an estimated 800,000 believers and there are approximately 170 churches in the capital, Kathmandu. HCJB Global staff have recently worked with local partners to install two Christian radio stations in Nepal.

In the last 6 months, TWR-Korea staff have distributed 2,300 radios to North Korean house church leaders. In China, TWR’s team supplies Radio Church Kits (RCK) to listeners in the rural, mountainous areas of China. RCKs contain a Bible, shortwave radio and “Discipleship on the Air” broadcasts. RCK distribution now totals more than 81,000 kits.

Meanwhile, in Cambodia, TWR-Asia is airing five programmes over 13 FM Stations to address issues faced by church leadership, women, children and young people. TWR began ministry in Cambodia in 2000, and have a new Media Centre and 19 staff. They also work with 51 co-ordinators who manage children’s listening clubs and radio distribution. In 2008, around 600 radios were distributed.

Source: TWR Snapshots; HCJB; Listening Word

BIBLE STUDY: Psalm 119:161-168

PRAISE: God that these nations are receiving the Gospel and seeing real growth of the Christian faith. Pray that the believers may know God’s strength.

God is at Work Throughout Asia | 25th Oct 09

Thrilling things are happening in many of the Asian nations. According to Christian Freedom International (CFI) Nepal is now home to an estimated 800,000 believers and there are approximately 170 churches in the capital, Kathmandu. HCJB Global staff have recently worked with local partners to install two Christian radio stations in Nepal.

In the last 6 months, TWR-Korea staff have distributed 2,300 radios to North Korean house church leaders. In China, TWR’s team supplies Radio Church Kits (RCK) to listeners in the rural, mountainous areas of China. RCKs contain a Bible, shortwave radio and "Discipleship on the Air" broadcasts. RCK distribution now totals more than 81,000 kits.

Meanwhile, in Cambodia, TWR-Asia is airing five programmes over 13 FM Stations to address issues faced by church leadership, women, children and young people. TWR began ministry in Cambodia in 2000, and have a new Media Centre and 19 staff. They also work with 51 co-ordinators who manage children’s listening clubs and radio distribution. In 2008, around 600 radios were distributed.

Source: TWR Snapshots; HCJB; Listening Word

BIBLE STUDY: Psalm 119:161-168

PRAISE: God that these nations are receiving the Gospel and seeing real growth of the Christian faith. Pray that the believers may know God’s strength.

Look and See How God is at Work! | 5

The countries with the largest ‘un-evangelised population’ are located in the 10/40 Window. 85% of the World’s poorest of the poor live in the 10/40 Window. Most countries that persecute Christians are in the 10/40 Window. Yet God is at work there!

Egypt – During the 1990s, the Egyptian Bible Society used to sell about 3,000 copies of the JESUS Film each year. Last year they sold 600,000 copies. They also sold 750,000 copies of the Bible on tape in Arabic and about a half million copies of the Arabic New Testament.

Iraq – More than 5,000 Muslims have come to faith in Christ over the past 4 years. There are 14 new churches in Baghdad and dozens more in Kurdistan, some with up to 800 members.

Afghanistan – Eight years ago there were only 17 known Muslimbackground followers of Christ. Today there are more than 10,000.

Nepal – In the early 1980s there were only 75 known Nepali believers. Today there are an estimated 500,000 believers. Twenty years ago there were almost no churches. Today there are over 6,000 churches and house fellowships today.

Sudan – In 1960 only about 5% of southern Sudan was Christian. Today, after decades of terrible warfare and
persecution, the figure is close to 70% Christian.

Indonesia – In the most populated Muslim nation in the world, of 235 millions, more than 60,000 house churches have sprung up in recent years. The last census taken in 2000 puts the Christian population at 9%, of which 19 million are defined as Protestants. Many observers believe the census underestimates the size of the non-Muslim faiths.

Israel – More Jews have embraced Jesus/Yeshua as Messiah since 1967, when the Jews took control of Jerusalem, than in all the years between 100 AD and 1967.

Source: The Joshua Project; Operation World; Revival Media

BIBLE STUDY:1 John 3:11-24

PRAISE: God that Christ is being made known all around the world. Pray for revival to spread.

Church in Nepal Expanding Fast | 31

In a nation where Hinduism reigns as state religion, I.N. Network reports an ever-increasing expansion of Christianity. Nepal has one of the fastest growing churches on earth, with a Christian community numbering over 700,000. In 1952, there were no evangelicals in the country. I.N Network’s Executive Director Nicanor Tamang recently visited a church that has planted 65 churches in a ten-year span. I.N. Network USA supports 19 evangelists and 11 Bible student evangelists throughout Nepal.

Source: Mission Network News

Bible Study: Mark 4:26-34

PRAISE: God that this once forgotten nation is experiencing a spiritual awakening towards Christ.