Nepal

Sita is a 65-year-old woman and the only believer in her family. She was an active member of the church, but three years ago, her son married a woman who is aggressively opposed to Christianity.

A local church met on their leased property recently when an angry Hindu man interrupted, ordering the congregation to stop their Christian activities. He then dragged one of the elders out and hit him in the face with a fistful of mud.

Amar Mandal had been the only Christian in his village in Nepal. Even though his family opposes him and he faces rejection by the community, he is faithful and bold in his witness. “If I don’t share the gospel with my villagers, I will be always alone,” he said.

In July, Pastor Krishna Pariyar’s mother, who was also a believer, passed away in their home village. Because there is no local place for Christians to bury their dead, Pastor Krishna chose to bury his mother on his own land. However, Pastor Krishna’s Hindu neighbors opposed this and insisted that the body be cremated according to Hindu ritual.

After working as a security guard for 45 years, Krishna Prasad, now 65, returned to Nepal. His family, however, wouldn’t let him stay at their home; distraught, he tried to commit suicide. His younger son, who lived in another part of Nepal, took him in. After moving in with his son, he still felt no inner peace. Someone he met suggested that he go to church because Jesus could give him peace.

While living with her high-caste Hindu aunt and cousin, seventeen-year-old Shanti, a Christian, developed a passion for leading others into a deeper walk with Christ. She led youth groups and women’s groups and regularly visited believers at their homes.

After putting her trust in Jesus, Sumi received a New Testament. Her younger brother noticed it and told their Hindu father, who shouted at Sumi and threatened her with a knife. He told her to leave her Christian faith or leave his house.

Believers in Nepal are mourning the death of a beloved pastor who died from complications of coronavirus. Lomas Shrestha had served as a pastor for the last 20 years after coming to Christ. Last year, Pastor Lomas enthusiastically distributed Christmas Care Packs and supplies to pastors during the first wave of the pandemic. “This is the right time to help people who are in need,” he said.

At age 17, Soni was sold into slavery by her own aunt. She spent three decades as a prostitute in India before a Nepali Christian helped her escape. This woman shared the gospel with Soni, and Soni joyfully accepted the invitation of salvation through Christ who loves her.