Manja Update--A Place to Grow

It was a big day recently for the congregation of new believers in the mountains of Nepal. The last stone had been set in place, and they now had their own church building, where they could meet for worship.

It all began in 1997, when GFA native missionary Manja had a dream to share the Gospel with unreached villages in Nepal. Nothing could stop him—not even the treacherous cliffs and steep mountain paths he would have to travel.

The Lord gave Manja a burden for one village in particular. The first person he shared Christ with was the chief, a long-haired, bearded man who immediately opened his heart to the Gospel. This new believer's eyes shone with a glimmer of hope for his village. By God's grace, Manja led 14 more people to Christ. Many in this remote area, at least four hours away from medical help, experienced His healing touch through Manja.

God even prepared someone to carry on the work after Manja's arrest. A new believer, Samlal, trained at a GFA Bible school and returned to pastor the church there. As curious onlookers showed up to hear about Jesus, the fellowship grew. Even in rain, cold and snow, they faithfully gathered. But they needed a building to meet in. A recent gift of land from a Christian couple nearby made this possible. "This is a miracle and an answer to our prayers," Pastor Samlal expressed. "We know the Lord is with us, and we don't want to delay anymore. Before the rainy season starts, we would like to see a church where we can worship our Savior together!"

The believers started construction. In less than a month, they completed the frame. Leaders from another GFA Believers Church in Nepal traveled at least five hours to help carry wood and stones for the building. The congregation rejoices in what God has done. "I see this church as an ocean of hope and love," a local Christian said. "This is what our village needed, since there is no hope and love in the darkness!"

Through the courage and determination of a native missionary, Nepalis in an unreached area heard the Gospel and will never be the same. Although still in prison for a crime he did not commit, Manja remains steadfast in his passion to share the Gospel. He regularly meets for worship with cellmates he led to Christ. Do continue to pray for this faithful brother as Nepali Supreme Court officials discuss his case.