Christian Mission Outreaches

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#006699" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="015285a1erlcgo.png"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Arial" ><B>HighlanderGlory</B></FONT><B>     |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="HighlanderGlory"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div>                                                   </div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#FFCC66" TEXT="#080000" background="013d2c00dkelyh.png"> <div> <IMG SRC="0ecbe890.jpg" border=0 width="190" height="137" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Pastors Conference in Nepal Mountain District </div> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I>Christian Mission Outreaches</I></div> <div>      <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >As time passes, I will try and keep this page updated as to our Christian Outreaches to the nations.  Many thanks to everyone for your prayers and the Lord's blessing to each of you!</FONT>    </div> <bR> <div>      <U>Mission  Nepal - Update</U></div> <div>                               by  Jay Hearn</div> <div> (Note that the names have been changed to protect the safety and identity of the pastors in this Hindu country where conversion and water baptism calls for a 3 year prison sentence!) </div> <bR> <div>      <FONT SIZE="7" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >O</FONT>n the first of October 2003, three former Pinecrest Bible school students left for a mission trip into Nepal.  They were invited and hosted by Nepali pastor, Sundar Gurung.  Sundar himself was a graduate from the third year program at Pinecrest.  Doug Hannan and I from the Avoca Fellowship in Avoca, New York and Dave Johnson from Emmanuel Fellowship in Allentown, Pennsylvania met at JFK Airport in New York City and began the first leg of their journey!</div> <div>       The impetus for this trip had its beginnings back in 1981 when Wade Taylor came to visit the Fellowship in Avoca.  The church, then a young Fellowship of 5 or 6 families and a handful of singles, was made up mostly of young Bible school students eager to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.  Brother Taylor was a frequent face at the Avoca church and it was always a treat to have him come and share the Word of the Lord with us.  His purpose on this particular occasion in 1981 was to ordain myself, who through a wonderful set of circumstances, I was preparing to answer the call of the Lord to go to the Thai/Cambodia border on a year long mission trip.    </div> <div>      I had graduated from Pinecrest in 1976 and followed the Lord through an open door to come to Avoca as part of the newly formed Fellowship.  This home church had its beginning in 1975 when a retirement home was offered to Wade Taylor, president of Pinecrest.  Part of the original vision the Lord had given to Brother Taylor when he opened the Bible Training Center was to have a home for older folks who needed some partial assistance.  The home was renamed as the Pinecrest Home. </div> <div>      In the fall of 1981 the Lord unmistakable spoke to my heart concerning the Cambodian people.  He had even given me the name of the refugee camp in Thailand (Khao I Dang) in which I would be working.  Previously I had no desire to travel abroad as a missionary and was quite content to serve the Lord here on the East coast of America.  It was Paul Sexton who encouraged me to both step into this call to the mission field and to receive ordination from the Lord.  Brother Sexton had been a teacher at Pinecrest for several seasons and was birthed into the things of the Spirit of God during the `latter rain' revival of the late 1940's and early `50`s.  He, along with his precious wife, had spent a month with us in Avoca encouraging this young Fellowship.  In fact, plans were made by Brother Sexton to move to Avoca the following spring.  These plans however never materialized because of his passing in December 1981.  </div> <div> Ever since my time in Thailand from October 1982 until October of '83, a love for the Asian people and the desire to return has never left my heart!  Thailand, Cambodia, Nepal, Tibet, northern India... the Lord's people, <I>my people</I>!  Sometimes we have to simply sit and wait on the timings of the Lord, praying for that open door; but more often in these days of His glory, He calls us to arise and move forward.  For "why sit we here till we die!" (II Ki. 7:3,4)</div> <div>      The late '80's and early '90's passed slowly for me, as God was working many things within my heart.  The passing of several men and women of God (Sr. Barbara Massie, Sr. Hattie Hammond, Br. Paul Stutzman) were difficult and left me with many questions.  In 1999 both Nepal and Tibet were quickened to my heart and I held those nations before the Lord.  In the early summer of 2001 the Royal family of Nepal was assassinated and the Lord moved sovereignly to place Nepal upon the hearts of everyone in the Fellowship here in Avoca.  </div> <div>      At that time we prayed and sang for Nepal, and many prophetic words flowed concerning what the Lord desired to do in that land.  </div> <div>      It was through the ministry of Sister Ruth Heflin of Ashland, Virginia that the Lord enlarged our vision.  We desired to become "Messengers of His glory" to the nations.  Since our initial encounter with Sister Ruth in 1998 we, as a small seemingly insignificant Fellowship, have traveled together well over a dozen times to many nations on three continents.  Previous to our contact with her ministry, only one... possibly two had been to any nation for the Lord!   </div> <div>      As we prayed for Nepal, together we believed the Lord desired to turn that entire nation to Him through prayer and the prophetic Word of the Lord!  To that end we began to corporately move forward in our prayers.  Following those times I emailed  Ram Dahal, another Nepali pastor who had attended Pinecrest several years before, sending him those promises the Lord had spoken.  I desired to encourage him with God's words for his nation.  </div> <div>      It was not until April 2003 however, that upon visiting Pinecrest I was introduced to Sundar!  Sundar had graduated from the Nepal Bible School in Kathmandu, an evangelical Bible training center, a year or two previous to his coming to America as a student.   </div> <div>      Many times the Lord has strange ways of giving us Divine appointments and this was one such time!  Sundar came to Avoca only days before his graduation and a week and a half prior to leaving the USA to returning home.  He shared his heart for Nepal in the Fellowship and immediately a bond was formed between us and him.  We expressed the desire of possibility coming to Nepal if the Lord opened the way.  However, we would leave the timings in God's hands knowing He would speak to hearts and work His plans as we looked to Him!  With these thoughts, Sundar returned to Pinecrest for graduation and then returned to Nepal.</div> <div>      In July the Lord spoke to me, "Now is the time for Nepal!"  This was swiftly followed by prophetic confirmations in our gatherings.  So I notified our friend Sundar of these things and shared with him my intentions.  He had written to me several times before and encouraged me to come, but I had hesitated making a commitment until I knew without a doubt the Lord's desire.   Thus plans were now set in motion for arriving in Nepal!  Within a month the Lord had spoken to both Doug Hannan and Dave Johnson separately about accompanying me on this trip.  God's timings and sendings are always perfect!</div> <div>      <FONT SIZE="7" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >L</FONT>eaving JFK Airport the evening of the 1<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >st</FONT> of October, we arrived in Bangkok, Thailand a few days later via Hong Kong and found that our flights that afternoon had been mysteriously cancelled!  Needless to say, all those traveling into Nepal on that flight (for it was a fully booked) were quite upset at the prospect of remaining in Thailand another full day.  The airlines graciously provided us with a hotel for that evening and following day in Bangkok, all meals included.  Though this was quite a disappointment for many, I found it to be a great blessing to my heart as I love the Thai people!  </div> <div>      That morning I was fully awake in my hotel room at 3am and the Lord gave me ample time to pray for, dance for, and prophesy over the city of Bangkok from the 42nd floor of our hotel rooms!  The large windows in my room overlooked the entire city and I had a grand panorama as I committed the country of Thailand into the Lord's hands!  The following morning I arranged for eight or ten of us who had missed our flight to tour the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha in downtown Bangkok.  To our knowledge only the three of us were Spirit-filled Christians, but we used this opportunity to pray as we walked through those compounds of this bastion of the Buddhist faith!  </div> <div>      Our evening flight left Bangkok's Dom Moung Airport about 8pm and by 10pm Saturday evening we had cleared Nepali customs in Kathmandu and found ourselves greeted at the airport gates by the smiling faces of Sundar and his brother-in-law, Ram.  The taxi Sundar had rented whisked us through the darkened streets of Kathmandu.  We were almost half way towards Sundar's home when a flat tire stopped us in our tracks!  It wasn't long however until the tire was replaced with a spare and we again were on our way through the rough, pot-hole filled streets which we were to become so accustomed over the next three weeks.</div> <bR> <div>      <I>One of the first things a visitor to a Hindu country notices is the red mark upon the foreheads of the Hindu people, especially when one is not accustom to seeing such a thing in the West.  It is called a tika (tee-kah) and placed on the forehead as a blessing by family members.   </I></div> <div> <I>     Saturday is the day of the week on which Nepali Christians meet for services and we had missed the opportunity which brother Sundar had set up for us to speak in his church that morning.  This opportunity did not present itself again due to the busy schedule we kept while in Nepal, however the Lord did allow me to assist Sundar in his church in other ways!  Sunday was still the day most missionaries gathered together in one of two churches in Kathmandu to have their English service and a week later we had the opportunity to attend both churches for services.  I suppose this is the reason most Nepalese had Saturday meetings!  Though we had missed this first meeting, many others were set for us to preach in and to share the Word of the Lord. </I></div> <div> <I>     We traveled to over fifteen different districts during those three weeks sharing in churches, prayer meetings, and prophetic prayer walking, and other spontaneous happenings!  The country of Nepal is made up of 75 different districts.  We would probably call them counties or states, but to the Nepali they are known as districts.  Next year Sundar said, "We'll go into 30 districts!"</I></div> <div> <I>     Being the only Hindu Kingdom in the world, Nepal has a strong caste system as does its southern neighbor, India.  The Nepali people carry three names: their given name, family name, and their tribal or caste name.</I></div> <div>      </div> <div>      Sundar and his wife put us up in their home and they were wonderful and gracious hosts!  Sundar's brother-in-law, Ram and his friend Bahadur (a newly saved Christian brother), were always on hand every day helping with the meals and assisting Sundar and his wife with their one year old daughter!</div> <div>      After one day rest, we took a taxi three or four hours east of the capitol of Kathmandu, to a small church in Kabrepalanchok district.  It was there that we caught out first glimpse of the snow covered Himalayans as the taxi drove us up and out of the Kathmandu valley.  It was like a fairy land gazing down into the valley of endless homes surrounded by golden-tinted rice paddies and then lush green mountains all around.  One expected that as the clouds rested upon those mountains the scene would be complete with a bright blue sky above!  However, as we lifted our eyes above the clouds there loomed the majestic snow covered mountain peaks of the high Himalayas, followed - only then - by the expected expanse of blue!  Oh the wonder of God's creation, how marvelous and beautiful!  "What is man, that Thou art mindful of him?  and the son of man, that Thou visitest him!" (Psa. 8:4)</div> <bR> <div>      <I>The city of Kathmandu is set at just over 4,000 feet in a large valley atop a range of mountains.  Mountains surround all of Kathmandu and the snow covered Himalayans can only be seen as one climbs out of the valley toward the rim of those surround hills!</I></div> <bR> <div>      We arrived at the outskirts of a village and walked off the hard-top road, down the dirt path into a grouping of homes surround by rice fields.  Next we made our way down a small well worn path leading to other homes and finally the church.  It was really a home with four doors opening on the one side into a meeting room and the pastor and his family lived above.  Already the people were caught up in singing to the Lord Jesus as we approached.  We joined them, about 50 or more in number, and sat in the back of the room as they continued in worship.  I was very pleased at the amount of children and young people present, many just newly touched by the Lord. As we enjoyed this atmosphere, different ones then came forward and welcomed us with songs.  What a privilege to fellowship together with the Lord's people half way around the globe!  </div> <div>      One by one each of us gave a short greeting and then I was given the opportunity of sharing the Word with them.</div> <div>      The Lord had placed upon my heart the rice fields and I shared what I considered one of the most important truths of the Bible!  Like rice or wheat, God has planted in us His incorruptible seed.  The seed is Jesus Christ Himself and He is looking for a harvest!  The seed has within itself all it will ever need to become mature.  We must simply yield to the sun, the rain and the rich soil of God's Word and Presence and allow the Holy Spirit to move upon us.  He desires to baptize each of us in His Holy Spirit and then as we yield to His workings and His giftings, the fruit of the Spirit is produced, not by striving, but by yielding!  </div> <div>      At that point a thought from God dropped into my heart.  "Many of you," I shared, "in times past have received the approval of the 'tika' from your parents and family upon your head, but God through Jesus Christ has given you 'His tika' of approval, not a red tika that can be seen by everyone around, but a tika of His anointing manifest openly by His Presence and His power in your life as you share Jesus' love with others!  I want to pray for you and anoint you with this anointing oil as a symbol of God's tika upon your life.  There is nothing special or magical about this oil, it is just a symbol of what the Lord has already done for you and in your heart.  We also want to pray for any with needs or sicknesses!"</div> <div>      As we prayed several come forward and we laid hands upon and prayed for them, anointing with the oil.  Many with headaches and digestive problems claimed they were touched and healed by the Lord Jesus.  One older woman who had come forward had an obvious growth in her stomach.  As we came before God's throne, we laid our hands upon her shoulders and trusted God to touch her with His healing hand.  The Presence of God was so real at that moment and the growth miraculously dissolved!!!  Everyone rejoiced in what the Lord had done.  However in my heart, I was more overjoyed to see the pastor who had known only evangelical and Baptist teachings and had no teaching concerning the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit, take that bottle of oil from my hands and walk throughout his entire congregation laying hands on each head and anointing each one's forehead with the "oil tika" of God's approval!  </div> <div>      Great things God was doing in Nepal and not through American culture but through their own!!!  As we returned to Kathmandu, our hearts were rejoicing at God's goodness to those precious saints and His faithfulness to us. </div> <div>      The following morning we set out again, this time to the west of Kathmandu and headed up into the district of Gorkha for a pastor's conference.  The Gorkha district is known for the fierce fighters and soldiers whom the British Army still enlists.  