After a 35+ hour flight from the states, we arrived in Kathmandu, Nepal, a bustling city of 6 million people. We quickly learned how “Nepali time” contrasts with our western view of time and schedule, when our next regional flight was delayed 4 more hours. Flight delays and traffic jams had us impatient Americans shaking our heads. Kiran gave us a kind “Nepali welcome” and tour of a Hindu temple.
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Kiran Welcoming the teams arrival to Nepal
In Nepal, The Hindu faith is held by close to 80% of the people and has largely shaped the culture. Parts of the culture actually does support a Christian worldview as well. Some of the strengths we noticed in the Nepali culture were a loyalty to family, a commitment to marriage, respect for elders, and an importance placed on serving and hospitality.
Growth of Christianity over the past 20 years has been rapid, though the official Government Report says 2% Christian population, a recent non-published report found as many as 14% are professing believers. Many Nepalis are hungry and open for the Gospel message of hope and redemption.
Students Busy Studying
We were often reminded of the new believers in Acts by the Nepali believer’s enthusiastic worship and genuine love for brothers and sisters that was so apparent. We were also challenged by their faith and dependance on God. The vibrancy and sincerity of the local Nepali Church is a testament to God’s grace changing lives, no matter the culture or length of Christian history.
Our two-week Bible School was held in Nepalgunj, which is western Nepal close to the Indian border, in a culturally and religiously diverse region of the country. Beginning the dry/cool season of the year, we had mostly comfortable temps of 75 degrees in the day and 55 degrees at night.
Auto Ricksaw – This was our transportation during the Bible School
Our daily rickshaw ride, that was several miles to the school location, opened our eyes to the ways and means of the people. The Bible school consisted of approximately 35 students from ages 18 years to 60 years. The older group of students were mostly pastors and individuals involved in church plants and evangelism. Many of the students traveled from the mountain areas of Nepal, as far as two days journey.
Many of Students faithfully kept Notes
I was humbled by the level of hunger for “bible truth” that we witnessed. They listened intently, and surprised us with their long, attention-spans over the six hours of class time each day. Many students would continue reading their Bibles during breaks and really enjoyed reading the passages out-loud for our lessons.
Norv teaching with Satpal Translating
Teaching through a translator can be a challenging experience but we were rewarded by hearty amens. After many lessons, the student questions proved not only how well they understood but how deeply they pondered the lessons. Stephen Burkholder taught the Pentateuch, Norvan Skrivseth taught Biblical Teamwork, and I taught Christian Family life. Special thanks to translators: Satpal, Fahtta, Vivek and Kiran.
NABS Committee with Guest Speakers: L-R Fatte, Vivek, Norv, Satpal, Eric, Stephen
Some challenges remain with the new, rapid growth of the Nepali Church and a sound teaching of Bible doctrines and discipleship is important for the continued growth of the Nepali church. I would highly recommend taking this opportunity to anyone who feels called to teach the Bible cross-culturally.
On our return to Kathmandu, Stephen gave us the full experience of viewing the Himalayas and of visiting the Philadelphia Church for worship where Norvan preached. We also had the privilege of spending some time with the EQUIP team, Clinton Weaver and Leslie Hoover, serving in Nepal.
We look at this experience as a “life-changing” opportunity to be a small part of God’s Kingdom work and we received countless blessings from God and the Nepali believers that will be treasured.
God bless,
Eric Knicely
Editors Note: It was an honor to have Eric Knicely and Norv Skrvseth serve as guest speakers. Eric and Norv are members of Kootenai Valley Mennonite Church in Idaho.
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