Two Great Ministries

We had a fulfilling day today. Triston has two classes (Evangelism and Systematic Theology) that he teaches at the Nepal Bible College. Both classes meet once a week for two hours on Friday. So this morning Triston went to teach the Evangelism class. While he was there, Jaya took me and the boys to one of the nearby orphanages that their church supports.

The Hamro Ghar Orphanage has 52 children. Becuase of the holiday there were a lot fewer kids when we were there; but we still got to meet and spend time with many of them. They showed us around and sang a few songs for us. Afterward, Sam and Dan hung out with the kids while Jaya and I chatted with Manahara, the woman who runs the orphanage.

I was very impressed. For many, hearing of an orphanage often conjures up images of poverty and drab, oppressive accomadations. You do see a lot of poverty, oppression and dismal living conditions in Nepal. In fact, a simple drive into town is dominated by these things. The orphanage, however, was very clean and orderly. The children were dressed and groomed neatly. The rooms were well put together and clean. Everything was minimalistic and simple, yet tidy and organized. The kids seem happy and content.

Chatting with Manahara, I got the impression that she pours herself into this ministry. She seems perfectly gifted for it too. She strikes me as a strong woman gifted with great organizational skills. Her husband is currently in the US studying to be a pastor. Some people from the church come and help her at times. This place runs on very little. There are donations of clothes and a little monetary support for food, medicine, etc. But, God provides for their needs and has gifted Manahara with the skills to maximizes what they have.


In the afternoon, I had the honor of substituting for Triston, teaching his Systematic Theology class. It was neat to meet the students and teach them. The entire Nepal Bible College is taught in English so there was not a need for a translator. However, there were often times that I needed to slow down and clarify things. I was pleased to visit the school and have an opportunity to teach there becuase Christian education is so needed here.

Christianity is very new to Nepal. It is believed that there were no Christians here until 1951, when the country first permitted medical missonaries to enter. Since that time, Christianity has grown exponentially. There are now estimated to be about one million Christians here. While this is cause for great praise, this fast growth suggests that Christian concepts have been propegated from one convert to another with little growth in understanding. Because of this, I think there is a vaccum for solid Biblical training. Misunderstanding and false teachings have also arisen due to lack of thorough training. So the Nepal Bible College is fulfilling a great need, providing students with the skills and experience to rightly divide the Word of Truth.

If you have opportunity, please remember Hamro Ghar Orphanage and Nepal Bible College in your prayers. Both are doing great work here in Nepal.