Nepal, one of the many beautiful countries in South Asia, is known for its crystalline glaciers, pristine lakes, and its array of astonishing mountain ranges.
Not only is this land renowned for its exquisite countryside, Nepal is also known in many Christian organisations as one of the most ‘unreached’ locations in the world. Last year, the BBC reported that the Christian community makes up less than 2 percent of the country’s population.
Nepal’s constitution (2015) stipulates that every person has the right to profess, practice and protect his or her religion. However, converting people to another religion is illegal, and evangelism is not permitted in Nepal.
There is a lot of harmful tension that arises when people change religions. Even for those of no religion, it is prohibited for them to ‘officially’ convert to Christianity.
Earlier this year, Open Doors International revealed important context to this issue in their World Watch List report for Nepal. The report discussed Nepal’s rich diversity of tribes, clans, and villages, that practise what is seen as vitally important cultural traditions and rituals. Once people convert to Christianity, they often stop taking part in these traditions, and are considered outcasts by the community. Because of this, they become subjected to violent forms of persecution.
Global Christian Relief states in their Christian Persecution Report, that Christians are persecuted on three levels in Nepal. First, by Hindu extremists who believe Christianity to be a negative influence. Second, by Nepalise communities who harass and physically harm those with the Christian faith. Third, by the State who often specifically targets persecuted Christians out of fear that they are not ‘fully Nepali’.
With this knowledge, CV has been cautious when sending local pioneers throughout this country. Extra security measures are taken to ensure our pioneers are as safe as they can be while they willingly and devotedly share God’s word.
One CV pioneer recently visited a small village in Nepal, where he hosted a public program at a seemingly deserted church. 180 people attended this event, including those from the surrounding village. Astonishingly, government officials also made an appearance.
The attendance of government officials marked a significant turning point for the community, as some time ago, pioneers had been arrested for sharing the gospel.
These same government officials who had previously persecuted other Christians, stood before the pioneer with open hearts and a longing to learn more. The pioneer was led by the Holy Spirit as he shared the gospel with them, and more people gathered at the church.
Villagers who had once been very sceptical and kept their distance, started to listen to the gospel message, and they earnestly accepted gospel tracts that were offered to them.
Through God’s grace, and the CV pioneer stepping out in faith, an entire village has willingly opened their hearts to the good news that Jesus brings.