Ministry in the Nation of Nepal
We recently spent some time talking with our brother and partner in Nepal, Pramod Dhakal, about his ministry.
Pramod originally got connected to One Kingdom through our relief work after a devastating earthquake in 2015. He now oversees a World Radio program and ministers to his local community in Kathmandu.
Pramod works very closely with our partners in India in the effort to spread the Gospel to southeast Asia.
What challenges is your ministry currently facing in the field?
Nepal has been predominantly a Hindu country by law until 2008. Popular movement then made the Hindu monarchy obsolete (which had been ruling the country for more than 240 years).
A new constitution was drafted by the elected constituent assembly, which declared Nepal a secular country. However, being a close neighbor to India, Nepali leaders maintained their political position according to the interests of Indian leaders, who are indoctrinated by Hindu sentiment.
This political influence—rooted in Hinduism among Brahmin caste (the so-called upper caste)—is a present-day threat to sharing the Gospel to non-believers. Hindu nationalism is a slogan major political parties are now voicing.
For them, the Hindu religion is from their own soil, and Christianity is a foreign ideology. Nonetheless it is not an issue with Mongolian tribes. In the mountains we have people groups like the Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, Tamang, Gurung, Magar, and Chepang who are receptive to the Gospel. They never accepted Hindu as their religion.
What kind of effect do you see Christianity having on people in Nepal?
Despite Nepal being home to millions of Hindu gods (as they believe), it has seen all kinds of natural disasters. Nepal lies above the fault-line, and earthquakes are a regular phenomenon. Being a mountainous country, landslides are also common occurrences. Nepal is facing effects of global warming, too.
All these natural phenomena have raised suspicions among common folks about whether this country is really home to powerful Hindu gods. But, we believe that our almighty God is moving in Nepal even through natural phenomena.
In times of such troubles—while their own gods are being ineffective to have power over nature—foreign aids (mostly Christian-led organizations) have monumental effects in easing their pains. Almighty God is moving through philanthropic acts of Christians to let the Nepalese know that they are not alone while fighting disasters.
What has been a source of inspiration for you to share Jesus?
My father, Surya Kiran Dhakal (Minister at Mangalbare Church of Christ), is a classic example of receiving victory. Some 32 years ago, he met a preacher from a Church of Christ, and this became the turning point in his life and also for us.
Before that he was an alcoholic, gambler, chain smoker of marijuana; the right word to describe him was an irresponsible man to his family. When the preacher introduced him to Jesus, he was a totally changed person. He left all kinds of bad habits and bad company, immediately joined a Bible college, and graduated after three years.
Since then, his only mission is to make people addicted to Jesus, turning new leaves in their lives. Later on, two of his sons, my elder brother Binod Dhakal and myself, got a Bible degree from Singapore. What a blessing in Jesus! All three of us are telling people out in the world that there is victory in Jesus, no matter what may come in our lives.
How can we pray for you?
“Fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” –James 5:16. We solicit your prayers in our endeavor. We have many avenues in reaching out to non- believers. We are thankful for your support in introducing the radio program for the first time in Nepal.
We need more radio stations and laborers to do follow-up work. For those who are willing to continue their study, we bring radio listeners to Kathmandu every month for a two-day intensive class to graduate in two years. We provide them transportation, food, and lodging.
However, we need your prayers to continue these projects. Moreover, relief funds in times of disaster are also hard to come by.
We have hope for the Nepali people to reach spiritual heights through our joint partnership and efforts. Thank you for continue prayers and support!