A church building in far western Nepal was completely destroyed on September 3 and villagers have been warned to not meet again, according to VOM sources in Nepal. All of the contents of the building were either burned or stolen, including musical instruments, books and carpets. Believers have been meeting in the facility for almost forty years and there had been an understanding with the perpetuators that the church meetings were fine. This attack happened at a time when the fellowship was growing rapidly, meeting the needs of many who were seeking for answers.
While no one was hurt, local Christians are understandably shaken and future meetings of the church are uncertain at this point. Christian leaders will be meeting with those responsible for the attack to try to reach an agreement.
Please pray for wisdom for the church leaders as they meet and make decisions for the future. Pray that they will rest upon the protection of guidance of the Lord. Pray also for Christians throughout Nepal. In the past week there has been considerable unrest, after the execution of twelve Nepalese citizens by Islamic militants in Iraq. Mosques have been attacked in the country, in retaliation for the deaths, but Christians have also faced threats, as the "Christian" west is seen as responsible for the situation leading up to the executions.
For more information on the challenges facing Christians in Nepal, click here.