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.