We joined these believers in the new building that has become their
church. There is a rice paddy between the church and the road, and as yet no
driveway has been purchased; so the neighbors have allowed church members to
walk on their small foot path to enter the church. (Land is very expensive, and
plots along a roadside come at a premium cost.)
The room filled pretty quickly once the music began. Pastor
Deepak then welcomed us warmly, introducing us to his small congregation. In contrast to the pews and chairs we enjoy
in American churches, many Asians are most comfortable sitting on the
floor. This ensures there is plenty of
room for everyone!
The music team was a delight as they lifted their voices in
true worship to God.
After the service, we had the opportunity to pray with a
young woman named Meena.
She is the worship leader for this church, and the
second daughter in her family, thus carrying the responsibility to care for her
aging parents. (This significantly reduces her prospects for marriage.)
Tears streamed down her face as she shared
her heart’s desire: to serve the Lord with her whole life, yet her
responsibilities to family weigh heavily on her shoulders. She loves her
family, and she loves her Lord.
We were humbled as we prayed for her, asking
God to make a way for her to be in ministry OR to open her eyes to see the
opportunities that He is already giving her to minister right where she is.
Hinduism, for the Nepalese people, is more than just a
religion. Hinduism is their entire identity. It tells them what to do; it
governs their calendar and daily schedule. Their religious festivals are the
holidays that they celebrate with the whole family, and their devotion to their
gods is quite sincere. Thus, when someone turns from Hinduism to Christianity,
it is a huge decision entailing a complete change of identity. This radical
change of life and focus can leave them as an outcast in their family and
community. However, when these lovely people hear the truth of the gospel and their
hearts are changed, the transformation is radical.
They do not simply change
religions; they align themselves completely with Christ and His church. They
lean on each other, then, to be family and community together. They need much
support because of their choice to be a Christ-follower. And yet, we see that
their devotion and fire for God is significant! They are "all in."
Please pray with us for the Hindu converts of Nepal.
