If you cannot see the PhotoShow, please make sure you have JavaScript enabled and that you have the latest free Macromedia Flash plug-in. Click here for the free plug-in.

---

Text from this PhotoShow:

As the sun slowly creeps over the Himalaya Mountains in Nepal, believers are making their way to a day-long celebration at a church where GFA-supported missionary Alok Bahadur serves as pastor.
It is the final day of the Tikka festival, a lavish holiday for those who practice Nepal's traditional religion. Since the Christians do not celebrate the Tikka, they have a day of worship and fellowship. On this day, believers from two nearby districts are gathering at Pastor Alok's church for the event.
Many have walked more than 12 hours to get here. This is an exciting time for them. Believers in Nepal are so hungry for Christian fellowship and teaching that it's well worth it for them to make the long journey by foot.
The day starts with a devotion time led by Pastor Nawal Rai. This sets a great mood for the day. The passion and love for the Lord is evident in every face in the small room.
Geeta Rai brings a lot of joy to the celebration. She was the first believer in this region of Nepal. She mailed a prayer request to a GFA-supported Bible college in Nepal asking them to send missionaries here. That's how Pastor Alok ended up coming to this area in 2001. In those days she faced a lot of persecution from the village—and even from her own son.
It's breakfast time! Missionaries and laypeople alike pitch in to prepare the meal. After walking all day yesterday, many of them are famished.
Breakfast turns into an impromptu fellowship session.
Pastor Alok and the other missionaries take turns leading the people in a time of worship that lasts the rest of the morning.
The church is so full that many have to stand outside.
These new Christians joyfully gave public testimony of their faith at the end of the morning worship time.
Then everyone posed on the hillside near the church for a group photo. It is hard to believe that they all fit inside Pastor Alok's little church! The Lord has provided land to build a larger church building, but they are waiting for funds for the building itself.
Lunch is served, with buffalo curry and rice as the primary course. It's a fun time for all.
Another thrilling moment occurs right after lunch. A man who had walked nine hours to attend decides that now is the time to give his life to Jesus.
During the final session, Shriram Tamang, a GFA leader in Nepal, teaches about Communion. The believers were very attentive to every word. Then Pastors Alok and Nawal Rai serve the Communion elements.
Pastor Alok's daughter, Rachita, and one of her friends perform a traditional Nepali dance to cap off the day of worship and fellowship.
Everyone lingers as they say their farewells. They all hate to leave and wish the day could last longer so they could spend more time together. But now they face journeys ranging from six hours to two days to get home.
Even as the final rays of sunshine hit the clouds overhead, the day isn't quite done. Now it's time to clean up from all the fun! The clanging of pots and pans being washed continues for several more hours.
As the sun sets over the mountains, this small group of Nepali believers looks back on a day ofexperiencing the joy of the Lord.
date posted 07/09/09