Tue 18 Apr 2006
It’s been a while since I?ve written a personal note and with all the violence and chaos here you might start to get worried. No fear! I am still here and kicking. This last week has been the worst episode of rebellion and violence in resent history. The seven political parties called a strike on the capital so that they could protest for their desire to have democracy restored in Nepal. In retaliation to this strike the King ordered a day time curfew and gave orders to shoot any one who didn?t comply. Thousands of people broke curfew and protested in the streets. Clashes erupted between the police and protesters with tear gas and bricks flying through the air. It?s been crazy, but it seems to be calming down a little. The government lifted the curfew and most stores are open again. The future is uncertain for Nepal, but one the thing is for sure- something is going to happen. I have no idea what will happen, but something has to give.
On a brighter note- I started discipling a group of five men this week. You have no idea what a huge blessing this is. All of these men are my age or older and they have a passion to grow in Christ. Every week we meet for a two hour Bible study and then I go and meet with them once a week on an individual basis. I really believe this is the way to reach this region: disciple men who will in turn disciple other men. Praise Him for his goodness in this area.
In my quiet time I have been reading through the book of 1st John. I don?t know why this book is any different than the other books I study, but it?s like it exploded in my heart. God is revealing so many deep truths to me. Every time I read through it, God gives me more and more to chew on. My heart is so full. Is there any other way to live? I think you know the answer.
I have two urgent prayer requests:
1. Some of my friends who minister in the mountains brought a young woman who was having heart problems to Kathmandu. Her name is Dhajumaya and she is going to have surgery either tomorrow or Saturday. Please make this a matter of serious prayer for the next few days.
2. My visa runs out on Friday and the visa office is only open today. Pray that God opens the door and gives me favor with the office as I go there this afternoon.
April 13th, 2006 at 7:14 pm
howdy nathan. I’m glad to know that you are still alive– and thanks for keeping me updated on the situation there. Our tv which only gets 3 channels doesn’t get cnn so i had no idea things had gotten that crazy. I’m praying for you guys! Tell everyone hello for me.
Blessings
“hopalong” Jenn
April 13th, 2006 at 10:21 pm
Praise the Lord that you are safe! You have been in prayers all around East Tennessee especially during the last few days.
I am finally home after my travels during the last three weeks. Arrived home from Washington, D.C. at 3:00 a.m. this morning. To say the least I am exhausted, and glad to be home. Sorry I have missed your calls this week, but it was good to have heard your voice on voice mail.
I love you, dear heart. Stay safe and keep your head down.
Keeping you in my prayers,
All my love,
Your mother
April 14th, 2006 at 7:21 am
It’s good to see you’re still alive and doing well. I am praying for you everyday and I’ll be praying for the people God gave you to disciple. Thanks for the comment you left on my blog. I’m learning that God is always in control and my desire should be to seek HIM. I miss you very much and you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Willing,
Jenni
April 16th, 2006 at 4:13 am
Wow! Nathan this chaos has even been the topic of conversation here with our Nepali studens–some worried, some not. However, I’m excited to be able to pray for you. When i look at that landscape I just know that God is working and there will be people there who give glory to God because of God’s work in your life. Take care brother and don’t be too dangerous. God’s still got things in store!!
“Do not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time (or ‘due season’) we shall reap a harvest if we do not faint.” Gal. 6:9 “I have come down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of Him who sent Me” (Jn. 6:38).
Love ya’ brother,
TH
April 19th, 2006 at 6:45 pm
Hey Nathan,
I’m praying for you, your peace and steadfastness even amisdt such chaos can only be
from one source. I have been reading a lot in Paul’s epistles, now 1 Thesalonians and
his steadfast perserverence and unshakable passion are striking me anew as well, and
reminding me of the peace that passes understanding that we have in the Spirit!
I’m listening to a version of Great is thy Faithfulness right now and I’ll be praying that
God shows his great faithfulness every day. “There is no shadow of doubt….morning
by morning new mercies I see, all I have needed thy hand hath provided.”
Praying for the visa matters as well.
Bethany