Presbyterian Moderator Dr John Finlay and his wife Christine will be visiting Nepal from 3rd to 17th April. They will meet with Joe and Janet Campbell, PCI missionaries working with United Mission to Nepal (UMN) to see some of their work. They will also have meetings with some members of the leadership of UMN in Kathmandu as well as the work of UMN in Kathmandu, Tansen Hospital and Rupendehi Cluster.
Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world with a population of 29 million. Poverty, hunger, malnutrition, inadequate housing, poor sanitation, lack of running water and premature death are all commonplace. Huge changes have taken place in Nepal in the past couple of years. The King has been stripped of all power; Nepal has ceased to be a Hindu Kingdom, becoming a secular state; and the Maoist insurgency has ended. The peace has been fragile and despite agreement to hold elections in November 2007, these were postponed due to major political disagreements. The fear is that street protests and widespread violence may return if political leaders cannot find common ground on this issue.
The first 'church' began in 1959 with 29 believers. Accurate figures are difficult to validate but it's estimated that there are now close to one million Nepali Christians. UMN was founded in 1954 as an interdenominational, international Christian development organisation. Today it seeks to address the root causes of poverty and injustice; promoting peace and reconciliation; and providing relief.
"Visiting Nepal will be a steep learning curve for me," said Moderator Dr John Finlay. "I am looking forward to learning from a totally new experience and a new culture. We are hoping to encourage Joe and Janet Campbell and others who are working in Nepal and support them in their worthwhile ministry there."
Issued by Sarah Harding, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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