Harvest Bridge 2023 Impact Report

Nepal & Tibet

Growth Amidst Persecution

By Pastor Shalva* and Jandi*, Country Directors

The most encouraging and exciting part of this year for us and the leaders who are doing ministry is that all of them are highly motivated to continue the ministry at any cost because all of them have seen the end vision mentioned in the Revelation 5:9-10 and all of us are committed for the ministry of The Lord. I (Shalva) found that the pastors and missionaries are really feeling good about last year. They were able to travel, having a close connection in ministry with each other, but always hazards in the ministry, either by Hindu radicals or other adversaries. During this year almost all of them found that their churches were growing, believers are more committed to The Lord, and the church has become stronger, even in spite of different forms of persecution and threats.

A report from Amit*, who serves at the Nepal-Tibet border, illustrates this:

“I made regular efforts to conduct evangelistic outreaches twice a month. However, there were months where these plans were hindered by obstacles, such as military restrictions and increased opposition. Despite these challenges, we remained committed to hold weekly church services, even though we had to operate discreetly. We also strived to organize house fellowship gatherings at least once a week. The situation became even more challenging when the borders were temporarily closed. These circumstances made life quite difficult. Yet, during our services and meetings, we continued to offer support to our fellow Christian friends, providing them with hope and solace in God. Together, we united in worship, praising the Lord, and praying for one another. I pray for the lifestyle of people in Tibet, for the authorities and officials to be gentler with the people, and for the prohibitions to be lifted soon.”

Many times we are receiving threats from Hindu radicals that they will burn our churches. There are challenges to help Christian children to get enrolled into the schools due to financial problems and facing unnecessary blame from Hindu neighbors. My own church building where we have weekly worship, Bible Study, fasting prayers and other spiritual activities has been destroyed by Hindu radicals and we didn’t get any compensation from the government and no hope to get it in the future. We have been living in injustice and we hope our God is the God of Justice and He will judge rightly.

When we faced persecution in our lives and ministry we devoted ourselves in prayer. The most important lesson learnt this year was about prayer. What is prayer? Prayer is a thanksgiving. Prayer is a relationship. Prayer is faith. Prayer is a commitment. Prayer is a devotion. Prayer is a vision. Prayer is for spiritual warfare.

CONSISTENCY IN MINISTRY

We believe that “a leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.” We are developing our leadership from that perspective. Throughout the year, we have concentrated on the life and ministry of Moses seen in the book of Exodus. The leaders have been realizing that consistency in ministry is very important. And even if nobody remembers us, God Almighty always remembers us and sees us. Amit shared a story of transformation that came after every day, consistent ministry:

“Let me share the inspiring story of Karlha*, a 23-year-old woman who discovered faith in Christ after facing disappointment in her pursuit of Buddhism. Born into a traditional Buddhist family, Karlha adhered to the religious rules and practices that had been part of her life since birth. She even chose to study Buddhism in college, believing it was the path she should follow. However, as she delved deeper into her studies and conducted her own research, Karlha’s heart remained unfulfilled. Despite seeking guidance from her sister, who had become a monk at a young age, she could not find the inner peace she longed for. Her questions remained unanswered, and her doubts persisted. I crossed paths with Karlha and shared my Christian faith with her. She began to ask me questions about my beliefs, and I shared the story of Jesus – how He offered salvation, love, and inner peace to those who believe in Him. I also invited her to join our Christian fellowship. Through regular attendance at our fellowships, fervent prayers, and participation in our services, Karlha began to experience a profound transformation. She made the courageous decision to leave the Buddhist school she was attending and openly confessed her faith in Christ. In Him, she found the answers and the sense of solace she had been searching for. While her family may not fully embrace her newfound faith, she remains hopeful that she can one day reveal to them the greatness of Jesus.”

“And they sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.’” Revelation 5:9-10

SERVING THROUGH WORD AND DEED

In our maternal health clinics, 620 women received health checks and treatment. Local leaders were in contact with the women before and after the camps. The women who were suffering through health problems and were ashamed to go for the treatment were able to share their problems in the medical camps. The counseling resulted in a gateway for their treatment. 20 women who were the most economically weak and unable by their own resources got surgery for their prolapsed uterus. They got timely treatment and healing after a long period of suffering and weakness. They learnt and became aware about female health and hygiene; now they are able to help others who are suffering from same kind of problems and hesitate to tell others.

People would ask, “Why are you doing these health camps?” We would tell them, “Because of the love of Jesus and women from different parts of the world, there is some money for you and for your health. We love people. We love you all. That’s why we are coming all the way from different parts of the country to help you, to show God’s love. It’s only because of Jesus.” And at that time, very proudly, we say, “We are Christian women doing this.” I (Jandi) feel very comfortable to share. We can openly claim it in front of the community leaders who are present there. So, it’s really a great time of sharing testimony through not only the Word of God, but also through the work.

In Nepal, we are always hit by natural disasters like landslide, flood, disease, shortage of fuel, market inflation and political unrest - anything you can name. There are no jobs in the country and people hardly make their livelihood; everyday a couple thousand young people are leaving the country in search of jobs. There are challenges to help poor families’ children go for higher education. Many Christians and non-Christians depend on pastors and Church to help them for that.

Savings Group Ministry (SGM) is helping churches in multiple provinces, where male and female church leaders, pastors and believers participated. In most of the Savings Groups (SGs), non-Christians are also interested to join, which is a gateway to share the gospel. 42 saving groups in 42 churches got registered by end of December, and they have 920 members. All of them are excited to learn saving for the family, and are doing prayer and Bible study to uplift believers in spiritual life, as well as finances. They are flourishing spiritually, as well as financially. They started giving loans to their members and are very excited to support each other at the time of their need. Some of them started new small businesses, such as shoe shop, grocery store, barber shop, crop farming, and animal farming, so they can now take care of their family needs such as education, and medical treatment of the family members. Emergency funds from the SGs are becoming life-saving funds because they could send people to the hospital. Neighboring churches are hearing the testimony of the churches with the SGs, so they are also interested to start in their churches in 2024.

We salute you from Nepal with heartfelt gratitude. May Almighty God bless you and help you to support the ministries around the world who are unable to do without someone’s assistance. We have achieved so much by your prayerful, sacrificial support and tireless efforts and hard work of the staff of Harvest Bridge. We have led many projects to assist the Church and the society. So we are always encouraged in The Lord.