Nepal Baptists Strong Amidst Clashes

The Executive Committee of the Asian Baptist Federation convened from February 3-4 to focus on networks and partnerships to facilitate missions to Asia, despite recent clashes and deaths that led to greater political unrest between Maoist guerrillas and the Nepali government.

Many male villagers were notably absent due to continuing turmoil, in which Nepalese men were caught in the guerrillas’ and government troops’ crossfire. Villagers are praying for their safety.

Even in the midst of this turmoil, statistics show that there are 90 churches, 400 home fellowships and 10,000 members in the Nepal Baptist Church Council. This vital growth in Nepal’s churches was observed by attendant Alan Stanford, BWA Director for Global Impact. Stanford also testified the liveliness of the congregation at a church at which he had an opportunity to speak.

More than thirty ethnic groups, each with their own language and sub-dialects, exist in the mountainous country of Nepal, home to 2.5 million Nepalese. Almost half of the population lives below the poverty line.

Pioneering pastors Daniel Subba and Harry Gurung started the Nepali mission after they fled to North East India. Baptists preaching led them to the Lord Jesus Christ. Nepal Baptist Churches Council has set a goal to reach 1000 churches with more than 20,000 members by the year 2010.