In spite of limited facilities, political unrest and disturbances from Buddhist monks, over 550 Nepali young people attended Gospel for Asia youth conferences in the last few months.
In early February, GFA’s children’s ministry team that conducts Vacation Bible Schools across India traveled to Nepal, where they held the youth conferences.
With the one-year anniversary of King Gyanendra’s self-imposed rule in early February, there were large demonstrations underway and many arrests made, especially in the capital city. Tensions were running high across the country.
“Due to the recent conflict, many of our church youths could not participate,” our correspondent wrote. But 325 young people still came, and most of them rededicated their lives for the Lord’s glory, and 26 of the youths chose to be baptised.
“The need for fellowship, encouragement and inspiration is a very real need here among youth,” our correspondent said. “The meetings here were a blessing, touching lives for Him.”
A similar youth conference was held in late December 2005 in a remote Nepali village. The GFA leader in that area, Brother Prakash, spoke to the 232 young people who attended, often at great risk. He reported that Buddhist monks tried to interrupt the meetings, but were not successful.
“Such a gathering is a lifetime experience for many,” our correspondent wrote. “Please pray with us that we’ll be able to have similar youth meetings at more locations.”