Nepal 2
January 8th

O Nepal, follow the decrees and laws I am about to teach you.
Hear now, O Israel, the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you(Deuteronomy 4:1, NIV). 

》 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

Christianity is one of the fastest-growing religions in Nepal. The first introduction of Protestantism to Nepal occurred in the early 1800s when British settlers from India moved to the Darjeeling area near the Nepal border to cultivate tea. They were accompanied by missionaries and pastors who shared the gospel with the local Nepali population. The first Nepali Bible was translated by these British missionaries and pastors. This led to the establishment of the first generation of Nepali Christians, and by 1892, the first missionary was officially sent to Nepal. In the early 1920s, evangelist Sundar Singh preached in the Himalayan region and even endured torture for spreading the gospel in Nepal. The first church in Nepal was established in Pokhara by Budhi Sagar, a Nepali who converted to Christianity while in India.

In Nepal’s predominantly Hindu society, churches were built despite significant persecution and the threat of expulsion due to evangelism and conversions. King Mahendra ruled with a policy of “one party, one religion,” enforcing a constitution that severely restricted the spread of Christianity. Although the political system changed in 1990 and many imprisoned Christians were released, Hindu nationalism continued to grow, leading to increased hostility toward Christians. The government also enacted an anti-conversion law, banning foreign missionaries from evangelizing. Hindu nationalists see Christian conversions as a major threat to the nation’s identity. Despite the 2015 constitution guaranteeing religious freedom, the ‘anti-conversion law’ remains in place, with violations punishable by up to five years in prison.

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. Although Nepal is officially a secular democracy, its social structure remains heavily influenced by Hinduism. Despite laws against caste-based discrimination, many people continue to face oppression and inequality. Those who convert from Hinduism to Christianity are often rejected by society.
Let us pray that the light of the gospel, which brings hope to all regardless of status, will break through in Nepal. May the deep-rooted injustices in this nation be dismantled, and may Nepal become a land where God’s principles are followed, creating a society of wisdom and righteousness.

2. About 88.9% of Nepal’s population, including 258 distinct ethnic groups, have not heard the gospel. The Brahmin and Chhetri castes, which make up 30.9% of the population, are deeply rooted in Hinduism, making it difficult for them to embrace Christianity. Additionally, the Tharu people in the Terai lowlands near the Indian border, as well as various mountain tribes, Tibetans, and Muslims, are largely unreached by the gospel. These groups often live in isolated areas, and only a few have responded to the message of Christ. Despite this, small churches and mission organizations are working to reach them.
Let us pray for more missionaries to be sent to these unreached communities and for more opportunities to share the gospel. Let us pray that God will open their eyes to the futility of idolatry and lead them to embrace the living God for salvation.

3. There are about 2 million Nepalis living abroad officially, but when including undocumented migrants, the number could be over 10 million. Most of them live in India, but Nepalis can be found in over 100 countries, working as laborers or soldiers to support their families.
Let us pray for these Nepalis living overseas, as they have more opportunities to hear the gospel than those in Nepal. Pray for the Christian organizations and churches working among them, that they can effectively share the gospel. Many Nepali women working in other Asian countries face labor exploitation and unfair treatment. Pray that the church can reach out to them, share the gospel, and offer support. May these Nepalis living abroad come to know God, embrace the gospel, and live as part of His Kingdom.

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