India/Nepal 2014: The Streets of Kathmandu

Wednesday afternoon, our first day of ministry in Kathmandu, we did some freestyle ministry. We soon found out that it was Buddha’s birthday that day, so most of the parks and areas weren’t very busy. We found a quiet spot in the corner of the park and prayed in preparation for the day. Very soon thereafter, some hindu extremists approached us in anger, threatening to cut us and our contacts up into little pieces. WE WERE SO ENCOURAGED BY THIS!!! For the first time we got something other than a blank stare. Huge encouragement for us.

From there we went near a local university and talked to random people. Some talked with young children, others students and faculty. Some even helped the blind navigate the streets. It was a very warm and encouraging time to meet and greet people. Phil also got the opportunity to talk to a couple of young students who were questioning their own beliefs. The harvest was ripe, and they both accepted Christ.

That night we were blessed to eat at the Lazy Gringo (thanks Mikkel). The Gringo is a christian establishment owned by missionaries from Arizona but run by local Nepali people. It was a great opportunity to support the local believers, regroup as a team, and of course eat amazing Mexican food.

Over the course of the last week, our team struggled with various health issues. Kathryn had a bout of infection from numerous bug bites and received treatment from a local hospital. Soon after, Naomi and Line received IV drips and gastrointestinal tests. After continued treatment and medication, all have regained strength and are now excited to take in all of the team activities and ministries.

Thursday we went back to the college fair area. Many were able to have great conversations with people, while others were met with some frustrating encounters. Either way, we know that we are asked to be obedient, to go, and to share the love that He has so graciously given us. It isn’t up to us to change lives, only the Spirit can do that. Realizing that, we saw a total of 12 healings, and we also shared the gospel with the people who had witnessed God’s power in that place. So encouraging to see God’s power move through us in such a great way.

Friday morning Ishak, our contact, invited us into his home and fed us an awesome western breakfast that his wife, Binu, and his sister-in-law prepared. It was such a blessing for us and a great opportunity for us to get to know our contacts better.

That afternoon the team visited a monkey temple. We then went back to the university area to strike up more conversations. This time we saw three healings, and some of the people who had been interested in Jesus the day before met up with us again to hear more about Him.

It is amazing how even in our simple obedience, God can show up in mighty ways. The last couple days were somewhat frustrating. It isn’t always easy to approach people and strike up conversation, especially about Jesus. So there has been a lot of opposition, but our team has been doing our best to push through. Through that perseverance, we have seen some breakthrough. Fredrik and the girls have been very persistent about praying for people, and God has shown up through them. Over the course of the last couple days, we have seen many people healed. Backs. Knees. Ears opened. Pain disappearing. Amazing signs that can only point to the goodness of our Father. The struggle is still that the Hindus accept Jesus as a God, but not THE God, and when they see miracles that affirm His existence, they are just interested in adding Him to their pile of idols.

Saturday we visited Peter’s church. It was an awesome little church that was very vibrant and alive. We were very encouraged by their worship and message (they even did their best to have bits of it in English). Zach shared a word on identity and Catie shared a vision she had received for Nepal and a word for the church. They were very encouraged by our presence, and it was great for us to be a blessing to their community.

That afternoon we decided to visit a local hospital. We didn’t really have a plan or know if we had permission, but we went anyway. All ten of us straight up walked into the hospital, up to the Internal Medicine Ward, and into the rooms, without anyone asking us what was up. That would not fly in the states.

Many were open to prayer, even through the large language barrier. Fredrik and Line saw four immediate healings, not necessarily full healings, but great improvements. Many were also touched by our thoughtfulness and the experienced a greater sense of peace. Riley experienced a partial healing with a man who was struggling with back and alcohol issues. He would pray and the pain would subside. Riley took the initiative to share with the man about Jesus, the One who heals, and the man asked Riley to come back. Riley said “I’ll come back if you recognize that Jesus healed you”. The man said come back tomorrow, much to the disappointment of the man’s daughter. Over the next couple days, Riley came back and prayed, and the man experienced continual healing and was even set to be released from the hospital. Glory to God.

Sunday was the team’s scheduled day off. A great day for some R and R. Lots of reading and catching up with people back home, and updating. That afternoon we all went for massages and took in the newest Spiderman flick. Fun was had by all.

Monday we went to a different area near the market to do some open air. It was initially very frustrating because we couldn’t really find a spot. And when we did, we weren’t allowed. We had to move about 25 meters to the sidewalk. Regardless, we made do and BOOM…God showed up.

We posted a sign saying “Free healing and prayer - All are welcome”. And the masses came. Many came asking questions, others wanted prayer, and some needed healing. We estimate that nearly 70 people were healed. Glory!!! After so much discouragement, we were excited to see so much fruit. When we don’t expect it at all, God shows up and use us in the most amazing and mind blowing ways.

Monday night, some of the team went to a home that Naomi had prior contact with. They got the opportunity to pray for the man’s sister, who was paralyzed. Though there were not any immediate results, they were able to bless the family and share the gospel. Super cool time.

Tuesday, our last day of ministry in Nepal, we went to yet another spot and did an open air. We shared the Healer, Savior, and Set Me Free skits. Kyle got the opportunity to share the gospel and a bit of his testimony. We then opened it up for prayer. Many came forward for prayer, like another 60-70 saw healing in their life. One guru looking man came up on crutches, we prayed, and he walked away holding the crutches in his hand. WE WERE BLOWN AWAY!!! So there was a lot of blessing, but also a lot of frustration as well. While many came forward for prayer, that was all they wanted. They only wanted healing; they didn’t want Jesus, the One True God. Jesus, however, doesn’t ask us to question Him. He simply asks us to be obedient and to love people. And so we did.

And that’s all she wrote for Nepal folks.

We came. We walked. We shared. We prayed. We saw. We loved.

God is continuing a mighty work in Nepal, and it will continue with or without us. He is the only one that moves. He is the only one that can change a callused heart. He is the only one that can change a nation. We are only asked to be obedient, and we are excited that He invited us along for the adventure in Nepal.

Today, we are on our way to India, excited for what lies ahead. We are expecting great things.

Great things only happen with great prayer though, so we would appreciate your continued support in this area. Please pray for: