It was a day spent hiking up the mountains to fellowship at different homes throughout the surrounding villages. We walked up dirt roads, up man-made rock “steps”, through back yards and crop fields. I thought I liked hiking back home in New Hampshire….this is a whole new level! Here I am hiking in my lovely chacos, struggling a little here and there, but then I look up at the pastor who is in crocs and the 2 ladies that came with us are carelessly trekking there way in flip flops and dresses! Amazed I knew I couldn’t complain about my footwear. [I actually prefer my chacos over sneakers now though!] We made our way farther and father up, stopping at small waterfalls and pools of water to cool off and casually have a water fight!
It wasn’t until our last stop when I was suddenly taken aback at just how far up we were going. I noticed the very narrow dirt path we were walking up and realized that we were basically scaling up the side of this mountain. The rocks were slippery, the path would disappear and reappear. I started questioning where in the world these people were taking us.
How did they find these people to begin with? There was No one insight for quit a while.. my excitement grew and I was overwhelmed by the views. God paints the most beautiful scenes, his creations are remarkable and I couldn’t believe I got to stand on the edge of a mountain and look down at all this beauty!! I couldn’t help but turn around to my teammates and ask
“are these people unreached? Because they sure are hard to reach!!”
We laughed at the thought as we made our way through the branches to the very top of the mountain.
Standing at the top was a beautiful church, a women and 2 children cooking and playing in some water. I was in awe. We finally made it and man was it so worth it. We searched for a place to take a picture of the long route it took us to get where we stand, but there was no place that did it justice. I walked around taking in the fresh air and smiling faces! But I couldn’t help but ask, “where do all the people come from?” There was only the church and one other building up here. Our host James simply pointed to surrounding edges of mountain and said they come from all over there… they all walk up these narrow paths, on the edge of the mountains from who knows where to be a part of this church on the very top! How incredible! I can never complain about my 25 minute drive to Rock Church anymore!!
We sat down waiting for what comes next. James started climbing on the trees picking some fruit. The ladies washed them and we all sat there eating these plum like fruit! I will say I never went hungry even with all the hiking we have been doing. At every fellowship we are d we are graciously provided with a meal! These people have little, but give everything they have for us when we come! As we waited for our lunch we sat inside the church and played a game of UNO! This day has been one of a kind.
We were provided with an amazing meal of potatoes and this fried dough type bread! Upon finishing, we were led into the church for fellowship. People came from all directions and joined us. Today I was blessed to be able to share my message.
This has been some week! We are up early for biscuits and tea, some rice and hit the dirt for a hike up the mountains! We have been so blessed to be able to help encourage, disciple and help build up new churches. Christianity here in Nepal is looked down on. People who are believers are shunned, abused, ridiculed and shamed.. to see the passion, faith and determination in these individuals is remarkable! I have so much to be thankful for but the greatest of them all is being able to see how the Lord recklessly pursues His sons and daughters and I get to be a part of that!
Can’t wait to hit the trails when I get home! It will be a constant reminder of how no one is unreachable and to never give up!
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
