One year ago, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal on April 25, 2015, and dozens of aftershocks shook the nation in the following weeks, including a 7.3 magnitude quake on May 12. Entire villages were destroyed, and homes, businesses, schools and churches were reduced to nothing but piles of rubble. Nearly 9,000 people lost their lives. More than 22,000 people were injured, and hundreds of thousands of people were left homeless. In the midst of this devastation, our God knows the name of each person affected by these earthquakes, and He cares deeply for their needs.
Here are a few ways to pray for the rebuilding of Nepal:
Strength, endurance and supplies for those rebuilding their homes.
Comfort for those grieving lost loved ones and healing for hearts and homes.
Wisdom and guidance for the government as they assess needs and allocate resources.
Community centers such as hospitals, schools and churches to be rebuilt so people can be ministered to and children can have education.
Protection from monsoon rains, landslides and disease, especially for those without access to proper sanitation or living in temporary shelter.
Opportunity to earn a livelihood, especially for those who are injured or care for many dependents.
God to enable GFA-supported workers to reach many villages with His help, love and the hope found in Christ.
Nepal has officially ushered in a new era for the nation after President Ram Baran Yadav signed the country’s new constitution on Sept. 20, 2015.
Citizens expressed mixed emotions after the historic event. Much of the country cheered, celebrating the nation’s attempt to move forward and bring peace after decades of instability, which included a 10-year civil war that dissolved the nation’s monarchy in 2008. Others continued to protest, unhappy with certain articles in the constitution that they believe put them at a disadvantage.
The new constitution officially divides the country into seven federal states, or provinces, and allows each state to have its own legislature. The borders of these states have yet to be determined. Many of Nepal’s ethnic minorities living in the southern regions have protested this division, fearing it will lead to further marginalization and little political representation.
The constitution also makes Nepal a secular nation after centuries of being a Hindu kingdom. The country’s secularism affords its citizens the right to freely practice, profess and preserve their religion according to their faith. However, the constitution also makes it illegal to perform any act that is seen as “disturb[ing] the religion of other people.”
The issue of citizenship has also sparked contention, especially among the women of Nepal. The constitution allows a father to pass on his Nepali citizenship to his children, but those born to Nepali women who are married to foreign citizens can attain citizenship only by naturalization.
Nepal’s current governing officials say amendments can be made to the constitution to address any discontentment. President Yadav has asked Prime Minister Sushil Koirala to open talks with the disgruntled parties in an effort to quell the unrest.
Please pray for:
The government of Nepal as it works to implement the new constitution.
Wisdom for Nepal’s leaders.
Grace and peace for the people of Nepal.
Discernment and wisdom for believers as they live out their faith in Jesus.
Nepal is a nation that needs your prayers. From over a decade of bloody civil conflict that claimed thousands of lives to ongoing political instability in its government, this picturesque Himalayan country has suffered greatly and bears deep wounds.
But there is hope for Nepal—and through the prayers of His people, God has been working both in the political front and through His Church.
Read on to step inside some of the challenges for prayer in Nepal.
The Government
For more than 200 years, Nepal was officially a Hindu nation, posing many difficulties for missionaries sharing about Christ's love. But in an amazing turn of events, changes in the government in 2006 and 2008 paved the way for the birth of a democracy. Nepal was on its way to becoming a secular nation with more religious freedom.
Drought and Food Crisis
Every year, parts of Nepal are affected by severe droughts and food crises. The droughts dry up crops, creating the food shortage. The people in these areas have also been especially vulnerable to the cholera epidemic. According to reports, 425 people died from cholera during just a two-month period.
One factor contributing to the drought is that farmers in the mountainous areas lack a good irrigation system and must depend on rainwater. And when monsoon rains are delayed, the crops suffer. It is a vicious cycle that puts many at peril.
Please pray for Gospel for Asia-supported pastors and missionaries ministering to suffering people in the areas affected by the drought.
National Missionaries and Their Churches
In this nation that has suffered so greatly from political turmoil, Gospel for Asia-supported missionaries and the churches they shepherd serve as bright lights and beacons of hope to their communities. The very real risk of persecution, steep mountain trails to be hiked and frigid temperatures are a few of the challenges faced by these missionaries—yet they gladly endure these things for the sake of Christ. And their efforts are bringing forth fruit! Reports have even come in of new believers eagerly trekking for hours to attend church and worship the Savior.
Pray that the missionaries in Nepal will be filled with joy, Christ's love and physical stamina as they diligently take His Good News to their people. Pray they will encounter receptive hearts, and pray for new believers to be strengthened daily in their faith.
A Thriving Radio Ministry
By God's grace, GFA Radio has been able to broadcast the Good News on various stations throughout the country, including on Radio Nepal. And there has been tremendous response, showing people's hunger to know more about Jesus. In some areas, rallies for radio listeners provide opportunities for people to hear more about Jesus and meet GFA-supported pastors.
Given the rugged and remote terrain found in much of Nepal, radio has proven to be a valuable tool to take the Gospel to difficult-to-reach places. Many people live in mountain villages with stunningly beautiful views, yet may never have heard about the God who created that beauty. Radio can be a powerful means to reach these precious people.
Please pray for continued open doors for GFA's radio ministry in Nepal. Pray that many people will tune in to the broadcasts and that many hearts will be drawn to the Savior.
Join with us as we lift up in prayer those in need around the world. Receive prayer requests with a special focus each month. You can have a part in ministering to those in need, through our most powerful tool, prayer.
