As we hear in the news of earthquakes rattling Nepal and parts of India, our mission to equip local pastors is more urgent than ever.
Last year, donors helped provide 5,000 audio libraries to Nepali pastors. The libraries are packaged on digital cards that plug into mobile phones, so pastors can access Bible study resources anytime, anywhere.
Now as the tragedy of the earthquake raises spiritual questions of life and death, 5,000 pastors are already equipped with resources to comfort earthquake victims with God’s Word.
To pastors with little knowledge of the Bible, commentaries and Bible study lessons are essential resources. Most Nepali pastors grow up in Hindu or Buddhist traditions. When they become Christians, they are immediately called to bring the good news to their families, friends, and communities. These new leaders are desperate for pastoral training resources in their language.Learning God’s Word so They Can Share It
When the digital cards were distributed in Nepal, word spread quickly to neighboring India. Now Indian pastors want these resources to be translated into the Bhojpuri language too.
Indian pastor Victor discovered the digital cards on a trip to Nepal. He explains:
The cards are so easy to use and have a wealth of information. We realized that they would be useful for our grassroots-level leaders. When we shared one with them, they were very excited and began to ask for more copies. Most of the people requested the cards to be made available in their mother tongue, Bhojpuri.
Now, Pastor Victor’s team and David C Cook are collaborating to produce 5,000 digital cards in the Bhojpuri language. For each pastor who receives a Bhojpuri card, the ministry multiplies. Some pastors lead house churches while others teach congregations up to two hundred people. As new churches are established and new pastors are trained, they reach new converts and raise up new leaders.
Please Pray
Please pray for the victims of the earthquake, and for the pastors in India and Nepal ministering in the wake of tragedy. We pray for the countries’ road to recovery, and that hearts will be open and responsive to the gospel.
We are in the midst of creating a resource titled, “Helping Communities Heal: After a Natural Disaster,” to be distributed to organizations working in Nepal. Watch for an update in the next blog.
