Friday, October 31, 2008

mission:nepal

Hey all! Thought I'd give you an update on my Nepal trip.

The time frame has been set at February through June. This gives me time to prepare, file paperwork, and raise funds.

The city I will be based in is Pokhara, which is 123 mi west of the capital, Kathmandu. From Pokhara, I will be joining various church plant teams in rural Nepal. We will be planting churches in Hindu and Muslim communities, places that can only be reached on foot or by bicycle. The government has been in transition since Maoist rebels overthrew the monarchy in 2006 with hopes of creating a communists state. However, the people of Nepal have been able to form a democracy instead, but with Maoists leadership. Persecution in heavy in the rural areas among the different communities, but open governmental persecution is rare.

Look for a facebook group and blog in the coming week. I'll be posting more information on those as preparations are made and I will be able to update through those from Nepal.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Mr. Smith Goes to Pokhara


So we finally heard back from out contact in Pokhara, Nepal.

"Regarding Andrew, we are ready to have him in one of our CP [Church Plant] place. We are going get a room with our CP family and he will eat with our guys. Please let me know when he wants to come."

There it is ladies and gents. Looks like I've got me a destination.

I'll let you know when the dates are set.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Some Thoughts on the Trip

I am waiting patiently to figure out where in the world I'll be going. We finally heard back from our contact in Nepal. He said there's a possibility that I can be used out there. He is waiting for one of his team members to return from a village. He hasn't heard from him in awhile. Apparently he's in a place where you have to walk to. No roads. Crazy.

Also, Nepal's government is currently going through a shift of power. Their monarchy was overthrown by Maoists in August. So they are currently going through a major process of settling and adjusting to whatever governmental changes may occur. With that in mind, the liberty to openly talk about Nepal might be more restricted in the coming months in relation to my going there.

Our other contact in Thailand is currently in transition. She is between homes at the moment. She felt the need to move on from where she was at, as the Thai leadership was sufficient to be on there own. She is now waiting to see were G-d would have her be, whether it be an outlying village, or if she should even stay in Thailand at all.

In response to all these haps, I've been looking into cultures and customs. It has been a real eye opener. Not just on the cultural aspects of the trip, but on the financial/material side as well. Considering I could live in Thailand for around $12 a day. This would include room & board, food, transportation, and a translator. It has caused me to sincerely take stock in how I live. I don't have much in comparison to my fellow Americans, but in comparison my brothers and sisters in other parts of the world, I'm wealthy.

This revelation has caused me to try to live simpler. Try to be more grateful. Less entitled. It has also cause me to seek the Creator in ways that transcend words. I haven't even left the country and I'm already starting to be effected by the prospect of serving overseas. It is no small honor to be called to be an Ambassador of the Kingdom, at home or abroad. However, I cannot think of anything more humbling than this as well.

I'll continue to keep you posted.