Day 13
Nepal
An earthquake measuring 5.6 resulted in the deaths of at least 6 people in Western Nepal. Several smaller earthquakes within the month caused a great deal of fear among many who are still recovering from the effects of the devastating earthquake in 2015. Some infrastructure damaged in that earthquake remains unrepaired due to bureaucratic processes that make access to the needed funds incredibly slow. Pray that the hope and peace that Jesus brings will be experienced by many this Christmas season. Pray that the Gospel will be effectively presented this month (The Bible, Romans 1:16).
Source: Nepal earthquake kills at least six villagers, rattles New Delhi (Reuters)
Nepal is famous for the world’s tallest mountain range. Recovery from the devastating 2015 earthquake continues to be hampered by political infighting which has prevented the release of funds that were pledged. An extremely poor country, Nepal’s economy relies on international aid and tourism which suffered tremendously during the COVID-19 pandemic. Human trafficking and corruption remain major problems. Nepal and India are the world’s only Hindu-majority nations. Despite this, Nepal is officially a secular nation and freedom of religion was enacted in 2006, but persecution has intensified. Five years ago, new laws were introduced to prevent religious conversion. Only a few Nepali Christians have been charged and convicted under these laws, and a hand full of expatriate workers expelled.
