As our team travels through villages of mud-huts with water
buffalo and oxen roaming the streets, we find it easier and easier to relate to
the Bible. Getting out of the western world and seeing life through this
perspective seems to help the Bible make more sense. It’s metaphors and
descriptions of scenery are not so foreign anymore.
Along
with the similar backdrop comes a better understanding of the New Testament’s
instructions for us. When Paul encourages churches to persevere through
persecution (2 Thess. 1:6-7; Phil. 3:18-21), it is hard to relate from our
American perspective. Does persecution mean someone gossiping about you? Does
persecution mean being the victim of judgmental attitudes based on improper
preconceived notions? Does persecution really start and end in the realm of our
social lives? These are certainly forms of persecution, and we need to apply
the Bible’s mentality of grace toward it. However, I would encourage you to see
this type of persecution truly as “light and momentary troubles” in comparison
to some of the situations Christians must persevere through on this side of the
world.
Our
Nepali ministry contact’s name is Pastor Achute. He and his family have
welcomed us into their home, cooked delicious food for us, and given us their
beds. Pastor Achute has a beautiful spirit of joy each day, and continues to
spread the gospel in the surrounding villages around his home (within 6 mile
radius). He has been in Haripur, Nepal for 15 years carrying out God’s call on
his life.
Growing
up, Pastor Achute was the son of a Hindu priest. Then, during his mid-twenties,
Pastor Achute’s sister became a Christian. Her husband was an abusive
alcoholic. Someone invited her to church after hearing of her troubles, where
she soon accepted salvation and began praying fervently for her family. When
she first shared her new-found faith with Pastor Achute, he rejected it. He new
Christianity as nothing but a western religion and was angry with her for
“crossing over”. But, because of her example, prayers, and the gradual change
in his heart, Pastor Achute became a Christian within 2 years. His family
eventually received salvation through faith as well. Then, Pastor Achute came
to Haripur as the only Christian in the region. He was praying for more Christians
in the region for his family to fellowship with. After a few years of praying,
he felt God telling him that instead of asking for Christians to be sent to the
area, he should go out and witness so that the people who were already there
that they might know Christ. He quit his job, and became a missionary among the
villages. At the time he and his family were the only Christians. Now, 15 years
later, there are a little over 300 Christians in the area. He has started a
church that has experienced a lot of resistance within the strongly Hindu and
Muslim population here. Pastor Achute continues to live according to God’s
Word, though, and trusting God’s provision and protection for the ministry. He
would tell you that he does not have any special gifts or talents, but just
answered God’s call when he heard it.
These
are all of the details I have been able to put together, due to the Pastor
still learning English. He is such a commendable example of perseverance,
patience, and faith. The time we’ve spent with the Achute family has been so
eye opening. Everything about their situation and surroundings urges them to
give up and back away from the Christian destiny of evangelism. There are have
even been threats of physical harm, but the Pastor and his house stand firm in
their faith and sharing it with others.
Let
their example be an inspiration for us to do the same in our own lives!
