Pastor Reuben Rai, CRI Nepali partner
Nepal (MNN) ― Nepal still has no government in place to fill a post-monarchy political vacuum. The former Hindu kingdom has been without leadership since May 28.
Just two weeks ago, the interim prime minister resigned to make way for the Maoists to form a government. The former rebels won most seats in the constitutional assembly elections but not enough to form their own government.
As prime minister, Girija Prasad Koirala steered the country through the two-year long peace process that helped put an end to a bitter civil war. Nepal's constitutional assembly will be rewriting the country's constitution and will also function as a de facto parliament for the immediate future.
With all the political wrangling, attention has drifted away from sectarian issues. Christians who have faced persecution in the past were sometimes political targets who refused to side with the government or the rebels.
However, the freedoms believers are currently experiencing could change with a new regime. It's that uncertainty that's driving a Christian Resources International partner, Pastor Reuben Rai (rye). CRI's Fred Palmerton says, "His concerns are more that it won't last. Right now, the Hindu kingdom has become a secular state. He's anxious to get on with it while those doors are open. He doesn't seem to have any fear of working now. They are hungry for it. They gather by the hundreds."
CRI sent a shipment of children's materials last fall to Rai. In his thank you letter, he wrote, "We will pray for you and for Christian Resources International that your ministry will touch someone somewhere as you spread the Word and help. Please remember us in your prayers. Your investment won't go in vain. Surely God shall reward you for this."
You can help further the Gospel in Nepal. Palmerton says, "Pray that materials flow there and that the funds come in to send materials. It's about $10.00 a pound to air freight this material in to Reuben."
