The land-locked nation of Nepal between China and India was, until May 2006, the world's only officially Hindu nation, with 86 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 evangelize. Despite this official policy, local persecution of Christians continued, particularly for those who shared their faith with Hindus. Those who converted to religions other than Hinduism face social rejection and the possibility of violence. Some were forced to leave their homes. Those convicted of converting others faced fines or imprisonment. Foreigners convicted of evangelizing could be banned from the country. 

On April 10, 2008 Christians welcomed the victory of the Maoist party in elections held for an assembly to rewrite the constitution and make the nation a democratic republic. The Maoists clinched 119 of the 224 seats announced for the constituent assembly.

Many believers see the Maoist party victory as a step towards greater religious freedom. Christians continue to be at risk in the country, however. On July 1, 2008 members of the Nepal Defense Army, a terrorist group that wants Hinduism restored as the state religion, broke into the Don Bosco mission in eastern Nepal and shot dead a Roman Catholic priest from India.

Since the sweeping political changes in 2008, Christians are cautious but hopeful that they will 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.