I never thought I would hike for Jesus, especially through the mountains of Nepal. I feel like I’m in a dream because this is so adventurous. But at the same time, it feels so right because I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be and I could not dream up a ministry as awesome as this.
We arrived in Nepal on April 1st and stayed in Kathmandu a few days for ministry orientation. There we found out what our month will look like. Our work with the anti-sex-trafficking program will begin on the 15th. Until then, we will hike to villages and share in fellowship with other believers. We will travel to homes to encourage families with worship, scripture, and prayer.
But before I get into more details about our ministry, let me just get this out there: NEPAL IS BEAUTIFUL!!!
We are in northern Nepal surrounded by mountains and we live on the edge of a cliff, just above a river. It is so peaceful to wake up and fall asleep to the sound of a flowing river. And it’s crazy because Nepal has both a jungly and foresty terrain. It’s the best of both worlds. On hikes, I see pine trees one minute and the next I see banana trees. Amazing!!
This place is a breath of fresh air. I love the cool mountain breeze. I was joyful to leave the heat of India and that was confirmed when I realized I hadn’t showered in the six days since arriving here. Whoops. A part of me felt gross, but the other half of me was rejoicing that we no longer sweat like crazy! It’s the World Race y’all.
But back to our ministry…this month I’ve gained a more complete understanding of what it means to go to the ends of the earth to share His name. Every day we hike. We don’t have a map and we don’t know what the trail will look like. We just grab our water bottles, bibles and go. We find ourselves hiking up tiny pathways on the edge of a mountain and steep switchbacks that never seem to end.
This is adventure for Jesus!! This ministry is a great reminder that no matter how small the village, no matter how high the mountaintop, and no matter what edge of the earth one lives on: God cares for His children. And this month, we are called to venture out to share this truth and to love our brothers and sisters.
Today, we hiked to a tiny village along a mountainside. It took about an hour and a half to hike up the hill through the winding switchbacks. The sun was bright and our muscles were sore from yesterday’s trek. But once we arrived at the home, we were quickly reminded of the importance of our journey. We met a family that is the only group of believers in their village. They are beaten and persecuted by their neighbors because they believe in Jesus. I’m so grateful God led us to this family so we could encourage them and pray with them. I am in awe of their faith and feel so blessed to meet people who will continue to walk in faith, no matter the cost.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. -James 1:12
Right now, this is our ministry and our life. I hike for Jesus. I don’t mind the distance, the trail dust, the sweat, rolling my ankles (all day, everyday), or my sore muscles. That is a very small price to pay considering the trials and hardships others face to be followers of Jesus. I trust the path and I’m ready to go wherever God will lead me to share His name. So BRING IT ON!!!!
