Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin – No. 300 – Wed 01 Dec 2004

——————————————————- NEPAL: MAOIST REBEL ACTIVITY IMPACTS CHRISTIAN MINISTRY ——————————————————-

(By Anneta Vyssotskaia)

Nepal is the world’s only Hindu state, with 86% of its some 26.5 million people practising Hinduism. Nepal is one of the world’s poorest nations, with 42% of the population living below the poverty line, and 45% are illiterate. Political reform in 1990 created a multi-party democracy within a constitutional monarchy.

The Christian Church has existed in Nepal for only 50 years, although attempts were made to bring the Word of God to Nepal in the 19th Century. William Carey translated the New Testament into Nepali in 1821, and the whole Bible was finally translated in 1914.

The Church there owes much to Nepali and expatriate Christians who prayed and witnessed in India before Nepal was opened up. They then entered the country as the nucleus of an indigenous Church in the hands of Nepalis from the start. Indian Christians also came to Nepal as missionaries, and still do. Nepali former soldiers converted while in the Indian and British Armies have played a significant part too. Some of the first Christians were imprisoned for their faith, which led to more conversions in prison.

The Church in Nepal has grown steadily, and by some estimates evangelical Christians are now almost 2% of the population. Though there has been more religious freedom since 1991, proselytising is still illegal. Christian publishing is permitted.

Maoist rebels have been a serious problem since 1996. They are mainly targeting Nepal’s political regime, but increasingly Christian churches and organisations are embroiled in the conflict. In June, those who claimed responsibility for an explosion in a Catholic institution said ‘all Christians are spies’. Maoists reportedly attack Christian schools, orphanages and houses in search of boys as conscripts for their army. Christian work has become more hazardous. Christian Aid recently reported a national missionary team was captured in a remote mountain village, but was later released. Some expatriate and national missionaries have reportedly had written orders to leave the areas where they work. Travel for evangelism and to conduct Christian seminars is increasingly dangerous, or paralysed due to Maoists calling transport strikes or blocking the roads in various places at different times.

CHRISTIANS IN NEPAL REQUEST PRAYER SPECIFICALLY FOR:

* protection for all Christian groups and workers from Maoist rebels, and especially for young boys they want for their army.

* safety of Christian workers, especially those who have to travel.

* the King and government to be encouraged to talk with the Maoists, grant elections and re-write the constitution to care more for the poor and under-privileged; for peace in Nepal.

* wisdom and good witness by believers.

‘But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.’ (2 Timothy 4:17-18 NIV)

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SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE: ————————————————————

MAOIST REBEL ACTIVITY IN NEPAL IMPACTS CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

Nepal is a Hindu state, with 86% of its some 26.5 million people practising Hinduism. Since 1990 it has been a democracy within a constitutional monarchy. The Church in Nepal has grown steadily over its 50 years. There is a degree of religious freedom, but proselytising is still illegal. Maoist rebels, a serious problem, mainly target Nepal’s political regime, but increasingly Christian churches and groups are embroiled in the conflict. Some rebels have said ‘all Christians are spies’. Maoists attack Christian centres in search of boys to conscript into their army. Travel for ministry is hazardous due to rebel activity. A national missionary team was captured in a remote mountain village, but later released. Some Christian workers have reportedly had written orders to leave the areas where they minister. Please pray for peace in Nepal, the outreach of the Church, and protection of Christian workers.

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Anneta Vyssotskaia is a guest writer for RLP. —————————————————- Previous RLPs may be viewed at http://www.evangelicalalliance.org.au/rlc/ If you downloaded this message from a website or it was forwarded to you, you may receive future editions by sending an empty e-mail to <>

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