Constant attacks, known as “bandhs” and stepped up harassment and threats to Christians are spreading fear into the lives of Baptists in Nepal.
The fear comes from daily killings spurred by the Maoists’ continuing insurgency against Nepal’s royal family and government.
Maoists are a communist party, considered violently antagonistic by Nepal’s government, yet they currently control 60 percent of the country.
In Khotang, now controlled by Maoists, Baptists have suffered restrictions and threats of violence. Several churches have closed and the pastors of those still open have been warned they must close.
Blacklists, restrictions
Pastors in the Khotang area of Nepal have been warned to stop having church within a month; otherwise opponents have threatened to cut off their hands.
Some pastors are now blacklisted and are in hiding and churches have closed and are now meeting in homes.
Pastors who travel must give detailed reports either to the Maoists or the Army. Because of this, Baptist leaders are unable to visit the churches or pastors.
With the courage of their faith the Khotang pastors plan to meet with the Maoist area commander to request they be permitted to have church.
Meanwhile 12 Baptist young people who were planning a revival in Nepal were believed to have been captured by the insurgency but have since escaped.
One church leader said security has almost disappeared.
Much of the current escalation in violence began in September when 12 Nepalese were killed in Iraq. Nepalese blamed the government and burned down the central offices of the government in Kathmandu. Muslim temples were also destroyed in other parts of Nepal.
Rations for food are four times more expensive in Khotang than in Kathmandu.
Other reports say the wave of persecution comes just as “many people in the countryside are coming to know the Lord.”
Also in the countryside and elsewhere in Nepal are “bandhs” or sporadic and unpredictable strikes that disrupt planning and make it difficult to know where and when one can travel.
It was a “bandh” that caused the Nepal Baptist Church Council (NBCC) to cancel a three-day retreat for pastors and evangelists in Kathmandu.
It was finally held in November. Reports said attendance was excellent and “it was a good time of fellowship and encouragement.”
While Baptists in Nepal face this harsh treatment, the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) calls on Baptists worldwide to pray for these specific requests.
– God will send peace to Nepal.
-Strength and courage will overcome fear.
-Pastors will be safe to lead churches.
-Leaders will know God’s wisdom to deal with the political situation to keep churches open.
-NBCC leaders can hold a meeting for pastors.
-Places of safety will be found if this persecution continues.
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