GLOBAL TRAINING NETWORK’S DIVINE EXPEDTION TRAINING IN NEPAL
Eight years ago, GTN’S Divine Expedition’s training was launched in Kathmandu, Nepal, working with the Nepalese Christian Society led by Dilli Ram. As we rolled out our training, one of those who took our training was Pastor Rabin.
In 2020, Phil Graf and I commissioned Pastor Rabin as a Divine Expedition Master Trainer. Then, several years ago, we installed him as the Divine Expedition National Director of Nepal.
Since then Pastor Rabin has launched the Divine Expedition training in nine new areas throughout his nation. God is using Pastor Rabin and his team to multiply movements that reach people for Christ, make disciples, and develop leaders who start small groups that become reproducing churches.
This morning (Wednesday, September 2nd) we had a Zoom call with some of our national leaders, during which Pastor Rabin gave an update on the unspeakable devastation that took place along the Nepal-China border on Wednesday, August 26th.
HERE’S WHAT HAPPENED
On August 26th a glacier in the Himalayas collapsed and swept down the Lhende Khola/Trishuli River, which runs along the mountainous Nepal/Tibet border. Crashing into the river below, it created high-speed flash mud and water flood that washed away roads, power projects, villages…and people.
One central Nepal town that was in its path was Nuwakot, with the same name as the Nuwakot district. Nuwakot is located on the bank of Trishuli and Tadi Rivers about 35 miles north of Kathmandu with a population of more than 250,000.
In Nuwakot, four-story buildings were buried to the roofline, with trucks still underneath. Bridges, roads, and power stations are gone. At last count, some villages affected have yet to be reached.
The catastrophic flash floods have resulted in 1,200 confirmed deaths and more than 4,200 people missing, including 90 Americans along with hundreds of other foreign nationals. Roughly 500 workers are believed to be trapped inside debris-filled hydropower tunnels in multiple damaged projects.
RESCUE AND RELIEF EFFORTS
For the first six days, only the Nepal army and police were allowed into the affected areas. More recently other nations are providing critical help and the Nepalese themselves are now allowed to help. Because roads are impassable, Nepalese are riding motor bikes to bring aid.
In the immediate aftermath of the floods, Pastor Rabin sent a request (Thursday) for prayer for Pastor Deepak one of Pastor Rabin’s Divine Expedition training team members. Pastor Deepak and his wife live in the affected area and could not be reached, as internet connection was lost and the road to his location blocked.
Five days later (yesterday, Tuesday), we received news that Pastor Deepak and his wife were safe. Sadly, however, seven people in his church were killed.
In addition to government and international rescue efforts, the Nepalese Christian Society (NCS) is also involved in the relief efforts. The NCS is providing overall relief but also will be involved in the restoration of Christian churches and households.
In addition to his Divine Expedition leadership, as part of NCS, Pastor Rabin is in charge of procuring supplies such as salt, rice, and sleeping bags for those in need. As recovery continues, the NCS will also play a part in the reconstruction of churches that were destroyed.
WEEPING AND JOY
While we are overjoyed at all God has been doing in Nepal through the Divine Expedition training, we are equally devastated by the incredible loss loss of life and destruction in Nepal. We are claiming Psalm 30:5:
“…weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
As we closed our Zoom call, Pastor Sammy (Brazil) prayed, “Lord, let your power, strength, comfort, and the light of Christ shine, and may the churches in Nepal be centers to help and share the good news of Jesus.”
Phil Graf, our Divine Expedition leadership team, and I ask you to pray with us for the Nepalese Christian Society, Pastor Rabin, and the growing Christian movement in Nepal as they navigate what lies ahead and lift up the name and love of Christ. May they feel God’s presence, giving them courage, endurance, and divine strength both spiritually and practically.
Because of Jesus’ gift of eternal life,
Linus for the GTN Divine Expedition team
On Expedition + 