After spending a week trekking the foothills of the Himalayas to meet and encourage the Chepang people of Nepal, there is one truth I am certain of: The hills are alive with the presence of God.
Last Tuesday we left Kathmandu and drove several hours southwest to the city of Manahari. It was there that the journey of a lifetime began. Thirteen of us from Team Gladiators and Team Undefined would spend the next week trekking along rivers, hiking straight up and straight down the Himalayan foothills (which we considered mountains), embracing the absence of any sort of toilet, and drinking water filtered from any source we could find – all while sweating and burning up in the sun or getting soaked in the rain. It was rough on all of us – physically, mentally and emotionally. But in the midst of all this, the presence of God was beautiful and glorious. It is amazing how much more in tune we can be with God when we leave behind the comforts and distractions.
[Photo credit – Jackelyn Mead]
I should start by sharing the purpose for our trek. We partnered with a young local pastor, Mithun who has been building up churches in the Chepang people for several years. He led us through the hills to several different villages where we met the Chepang people. We did church with them, encouraged them and prayed for them. The Chepang are a very physically poor people, but they have huge hearts. Even though they had little they made meals for us and gave us a roof over our heads at night. One church even gave us handmade flower necklaces and woven bags.
[Photo credit – Jackelyn Mead]
Part of the reason many of us come on the World Race is to help people, but honestly the week was challenging in this because there was so little we could do for these people. I felt like I had done nothing to deserve the blessing they gave back to us. But then half way through the week I was reminded – the Race isn’t about what we can do as young Americans but to be witnesses of what God is already doing and what he is teaching us along the way.
So as I stated at the beginning – I want you to know the foothills of the Himalayas are alive with the presence of God. The beautiful scenery alone shouts his name. But there are also a people known as the Chepang worshipping God in song and prayer. There are Nepali leaders being lifted up to serve God and the people. There are witch doctors being put out of business. God is at work doing beautiful and glorious things. Even though it was a hard week, I am beyond thankful for the journey.
Please pray that God will continue to move in the Chepang people. Pray that the churches will grow. Pray that children will be educated. Pray that orphans will be cared for. Pray that God’s word will spread to more people in the foothills.
Highlights and more learnings from the week coming soon!
Love you and miss you all!
