“Our prayers are with all of the people of Nepal,” says Dr. K.P. Yohannan, President of Gospel for Asia, “living in fear and uncertainty about their future.”
Recent action taken by the king of Nepal has resulted in the suspension of many freedoms, including freedom of the press, the right to assemble peacefully and freedom of speech. This ruling could affect church services, distribution of Gospel literature and other missionary activities.
“We are especially concerned about our missionaries, students and church leaders there as they continue to share the Good News of Jesus Christ under increasingly difficult conditions,” Dr. Yohannan continues.
Gospel for Asia has more than 350 missionaries, 200 churches and three Bible colleges in this mountain kingdom. The missionaries working in Nepal are accustomed to restrictions, says Dr. Yohannan. Any Gospel worker who leads someone to Christ faces the possibility of a six-year prison sentence.
Nepal, best known for its famed Mount Everest, has been in turmoil since 1996 when Maoist rebels began an insurgency to topple the king and establish a harsh communist rule. More than 11,000 people have died as a result of the conflict.
King Gyandendra took the throne in 2001 after his brother was murdered. Less than two weeks ago he assumed absolute rule when he fired his cabinet and cut off communications with the rest of the world. Foreign leaders have criticized the move and urged the king to return to “a democratic path.”
“Please remember our GFA Nepal missionaries in your prayers, as well as all Christians in this nation,” says Dr. Yohannan. “As believers all around the world bring these needs before the throne of God, I am convinced that the Good News of Jesus will spread unhindered in this land.”