Back From LTUTP

I'm leaving out a lot of details due to time constraints but wanted you to know we are all safe and healthy today!
Sorry we were out of communication but we had no Internet connection during the LTUTP. Wednesday we flew to Biratnagar and expected to drive 2 1/2 hours to East Nepal but drove only about 20 minutes to the "Hotel Eastern Star". Pastor Devi informed us that the road strike was on again and that two had been killed during them. So he arranged (at the last minute) for us to do the LTUTP in the Tanmunna UMC in Sunsari, the First UMC in Nepal. This was about 30-40 minutes outside Biratnagar (the second largest city in Nepal). We passed through a few smaller towns then turned on a dirt road - then another dirt road and another and maybe another (I don't recall!). This church was really rural! The homes were thatch roofed with bamboo siding mostly.

We began the LTUTP at 1pm with worship led by the local guitarist, 3 connected drums (link congas?) and a traditional Nepali drum along with numerous tambourine-type instruments. In the middle of worship Pam and Peggi passed out the streamers for them to use and they used them enthusiastically - from the little children to an elderly woman. A highlight of the first day was when Frank gave the talk "Christian Prayer Is . . ." and asked someone who was formerly Hindu to share what prayer was in that religion. A man stood and shared his testimony of how praying in the Hindu religion was one-sided - no one heard him and when he came to the Lord he was heard and healed. He was full of joy. So Frank asked if any former Buddhists were there and could share. A beautiful young woman shared her experience of coming to the Lord and being filled with joy.

I'd say there were about 70-80 here the first day. Some rode cycles for 6-7 hours to get there. Our translator rode on a bus for 13 hours to come and translate for us again. He felt it was that important and missed his daughter's birthday to come.

The second day of the event I (Peggi) was not feeling well all day but by the grace of God I was able to function through the day and had a terrific team to carry on with all their talks! We covered "When Did Jesus Pray" and the tools. The Nepalis really got into any small group activities and just circled up in the church and out on the veranda or "yard". Pastor Devi asked that a pastor be in each group. We think that was for their own experience and as accountability. The young woman who was Buddhist stood as a pastor or church leader when he asked for them to stand. The only woman who responded to that question. The day proceeded well with enthusiastic participation. The seminar was interspersed with worship times by the local Nepalis. We had breakfast and lunch with them that day and headed back to the hotel for dinner there.

The following day (their Sabbath which is Saturday) we began with their worship service and Peg brought the message on "Persevering in Prayer". We also had communion with the Nepalis with Frank and Pastor Devi serving. Following a lunch which was more locally traditional (with steamed rice balls) grilled zucchini and other vegetables.

The afternoon progressed with sharing on Growing in Intimacy with God. We had numerous special music numbers. Today the attendance increased to over 100 as those from the original area traveled all night, arriving at 3 am. They even re-did the sign they had prepared for that church to read the current church. We ended the day with a commissioning service for all who attended. Instead of having them come up as there was no room we went to the center aisle and had them just walk out to us there. We had ministry time that was powerful - I asked for some Nepali teams to also pray with people.

My time is up for now on the computer but I will try to post more detail later. Pastor Devi did say that both seminars exceeded his expectations! For that we are extremely grateful to the Lord and His provision!!!