The land-locked nation of Nepal between China and India was, until May 2006, the world's only officially Hindu nation, with eighty-six percent of the population being Hindu and only 0.6 percent Christian. It is one of the most picturesque places on earth. But behind its natural beauty is an ugliness experienced by many Christians—especially those who attempt to win converts to Christ.

Civil unrest in 1990 led to liberalization of government controls, including freedom to profess and practice any religion, but not to proselytize. Despite this official policy, local persecution of Christians is common, particularly for those who share their faith with Hindus. Those who convert to religions other than Hinduism face social rejection and the possibility of violence. Some have been forced to leave their homes. Those convicted of converting others face fines or imprisonment. Foreigners convicted of proselytizing can be banned from the country.

On September 3, 2004, a church building in far western Nepal was completely destroyed and all the contents stolen or burned. While the believers had been meeting at that facility for nearly forty years without incident, they have been warned to not meet again. This attack happened at a time when the fellowship was growing rapidly, meeting the needs of many who were seeking for answers. Two months later, VOM sources were able to report that the church was continuing to meet in homes and some converts had come to the Lord.

The Dr. Iwamura Memorial Hospital and Research Center in Bhaktapur on the outskirts of Kathmandu, Nepal had been threatened several times by rebel groups in the area. On October 7, 2004, they carried out their threats, storming the hospital and took medical equipment valued at three million rupees ($500,000 CDN). The head of the hospital, Purnima Gurung, was out of the country at the time. Her testimony, as she worked to continue the work of the hospital was, "God is good. He will not forsake nor leave us in any circumstances. He is always with us."

Babu and Sabitri Varghese operate an orphanage and boarding school in Birganj city in southern Nepal.  On April 27, 2005, they were arrested on charges of forcible conversion. Their accusers claimed that they were coercing the children of the orphanage to come to Christ. Thankfully, on May 9, EquipNepal received a phone call from Babu, reporting that they had been released and all charges had been dropped due to lack of evidence. 

Since the sweeping political changes in May, 2006, there is hope that Nepal will soon experience greater religious freedom.

• Pray that Christians will be free to practice their faith without fear.
• Pray that the freedom to share the hope of faith in Christ will be established in this country controlled by Hinduism.