Month 2 is over. It’s crazy how fast time has flown by that we are already beginning month 3… in AFRICA. But before I begin to dive into things in South Africa, I wanted to post a recap of Nepal for all of you at home and also for me to begin to process the things that God did in my heart while we were there.
For the month of February we worked with a ministry called Agape Mission. Our hosts, Brian and Ruth, and the rest of their ministry team welcomed us for all-squad month (all 56 of us!) with open and loving arms from the second that we walked into the door. Agape Mission was founded on principles from James 1:27 and Psalm 68:5 to rescue, support, and minister to women at-risk and children at-risk. There are many different elements to their ministry that all combine to form one of the most Spirit-led ministries that I have ever encountered. Brian, Ruth, and their team rely completely on the leading of the Holy Spirit to guide and form their ministry. And in my opinion, this is what sets Agape Mission apart and makes it a successful, fully functioning part of the body of Christ.
The first week of ministry involved going around Kathmandu to the many different Hindu and Buddhist temples to pray over the city and to get vision for the rest of the month. Not only is it crazy being in a country where Christianity is a minority, but also I was absolutely overwhelmed by how much the people practicing these religions are searching for holiness in these gods. When I was walking throughout these places, all I wanted to do was share with the people the freedom and the peace that comes from worshiping a God that loves them enough to send His only son to die for them. We were able to share this beauty of the Gospel with many individuals in and around the temples, and I was completely humbled by the shear opportunity to participate in bringing the light of Christ to these dark places.
After the first week of visiting temples around Kathmandu, we spent days playing with street kids, evangelizing in the slums, and ministering to women who spend the day as sex workers. Of the many different ministries, playing with the street boys was one of my favorites. After only a few moments of shyness, the boys completely attached themselves to us – begging for piggyback rides and not letting our hands go as we walked around the field. Although it was extremely hard to say goodbye, I knew that we had done our job well. God gave us this precious time with little boys who have been forced to grow up way too quickly. The darkness and the destruction that they experience on the streets and with the gangs that they are apart of has left them completely void of love, comfort, and safety. Through playing with them, loving on them, and sharing Bible stories with them for the couple afternoons that we were there, we were able to give them a small glimpse of the love of the Father. What an honor that our all-knowing and all-powerful God uses me, as human as I am, to be a vessel of His redemptive love and grace.
Overall, our time in Nepal was both stretching and incredible. I experienced things that I never have before culturally, spiritually, and physically. For starters, I JUMPED OFF A BRIDGE in the middle of a beautiful canyon about 10 kilometers from the Tibetan boarder J. There were also 56 of us living in one house sharing the 3 most valuable things in a 3rd world country – water, electricity, and gas. However, through the challenges and stretching of my comfort zone, the biggest lesson that God showed me is that, despite my doubts and my fears, He always provides exactly what I need exactly when I need it. He knows and understands the desires of my heart perfectly, and He will always be enough.
