Nepal 1
January 7th

Nepal, not to forget the covenant of the LORD your God that he made with you!
 Be careful not to forget the covenant of the LORD your God that he made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the LORD your God has forbidden(Deuteronomy 4:23)

》 Country Profile

Continent | Southern Asia
Population |  30,899,443
Area | 147,181 km², located in the western part of Asia, between China and India in the Himalayas.
Capital City | Kathmandu (1.52 million people)
People Groups | Total 269 groups, South Asians 78% (Chhetri 16.5%, Brahmin 11.3%, Tharu 6.2%), Tibeto-Himalayan 21.5% (Magar 6.9%, Tamang 5.6%)
People Groups Unreached | 258 groups (88.9% of the population)
Offical Language(s) | Nepali
Total Languages | 123
Bible Translations | Completed 12 ,New Testament 25, Partial 7
Religion | Christianity 1.8% (Protestant 0.5%), Hinduism 81.2%, Buddhism 8.2%, Islam 5.1%, Others 0.5%, Evangelical Christians 1.2% (360,000 people)

》 About Nepal

Nepal was ruled by India from the 9th to the 14th centuries, and in 1769 the Gurkha Kingdom established a unified kingdom. In 1814, the kingdom was defeated in a war with the British, losing much of its territory and recognizing the British presence in Nepal. For the next 100 years after 1846, a British-backed dictatorship was in place. The monarchy was restored in 1951, and in 1990 the country moved from a despotic monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. However, calls for democratization grew in the country, and the Maoists, an offshoot of the Communist Party, declared a “people’s war” in 1996, sparking a decade-long civil war.

The civil war ended in November 2006, and in 2008 Nepal transitioned from a monarchy to a presidential republic, officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. The main political parties in Nepal are the Nepali Communist Party (NCP) and the Nepali Congress Party (NC). These two parties have communist and socialist ideologies. President Ram Chandra Pawel, who has been in office since 2023, is a member of the NC.

Nepal’s economy is one of the poorest in the world, with about 25% of the population living in poverty. Remittances from workers abroad account for 30% of GDP. Agriculture employs more than 75% of the population but accounts for less than one-third of GDP. Major exports include ready-made garments, cashmere, carpets, agricultural products such as soybeans, and handicrafts, while imports include petroleum, vehicles, electronics, food, pharmaceuticals, cement, raw wool, and chemical fertilizers. The country has significant hydropower potential and has signed trade and investment agreements with India and China, but political uncertainty and a difficult business climate have deterred foreign investment. A major earthquake in 2015 destroyed infrastructure and housing and slowed economic development. COVID-19 has caused an economic slowdown in tourism and manufacturing. 
Nepal’s GDP per capita is approximately $1,397

》 Scripture Focus

》 Prayer Points

1. Let us give thanks for the steady growth of the Nepali church and indigenous Christian NGOs, which began with just a few believers in 1952 and have continued to grow despite significant persecution. Nepal, the only country in the world with Hinduism as the state religion, is a secular democracy. However, evangelism and conversion are still prohibited, and persecution is increasing. Despite these challenges, Nepali Christians continue to worship and fellowship within a strong, indigenous structure and network, building a distinct Christian identity. The Nepal Christian Society (NCS), a Christian union, works to defend the legal and religious rights of Christians in the face of evangelism bans, persecution, and discrimination. As the Nepali church matures, it is also placing greater emphasis on domestic ministry and missions. 
Let us pray that the church in Nepal remains steadfast in its faith, recognizing the grace of God that has sustained it through trials and continues to stand firm in the covenant of God.

2. Nepal is one of the world’s youngest and fastest-growing countries, with more than half of its population made up of youth and young adults. However, many of these young people live in rural areas with limited access to education and opportunities, leading to high illiteracy rates. They also face significant risks, including child labor exploitation, teenage prostitution, drug addiction, and exposure to HIV/AIDS.
Let us declare that the true hope and future for Nepal’s next generation is found in the gospel of the Cross. Let us pray that their eyes will be opened to see God and that they will be empowered by the hope of heaven to pursue education and develop a deep love for God’s Word. Let us pray that they become a generation that embraces God’s promises and inherits a bright and blessed future.

3. Foreign missionaries in Nepal often work through NGOs, focusing on healthcare, leprosy treatment, agriculture, education, and poverty relief while also sharing the gospel. Although Christian ministries are under government surveillance, let us pray for wisdom and sustainable solutions to the challenges they face. Let us Pray that these missionaries work closely with the Nepali church, helping to strengthen believers and leaders in the truth of the gospel. Also, pray that more evangelists are sent to share the gospel, even in the most impoverished and remote areas.
Let us also pray that the Nepali church grows strong in faith, not relying on foreign financial support but firmly rooted in Scripture and prayer. Let us pray that they resist temptation and remain faithful to God. May Nepal experience a true spiritual revival, turning away from idolatry and worshiping God alone, as He intended for all nations.

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