Himalayas

Himalayas

Himalaya, “the abode of snow”, is where the world’s fourteen highest peaks and three major river systems can be found. The altitude in most parts of the region, the biting cold air, the rugged terrains, the steep mountain slopes are the physical strains that Christian workers have to overcome in reaching the peoples of the Himalayas.

Strong resistance to the Gospel is born out of their deeply rooted religious beliefs that has imprisoned them for centuries is a barrier that needs to be broken.

“Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die…” Rev. 3:2 ESV

[vc_row 0=””][vc_column 0=””][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Nepal

Key Issues

Violence against churches
*In 2015, 2 churches in Eastern Nepal were bombed by radical organizations.

In July 2016 – Christians arrested, accused of attempting to convert by distributing religious material. Although freedom of religion is guaranteed, conversions to another religion is illegal. In December 2016, charges were dropped against them and they are now free.*

*World Watch Monitor

Prayer Concerns

Church Growth
The 2015 earthquake killed thousands and displaced millions in Central Nepal. However, the Body of Christ from different denominations and from different countries were crucial to bringing relief efforts to the devastated areas. Praise God the Church fulfilled the role to be a salt and light in Nepal. Many have heard the Gospel and the church in Nepal is growing rapidly.

  • Pray that the church will not just grow but mature through discipleship.
  • Pray that the members of the church will withstand persecution and outside pressure.

2015 Constitution
The Nepalese government has transitioned from being a Hindu Kingdom to a secular state. Although citizens are guaranteed to practice their religion, the 2015 constitution states that no-one should convert anyone to another religion:

(1) Every person who has faith in religion shall have the freedom to profess, practice and protect his or her religion according to his or her conviction.

(2) No person shall, in the exercise of the right conferred by this Article, do, or cause to be done, any act which may be contrary to public health, decency and morality or breach public peace, or convert another person from one religion to another or any act or conduct that may jeopardize other’s religion and such act shall be punishable by law.

  • Pray for local believers to be given wisdom and courage to profess their faith in Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to change the hearts and minds of the people of Nepal.

[vc_row 0=””][vc_column 0=””][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row]

NorthEast India

Key Issues

North-East India is a term that usually refers to the eight states of Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.

India’s increased violence against Christians blamed on Hindu activism – Hindu nationalists (hindutvas) are being blamed for 30 incidents of violence against Christians in India in the first two months of 2016.
In many of the incidents, police just stand by and allow the violence to continue. For example, police stood idly by on January 29 in the province of Tamil Nadu when a mob of 30 Hindu activists attacked and beat a Catholic priest and three church of officials.

Prayer Concerns

  • Pray for the church which is under pressure due to anti- conversion law imposed in the State.
  • Pray that any attempt to subvert Christianity either through false propaganda or instigation of the local people will not stop the advancement of the Gospel.
  • Praise God for the fast translation of the Old and New Testament in various languages. Pray that the translation project for other languages by the Bible Society and others will make good progress.
  • Pray also for availability of other tools and materials for outreach.
  • Pray that ‘intercessors for the land’ might be raised up among Arunachal Christians to initiate strategic prayer movement for the land and for revival.
  • Pray for unity and united vision among Churches and Christian Missions in Arunachal including those working in the government and private concerns.

[vc_row 0=””][vc_column 0=””][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Bhutan

Key Issues

Rising Debt
Bhutan’s debt at ninety percent has nearly equaled its Gross Domestic Product. Following a dramatic increase in public debt, authorities have curtailed domestic spending. Banks have even halted lending for cars and real estate.

Forced labor
Some Bhutanese from rural areas who are desperate to find work in the city have become victims of forced labor. Some of them have even experienced physical abuse and sex trafficking.

Pastors arrested
In September of 2014, two pastors were arrested for “fundraising for personal gain.” and for showing “a film without approval from media authorities.” As of early 2015 both pastors have been released and granted bail.

Prayer Concerns

Buddhism is seen as a spiritual heritage of Bhutan.
Christianity is seen as a foreign religion and a threat to the culture of the country. Church buildings are illegal and people who do not live according to traditional customs are met with suspicion.

  • Pray that the church in Bhutan will shine like light in the face of spiritual darkness.
  • Pray for the pastors and leaders of the church in Bhutan.
  • Pray that God would strengthen them and give them wisdom in facing these challenges from the government and their own community.