Hi Everyone,
In a little less than a week, I will be heading back to Nepal (traveling from Nov 7-29, Nov 10-26 in Nepal). Why Nepal again? One thing I value in missions (or in any ministry) is a long-term connection to a community or country. I could simply jet off to any number of countries and experience something “new”, however, during my trip to Nepal in 2006, I felt a connection to the Nepali. There’s desperation among the people who live in one of the poorest countries in the world, and in that desperation, there’s a genuine cry for something greater.
Everywhere I looked, there was need. There were many who were homeless, many who were hungry, young children begging on the street, and sick who needed healing. I remember one family asking us to pray that they don’t lose anymore children that winter as they had the previous year. The prayers that the Nepalese ask for are simple: for food, shelter, healing, and for family members (who are often sitting right beside them when they ask) to come to faith in Christ.
Another memory that plays in my mind frequently is of a boy (about 8 years old), running through traffic towards our taxi, stretching his arm in through the window and asking for the Coca Cola one of us had. After he got it and returned to the side of the road, he took out a plastic bag, placed it over his mouth and inhaled. We asked our guide what he was doing, and he explained that the kids on the streets will find ways to help forget what they’re going through and what they’re doing. Many of them run away from home because of abusive situations. It broke my heart to see that, and there are thousands more like him. I know that God desires more for us, for the people of Nepal. As much as it broke my heart, God hurts all the more for those children.
I’m not bringing the Jesus to the people of Nepal. My hope is to be able to join Him in what he is doing there through the local church. Whereas my last trip was focused more in the villages, I plan to spend more time in Kathmandu this time around.
I will be partnering with some good friends, Mark and Laurel Sears, who I have known for a number of years to be people with vision who are not afraid to take risks for God. Both Mark and Laurel are professionals who are looking for ways to integrate their skills with and knowledge to help the Nepalese. One dream is to create a business/youth/ministry hybrid that would allow for a self-sustaining ministry. Over the past few months, Mark and I have thought through some of his dreams and how they might happen. I’m very excited to finally be able to go and see how I can help them in their obedience to what God has called them to.
While in Kathmandu, I will have the opportunity to share and lead worship with a local church that Mark has been involved with. Right now I am slotted to be be sharing on November 16th and leading worship on the 23rd. We are also planning some worship workshops for the time I am there. Throughout the time I am there, there will be some opportunities to hang out with some home groups as well.
I know I can’t walk through this alone, so I’m asking for your support in prayer:
- That I would see what God is pointing out to me, and that I would know what I am to do.
- That I would be bold enough to be obedient
- That I would speak the words God has chosen for those people to hear
- For smooth travel and made connections (I’ve had many close calls in my last few trips)
- That I would also see what God is showing me as I travel through Thailand on my way to Nepal, and not just switch to vacation mode.
- For time to rest, learn, meditate, and reflect on God’s love and kingship in my life
It has been a long and tough year for me, and this trip will allow me to take some time to reevaluate priorities in my life as well as think and pray about what comes next for me. When I return in December, I will be searching for new employment so you can also pray for me in that. If you’d like to hear more, please email me or give me a call.
I’ll be reviving this blog in the coming days as well to keep you updated on what’s going on: http://www.alittlebitlouder.com.
Thank you for being part of my community and for all your support,
James