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Nepal. a nation in transition – a national leader – a praying church |
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Praying for those in authority took on a new depth of meaning, as Christian Outreach Centre leaders met in October 2007 with Nepal’s Prime Minister, Girija Prasad Koirala, a courageous leader who has spent a total of nineteen years in prison for the sake of his convictions.
Endeavouring to lead a nation through the struggle for democracy, this Hindu Prime Minister quoted Jesus Christ, ‘Love thy neighbour.’ Pastor Ashley Schmierer, COC European Chairman and International Vice-President, was privileged to join hands with Mr. Koirala, to pray for peace, strength and wisdom to lead his nation. Together with his daughter, Madame Sujata who is also a member of parliament, the Prime Minister thanked the Christians for their prayers, as he was appreciated for his favour toward the church by Nepal’s COC leader, Pastor Raju Sundas.
With a population of 25 million and strategically situated between China and India, Nepal was officially declared by the Prime Minister in 2006 to be a secular state, ending 237 years of status as a Hindu only nation. Christianity came to Nepal 50 years ago with a divine vision of Christ and has flourished throughout difficult times. Today, 25 Christian Outreach Centre churches with approximately 3,000 members demonstrate Christ’s example to ‘love thy neighbour,’ offering hope for their nation’s future. Report by Ruth Schmierer |