Gorkha is also the district from which the Nepali kings came and presently it is the birthplace of the Maoist revolt within that country.  It was a rough district into which we were heading, however we were greatly encouraged by the Lord with His Presence and were sure of His leading and of His timing!  This was the district from which our friend & host was originally from.</div> <div>      Gorkha was a six hour drive from the capitol over extremely bumpy roads.  Many places had almost been completely washed out by the summer rains and the landslides which those rains produced.  After five and a half hours the small town of Gorkha came into sight.  It was picturesquely situated on the upper side of a mountain.  As we rounded the winding mountain roads to get there, our hearts were greatly expectant in what the Lord was about to accomplish as we joined with His people in Gorkha!  </div> <div>      Upon arrival at the road's end, we found 11 pastors waiting patiently under a large sheltering Bo Fig tree in what appeared to be the village square.  It was obviously the bus stop, as well as the end of the road for all vehicles.  There were many simple booths set up all about the square full of various vegetables and fruits which the sellers were eagerly trying to rid themselves of!  </div> <bR> <div> <I>The Bo tree which shaded everyone and everything is quite common throughout Nepal.  Its heart-shaped leaves with their long tails are the legendary tree under which Buddha received "enlightenment" 2500 years ago.       </I></div> <bR> <div> Our host quickly found rooms and we secured accommodations for ourselves as well as the pastors which cost the modest sum of 100 Nepali rupees or $1.25 USD per person per night.  Though hot water for showers was unavailable, we welcomed the cold showers and the warm fellowship with those Believers!  Hot showers became a luxury we only enjoyed once while on our trip.  </div> <div>      Once we had settled in, it was time for an evening service with the pastors.  This was the first meeting of two which had been planned for the pastor's conference, so we wanted to make the most of every moment God had given us.  These pastors had come from various villages in the district, to be with us that afternoon as well as the following day.  Some had traveled four hours, others six hours or more up and down mountain paths and dusty trails for the privilege of being there!  Most of these simply village pastors had been scantily trained through the evangelical and Baptist based church and Training Center in Kathmandu and had no knowledge of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit or the Spirit of God leading in a life.  However, they were extremely open to any teaching regarding the Holy Spirit's movings and directions as time showed.  Their hunger and devotion to the Lord was quite obvious to us from the moment we entered the hall to worship with them!</div> <div>      On the roof top of this three story building, a somewhat large room had been constructed.  I was told many local villagers would come and sing their folks songs on the weekends, dance and drink together in a very socialable time.  This was the meeting hall we had rented.  It included a platform as well as electric piano and the typical two-sided Nepali drums!  We were blessed to have secured this along with beds for all. </div> <div>      As we arrived on the roof top later that afternoon and entered the room, those pastors were boldly singing songs of praise to the Lord.  We sat in the front row and the singing continued for about half an hour.  Doug, Dave, and I as well as another visiting from the US, had come from Kathmandu on this venture.  We were quick to share brief testimonies and greetings.  Doug then set the stage by speaking for a few minutes on the need for prophecy and the prophetic realm in the church.  Then it was my turn!  </div> <div>      Sundar interpreted for me as I began by sharing how the Lord is extremely interested in our hunger.  It is only those who hunger for the Lord that will grow.  Hunger is essential for spiritual growth!  In Matthew 5:6 Jesus taught us blessed are you who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for He promised, you <I><U>will</U></I> be filled.  I encouraged them that the devotion of the Nepali people is a great blessing.  Though many are devoted to Buddha or the Hindu gods, yet that devotion, once turned to Jesus Christ, is most wonderful!  </div> <div>      The prophet Isaiah said, "He wakeneth, morning by morning, He wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.  The Lord God hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back." (Isa. 50:4-5)  "As we hear from God," I related, "that revelation and His voice will cause us to move forward and upward."  "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)  "Have you noticed," I said, "that you can read the Bible 50 times and not understand what you are reading, but that 51st time the Holy Spirit quickens it unto you and you can understand it by revelation?  That's what happened when you were born again, revelation came into your heart, your ear was opened and you saw who Jesus was... our Lord and Savior!  That is the great importance of the gifts of the Spirit, especially the speaking gifts.  As the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit are working hand in hand, the Lord will give us understanding and lift us up into His purposes.  He will give unto us the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him." </div> <div>      "As pastors you have the authority over your flock, the Lord has given you that and no man can take that away.  Therefore, because you know that, don't hold the flock tight but relinquish control and open your hand and let the Holy Spirit flow.  Let Him use members of your congregations in a song, an encouraging word, a prophecy, but don't hold your fist tightly closed.  As one with authority, don't relinquish that authority, but you must relinquish control so the Holy Spirit can move!"  This was an idea they had never considered as their evangelical teachers had encouraged them to keep a tight reign on everything in a service.  These thoughts caused their thirst to have a focal point and they became desirous for the baptism of the Holy Spirit and His gifts to flow.  "These gifts of the Spirit," I shared, "are the tools God gives to help build His church!"</div> <div>      Following the evening service, we took a meal together downstairs and although we all wanted greatly to go back up to the roof together and continue now that night had fallen, the village of Gorkha was under a military evening curfew.  Therefore following the hotel owner's advice, we decided to turn in until the next morning. </div> <div>      After a typical Nepali breakfast of milk tea, boiled eggs, muesli & curd, or Tibetan bread, we began our final "round table" meeting together.  We sat together in a circle in that roof-top room and after two or three choruses I took the lead and began with a systematic teaching on the Baptism in the Spirit.  </div> <div>      We shared that Jesus was the Baptizer and commanded his disciples to wait in Jerusalem for this promise.  I then carried them through the Book of Acts to the five places the Spirit baptism is mentioned described or inferred, showing that tongues and prophecy is that "outward evidence" of the inward work of the Spirit.  Being careful again and again, I asked them if they understood, had questions, or wanted to comment.  I was pleased when several of the older pastors lifted their voice in agreement with my thoughts and were desirous for the Baptism in The Holy Spirit.  </div> <div>      "When Paul speaks in I Corinthians 12 and asks, 'Do all speak with tongues?' and the obvious answer is no!  However, he is speaking there of ministry gifts, not the ability to speak in tongues!  For he actually is asking, 'Do all have the ministry of speaking out in tongues in the assembly?  ...or do all interpret tongues in the congregation?'  In those preceding verses Paul said, 'Are all Apostles?  Are all Prophets?'  These are ministries, not giftings!"  </div> <div>      Next we looked into chapter 14 where Paul says, "'Desire spirituals...' why?  Not '...but rather that you prophesy...' but, 'Desire spirituals <I><U>in order that ye may</U></I> prophesy!'  