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GlobalPrayerGuide

Nepal
Hostile
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Overview:

The government of Nepal is taking an increasingly strong stand against religious conversion. Despite the 2015 constitution that guaranteed religious freedom, Parliament criminalized converting someone to another religion. Christian communities are small, but they boldly witness for Christ despite harassment and risk.

Major Religion:

81.3 percent of Nepalis are Hindus. Hinduism is more prominent in the south, along the Indian border, and Buddhism is more prominent in the north. There are small Muslim and Christian minorities as well as a growing Marxist (atheistic communist) movement.

Persecutor:

Nepal is a collectivist culture in which significant decisions are made by the head of the family or the community leader; decisions by other individuals are unacceptable and opposed. Families, communities, Marxist groups and Hindu groups pressure Christians, who also experience some government interference. Muslims and Buddhists also persecute Christians, especially in response to evangelism and conversions in rural areas.

What It Means To Follow Christ In Nepal:

There is a small, visible Christian community in Nepal, but believers experience opposition from extremists among the Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist and Marxist groups. Christians face false accusations, harassment and beatings from family and communities. They also face opposition from local Hindu nationalists who envision Nepal becoming a “pure” Hindu nation. Christians are considered to be untouchables and are ostracized by society. They are seen as people who “destroy culture” and promote foreign religions.

Access To Bibles:

Bibles are legal, but many people cannot afford them. There is no access to Bibles in remote areas and villages. Distribution is difficult in Nepal’s mountainous areas. Give Bibles

VOM Work:

VOM responds to persecution, distributes Bibles, trains pastors and provides Christian literature and tools for evangelism. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for Christian widows in Nepal who face severe discrimination.
  • Pray for those reaching out to Tibetans in Nepal.
  • Pray that laws designed to restrict churches will not be approved.
  • Pray for successful youth conferences.
  • Pray for those ministering to the unreached in remote and difficult-to-reach areas of northern Nepal.