It has been an incredible trip and hard to believe that it is coming to a close. Each day has presented us with new and unique opportunities. Yesterday was no different. Bo met us at our hotel at 5:30 a.m. to hike to a local hill-top Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Along our way to the “hill” (which seemed less like a hill and more like a mountain) two national believers joined our group.
Though our inexperience of hiking in such high altitudes slowed our progress, we eventually made it to the Tibetan Buddhist Monastery at the top. After praying around the top for the city of Katmandu stretched out before us, we sought a monk to whom we could dialogue with and share the gospel. We were unable to enter into lengthy conversation with any of the monks, because their classes were starting at 8 a.m., but the Tibetan believers in our group distributed gospel tracts and discussed them with several monks.
Upon finishing our descent, we loaded into Bo’s car and drove to the top of the Swayambu Stupa for lunch at Doma’s (the Tibetan ‘Miss Barbara’) restaurant. Earlier in the week, she had promised to make us a traditional Tibetan lunch, and that she did. We ate Tea Momo’s, which were comprised of Tibetan Tea (made from milk and butter), barley flour, and butter. After adding all the ingredients in a bowl, we mashed them together to create a large, glutinous ball from which we picked and ate from. Though the texture reminded us of sand, they tasted very good. At the end of lunch, Doma, who is not a believer, allowed us to pray with her and for her elderly mother, who has recently fallen ill.
After returning from the Swayambu Stupa, Paul and Matt lead a series of church leadership lessons with several Tibetan believers. Paul’s lesson covered the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which he encouraged the believers to practice both. Matt’s lesson focused on instilling biblical and practical methods of discipleship. Following our hours of study, we journeyed to a local Tibetan / Chinese restaurant and ate with the Tibetan believers. Our night concluded with two hours of praise, games, and lessons at a local orphanage.
One of our largest events of the week took place this morning at the Swayambu Stupa, where we distributed water and gospel tracts to Buddhists worshiping at the site. We awoke early again and joined up with several Tibetan believers and began our work. We distributed over 500 bottles of water in under 45 minutes. Though we were more than happy to satiate the Buddhists’ physical thirst, our prayer is that the gospel message sent forth this morning will satiate the Buddhist’s spiritual thirst.
The trip has been incredible for many reasons. One of the most incredible is seeing the faith of Bo and Summer. How easy it is to practice Christianity in a city, state, and country where we are not required to sacrifice. During this week, I have often been reminded of the early church and the sacrifices its members are recorded to have made. Time and time again, we have seen the IMB missionaries and Tibetan believers make these same sacrifices in their striving to share the hope they have in Christ. We have all personally been touched by their dedication and obedience.
Though our time in Katmandu has come to an end, the work needed in the city has only begun. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers truly are few. I encourage anyone who reads this to consider spending a week, a month, or even a summer in Nepal. God has already called us to make disciples of all nations. Are you willing to answer the call?
