ICC Note:

Following the devastating earthquake in Nepal in 2015, Christians were able to show many around the country practically the love of God. Through these ministries, many more individuals in Nepal have become open to the Gospel and its message and Christianity is continuing to grow. This is despite the fact that Nepal passed a constitution in 2015 that made the conversion of religions illegal. So far, only one group of Christians have been charged under this constitutional provision, but many remain afraid that it will be used more broadly in the future to stem the growth of Christianity. 

11/21/2016 Nepal (MNN) – A devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal just before midday on April 25, 2015.  The historical district was home to many insecure, old buildings that collapsed under the pressure.  The epicenter was in the district of Sindhupalchok, about 12 miles from the border with China.

Almost 9,000 people died in the quake and ensuing aftershocks, a further 17,000 were injured and 2.8 million Nepalese were displaced.

Even as the headlines faded quickly, the millions of survivors began trying to rebuild their shattered lives.  Moving on has not been easy with the loss of livestock and sheds.  Many were forced to abandon their homes and communities for tented relief camps, which remain occupied, more than a year after the disaster.

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In the aftermath of the disaster, believers were an active part of the response.  Acting as the hands and feet of Christ, they were living out the Gospel before their communities…which became an open door and bore the fruit in hope.

As a result, there were over 200 delegates in Bahrabesi, and over 175 registrants in Kathmandu who came for two days of instruction, teaching, and resourcing.  Among them, many first-generation Christians, says Pudaite.  “This is the early Church.  This is the book of Acts here that we’re standing among, that we’re sharing God’s Word among that we’re teaching, that we’re interacting with.  This is where the kingdom of God in Nepal will start from — this first generation of believers.”

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