Missions - Calvary Chapel, Golden Valley, Canyon Country with Pastor Jim

Missions Focus

Nepal

Out in the mission field in the former Hindu Kingdom of Nepal, in the Indian sub-continent, is Chandra, an Asian Evangelistic Fellowship (AEF) fulltime worker, our church is supporting. Calvary Chapel Golden Valley sends him $150 each month to take care of his needs.

This support has been possible because of Pastor Jim's close association with the late Dr. G.D. James, founder of AEF, and his son the current Director, Dr. Jonathan James, a well-known preacher and writer. (We hope Jonathan will visit the U.S. soon and will be at CCGV to teach us from the Word.)

Nepal used to be the world's only Hindu Kingdom, where Hindus make up 86.2% of the population, while 7.8% are Buddhist and 3.8% Muslim. The Christian population is small but growing. There's an estimated 400,000 Christians in Nepal with at least 170 churches in the capital, Kathmandu.

Pray for Chandra as Nepal is a difficult mission field where there is growing persecution of Christians, as those who convert from Hinduism to Christianity are ostracized, harassed and disowned by family members and face persecution, hostility, and discrimination especially from Hindu extremist groups. Confrontations can be violent and ugly, particularly from Hindu extremists and Maoist insurgents. Hindu extremism has increased in recent years, especially since the 2006 Parliamentary declaration of the country as a 'secular state' instead of a 'Hindu Kingdom.'

Despite the persecution, there are increasing numbers converting to Christianity. One such church group is the one affiliated with AEF, where about 75 Christians gather to study Scripture about the joy of suffering. Amazing testimonies have been shared by AEF workers who are suffering for Christ. Mary Aale was beaten up by a mob of Hindus because she testified for Christ, and her church was demolished. Bearing the scars on her face, she boldly declared: 'Christ has given us the privilege of service and we must take what He gives us...'

'Native missionaries taking the gospel to rural ethnic people in the mountains of Nepal are facing persecution by Maoist insurgents who are doing their utmost to disrupt missionary travel and church planting,' reports Missions Insider. 'They have resorted to violence to drive those who spread the gospel away from their ‘territory.' Recently members of one congregation were in the middle of a meeting when they were surrounded by gun-wielding Maoists. But after talking to the angry mob, the Christians persuaded the attackers not to harm anyone. In another incident, missionaries trying to reach a remote area to follow up on new believers were almost forced to turn back by Maoists who tried to capture them. Despite the dangers, native missionaries continue to work in these difficult conditions, bringing the gospel to isolated ethnic groups in Maoist-overrun locations. Most of these people live in poverty without proper healthcare or education.'

Pray for the Christians of Nepal that they may be better protected from harm and harassment and that the Gospel may be heard and received by all.