November 14, 2012

We needed two jeeps to transport us five hours to the Tibet Border for our three day excursion up the Himalayan Mountains to minister to over 25 pastor and their families. We pay for a drivers to take us up one way and pray that there will be drivers and vehicles available to bring us back down, no Hertz reservations here, just trusting God. Our driver did not speak a lick of English and though a seasoned coachman he only passed buses on dangerous curbs filled with passengers traveling with goats and chicken, every inch of these buses was used including the top luggage rack for added travelers . We came across so many natural waterfalls, rivers and clusters of living quarters just feet away from the main thoroughfare.

Brian, our host pastor had informed us the we would be staying in a Zero Star Hotel; I thought to myself kinda like camping? Once we arrived and got situated; Brian was right, no towels, no toilet paper, bucket flush latrine windows without screens but the best part was that our room was equipped with a pad lock on the outside of our door. We were accommodated with one pair of communal flip flops because of the wet floors in the bathroom. At night it got much colder, we slept in turtle neck and used our heavy coats as extra blankets. The Bhotehoshi River changed tunes in the evening to an air conditioner in need of repair. The perfectly pitched  morning birds accompanied by natures guitars serenaded us with sweet songs that can only be found on God’s play list.

Joanne, our director informed us that we were going to treat the pastors and their families to every meal. I asked how much it was going to cost and the answer was “Don’t worry about it, God would provide.” We took an offering within our group and we paid for the meals; this would not be my the last lesson in humility.

Before our meetings my roommate, Alida and I decided to take in the scenery. For a stipend we visited Tatopani Hot Water Springs; we walked along the noisy Bhotehoshi River and took several picture, we were lost in a paradise that heighten most of my senses. Back at the Zero Star Hotel the rest of the team was in prayer preparing for the meetings. As we made our way back, I cracked the door open to the wide eyed group waiting for an explanation. Highly convicted  I apologized for my worldly desires and a stern reprimand followed; I ordered a bigger slice of humble pie for lunch.

It is here that I met sweet  life long friends, our interrupter Bigyang, Pastor Indra and his wife Jyoti Shrestha. Pastor Indra and Jyoti run an orphanage in this region and responsible for a church as well. Bigyang is a pastor that travels village to village sharing the “Good News” to remote villages, remote is an understatement, on foot with little provisions he and his team travers this majestic range and like our postman, rain or shine they deliver.

Our sessions are powerful and much encouragement and faith was poured forth, with each person receiving prayer. These people were precious and wanted us to stay longer, we promised to return soon.

Many of the Tibet Border people lost love ones with the 7.9 earthquake in April 2015, villages completely destroyed by boulders and mudslides and what the great tremor did not annihilate the Bhotehoshi River came back to finish the job this summer. Some of these people have no means to move to Kathmandu and suffer the consequences of living in paradoxical paradise.

After losing their home and  the orphanage Pastor Indra and Jyoti were forced to move to Kathmandu and are still struggling to maintain a normal life.

The road that we took is almost completely impassable so it on foot that these pastors make their way up the the monster mountain for they have God’s work to do. The river took most of their electrical power and they need generators to survive, if you have it in your heart to donate please let me know.

November 10, 2012

We had to go off roading to find this house of worship; over 1,000 families live in this undesirable community. The most polluted river meanders around their dwelling place; sheets of metal on the roofs secured with large rocks and old discarded tires to keep it in place. I have never witness poverty like this. The dust is much thicker because of the unpaved roads and you can only image what happens during the Monsoon season. The Slum Church (that is the real name) is very well maintained with laminate flooring and ceiling fans but the most interesting thing about the church, the congregants. I counted 14 in the choir and when they started singing “How Great Thou Are” in Nepali my eyes flooded with tears of joy. So spirit filled and  anointed, these people have little to nothing but are true humble examples of what we call Christians. We left them with a suitcase filled with medicine and were off to our next assignment.