Spirituals and tongues will lead you into prophecy and into that revelatory realm which the church so needs in order to grow and move forward!  Paul then follows these comments a few verses later by saying, 'I would that you all spake in tongues, <I><U>in order that</U></I> ye may prophesy!'"  </div> <div>      We ended in II Corinthians 3: 17-18 with the thought that: "Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty... “or where the Holy Spirit is Lord, there is liberty.  "Wherever Jesus is given the liberty, His glory comes and from glory to glory we are changed into His image.  The Scripture gives us no other way to be changed except in His glory and from His glory into His glory!"</div> <div>      Following this time of sharing together we prayed for each of the pastors for a greater anointing in their ministry and for mighty baptisms in the Holy Spirit.  The Lord was so faithful and prophetic words were given over each one of these precious servants of the Lord, encouraging them forward in the things of the Lord.  There is something special when hands are laid upon ones and the word of the Lord goes over lives!  The prophetic enables men or women to fight a good fight of faith and move quickly forward into God purposes for that individual's life!  Again, we were encouraged to see each of the pastors catch the `vision' and begin to actively lay their hands upon the other pastors as we prayed one by one for each of them!</div> <div>      We closed our time together as we went for a final meal round one common table and as the pastors left we embraced each with love and thankfulness to God for what He had accomplished.   Encouraged in what God was going to do through men so hungry and humble!  Several in America had given offerings towards the pastors conference and this enabled the conference to take place with room and board be provided for those men.  Also a small financial gift was given to each pastor to help in their church as they left.</div> <div>      After their departure, our host asked if we were up to climbing the mountain.  At the top was the palace of the first ruler of a united Nepal.  It had been built centuries before, every stone bearing the hand-hune marks.  Each year the King of Nepal makes his pilgrimage from Kathmandu to pay a visit during the high Hindu festival day!  He had been there only a few days previous!  Being driven by armed military escort (due to the Maoists) up that treacherous ox cart path to the ancient citadel at the top.  It is now a Hindu shrine!  After close to twenty minutes, our adventurous driver had gotten us within half a mile or less of the summit and we walked the remainder.  It was a grand sight, seeing the six or seven foot stone wall surrounding the wooded escarpment at whose top was this palace of the past.  As we approached the hundred or more steps that led up to the castle, we passed several "pilgrims" on their way to the shrine.  Our host, being from that district, related the tale of how this ruler of Gorkha had become the ruler by virtue of his winning a race from the village below, to the top of this mountain before any other!  Then how he went on to subdue all the Nepali districts!</div> <div>      As we entered this walled fortress, we were required to remove our shoes and anything that was leather on our person, as cows were sacred to the Hindus.  Soldiers were everywhere present and stood guard as we, along with those pilgrims, entered.  The view from the summit was breathtaking, but on closer inspection of the area, everything was covered with the blood of the freshly slain goats and chickens in honor of the Hindu festival day only recently past.  After a very quick look around, we were happy to again gather our shoes and belongings which Sundar was gracious enough to watch without the gates and we departed.</div> <div>      Our driver had somehow miraculously made it in his taxi within sight of the steps and was parked there, guarding our cargo of suitcases in his van.   We loaded in and began a four hour trip further west to the town of Pokhara.  </div> <div>      As we arrived in Pokhara, we again secured accommodation.  This was our first and only time to have hot showers throughout our entire stay in Nepal!  The hotel where we stayed was called The Shalom Hotel and as the Lord arranged, the owner and his wife were both Christians, a fact that our host didn't realize when he booked us in that evening!  He was Nepali and his wife was from Bhutan!  What a treat it was to be in their hotel and spend time praying with and for them before we left.  Once again we watched in awe as the Lord gave prophetic word over their lives!</div> <div>      During our two days in Pokhara, we were blessed with being able to go on several prayer walks around the town as well as climb the rather large hill just on the out-skirts of town to pray and get a wonderful view of the Himalayan mountains known as the Annapurna range.  Once more, looming about the green mountainous horizon, were those perpetual snow knapped spires!  During our climb, we ran into a young Jewish couple from TelAviv, Israel.  Sundar boldly witnessed to them about the love of Jesus, or Yeshua the Messiah!  As we sat and had lunch with this delightful couple, we shared again and again about Jerusalem, the holocaust, the Lord and our love for the land and people of Israel.  We believe the Lord touched their heart deeply before we parted company!</div> <div>      After two nights in Pokhara we left, asking our taxi driver if he would take us into yet two other districts, another four hour journey.  As we had negotiated a price with him for the five days we were to be traveling, we were not at all sure this would be acceptable to him.  However, he himself was having such a great time carrying us about to all these places which he himself had never previously been that he was more than willing do go out of his way with any suggestion we made!</div> <div>      So after a hearty breakfast, we left Pokhara and headed back toward the capitol.  Only an hour and a half into our journey we turned north off the main road and headed upward in the direction of the Tibetan border.  Crossing a large bridge with a roaring clear mountain river below, I was tempted by both driver and Sundar to go for a swim.  While the others weren't at all interested, I jumped at the opportunity of refreshing myself in the cool waters after a hot road trip!  It wasn't long before Sundar, the driver and I were all surround by the bare bottomed children who were also swimming!  I think they were amazed that I, a white skinned foreigner, would take to the waters.</div> <div>      It was only a short time until we were on the move again.  It wasn't quite another hour until we stopped at a small Nepali hamlet along the road side to Besisahar (pronounced: Bessie-tzar).  We were wonderfully received by a relative of our host.  The family so enjoyed our short stay that they requested we stop on our way back through and take lunch with them!  Little did I realize how much of a privilege this was as the elder's was the village Buddhist lama or "holy man."</div> <div>      Within fifteen minutes of our continuing on, we had another flat tire, the second in three days! This had made a total of three flat tires since our arrival in Nepal!!!  The tire was quickly replaced by the spare (which was as bare as the bottoms of those children who had joined us in the river.)  It was the better part of an hour and well past nightfall when we arrived in the village of Besisahar and again, the end of the road for all vehicles.  The small town was quite similar in many respects to Gorkha, but it was nestled in a valley in Lamjung district and not on a mountain side.</div> <div>      Once more our host went running!  Twenty minutes later we were in our newly acquired rooms and dinner was being prepared in the hotel's dinning area!  As we sat at the tables we met a traveler from Australia who had just arrived that evening from trekking through the mountains for over twenty-six days.  He related that a few days previously, at one of the rest-stops along the route, Maoist rebels had knocked at his door and demanded that all trekkers pay a 1000 rupee fee.  He said that they were quite respectful and when he inquired about this 'fee,' they replied, "The Royal Nepali government charged you a 2000 rupee fee to trek.  We as the new government of Nepal are only charging 1000 rupees!"  