June 2008

Training Marketplace Disciples

Undergirded by the prayers of many, we taxi'd across congested Kathmandu anticipating our first day of training. Only days before, anti-Christian, communist led Maoists had been elected, causing much uncertainty in this capital city. Our taxi crept along in the morning's traffic where cows and vehicles intermixed. Stall keepers slid open their metal shop doors, while uniformed school children awaited smoke-belching city buses. Finally arriving at the discreetly located training site, we were warmly greeted by familiar faces and the traditional "nameste." Amidst swirling political uncertainty, we knew God had ordained our coming to train again in Nepal - Eric's 5th ministry trip there since first coming in 1994.

By early afternoon nearly 80 Christian leaders had arrived. Men and women were seated separately in neat rows on runner-style carpets on the concrete floor. One man came from neighboring Tibet, others from Nepal's jungle areas or mountainous Himalayan villages. Some traveled 5 days to attend!

Each day began with boisterous worship followed by training to advance God's kingdom in the marketplace. A baker, a cobbler, a hardware wholesaler, a tailor - all came ready to turn their simple business skills into strategic enterprises through which to share their hope in Jesus.

Throughout the next five days, the team (Eric, co-trainers Dave and Curtis, and Nepalese translators) taught from God's Word plus a business training manual RUN specially prepared. They presented biblical business models and the "how to's" of operating a business - budgets, income and cash flow statements, etc. Intense 11-hour days proved fruitful as the participating house church leaders caught the vision and were equipped to put RUN's training into practice.

Pray for these courageous brothers and sisters as they return home eager to grow His Kingdom in their nation.

Kali's Village

After an exhausting yet exhilarating week training more than 80 Nepali Christian leaders in God's principles of finance and Kingdom business, my co-trainers and I set off on a 4 hour journey to a remote village to visit a friend I first met in 2001. Brother "Gopal" is the most unassuming evangelist I know. A former Hindu, he has now brought about 20,000 Nepalis to Christ and baptized them! We drove into his village on dirt paths and were soon greeted by those preparing food for more than 100 people expected to join us later in the village church (a tin-roofed, open walled concrete structure). Neighboring villagers were en route by foot (some from 4 to 5 hours away!).

I spoke (for 2.5 hours!) from the life of Daniel on "Standing Up in a Bow-Down World". I hadn't considered how pertinent it was to share this prophet's life with people whose lives are surrounded by idols and a Maoist government which persecutes Christians. Less than 2% of Nepalis are followers of Jesus. We witnessed firsthand their world, filled with the early morning rituals of idol worshipping Hindus and Buddhist monks chanting mantras as the sun rises.

The villagers excitedly interacted with the preaching, even asking questions. Our colleague, Ashok, said, "Brother Eric, you have no idea how timely this teaching is for the Nepali people."