Nepal Update 7/5

As evidenced by this tardy update, after arriving in Nepal the Royal Servants Nepal team has hit the ground running here in Kathmandu with little time to stop and catch our breath. Despite the jet lag, hot days, and unusual sights and sounds of Nepal, the team seems to have fallen in love with this beautiful country almost instantly. We arrived on Wednesday afternoon, got settled into our hotel in the Thamel district, and immediately began familiarizing ourselves with the local area, food, and customs. “I had no idea how busy and chaotic everything would be here” remarked one student as we walked passed the small shops selling scarves, honey, Gurkha army knives, and pastries. Rickshaw drivers bekon us for rides, shop keepers burn incesnse in front of their shops seeking favor from the gods, stray dogs fight over scraps of garbage, and every time you walk through a door you are greeted by the warm smiling faces and curious minds of the Nepali people. This place is beautiful in its own, very unique way.

Tuesday found us visiting Pashupatinath, a Hindu temple where the people bring their deceased loved ones for burial. The process involves cremating the bodies in the open air, visible to all, and then scraping the ashes into the river below, hoping the send them on to a better life. “Heartbreaking” “sad” “heavy” “eye opening” were some of the words students used to described what they saw, as we attempted to discuss and better understand how the Nepali people view life and death.

On Wednesday we visited Swayambhunath, aka the Monkey Temple, a temple dedicated to Buddhist prayer rituals. Many pilgrimage from far away to worship at this temple, which was heavily damaged by the April earthquake. 365 steps lead up to the large ornate dome that overlooks Kathmandu valley. Allowing for spectacular views of the city as you strain to catch your breath from climbing the stairs. This too was an eye opening experience as we study the heritatge of the Nepali people, seek to understand their culture and values, and attempt to bring the gospel to the many Hindu and Buddhist believers in Nepal. I think the students are beginning to understand what a big deal it is that we are here now.

Saturday we got to attend Geneshur church in Kathmandu, a large and vibrant evangelical church. It was a major shift in mood, as we noticed the intense joy and passion in these Christian brothers and sisters, all in stark contrast to the last two days. Then after lunch, we visited a home for elderly people who’ve been rescued from homelessness and given a place to call their home. Our students jumped at the chance to do some ministry of loving and caring for these people, finding any opportunity to make them feel special and cared for. It was a special day, hearing their stories, giving them affection, and investing in this beautiful ministry. This experience seems to have whet an appetite in our students to love the Nepali people in extraordinary ways, that is likely to fuel our ministry all summer long.

Today we head out to the village of Tokha. It will be a day of evangelism and serving. We haven’t received any word yet on how this village has been effected by the earthquake, and so head out today ready to adapt our ministry to serve the needs of the people we encounter. Please be praying for us that our team would continue in good health, that our students would view the Nepali people through the eyes of God, and that we would encounter open hearts as we bring the message of Christ’s love and forgiveness to the people.

Namaste!

Job and the Nepal team

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Originally Published July 5, 2015