The Free Methodist Church is reaching into two regions of Nepal. The first region is among tribal groups in eastern Nepal and is sponsored by the Immanuel Conference of the India FMC. The second outreach is the result of a partnership between FMWM and the India Alpha Conference to support the rapidly growing and innovative church-planting movement in the isolated Himalayan border area between Nepal and Tibet. Steve Evoy, who helped found the work as a VISA missionary, is now the pastor of the Wolverine, MI, FMC, which joined the Nepal ministry partnership. For 10 years this sister church relationship with the Nepal FMC has been the means of hundreds coming to faith in Christ.

What began as a simple education-evangelism project has developed into a powerful church planting movement, which now consists of a central church and a circuit of 14 fellowships that represent a membership of over 500 people. A cohort of 70 lay leaders has been equipped for full-time leadership roles. This ministry network carries out several expressions of God’s love, including outreach to the desperately poor in the local slums, literacy and job skills training, and ongoing evangelism efforts in remote areas. This has proven to be an effective model to cultivate a fruitful presence among spiritually unreached peoples living in geographically isolated places, and is truly a cutting-edge ministry into a frontier area.

"Barnabas" had a dream to spread the hope of Jesus in his homeland. Before becoming a Christian, Barnabas’ life was about drinking, smoking, women and gambling. His decision to follow Christ dramatically changed his life. “Since I became a Christian, I really want to let people know about Jesus, especially in my homeland, because when I grew up, I never heard about Jesus.” In August 2008, Barnabas traveled from North America, where he had immigrated, to Asia as a pioneer missionary. There he is working with other leaders to form a strategy for the first Free Methodist outreach into this largely unevangelized country.

Intermediate goals for work in Country L include meeting Christian leaders already working there and in a neighboring country, networking with those who are already Christians, exploring radio broadcasting ministries based in a nearby country, clearly defining physical needs, and exploring options for Christian community development projects (such as a fish farm, a community garden ministry, and English classes).

Long-term goals are to spread the hope of Jesus to families from and in Country L by telling them the truth and loving them in a tangible way, establish Christian community development projects to provide for the poor, and provide support and networking for Christians from and in Country L.

In spite of harassment and intimidation, the Free Methodist Church in Country V is determined to remain strong. Services have been interrupted by police and believers warned not to return. They respond by telling authorities they cannot stop meeting "since worshiping our Lord Jesus Christ is a must for every Christian."

A tribal pastor who opened his home for a church was arrested and told not to follow Jesus. “But I continued and nearly 100 were saved. Thank you, Jesus. The police arrested the believers and burned my house.” The pastor faced further persecution when he testified in another district, but God interceded. “Now we have more peace, but because I am a Christian, the government will not give tribal benefits such as free education for my children. I oversee five FM churches and will plant more. Thank you, Jesus.”

FMWM leaders stand ready to come alongside churches who partner with the FMC in Country V, so that appropriate means of contact and ministry can happen. Our Asia Area Director reports that just $150 per month would support one pastor in Country V, and other opportunities exist for coming alongside these courageous brothers and sisters in Christ. Ministry among people from Country V is also taking place in Taipei, Taiwan.

Identifying information on creative access ministries has been withheld for security reasons. More specific details are available from Dale Woods to qualified inquries.

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