November 14, 2012

Two jeeps were needed to transport our group on a five-hour journey to the Tibet border for a three-day excursion into the Himalayan Mountains, where we would minister to more than 25 pastors and their families. We paid drivers to take us up one way and trusted God that vehicles and drivers would be available for the return — no Hertz reservations, just faith.

Our driver spoke no English, and though he was a seasoned coachman, he thought nothing of passing buses on dangerous curves — buses packed with passengers, goats, and chickens, every inch of space used, including the roof-mounted luggage racks carrying additional travelers. Along the way, we passed countless natural waterfalls, rushing rivers, and clusters of homes built just feet from the main road.

Zero Star Hotel

Brian, our host pastor, had informed us that we would be staying in a Zero Star Hotel. My first thought: kind of like camping? Once we arrived and settled in, Brian was proven right — no towels, no toilet paper, a bucket-flush latrine, windows without screens, and — best of all — a padlock on the outside of our door. We were also provided one pair of communal flip-flops to share, a concession to the perpetually wet bathroom floors. As night fell, the temperature dropped sharply; we slept in turtlenecks and pulled our heavy coats over us as extra blankets.

The Bhotekoshi River, which had been a steady companion by day, shifted its tune after dark — less ambient backdrop, more air conditioner in desperate need of repair. But the morning more than made up for it. Perfectly pitched birdsong, accompanied by what can only be described as nature’s own guitars, serenaded us with melodies that belong on no streaming service — only on God’s playlist.

Joanne, our director, informed us that we would be treating the pastors and their families to every meal. When I asked what that would cost, the answer came without hesitation: “Don’t worry about it — God will provide.” We took up an offering among our own group and covered every meal. It would not be the last lesson in humility on this journey.

A Detour and a Lesson

Before our meetings, my roommate Alida and I decided to take in the scenery. For a small stipend, we visited the Tatopani Hot Springs — walking along the roaring Bhotekoshi River, snapping photos, and losing ourselves in a paradise that awakened nearly every sense. Meanwhile, back at the Zero Star Hotel, the rest of the team was in prayer, preparing for the meetings ahead.

As Alida and I made our way back, I cracked the door open to find the entire group staring at us — wide-eyed and waiting for an explanation. Conviction set in immediately. I apologized for letting worldly distractions pull me away, a stern reprimand followed, and I quietly ordered myself a larger slice of humble pie for lunch.

Unlikely Friendships, Lasting Bonds

It was here that I met people who would become lifelong friends: our interpreter Bigyang, and Pastor Indra and his wife Jyoti Shrestha. Pastor Indra and Jyoti oversee an orphanage in the region and shepherd a local church as well. Bigyang is a pastor who travels village to village carrying the Good News to some of the most remote communities imaginable — and remote is an understatement. On foot, with minimal provisions, he and his team traverse this majestic mountain range with the faithfulness of a postman: rain or shine, they deliver.

Sessions of Grace and a Painful Return

The sessions were powerful — encouragement and faith poured forth in abundance, with each person receiving prayer. These were precious people who wanted us to stay longer. We promised to return soon.

Many living near the Tibet border lost loved ones in the devastating 7.9 earthquake of April 2015. Entire villages were destroyed by boulders and mudslides — and what the great tremor did not annihilate, the Bhotekoshi River returned to finish this past summer. Some of these people have no means to relocate to Kathmandu and continue to bear the consequences of life in a paradoxical paradise.

Among those displaced: Pastor Indra and Jyoti lost both their home and their orphanage, and were forced to move to Kathmandu, where they are still working to rebuild a semblance of normal life.

The road we once traveled is now nearly impassable. It is on foot that these faithful pastors make their way up into the mountains — because God’s work does not wait. The river claimed most of their electrical infrastructure, and generators are now essential for survival. If this stirs something in your heart and you would like to donate, please reach out directly.

November 10, 2012

Where the Spirit Moves Freely A Visit to the Slum Church

We had to go off-roading to find this house of worship. Over 1,000 families live in this impoverished community. The most polluted river meanders around their dwelling place; sheets of metal on the roofs are secured with large rocks and old, discarded tires to hold them in place. Nothing could have prepared the eyes for poverty like this. The dust is far thicker because of the unpaved roads — and one can only imagine what happens during monsoon season.

The Slum Church — that is its real name — is very well-maintained, with laminate flooring and ceiling fans. But the most striking thing about the church is its congregants. Fourteen voices filled the choir, and when they began singing “How Great Thou Art” in Nepali, eyes flooded with tears of joy. So Spirit-filled and anointed — these people have little to nothing, yet they are true, humble examples of what it means to be called Christian. We left them with a suitcase full of medicine and were off to our next assignment.

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.

The President

An invitation arrived from the President of Nepal — and, believe it or not, there were now 18 of us in the van. Traffic delayed the group by a couple of hours, and the President had been called into an emergency meeting. The Palace was heavily guarded and modest in size, yet the garden made a grand impression — neat rows of colorful flowers standing at attention as if to greet every visitor. The festoon of this floral garden filled the air with the sweet fragrance of fall, its colors of orange, magenta, and gold perfectly matched the Palace.

The Chief Of Police

The group was received by Naraine Koivola, Secretary to the President and Administrator of Foreign Affairs. Mr. Koivola escorted everyone to a private meeting room on the second floor, its ceiling adorned with bright, vibrant orange flowers and what appeared to be real gold. Served Nepali tea and delicate cookies, the group shared stories with this kind gentleman for over an hour. A prayer was offered before leaving — along with a box of See’s Candy for the President. The day continued with yet another divine appointment.

From the Palace to the office of the Chief of Police — Rabindra Pratap Shah was equally cordial, though he too was called into a meeting before the visit could unfold fully. Before excusing himself, he graciously received prayer from the team. God showed great favor that day; on the ride back to the hotel, the group quietly held these encounters close and gave glory to their 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.