We received an invitation from the president of Nepal and believe or not now we are 18 in the van. The traffic delayed us by a couple of hours and the president was called into an emergency meeting. The Palace was heavily guarded and modest in size, the garden made a grand impression of neatly lined colorful flowers standing to greet us. The festoon of this floral garden filled the air with sweet flavors of fall, the colors of orange, magenta, and gold matched the  the palace. We were received by Naraine Koivola, the secretary to the president and Administrator of Foreign Affairs. Mr. Koivola escorted us to a private meeting room on the second floor, the ceiling was adorned with bright vibrant orange flowers and what looked like real gold. Served Nepali tea and delicate cookies we shared stories with this kind gentleman for over an hour. We prayed and left a box of See’s candy for the president. Our day continued with yet another divine appointment.

From the palace to the Chief of Police, Rabindra Pratup Shah was equally cordial but was called into a meeting as well, before excusing himself he graciously  received prayer from our team. God showed us great favor today; on the ride back to our hotel we quietly held these encounters in our hearts and gave credence to our Creator.

November 3, 2012

How Nepal Began

How does a missionary team end up in Nepal?

When God calls, He is specific.

The team was already on another missionary journey when Joanne, the ministry leader, received a dream — massive mountains, and people wearing unusual hats unlike anything she had ever seen. She brought it to God in prayer, not yet knowing what it meant. Months later, the first invitation to minister in Nepal arrived.

When Joanne reached the Tibet border and saw the native hats for the first time, she knew. This was exactly what God had shown her. The dream was not imagination — it was preparation.

The team has now traveled to Nepal five times, and plans to return.

Medicine for the Pastors

One of the most meaningful moments of preparation was sorting medicines for over fifty pastors who would be traveling from regions across Nepal to meet with the team.

Each pastor received a small red duffle bag filled with the basics — cough syrup, aspirin, Pepto-Bismol, skin ointments for itching, and allergy medications. Simple supplies by any Western standard, but invaluable to men serving in remote areas with little access to medical care. Every team member carried an extra suitcase designated for this purpose alone.

Meeting those pastors was a joy. They came from so many different regions, each one a shepherd faithfully tending his flock in one of the most challenging mission fields in the world.

Pastor Brian and Ruth

Some people talk about serving. Pastor Brian and his wife Ruth simply do it — quietly, faithfully, and at great personal cost.

Their ministry is focused on rescuing young girls from the darkness of sex trafficking and bringing them into safety, dignity, and the love of Christ. Once rescued, these young women are not simply sheltered — they are equipped. They learn candle making, sewing, and computer skills, practical trades that give them independence and a future. Alongside this, Pastor Brian and Ruth operate a slum school in Kathmandu, reaching children who would otherwise be left behind.

There are no words sufficient to describe what this couple has given. They have laid their lives down — and they have done it without fanfare.

Fire That Cannot Be Contained

On this particular day, the team gathered for worship and praise, followed by preaching. The message was direct and convicting — focus on your calling, and remain a humble servant.

What followed was something that is difficult to put into words. Each person present received prayer and a prophetic word. Watching it unfold was breathtaking. These pastors carried something unmistakable — an unrestrained faithfulness, a fire of the Holy Spirit that no hardship had been able to extinguish.

The prayer that rose up in that moment was simple: Lord, give me that same fire.

Humility and the Holy Spirit are not opposites. In these pastors, they were one and the same.

A Full Schedule and a Missing Wallet

Ministry days in Nepal leave little room for rest.

The schedule was packed — meetings at different churches, long drives to reach new pastors, and the privilege of ministering to congregations hungry for the Word. Breakfast that morning was a bowl of mixed grains with yak milk, a simple and nourishing start before heading out for what would be nearly an hour’s drive.

It was during the offering at one of the churches that the discovery was made — the wallet was gone.

In a quiet panic, Brian escorted the search back to the hotel. There was good reason to be certain it had been there at breakfast — a tip had been left on the table, which meant the wallet was in hand just hours before. But it was nowhere.

Up to the room, through every corner — nothing. A quick prayer, then the locked suitcase was opened — nothing. Under the beds, in the bathroom, back through the luggage again — nothing. The mind was racing.

Then, one more search. This time slower, more deliberate.

There, in the middle of the makeup bag, was the wallet.

There is no natural explanation for it. The bag had already been searched. Even Brian was stunned. The only reasonable conclusion is that an angel had tucked it away for safekeeping — hidden in plain sight until the panic had passed and the prayer had been prayed.

God is in the details. Even the small ones.