Nepal Will Always Be In My Heart

“What we need to be assured of is not that we possess an excellent system of doctrine and ritual, but that the gift of the Holy Spirit is a reality.” 

– Roland Allen, 1868-1947, Missionary to China

    Needlessly to say I had an amazing time in Nepal. It was amazing how I was able to come into contact with Pastor Daniel. It was back in June when we got in touch with each other. If you followed the news, Nepal had a massive protest in September. We almost didn't go. I had to convince my team members that God has something for us in Nepal. Thank God we went. Because during this trip, God answered many prayers. 

    We stayed with Pastor Daniel, serving at his church and preschool in one of the largest slums in Kathmandu. We were able to take local transportation and the experience was amazing. I absolutely loved it. I really felt like I was in a movie. With the crowdedness in the bus, the music, the sound of the horn, the way the bus would continue to move when you're getting off and on... etc. Just everything. I immersed myself into the local culture as I focused on listening to God's heart for Nepal. Being at the church for the first time really blew my mind. In a country that the percentage of Christians is unknown and illegal to share the Gospel, this church was thriving! People earnestly seek God and worship Him with all their hearts really gave me a new perspective. Indeed, the Holy Spirit is in this place and a revival is happening. Without knowing the name of the church, I received the word revival. And guess what? That's the church's name, Revival Church. We stayed at the preschool and served there for three days. We sung and danced, played games and told Bible stories. We also went to many house fellowships and prayed for the families. Many people from the congregation said they came to know Jesus through miraculous healing. I have been reading a book recently called Theology for Dummies and it mentioned that many people in countries which are not so equipped with medical support often times experience God's miraculous healing. God indeed is a living God. He is actively involved in our lives wherever we are. 

    We went to a village that was about 5-6 hours away from Kathmandu. It's a church that Revival Church has been helping. There are 400 houses in this village and yet only 10 houses are Christians. That is 2.5%. We hiked up a mountain that took about 90 minutes. It was adventurous and fun. We got to see the village and the nearby town in one view. We were above the clouds! I couldn't help but praise the Lord and how wonderful are the works of His hands. He is the One who placed these mountains here! He is the Almighty God! After praying for the city, we continued to visit houses and another pastor's house. I was able to hold a baby goat. We didn't evangelize as it is not allowed. At one of the houses we visited, the daughter had a fever. We prayed and while we were chatting, I decided to play with the little girl. I went to her side and starting playing the games I learned at the preschool in which the kids taught me. I saw a smile on her face. I continued to keep her in my prayers, hoping that she was being healed! 

    Coming back from this first village, I went directly to meet my mother. She had come from Taiwan! We had long talks and mom being mom, she had quality talks with many people. She also gave away a lot of stuff. If you know my mother, you would know what I'm talking about. We were able to do ministry together. I preached on one of the Saturday church services. In Nepal, church is on Saturday because that's their weekend. Then they work from Sunday to Friday. I loved being with my mother. She is one of a kind and I missed traveling with my family. She is very easy going and keeps things organized. She genuinely loves people and sees them with God's eyes. It was really nice seeing my mom sharing her testimony at a women's fellowship at another village church. It was nice to see her share a short sermon and encouragement at a house fellowship. The part that struck me the most is the first time hearing my mother say the story of my tough Grandpa on how he came to the States from American Samoa. How he became a Christian, and later on dedicated my father's life as a missionary to be used by God, and then me becoming a missionary. She said she never thought one of her kids would be a missionary. This is the first time hearing how my mother, in tears, saying how proud she is of me in being a missionary. I know my parents love me and they always support me. But seeing my mother saying this in tears really made me understand how she really feels about me being in Brazil and being a missionary. 

    So, in 13 days, we visited three partnering churches, four different cities or villages, the Christian preschool that's in the slum and the youth fellowship in the slum, many house visits in and outside of the slum, and early morning hikes. We saw the Himalayas Mountains from afar. I made many meaningful relationships in Nepal. That's the thing I cherish the most. I learned a lot about faith, about persistence, about love, about humility, about kindness, and a passion for Christ. I am glad that I will be going back soon! 

    Thank you all for reading this blog and praying for me. It really means a lot! God bless and take care!

This is the youth fellowship of Revival Church in Kathmandu.

The future of Christianity in Nepal.

I enjoyed the early mornings a lot. We would get up early and watch the sunrise.

One of the adventures!

The building on the left is the church in one of the villages.

I helped harvest rice! It was my first time and I was there for hours. It was worth it. 

The girl beside me is my dear sister and friend.

My whole body was super sore for a few of days but I absolutely loved it. 

I would continue on if I had the opportunity.

The harvest is ready!!! But the workers are few! Come harvest with us!!!

This morning was the hike we did and visiting many houses along the way. It was super fun!

This is the new land that Revival church is trying to purchase. 

The church in the slum is by the river, so it floods annually. 

And the church was set on fire and also went through a bad earthquake before. 

But despite all these challenges and difficulties, the pastor and its church members remain faithful to God and trusting that He will continue to protect the church and provide for all its needs. 

Please pray for this period of time as the church fundraises to buy this new land. 

Not only it would be far from natural disasters but also away from the government control. 

The slum is built on government land so they've been planning on kicking everyone out of the slum. 

Therefore, many of the church members have nowhere to go. 

That's why the pastor's dream is to be able to give the families a place to stay on this new piece of land. 

If you want to know more details, please let me know.

The girls at the church really were so kind and welcoming. 

I really enjoyed being around them and chatting with them. Many of them spoke English. 

I was able to know a little more about them and support them in prayer.