As some of you may know, our mini team of 4 was commissioned to do ATL (Ask the Lord) this month in Nepal. Essentially ATL means we do not have our usual host, lodging, and ministry set up for us. The Holy Spirit is our host! We have the freedom to follow God’s voice anywhere and everywhere.
It’s a pretty amazing opportunity to live life like this. Prayerfully considering our every move.
Today was technically just day 2 with our team of four all together, but so much has happened that it feels like we have been in this area of Nepal for a week at least!
So far, we have met Christians from all over the world here. God has led us to make friends from Austrailia, Denmark, England, Alaska, and the Philippines. It’s crazy amazing meeting people from all over the world! On the other hand, I have met people from my hometown in the states, and one who went to Auburn — even graduated with me! Small world right? Wow.
Already we have had a variety of experiences tossed into our lap!
Yesterday on a prayer walk we met a group of 6-8 Nepali women and their high school age boys. They invited us into their home for tea, so of course we had to say yes! Our friendly host served us hot tea and boiled eggs while we laughed together on their living room couch. Stay tuned, because we are going to eat traditional Newari food with these fun friends on Friday for lunch!
Then tonight we went on a prayer walk around town with our Nepali and English church friends. Due to some new laws in Nepal, you have to ask permission to pray for people. During our stroll I felt God calling me to pray for the owners of all the shops selling hundreds of golden idol statues. I was also asking the Spirit to lead me to pray for someone specifically.
We passed a statue shop with a woman sitting in the corner. I had a thought to go pray for her, then for the next 10 seconds of walking I had a quick internal struggle. I let what I know to be the Holy Spirit’s voice win out, telling me to turn around.
Just as we got close, two customers strolled up to browse. I quickly identified it as a way the enemy was trying to prevent my obedience, but we waited patiently. I prayed against any purchases and the people left empty handed soon after. Praise Jesus!
While waiting, our Nepali friend told us that it was inappropriate to pray without permission and especially for a Hindu in a Hindu shop. We planned to ask for the green light and pray just outside if the answer was a yes.
When asked if I could pray over her in the name of Jesus, the women’s husband, who seemed to come out of nowhere, said yes for her! I was thrilled. They didn’t even mind us praying right there in the middle of the store. So I prayed a bold prayer that God gave me for the salvation of their souls.
Our friend translated my prayer into Nepali, then the husband and wife said that they wanted to know more about Jesus and our God! They were beaming from ear to ear, it was so clear that God had stirred in their hearts. I was beyond encouraged to be united with God in that moment, and am honored that He would use me to accomplish His purposes. God left me astounded and amazed at His glory!
Please please pray for our team to have wisdom and discernment in how to bring Kingdom in this very dark city, specifically how to intentionally follow up with the people God has placed before us.
Over and out,
Julia
