5 The first generation of Nepali leaders laid a good foundation

a) Effective transfer of leadership to a second generation

b) Men and women of vision who are filled with the Holy Spirit for the task ahead

c) Leadership training

6 The social challenges for Christian ministry

a) Alleviating poverty

b) Confronting the continuing evils of caste discrimination (despite it being illegal), the widespread use of bond slavery and child labour (500,000 economically active under 14 years)

c) Opposing the trafficking of Nepali girls for the Indian and Middle East 'sex' industry

d) Providing health services

7 The less reached

a) The influential high-caste Brahmin and Chhetri (Rajput)

b) The Awadhi and Maithili of the Terai lowlands

c) The Mountain peoples – almost entirely Tibetan-related

d) Tibetan refugees – long unreached; now there is a steady trickle of people seeking the Lord

e) The increased numbers of Muslims

f) University students. There are 100,000 students in 3 universities on 150 campuses

8 Missions have played a remarkable supportive role in improving health, agriculture and education

9 Nepalis who have migrated temporarily for work or permanently in large numbers to India, the Himalayan region and beyond, may total 10 million

a) In India, Sikkim state is 75% Nepali and Darjeeling District in West Bengal is 60% Nepali

b) In Bhutan, Nepalis have suffered discrimination, and in 1991 many were expelled and now live as refugees in UN camps in south-east Nepal

c) Many Nepalis serve as Gurkha soldiers in the British, Brunei and Indian armies

10 Other help ministries

a) Bible translation is in progress in 12 languages, but practical and spiritual obstacles to their completion are many

b) The Bible Society's ministry has expanded after years of great difficulties

c) Christian literature can now be freely printed and distributed without censorship

d) Cassette tapes are a useful evangelistic and teaching tool, but players are not widely available

e) Bible correspondence courses have long been a key means of outreach, but the programme lacks funds and personnel to continue effectively

f) Christian radio

g) The JESUS film has been widely used and about 25% of the population have viewed it

Politics

Nepal was never ruled by colonial powers.

Religion

The world's only Hindu Kingdom.

Churches in Nepal

Missionaries from Nepal

746 in 13 agencies to 4 countries:

Expatriates to Nepal

717 in 90 agencies from 30 countries:

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Geography

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Area 147,181 sq.km. A mountain-ringed Himalayan state between China (Tibet) and India.

Population (2000) 23,930,490 +2.38%AGR

Capital Kathmandu 1,500,000.

Peoples

Indo-Aryan 79%.

Tibeto-Burman 17%.

Munda-Santal 0.3%.

Other 3.7%.

Literacy 40%. Official language Nepali. All languages 124. Languages with Scriptures 6Bi 11NT 9por 12w.i.p.

Economy

An isolated subsistence economy. HDI 0.463; 144^th/174. Public debt 48% of GNP. Income/person $220 (0.7% of USA) with 42% living below the poverty line.

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