“He risked his life for Christ to make up for the help you could not give.”
In 2015, Nepal changed its constitution to guarantee religious freedom. But even after that, churches still had no way to officially register with the government. For many years, they operated as NGOs or stayed unregistered.
Things started to change in 2017 with the introduction of the Guthi system, a religious trust registration process under civil law. Since then, churches have been using this system to register legally.
Prakash Karki, who ran a hospital with Christian values, was jailed in 2011 after Hindu shareholders filed complaints. He spent four years in prison. During that time, he studied law, became a lawyer, and now helps churches and missionary groups register legally.
Karki said that although religious trusts were legally open to all religions, in reality, they were mostly limited to Hinduism. After years of effort, his home church, House of Faith, became the first church in Nepal to receive legal recognition as a religious trust.
In 2019, a small government committee was created to write registration guidelines. The official rules were completed in 2020, and churches began applying for registration.
Since then, groups like SAF Nepal, which helps girls rescued from human trafficking, have also received legal approval. By the end of 2024, 15 churches and Christian organizations had officially registered.
Pastor Ram Sharan Bhandari of Grace Church Kathmandu said he was thankful that churches can now own land and do ministry without fear of government interference. (Source: Gospel Prayer Newspaper Edited)
So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me. (Philippians 2:29-30,NIV)
God, thank You for the news that churches in Nepal have found freedom from government oppression through four years of dedication by Brother Karki. We believe that through the sacrifice of those who give their lives for Christ and serve the church without concern for themselves, the gospel will continue to grow in Nepal. Let the churches now boldly proclaim Your word in every place where the gospel has not yet been heard. May the people of Nepal turn from empty idols and come to Christ, becoming a nation that serves You alone.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
