Couple Released and Charges Dropped

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Last week, the Persecution and Prayer Alert reported on the arrest of a couple who led an orphanage in Nepal.  Babu and Sabitri Varghese had been accused of forcible conversion of those under their care.  On May 9, EquipNepal received a phone call from Babu, reporting that they had been released and all charges had been dropped due to lack of evidence.  Though very tired and suffering from a cold, Babu and Sabitri are well and praising God for their release.  They are hoping to take a few days away to rest.

Babu expressed concern for a strike planned by militant Hindus in Birganj City on May 12 to protest their release.  Pray that these plans will fall through.  Thank God for their safe release.  Pray for a quick recovery for Babu and Sabitri.  Thank you to all who prayed on their behalf.

For more information on the tensions facing Christians in Nepal, click here.

  • Current Ministry Project

    Through training on awareness, advocacy, and the theology of persecution, VOMC is helping to equip church leaders in Nepal to better respond to and withstand persecution.

    Project Fund: Equipping the Saints

  • Country Information

    Population
    30,899,443 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Chhettri (16.5), Brahman-Hill (11.3), Magar (6.9), Tharu (6.2), Tamang (5.6), Bishwokarma (5), Musalman (4.9), Newar (4.6), Yadav (4.2), Rai (2.2), Pariyar (1.9), Gurung (1.9), Thakuri (1.7), Mijar (1.6), Teli (1.5), Yakthung/Lumbu (1.4), Chamar/Harijan/Ram (1.4), Koiri/Kushwaha (1.2), other (20)

    Religion (%)
    Hindu (81.2), Buddhist (8.2), Muslim (5.1), Kirat (3.2), Christian (1.8), Other (0.5), Unspecifed (0.2)

    Leader
    President Ram Chandra Poudel (2023)

    Government type
    Federal parliamentary republic

    Legal system
    English common law and Hindu legal concepts

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Nepal

    Pray that Christians will practice their faith with courage.

    Pray that despite the lack of freedom to share the hope of faith in Christ, the Lord will give Christians opportunities to evangelize.

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Nepal News

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    Pastor Keshav Raj Acharya
    Photo: Christian Solidarity Worldwide

    In November 2021, Keshav Raj Acharya, the pastor of the Abundant Harvest Church in Pokhara, Nepal, was convicted of proselytising and, as a result, sentenced to two years in prison. Even though his sentence was reduced to one year upon appeal, Pastor Keshav subsequently appealed to the Supreme Court of Nepal. For more details, read these reports.

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  • Pastor Keshav Released on Bail
    Keshav Raj Acharya and his wife.
    Photo: Voice of America

    Since March 2020, Pastor Keshav Raj Acharya of the Abundant Harvest Church in Pokhara, Nepal, has faced numerous allegations and charges. Initially charged with spreading false information about COVID-19, the pastor was eventually cleared of all accusations. However, he was later arrested for two cases of "outraging religious feelings." In July 2022, he was convicted and sentenced to one year in prison. (For more information, click here.)

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  • Pastor Receives One-Year Sentence
    Pastor Keshav Raj Acharya
    Pastor Keshav Raj Acharya
    Photo: Christian Solidarity Worldwide

    Pastor Keshav Raj Acharya of the Abundant Harvest Church in Pokhara, Nepal, has faced ongoing pressure from Nepalese authorities over the past two years. Initially detained in March 2020, he was accused of spreading false information about COVID-19 after uttering a recorded statement that "God is able to heal." Eventually those charges were dropped, but the pastor was arrested twice more for allegedly trying to convert Hindus to Christianity and "outraging religious feelings." In November 2021, he was convicted but granted bail a month later while appealing the ruling (see this page).

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Nepal Videos

 
Nepal: "From the Dust" - John Monger's story
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Nepal: Christians 'On Top of the World' Facing Persecution
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