After he paid their 'fee,' they presented him was a written receipt for the 1000 rupees!  </div> <div>      Our new friend also related another story.  A few days previous to his encounter with these communist renegades, he learned of an Israeli soldier who was on leave from Israel was also trekking.  The Maoists met him somewhere along one of the trekking routes and required this unauthorized 'fee' from him as well, but he refused to pay.  They severely beat him and probably extracted the funds anyway!       </div> <div>      In the morning, after a welcomed night's rest and once we had taken breakfast, we ventured up to the roof of our hotel where we spent a good time in prayer and worship.  The presence of the Lord was so strong that it became hard to stand.  We began to declare to the hills and mountains the glory of the Lord, believing that our prophetic declarations were accomplishing something in the Spirit!  This became another memorable point in our trip, simply because of the Spirit's moving upon us as we yielded to Him. We next went for a prayer walk through this village and were given a guided tour through the volunteer hospital facility which was run and staffed by an evangelical Christian organization!</div> <div>      It was now time for us to leave as we desired to stop once again at the village and didn't want to be late.  Arriving at the elder's home, we noticed two brass water pots waiting on the steps of the residence.  The lips of these pots were flared out at the top and on the front edge of the lip of each water pot set a small brass container about the size of an egg cup filled with oil and a wick that was burning!  We were informed by our friend that this was a high sign of respect and welcome into a home!  He later informed us that he himself had never received such a welcome from his relatives!  We were greatly honored by this reception and I had wished that I had carried a "kata" (a scarf of honor in Nepal and Tibet) that I could have presented to the elder for such a gracious welcome!  We were fed as if we were royalty by the family and I was able to share with them that it was because of the love of Jesus Christ and that He has asked us to come to their country and share His love with them.  Following a time of fellowship together, we were invited to a presentation of folk and traditional dance performed by the village young people.  We were also compelled to visit the one room Buddhist temple in the village, to which the elder proudly walked us!  </div> <div>      Within a very short time we were on our way toward Kathmandu and a warm home.  However, within thirty miles of the capitol we became stuck in one of the largest traffic jams I have ever seen!  It was getting dark by then and it left us as foreigners a little uncomfortable.  In fact it was a good two hours before our taxi could again get underway.  Therefore we decided to walk a bit at our host's suggestion!  We walked a good two or three miles up the mountain side with Sundar and wait for our taxi at the military check point at the top.  From that vantage point we could overlook the entire valley and see the lights of Kathmandu.  It was 10pm before our driver finally had made it to the top!  He picked us up and whisked us away, down into the valley once more!  By 11pm we were at the doorstep of our home.  It was Friday evening!</div> <div>       Saturday morning came all too soon for me and I desired more time to prepare for the morning service!  Today I would be sharing the Word of God in pastor Ram's church in Kathmandu.  I had emailed the pastor back and forth for over two years now, but still had not personally met him.  I was very impressed with his church and the ministry God had brought him into.  The Lord had spoken to someone in America and their ministry had donated money for a church property and a home for the pastor and his family.  They as well as this pastor had invested wisely into the ministry of the Lord.</div> <div>      We arrived at his church early and were ushered into front seats.  I noticed his church was divided, having the men on one side and the women on the other!  This I hadn't noticed in the other church fellowships.  I suppose this was due to the fact that other church gatherings numbered fifty people or slightly more sitting on mats, but this church housed about a hundred or more and most of the people sat in chairs rather than upon mats on the floor.  There was room in the front for mats and cushions and I did take note of children and new mothers with babies being seated on the mats.</div> <div>      After a lively song service led by his wife, pastor had Sundar came to the platform and introduce us.  After giving short testimonies of God's faithfulness and of how the Lord had brought us to Nepal given by those who came with me, the pastor arose.  I had been invited to sit with the Pastor, so waited to see what would transpire next.  </div> <div>      After a time of announcements and another song or two, Pastor Ram called me to come forward and to speak as he stood and interpreted.  It was different for me to use the pastor from that church as my interpreter as I had become accustomed to my host's manner and style of preaching, however the Lord had all in His hands.  </div> <div>      As I looked over the crowd of Believers my heart melted with God's compassion for them.  I asked them speak out the wonderful name of Jesus several times.  I wanted to make sure our attention was centered on Him and not the visitors or anything that I could produce!  Then the Lord gave to me a bit of wisdom which I have heard pastor Joe Nieves relate while with us on an earlier mission trip into Mexico.  <I>(Brother Joe was the former dean of students and teacher at Pinecrest Bible Training Center as well as the present pastor in Allentown, Pennsylvania.  Joe is also a missionary to many of the Spanish speaking countries in South America.  Dave, who was traveling and ministering with us, was from Brother Joe's church.)</I>  </div> <div>      “`God can do little with much, something with a little, and everything with nothing!'  If you think you are great, the Lord can do little through you.  If you think you have a little, then He can do something; but if you think you are nothing, then God can do everything!"</div> <div>      "The Lord has spoken to me concerning those two great revelations in the Gospel of John.  One is on being born again and the other on worship.  One through an upright religious Jewish leader and the other through a gentile, a Samaritan woman!  Both equally important; both relative to what God desires to do in the earth in this hour."</div> <div>      "Nicodemus came to the Lord when the hour was late to inquire of Him and the Lord presented him with the doorway through which his questions would be answered and he would receive life!  Jesus not only gave him the door of salvation and being born again, but the key about how the wind blows... how the Spirit of God moves to carry His people foreword and upward.  A great revelation of paramount value!"</div> <div>      "Then, only a chapter away, Jesus said to his disciples, 'I must needs go through Samaria!'  He was compelled to go because this second revelation must be unveiled and this time to a woman, and a gentile at that!  He is truly no respecter of persons, even in his earthly ministry, but looks upon our hearts!  After The Lord had this woman's attention, she opened up to him and asked the question that was really upon her heart.  It was a question about worshipping.  Jesus' replied to her was it's not where you worship, but how you worship!  The Father wants us to worship Him in the Spirit and in truth."</div> <div>      "Your praise this morning,” I related “has blessed God's heart, but He wishes to take us higher into the Spirit of worship.  Then as we continue in worship, His glory will descend and meet every need... answer every question... and satisfy every longing!  'Praise - until the spirit of worship comes, then worship - until the glory falls.  Then stand in His glory and let Him minister."</div> <div>      After speaking, pastor and his wife again led the people in singing and he then prayed for them, calling out several healings in the gathering.  As the service closed, I stood awed as the congregation came forward to greet each of us.  