Embracing the culture of the World Race goes hand in hand with embracing change. And this month in January finds us in the Hindu nation of Nepal where we are getting a healthy dose of change in our lives. We experienced a change in continents, a change in culture, a change in the weather, a change in our diets, yet another change in the language, and change of pace when it comes to evangelizing. The 'M' word is missionary, and is strictly forbidden to speak around here.
Noteworthy fact of the month: I am a giant compared to all Asians. Walking down the crowded streets shoulder to shoulder with dozens upon dozens of strangers, me being a head taller than all of them and, me being the only one not bearing a bright red dot on my forehead is the now the norm. With a population approaching 29 million and only a half percent claiming to be Christian, Nepal has a great need for the gospel.
We have spent the past 5 days in the busy capitol city of Kathmandu and tomorrow we will travel 12 hours south to a remote village in the Himalayas to build an orphanage for the local children. From there we will hike to another village deeper into the Himilayas and work on building a school. Our goal is to be a light for Christ in a place and culture that have been etched down with idols and false gods for centuries. Our grace is their idea of karma and worshiping golden statues and sacred animals is life here.
Please pray for the hearts of those we will encounter. Pray that we are able to focus on gospel and not religion. Pray that we are able to build bridges, not barriers. Pray that we are able to reflect Christ in everything we do. Also, please pray that we are able to stay warm, as we will be tenting once we get to the villages 🙂
Thank you and God bless! You'll hear from me again at the end of the month when I get back to civilization. Peace and blessins, peace and blessins y'all!
"Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16
