Nepal is a beautiful and exotic country with a unique history of Christian discipleship. Until the 1950s, Nepal was a Hindu kingdom, closed to outsiders. When the country was finally opened to the rest of the world, an influx of belief systems flooded in, including Christianity. Not all of the groups entering Nepal have been peaceful nor have they improved the living situation. The Maoists groups that infiltrated Nepal hoping to spread Maoist communism have strong-armed and oppressed Hindus, Buddhists and Christians alike. In light of the threats of violence, pockets of Christians began to emerge, the faith that has sustained them through hard times is now more radiant than ever.

Through a partnership with HPUMC, young Nepalese and Indian pastors established Bishram Ministries, a vital outreach to a country suffering long in poverty, political tumult and despair. Pastor Devendra Acharya and missionaries Asangla and Raju Bhattarai created Bishram as a center for Christian education and evangelism in Nepal. From their school in the country's capitol, Kathmandu, these young ministers have invited, trained and sent out new pastors into the mission field.

In its short life, Bishram has established 29 new Christian communities and multiplied the Nepalese Church by more than 6000 new members. The pastors have also created Bishram School of Missions which offers a two-year degree program, which graduated its first class of 22 missionaries in 2005. Dr. Billy Abraham of HPUMC & Perkins School of Theology at SMU recently returned from teaching his second course at Bishram on the Gospel of Mark.

HPUMC will be supporting Bishram through prayer and financial gifts and is planning a 10-day trip for October 2008.

For more info, contact Mary Bishop at bishopm@hpumc.org or 214.523.2202