Last year the government of Nepal formally criminalized conversion to Christianity. They enacted an "anti-conversion" law that makes it illegal to attempt to convert someone from their faith in the former Hindu Kingdom. Christians make up a small minority of the population, and this move is being seen as one to institutionalize Hinduism and stop the spread of Christianity. According to Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, the Church in Nepal has been growing at a faster rate than nearly anywhere else in the world.

On August 15th, this new law will be enforced. It has been said that Christian leaders will be targeted for arrest and prosecution. Our people have been told that Hindu forces within the government have already drafted a list of Christian leaders to be immediately jailed, and our top leaders are on the list. In the last decade these men have overseen the planting of thousands of churches. It makes sense that they'd being targeted by forces trying to halt the growth of the Church.

We are calling on all believers to join us for a day of prayer and fasting for the people of Nepal on August 14th. By the time that we have finished our day of prayer and fasting, the sun will rise in Nepal, and we pray that the Lord will be with his people, no matter what trials they face.

Some specific prayer points:

• Pray for courage and the boldness to continue sharing Christ (Acts 4:29-31).
• Pray for provision for their families should these leaders be jailed.
• Pray for favor within the government.
• Pray for unity among Nepali believers; that the Church would be united in their response to persecution.
• Pray for Christian lawyers to find loopholes to keep these folks protected from prosecution. (like Paul, is it lawful to beat a Roman citizen?)
• Pray that the work of sharing the Gospel would continue and even accelerate.
• Pray that this persecution would spark an unstoppable movement that would spill over the borders of Nepal into China, India, and Pakistan.
• Pray for strength and that the Spirit of God would embolden believers in Nepal to continue sharing their faith while operating in wisdom.

Our hearts are heavy for our brothers and sisters in Nepal, concerned for their safety, families, and future; but we know the One who holds them. The One who spoke through the Apostle Paul, while in prison, "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." May the Lord strengthen his people and give them grace, one day at a time.

Thank you for joining us in prayer for all the believers in Nepal.

Until He Returns,

David

The Timothy Initiative - http://www.ttionline.org