In customary Asian style the people raised their hands and placed those together under their chin as if praying and blessed us with the time honored Christian greeting, "Ja Masheah!" (pronounced: Jay Mu-she-a and interpreted as "Victory in Messiah, or Victory in Christ!) Then grasping our hand as if to shake it, each slipped an offering into our hands!  Over and over this happened in that ten minutes which seemed to last forever.  I was humbled by this people having so little, yet giving so much!  I recalled Jesus watching the woman cast her mite into the offering and thought, they have given their all!  Doug turned to me as if to ask me what am I do with this, I quietly thought and perhaps I said, "Let them receive God's great blessing as you take each small piece of money!"  Later our host explained to us that both he and this pastor were teaching their people how to give to those who come and minister.  This is not generally taught in most third world countries, but is a principle that is now coming forth.</div> <div>      Following this time, pastor Ram invited us up to his office and we spent some time fellowshipping with him over a wonderful cup of tea before returning to our home.</div> <div>      That afternoon we went with Sundar into town to pick-up some odds and ends that were needed.  Stopping at the "Gurung Shope" and I ordered a Gurung traditional dress that I could bring back to the States.  They of course had to measure me for everything so that it would properly fix!  Then it would take several days for the tailor to make it.</div> <div>      The next day was Sunday and for the first time we attended the English church service.  Although it was nice to gather, I later told our host that he needn't bring me there for another Sunday service as I desired to be with the Nepali Christians. </div> <div>      The next few days were spent relaxing in Kathmandu before going on another trip up to the Tibetan border that Wednesday.  While there we did some prayer walking downtown as well as shopping.  We prayed as we walked through the Buddhist temple located on a small hill overlooking city center, known as the monkey temple.  </div> <div> Later that day, Sundar and I went to visit his church building in order to spend time in prayer there.  Following, he took me to the Nepal Bible School he had once attended in Kathmandu. After this, we visited a refugee camp set up on government property. It was here when our host had first arrived in Kathmandu several years previously that he had set up a small church early after his conversion.  These were memorable times for me as we saw these humble beginnings for my friend.  We saw the tree under which he had prayed so earnestly to the Lord and received his baptism in the Spirit as a student at the Bible school.  He pointed to the bamboo grove from which he made a drinking cup he used the entire time he was in school!  It was near this settlement in Kathmandu that the rooms of his church are located in a single story concrete home.  The other side of the building has not been rented and the house owner desired to hold it open in case a brother-in-law should decide to move to Kathmandu.  Though the Nepal Bible School is not located too far away, there is no Christian church in the area!  </div> <div>      Sundar continued to tell us how expensive property and building were but when I questioned him further, I discovered that by American standards, land is relatively cheap!  For between six and eight thousand dollars US, land could be purchased for a nice church building.  For another eight or twelve thousand dollars, a two or three story concrete building could be constructed to house him, his family, a Bible Training Center for training 12-15 pastors for three months of courses and a chapel with classrooms for services.  I understand that no taxes are paid on lands in Nepal, so once the property and building are purchased and built, they belong solely to the owner.  This would be a great blessing as Christians are often abruptly asked to vacate rented properties due to the whims and desires of many a Hindu property owner.</div> <div>      On Wednesday morning we found ourselves on the road again headed toward the Tibetan/Chinese border.  Once more the same taxi driver had been engaged, who by this time knew us well!  Sundar used this opportunity and the driver's openness in order to us to share the Lord Jesus with him!</div> <div>      As we left Kathmandu, we had to stop and acquire the road passes we would need for our journey.  (This we had previously done as well when we traveled to Gorkha and Pokhara.)  Today this process took nearly fifteen minutes, so we decided to walk down the main highway for a short distance.</div> <div>      Pastor Ram had told us that during our stay in Nepal we should consider visiting the large Hindu Temple in Kathmandu as they are always burning a body in cremation every day!  However, the stench is somewhat strong, he warned!  This was not on my list of high priorities.  However, as we gazed off the road and into town, there stood the huge Hindu Temple complex with the smoke rising from that day's cremation.  I was delighted that we were not any closer, for I don't like the smell of burning flesh!  </div> <div>      We traveled that day about six or seven hours before our destination was reached.  But on our way several stops were made for scenery breaks as well as lunch and snack breaks.  </div> <div>      During our entire time in Nepal was ate Nepalese food!  This consisted of rice for almost every meal, except most breakfasts.  Rice was placed on our plates over which a lentil soup mixture called dahl was poured.  We would also add various side dishes like mustard greens or a mixture of spiced stewed potatoes.  Many times a variety of chopped spiced meat was also available on the table as well as a very hot spicy mixture which people called pickle!  This could be used for additional spice in the meal.  I enjoyed it as did Doug, but Dave decided a more bland diet might be best suited for himself!  Almost every meal was finished with a cup of Nepali milk tea.  The tea was made by lightly boiling milk and adding a cassia leaf and a bit of freshly ground or shredded ginger.  To this the tea leaves were then added and a bit of sugar for taste.  The tea was delicious and I now miss very much having it every morning and evening after my meals!  </div> <div>      Several other stops were made on our way to the border included a suspension bridge over a deep ravine.  These suspension bridges were seen all over in the mountainous areas.  They were built simply by anchoring half inch or three-quarter inch twined metal cables in concrete anchors on each side and spanning the valleys or chasms with a grating for walking on.  This recalled to my mind some of the "Indiana Jones" movies starring Harrison Ford, as they looked identical, except for wire in place of rope!  A metal grate was generally used for the walkway.  Also chain link fencing was stretched from the sides of the walk to the railings to keep travelers from inadvertently slipping off the walk and into the rushing currents below!  This particular bridge was about a city block or more across and had the added aspect of having a bungee jump at its mid point, assumably for tourists!  This was something I didn't care to attempt!!!</div> <div>      Another stop was made to look across the river at the multitude of honey bee combs which hung suspended under the overhanging precipices of the rocky hill, far out of the reach of man, but in clear view!  Several other places we stopped to observe the gushing streams which seem to flow incessantly from the tops of the mountains.  This amazed our host!  Sundar said again and again, "I wonder... how the water climbed that hill in order to tumble back down into the valley?"  David explained the concept of snow melting in the highlands of the tall mountains and seeping into the ground so as to push the water upward underground in these smaller mountains making it gush forth from their tops!  The concept was also difficult for me to grasp, but there was the proof!!!</div> <div>      About an hour from our destination we once again stopped, this time for me!  For years I had desired to try a native tea that is made only in and near Tibet.  It is called `butter tea' and is made from the milk of the yak.  I had two cups of the delicious brew!  Dave and Doug both tried some but I don't think their tastes were quite as much to it's liking as mine!  