Dear Reggie,
This is a simple request that you pray for the church in Nepal. Back in September of 2015, Nepal adopted a new constitution making it a secular state. Due to the dislike of Hindu nationalist groups, immediate persecution began as 2 church buildings were bombed. A Hindu radical group issued a press release “calling for Christian leaders to leave Nepal and for converts to Christianity to return to Hinduism.”
On June 9th of this year, 8 people (from an organization called Teach Nepal) were arrested on charges of trying to convert school children to Christianity through the distribution of a pamphlet which talked about Jesus. Although the school is a Christian school, many non-Christian children attend. Nepal’s constitution allows for freedom of religion; however, it does not allow for proselytization. As we write, the group of 8 Christians are scheduled to go on trail (July 23rd). If convicted, each could face up to 5 years of imprisonment and $5,000 in fines.
According to a recent article published by WorldWatch Monitor, sources have told them that “the government announced to all leaders of Christian orphanages and boarding schools in Kathmandu that it would impose huge fines, close them down and confiscate possessions should they find just one Christian booklet in their institution.” Recently, many other restrictions have been announced by the government including the cessation of granting NGO status to churches who are up for renewal.
What can you do?…
Pray for those facing trial. Pray that God may give them peace. Also, pray for God’s Spirit to give them favor in the eyes of the court. Pray for the believers throughout Nepal. Pray for God to give them strength, protection and assurance of His presence. Pray that God might continue to use His church to be light in this spiritually darkened portion of the world!
www.disciplemakers.org
