Host
The Agape Ministry International (TAMI) is run by Brian and Ruth Williams. They partner with churches, network with para church organizations, and connect with leaders to spread the gospel. The Christian church in Nepal is the fastest growing church in the world. Such rapid growth creates a great need for organizations to come alongside, disciple, and support young churches and believers as they learn how to walk.
Ministry
Every ministry day with Brian and Ruth started with a time of Ahmad (Arabic for “worthy of praise”) where we sat silently before the Lord and enjoyed His presence. However, after Ahmad, there was no telling what the ministry day would hold!
Below are some ministries that we got to be a part of:
- Slum Ministry – We spent time playing with, praying for, and talking about Jesus to families in many of the nearby slum communities.
- Church Ministry – Nepali churches meet on Saturdays. There are no denominations, just one Christian church. We had the privilege of participating in/leading services most Saturdays. Everyone took off their shoes at the door and sat on the floor for the duration of the service…a cultural norm, but also a great reminder of how sacred it is to come into the holy presence of the Lord.
- Sex Trafficking Ministry – Sex trafficking is prevalent throughout Nepal, but particularly in Kathmandu. Two of the main hubs where it takes place are in Cabin Restaurants and Dance Bars. Our squad had the opportunity to visit a few of these facilities and build relationships with some of the women working there. Multiple girls have expressed a desire to get out of the sex trade, so we have connected them with long term missionaries within TAMI and will be praying for their full recovery!?
- Spirit Led Ministry – Whether during prayer walks around Buddhist and Hindu temples or on official “Faith Day” exercises, we have spent much time seeking the Spirit moment-by-moment to lead us to the people He has for us. People who need prayer, people who need good news, people who need to know they are loved. These days have landed me in the middle of a brick factory holding hands with old wrinkled brick makers, sharing a meal with a village girl on the floor of her hut, and dancing in a valley with a group of children who are beginning to question their decisions to worship “all gods”.
- Special Projects – Ruth and Brian have done an amazing job of capitalizing on the gifts of those within our squad. Whether helping pen the latest book Brian is publishing, developing graphic designs for some of his latest projects, or simply cleaning/repairing ministry facilities, we have been utilized by The Agape Ministries International in countless ways.
- Partnership with Local Non-Profit – In response to the recent earthquakes, an affluent couple (local comedians) decided to start a project called Build A Village. We spent four days partnering with them in a little mountain village a few hours from our home. There were certain areas that heavy machinery could not access, so the 50 of us were well utilized throughout the project as man power. We were fed in large food lines alongside local workers, each lining up to get our scoop of whatever was being served that meal. At nights, the mountainsides all around lit up with little twinkling lights where people were lighting their huts. Upon arrival, we were warned to “keep an eye out for the Jaguar”. It had been spotted creeping around camp lately and they wanted to make sure we were aware of our surroundings 🙂 When complete, the village will have 64 new houses, access to water, and a helicopter pad for the president to land on when he comes for the opening ceremony.
Every Friday we wrapped up the week with Shabbat Shalom (Hebrew for Sabbath Peace), a gathering where we ate, celebrated, and entered into our day of rest together. Themes for these nights included: Bollywood, Footloose, and a Lip Sincing Battle (my team came in 2nd :P).
To find out more about Brian and Ruth’s ministry, please visit:
www.tamiasia.org
??Thank you for supporting and encouraging me on this journey, what an adventure this month has been 🙂
Love you!
