Summer Mission Trip: 2018
posted by Navigators on November 13th, 2018 in Gospel | Missions
A Trip to Nepal
*a great part of this post is an extract and edited version of one of our mission teams’ Ministry Update, first printed in Compass, Winter 2015.
In late 2014, a small team led a short-term mission trip to ministries in Nepal. This was followed by a trek to Ama Dablam Base Camp in the Himalayas. Nepal is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, located in the mountains between India and China. The northern part of Nepal is influenced by Tibetan culture, while the southern part of the country is influenced by Indian Culture. Although there are many different religions in Nepal, almost 81% of the people are Hindus, with 11% being Buddhist, 4% Islamic, 2% Christian and the remaining consisting for various tribal religions. This summer, another team is visiting Nepal again. Let’s recap some of their amazing experience from 2014.
Here are some recollections from Matt on the mission aspect of the trip …
In our first few days, we were welcomed warmly and had the opportunity to explore the streets, taking in some of the cultural sites. We had dinner at the home of a labourer who is involved in university ministry, where we shared our stories with his family. On Saturday we attended his ministry, where Dave spoke from 1 Peter about the importance of discipleship and Julie shared her story. Afterwards we prayed that we would encourage our Nepalese brothers and sisters as much as they had encouraged us over the previous few days.
During our remaining days in [one of the cities], we visited two universities. We met some of the students, heard their stories and shared ours. We spent our last days there at a school run by another labourer, where we had opportunities to run activities and to share the gospel message with the students. As foreigners, we had greater freedom to share the gospel openly. It was a blessing to be able to spend time with these people, and we pray that God [continues] to grow the message of the gospel in and through them.
And here are some recollections from Rachael on the trek to Ama Dablam Base Camp …
I never imagined that I would conclude the year 2014 by landing in THE most dangerous airport in the world! And yet here we were, nine of us safely arriving at Lukla. A chill of anticipation pricked our spines in anticipation of the adventures there were to unfold. Our destination: Ama Dablam Base Camp, located 4600 metres above sea level.
Shortly after arriving, we prayed for the journey ahead and went on our way, led by our three wonderfully experienced Nepalese trekking guides. One of the stops on our journey was the town of Namche Bazar, the last major settlement along our route. Beautiful, white, powdery snow covered the town while we slept.
After Namche was Tengboche, then Pangboche and then the moment of truth: “Were we going to make it to Ama Dablam Base Camp?” The snow-caked path loomed onward and upwards and it was challenging. Nevertheless, we made it!
What a gracious and magnificent God we serve, who measures the waters in the hollow of His hand and weighs the mountains on scales!
If this story inspired you – there are opportunities to support short term-mission trips!
The Australian Navigators have again gathered a team to go to Nepal at the end of the year. Please pray for Nepal, our brothers and sisters labouring there, and for the hearts of the Nepalese to be open to the Gospel. If you’d also like to consider becoming a financial supporter, please contact the Nav Office for details on how to give.
If you are interested in short-term missions generally, please contact our Mission Directors, Bruce and Kathie Clarke.