Nepal (MNN) — Nepal's harbinger of change came in the form
of violence this election week. Eight people were killed in advance of the
polls opening today.
At stake is the retooling of the entire government. Newly-elected lawmakers are expected essentially to turn Nepal into a federal
republic.
Gospel For Asia's KP Yohannan says, "The kind of people
that are going to be appointed to create the constitution will have huge
significance, especially on religious freedom in the country. That's why everybody
is waiting anxiously to see what happens."
However, secularism does not guarantee freedom of religion,
or an open door for missionaries. Regardless
of who leads the government, GFA leaders urge Christians to both pray and take
action while a window of peace is open.
GFA Radio is
broadcasting the Gospel on stations across the country, including the
government's Radio Nepal. GFA primary
schools also serve as a major avenue of outreach to Nepal's people, especially
the Dalits.
Yohannan says, "Pray that the government will have at
least a handful of Christian representatives in their work on creating the new
constitution for the country. That is,
of course, significant. Pray for the missionaries, pastors and believers that
they would have wisdom to responding to the situation correctly in the midst of
the uncertainties."