Strengthening Our Gospel Partnerships In Nepal
An update from Allen Dicharry, a Pastor of Sovereign Grace Church of Midland, TX, USA;
“One of the biggest barriers to the spread of the gospel in Nepal is that Christian men leave the country to work abroad because they cannot find sustainable work locally,” said a prominent church-planting pastor in Nepal. This reality leaves the Christian home fatherless and, sometimes, a young church pastorless. Ultimately it hinders or at least slows the spread of the gospel to the unreached people groups of Nepal.
In the same way that unreached people groups have little to no access to the gospel, the pastors living among or nearby them have little to no access to pastoral resources or training. The need for sustainable work and pastoral training is clearer than ever.
Over the last few years of building a relationship with a Nepali pastor, we have continually asked the question “How can we serve?” He has requested that we teach the 7 Shared Values of Sovereign Grace Churches to small groups of pastors who belong to his network of 175 churches. Like us, he has a shared conviction that churches should partner together for gospel advancement. That partnership is made more effective if we also help local believers develop sustainable income so they do not have to leave. Through Biblical teaching and practical skills training, our hope is that more men can stay in the country, lead their families, pastor churches, and effectively reach the unreached around them.
This October, a team of 10 men and women from 3 Sovereign Grace churches travelled to the rural parts of Nepal. Pastors Billy Raies (Midland, TX), Allen Dicharry (Midland, TX) Aaron Mayfield (Round Rock, TX), and Dr. Leroy Kim (Frisco, TX) taught the 7 shared values to about 130 pastors and leaders. In the Makwanpur region, the team helped local believers with a work project at a local government building, which opened avenues for sharing the gospel. In the Everest region, another team answered a request to teach local Christian cooks how to prepare American-style meals. These cooks operate small food establishments along popular trekking routes. Providing familiar food for Western travellers will prosper their businesses and enable more believers to stay in the county.
During a testimony time after the teaching, a common theme from the Nepali church leaders was their desire to “apply it” and “pass it on.” One elderly pastor said, “I may be the oldest one here, but I am just a child when it comes to these things - I have learned so much and still have so much to learn. I thank God for bringing these brothers all the way out here to serve us.” That kind of humility was common to see among these leaders.
God is moving among Nepali people. Much spiritual and practical development is necessary to see the church strengthened. We are thankful for our Nepali connection and are deeply grateful to be able to play a part.
