Population:
30.3 million
Evangelical population:
less than 1.4%
People groups:
285
Unreached people groups:
275
Nepal
Slightly larger than the state of New York, the small, landlocked country of Nepal is just 500 miles long and 120 miles wide. The rugged Himalayas act as a natural northern border and provide Nepal with one of its claims to fame: Mount Everest, the highest point on earth. The country is also home to eight of the world’s 10 highest peaks.
Wedged between the giants of China and India, Nepal is home to a wide variety of peoples – multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, and multi-cultural. Many people live in villages tucked away on the mountain slopes that cover three-quarters of the country and are accustomed to traveling long distances on foot. Most Nepalese are farmers living in bamboo, mud, and thatched homes. Over one third of homes do not have toilets, and less than one half have running tap water.
Nepal’s population consists of three castes, though their practices are patterned after the higher Hindu castes of India. Hindus comprise over 80% of the population. Christianity is mainly viewed as a foreign religion and new believers are considered part of the “untouchable” caste.
While persecution has steadily increased in Nepal over the past few years, the population is becoming more open to the gospel. It is estimated that there are at least 1 million Christians in Nepal today, up from zero in 1950.
The indigenous believers we assist request assistance to continue supporting and sending followers of Christ to remote villages to share the gospel with unreached people. Also needed are funds for Bibles, training, transportation such as motorcycles (as there is no public transportation in remote areas), and income-generating projects to fund outreach work and help poor believers provide for their families.
As in other places throughout South Asia, children in Nepal suffer the consequences of extreme poverty. Many are vulnerable to abuse or exploitation and have no access to education. Assistance is needed to help shelter, feed, care for, disciple, and educate orphaned, abandoned, and needy children throughout Nepal, giving them a hope and future in Christ. Support is also needed to help provide relief aid to victims of natural disasters and rescue trafficked women.
Sources: Joshua Project, Wikipedia, CIA Factbook, Morning Star News
How to Pray for Nepal
- Pray for the Lord’s provision and protection for indigenous believers working to share the gospel in Nepal.
- Pray the Holy Spirit would draw people to Christ and open their eyes to His saving sacrifice and grace.
- Pray the Holy Spirit would grant wisdom and courage to local believers.
More stories from Nepal
Help Bring Gospel Reconciliation in Nepal
Witchdoctors unable to cure a sick woman accused her neighbor of putting a curse on her. The neighbor was then ostracized, and her health deteriorated as she worried that she could be publicly beaten over the false accusation. After medical treatment failed, her family brought her to a native Christian worker for prayer, and when she attended his worship service, she was astonished to find her sick neighbor present.
Help Form Strong Disciples in Nepal
A 36-year-old man gradually descended into madness, neglecting his family and drinking so much he often slept on the street. Attending a native ministry’s church, the gospel sank deeply into his heart, and he met with the pastor and put his faith in Christ.
Help Train and Send Gospel Workers in Nepal
Native workers recently provided 239 new Christians with foundational training to set them on the path of discipleship in local churches. Basic tenets of the faith were taught over three days. One high school girl said she learned much about the Lord and the Bible but was especially thankful to learn of the role of baptism as a public testimony of faith.
Support Evangelistic Outreach in Nepal
A pastor with a native ministry joyfully carried on work in spite of suffering from a tumor and illnesses in his family. “Despite all this, God remained faithful, especially in saving the lost,” he said.
Help Plant and Grow Faith in Christ in Nepal
Recently 239 new Christians were solidly grounded in their faith through a three-day training that local Christian workers provided. A high school girl said she thanked God for the training, adding, “I learned many things about God and the Bible.”
Help Enable Gospel Break-Throughs in Nepal
A missionary effort by native workers brought break-through instances of repentance, with many youths growing closer to Christ after sensing His presence in worship.