GFA looking to spread Gospel in 'secular' Nepal

Gospel for Asia (GFA), which has been ministering to the spiritual needs of the people of Nepal for over 17 years, feel that recent political change in Nepal, from being a "Hindu nation" to a "secular nation" will help spread the Gospel but warns that ministry and evangelism will continue to be difficult as believers may face persecution, threats and restrictions on what they could do.

"A significant, historical event transpired, I believe, in answer to prayer, on May 18th. The only Hindu kingdom of the world, Nepal, became a secular nation," said GFA founder–president, Dr. K.P. Yohannan.

Noting that after months of riots, political unrest and social upheaval, Nepal's king finally decided to step down and the Nepali Parliament met to discuss the future of the country, Yohannan said, "It's the first time ever in the history of the nation that the people declared that we are free from the rule of a king, and declared themselves to be a secular nation. And overnight, everything's different."

However, GFA feels that much is needed to be done and the coming months will be crucial in determining what the new secular government will look like, especially concerning Christians. "Now what's happening since they're saying it's a secular government, a secular nation, this means they're going to have to rewrite the Constitution, and we are eager and waiting with much prayer to see what actually this will mean. Will this mean freedom of religion? Will this mean freedom of speech? Will it mean that Christians (will) be able to testify their faith publicly without having to fear about being persecuted?" he queried.

Prayer was and will continue to be key, said Yohannan, adding, "They are saying what has happened now is an answer to prayer of the church around the world for Nepal, and they want to believe that there will be freedom of religion in the country although there are some deep concerns at this time."

Nepal not only borders India, but Nepal also depends a lot on India for food, medicine and a number of things. Many states in India have passed anti–conversion bills, and Yohannan and others are concerned that the extreme fundamentalists will influence the people in Nepal.

"So it's kind of a little scary situation that although they declared themselves to be a secular nation, like India – it's the largest democracy in the world yet you know the persecution against Christians we are dealing with. So that is a major concern. And my prayer, and we are asking people everywhere to pray, (is) that as they draft the constitution and make amendments and change everything, that they will give freedom of speech and people to share their faith without having to fear about going to jail or being abused," Yohannan said.

"I want to believe God and pray that somehow the work of the kingdom will be furthered and millions will come to know Jesus at this time. This is quite significant," he added.