10 flights, five different countries, several days of no (or minimal) sleep, 13 hrs 45 min time zone difference, no shortage of adventures. I knew this recent trip to Asia would have its challenges, but also would offer incredible opportunities – and I was not disappointed on either count.
Flying through Korea and Thailand on my way to Nepal, I was met in Kathmandu by my hosts, Pastor Samuel and Pastor Deepak. These amazing men are actively working at planting churches and other ministry projects all over Nepal. The government is becoming more open to Christianity, as long as you don’t engage in open-air crusades which will result in five years in prison.
Rather than sticking with our pre-arranged schedule, they informed me I would be training a group of pastors the next day, then preaching and doing our dissertation interviews the following day. Thankfully I’ve always got something up my sleeve, and the time together was a wonderful encouragement to us all.
Preaching in the church was a blast, and the dissertation interviews with Samuel and Deepak that afternoon concluded that portion of my research. Now comes all the analyzing, drawing out implications, comparing with existing academic literature, and finally putting it all together into the book.
^ The church in Nepal sends greetings ^
Although there was not really time for sightseeing, I did catch a few of the highlights around Kathmandu, and dreamed someday of climbing to Everest Base Camp (a 12-day trek after short flight from Kathmandu).
I did get to see Everest from the plane as we approached Kathmandu.
From there, passing through Malaysia, I eventually made it to the town of Kalemyo in interior Myanmar, which used to be called Burma. My good friend and training partner Al and I worked with a group from the Chin tribe as we launched a new network.
Meanwhile Al’s wife Edie works with the women teaching them Bible study principles using origami.
When I say that “meat” overseas is often primarily bone and fat, I’m not kidding!
After several more flights, I was so thankful to reach home. God took good care of Holly and Alyssa while I was away, and we praise God for another successful ministry venture.