It had the consistency of hot holiday egg-nog, only tea flavored!  I also enjoyed it the following day when we started down from the border.</div> <div>      Finally we arrived at the border town of Kodari.  After having to travel over one hour on the bumpy pot-hole and bolder strewn dirt road, my eyes did not expect to see so many large shipping trucks!  We had passed a dozen along the way, but as we arrived in the bustling village, there were perhaps twenty empty trucks awaiting morning passage into Tibet at the border check point!  Needless to say, there were also dozens seen waiting on the opposite side prepared to bring goods into Nepal the following day.  After unloading our suitcases and backpacks into the hotel room, we attempted to gain access to the single concrete bridge that crossed the river into Tibet.  The bridge was closed to all traffic at that hour (it was open from 7 or 7:30 am until 3:30 or 4 pm in the evenings) and seeing the sun was quickly setting on us, we asked the Nepali solders at the check point for access to the bridge!   Over and over again we watched as we were given privileges the Nepali people themselves were never allowed.  They replied to our host, certainly and allowed us all to enter the bridge without a second thought!</div> <div>      Onto the bridge we went though light was fast fading.  At the center of the bridge, about 300 feet out was a painted red line.  It continued even up the columns and onto the concrete handrail.  Over that line was Tibet, the formerly forbidden country.  So we stepped over the line for a good twenty-five or more feet, but did not wish to go any further and tempt the Communist Chinese soldiers standing guard from the opposite side seeing we did not possess a Chinese passport and entry would have be forbidden!  From that vantage point we declared God's glory to be poured forth into Tibet.  We prayed, sang and briefly danced in the Presence of the Lord for that nation of Tibet on the Chinese side of the line.  Then noticing a lone Chinese soldier heading our way on the bridge, we made a hasty retreat back to the safety of our Nepali soldier friends and our hotel.  We had a hot Nepali meal before bedding down for the night!  Before eating, we made a fast trip up to the roof of our hotel in order to see the view across the river!  </div> <bR> <div>      <I>Kodari village was built along this river and our hotel itself was perched on the gorge of the river, so the view into Tibet was breath-taking!  We could clearly see the crossing bridge and the Tibetan border town of Casa, which was nestled on the hillside and over-looked the river and mysterious bridge.  </I></div> <bR> <div> Sundar decided to do a final segment of videoing and so asked me to stretch forth my hands and pray for Tibet.  As I did, I was so conscious of the love of the Lord for those people and began to prophesy of God's love and desire to meet souls in that land.</div> <div>      The next day following a breakfast of muesli with curd and Nepali tea, we made one last trip to the bridge where we again prayed before beginning to head back down the mountains.  Our journey was far from over yet!  Our host was going to carry us further east in Nepal on the mountainous roadway leading to Jiri, the trekking point for all wishing to head to Everest base camp.  We would not be going quite that far, but the possibility of being able to catch a glimpse of Mount Everest from the village of Charikot was intriguing!</div> <div>      As we traveled higher and higher up we came upon a group of Maoist soldiers just making their way down to the road.  Our mind immediately returned to the story of the 1000 rupee fee, so we hid some of our rupees in our socks as we drove past.  The group being yet a good way above the road, they would have had to run to catch our vehicle, so we had no encounter with them, though we were well on our toes the remainder of the journey.       </div> <div>      Before too long we arrived in Charikot and the Nepali soldiers there had us sign in!  I think this was more for their benefit than ours; trying to keep track of any foreigners and make sure they left their village in safety.  This way they could give an accurate account to any government agent who might inquire at a future time.  </div> <div>      Following Sundar's graduated from the Nepal Bible School and before he came to the US, he pastored for nine months in this village and it was there that he met his wife.  She had been a nurse in the Christian backed hospital outpost there.  During our stay in Charikot, we walked throughout the village and prayed as we toured.  We saw where our friend had lived during his time pastoring as well a where the meetings were held.  We met many different folks whom he had influenced, some Christians and others who had not committed their lives to the Lord.  </div> <div>      In the morning we went to the village church which was pastored by a precious brother in the Lord.  He had some training through the evangelical pastors in Kathmandu, but was very open to the things of the Holy Spirit!  As we prayed for him and the two young men who were with him, the Lord once again brought encouragement through the prophetic word.  Before leaving we wanted to bless the pastor financially as he had no outside support for the work there.  It appears that many of the village pastors throughout the country have no outside support, barely making ends meet through small offerings and the crops they grow themselves, or herds they raise. </div> <div>      By 9:30 am we were on the road again for our last time, returning to Kathmandu.  We arrived that evening, quite tired from the trip and after dinner we quickly retired for the evening.</div> <div>      It was not until we were returning to Kathmandu from Charikot that I realized that I had been invited to speak in the Baptist church in Kathmandu and not at our host's church as I had assumed!  He informed me that they were not receptive to the gifts of the Spirit.  The pastor, who was an older Nepalese gentleman, I later discovered was open to the things of God's Spirit.  However, the younger leaders in the church had been trained for the ministry under Korean Baptist and Presbyterian doctrine and wanted nothing to do with tongues or the gifts of the Spirit.  </div> <div> Once again God was very gracious in His leadings to me.  The Lord gave to me the New Testament scripture where Jesus asked the disciples, "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?"  I shared with them that it is only by revelation that Jesus is made known to people and we must not despise the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, but welcome Him!  "As the prophet Ezekiel spoke and prophesied to those dry bones in chapter 37, the first word only brought the bones together!  It took that second prophecy... to the wind and the Spirit to cause the bones to really live!  So it is with the Word of God and the Spirit, we must have both!"</div> <div>      On Sunday Sundar had prepared a time of fellowship together with the members of his church in the park in Kathmandu.  This was a very informal and relaxed time before our return to America.  We had a time of fellowship with many as we shared together, sang and taught some songs, danced and also enjoyed a meal together.  There was ample opportunity to share a word about the Lord with those who were walking through the park just listening in!</div> <div>      Dave, who had by this time learned how to cook Nepali style, helped Ram (Sundar's brother-in-law) prepare the meal of chicken and spices to go with the rice and the other side dishes which had also been prepared.  Dave also had learned how to dance Nepali Ghorka style and all present were greatly impressed, as well as a little amused.  I attempted a traditional Jewish dance, but don't know if Dave or I received more smiles!  This was a time of letting our hair down and melding with everyone; a truly unforgettable experience with the people.</div> <div>      Our time in Nepal was swiftly drawing to a close, with only three days left.  </div> <div>      On Monday both David and I took the opportunity to go back into town to photograph some of the areas we had already been.  My camera had not been working since we had left Gorkha, so I had taken it to a camera shop before our trip to the border.  I was more than thankful that they were able to repair it!  </div> <div>      Once again we made our way to the Monkey Temple.  Walking past the multitudes of Buddhist prayer wheels under the colorful prayer flags we meandered on, praying for individuals we saw as we went.  Up that great multitude of steps we walked to the top of the hill and into the temple compound.  This day was much clearer than the first time we had come that previous week.  As we looked out, we could see all over Kathmandu and I made good use of my camera.  I enjoyed the ease I felt at just slowing walking and watching the people.   After an hour or two, the two of us took a cab into the downtown Thamel shopping district and simply walked and looked for several hours.  Taking in all the sights, sounds and smells of being in Nepal!  Then we met together at a designated spot and decided it would be nice to walk back to the house, a good 2 miles distance.  This also had its benefits.  I loved walking among the people and observing them in their daily routines!  </div> <div>      During these walks it is nearly impossible to keep from being accosted by those desiring to sell their wares.  Each time I was in Thamel the Nepali "violin" players would find me and want to sell their hand-made instruments.  One of these young men in particular had become very friendly with me after seeing me two or three times on the street.  I told him that I had no room in my luggage for a "violin," but he persisted.  Finally we struck a mutual agreement just to talk together.  I found out that he was from the village of Besishar, the one we had visited the previous week and prayed for!  I told him that I would not forget him and would look for him the following year when I returned.</div> <div>      As we arrived back, it wasn't too long before dinner was ready to be served.  Doug had been napping much of the morning and then in the afternoon he had gone visiting and walking with Sundar.  They had gone to the church and the homes of several Christians.  This was a very enjoyable time for him.</div> <div>      The following day was spent in preparation for our return trip.  Getting suitcases packed and adjusted.  I thought the cases would be much lighter on the way home, but not so!!!  </div> <div>      That afternoon Doug and I went with our host to once again pray in the church and for the work that God had given to our brother.  Dave went with Ram to prepare DVD's of our trip that Sundar had filmed almost every day.  After praying we wanted to visit the Baptist pastor in whose church I had spoken the week before.  The pastor and wife live in the refugee camp we had visited earlier.  In fact, they occupied Sundar's old bamboo home there.  </div> <bR> <div>      <I>This area is a small strip of land that belongs to the Nepali government.  It is found running along side a small river that passes through the capitol area.  This was not located too far from Sundar's home and near the vicinity of his church.  The government had allowed those who possessed very little and those fleeing from the Maoists in the mountain villages to occupy it and build the small bamboo and mud houses.  These were the first homes I had seen in Nepal with dirt floors.  These were similar to ones I encountered in the mountain villages of Mexico.  </I></div> <div> <I>     This is where our host had lived for a time after becoming a Christian and leaving his home village in Gorkha.  He had traveled to Nagaland (a province in northeastern in India) and there given his heart to the Lord, however upon his return to his parents home in Gorkha, the village had rejected him and demanded he leave seeing that he had "changed his religion."  So under the burden of being cast out, he came to Kathmandu and lived and began a small church here, even before entering Bible school.  This church had become the larger Baptist church had I spoken in the week previous.</I></div> <bR> <div>      The pastor's sons had gone to Bible College in Korea and were well versed in Baptist/Presbyterian teaching.  Their father, the pastor we were visiting, had been raised a simple Buddhist monk or lama before coming to the Lord Jesus Christ years before.  He was gentle, loving and humble, not to mention being fully devoted to God.  It would have taken very little I believe, for him to be baptized in the Holy Spirit and moving in the Spirit's giftings.  </div> <div>      This brother was also very well versed in Buddhist and Hindu scriptures and it was for this reason that I desired to speak with him!  I wanted to know more of the way Nepali and Tibetan people think.  We previously had no time together following that Saturday morning service, as his sons - who spoke English very elegantly - dominated much of the conversation.</div> <div>      After greetings and having tea together, Sundar asked him two of my questions.  How was he converted and how do you talk with a Buddhist about Jesus Christ?</div> <div>      He related how he had been raised a Buddhist lama, but never found peace and was always looking for the answer.  </div> <div> Buddha was a real person who had desired to escape all evil and all crime.  So he left his palace, being raised a prince, and wandered searching for the answers to life.  After years sitting under the Bo tree he received enlightenment.  Now, Buddhist's believe that the light came from within Buddha, but this brother had realized that the light only came from the outside... from God!  "Buddhists do not believe in God," he said, "only an inner realization of that which every man is supposed to possess within."  If they could be shown that the light Buddha received came from without, then God could easily be found!  In the Buddhist scriptures Buddha said, "I am not a god!"  Then he told the people, "Do not worship me or make any statures to me!"  "But," said this gentle pastor, "people don't listen!"  Then he asked me the question, "So who gave light and truth to Buddha?  It was God in Jesus Christ."  He said, the Bible verse in Matthew 11:28 had opened his eyes to Jesus.  "Come unto Me, all ye who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."  </div> <div>      Sundar also commented that there is other places in the Buddhist sacred writings (one in particular called the 'Tri-pee-ka') that say that after 500 years one would come whom the people should look for.  Buddha was born 2500 years ago, which is 500 years before Christ Jesus!</div> <div>      Then I asked him about the Hindu scriptures and he brought out an old book he possessed covered in dust.  It was written in Nepali script and he began to look through its pages.  On page 68, he showed me where the Hindu scriptures, called the Gita read: "...ten thousand years at the end of the day the Son of God (Brahma putra), Jesus (Isu Gee) will come and cut with the sword and totally finish <I>his enemies</I>..."  Then about a paragraph or two further, "...at the end of the world, there is only one God, Spirit God.  And the Spirit God will demonstrate that at the end of the world..."  This may be difficult to find in an English translation of the Gita, but Nepali's base language is Sanskrit in which those scriptures were written originally!</div> <div>      With some of my many questions at least partially answered, I bid this pastor farewell, at least for now.   Then slipping an offering into his hands, I presented him with a white 'kata' I had bought and placed it around his neck in humble respect for what he had given and who he was in the Lord, a true father in Israel.  His reply to me was, "I have nothing to give to you!"  But I said, "No, you have already given so much."  We then departed and headed back to our host's home.</div> <div>      The following day everything seemed to fly by as we had breakfast and tea together.  A tearful goodbye for me was said to Sundar's wife, her brother Ram, and our friend Bahadur as our taxi driver whisked us away quickly toward the airport with Sundar in the front seat.  As no one without a ticket was allowed to enter the airport, this partly because of Maoist problems I suppose.  We parted company as we exited the taxi.  With the traditional 'Ja Masheah,' a parting hug, and a hand shake with the last cash I had left in my wallet; we said goodbye to our wonderful host and friend, Sundar.  Looking forward to the time when we would again have the opportunity to be together! 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