|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Nepal is
the world's only Hindu kingdom, yet it is home to more than
a million Muslims as well. Renowned as home of the towering Himalayas,
it has two additional distinct topographical regions: a flat, fertile
area in the south and a central foothills region marked by swiftly
flowing rivers. It is bordered by India on three sides, and by China
to the north. Nepal moved to democratic elections in 1991, retaining
the monarchy to promote stability and to help unify Nepal's diverse
cultural groups. Elections in 1994 resulted in the world's first
communist monarchy. The massacre of the royal family in 2001 raises
the risk of instability. Prior to 1990,
believers were routinely imprisoned for having converted or for
evangelising. Official persecution ended with the change in government,
but pressure and restrictions continue in many areas, especially
where the church is enjoying rapid growth. SIM works in
Nepal in partnership with a medical and development organization
called International Nepal Fellowship (INF). Much of the work has
been based on medical ministries. Nepal is one of the poorest and
least developed countries, opening the door to great opportunity.
Fewer than half of the adult population are literate, and nearly
half live below the poverty line. SIM plans to
continue its partnership with INF and with other organizations involved
in ministry in Nepal. Opportunities exist in the development of
a ministry-training centre, a school for children, and the possible
facilitation of theological education by extension. Please pray
for:
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
