A Proposal for Land for the Training Centre

"… to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ.” (Ephe 4:12) Honourable Partners, Loving greetings from Nepal. The First and the foremost, let me express our collective gratitude to you for your sincere prayers and faithful partnership with us all these years in the ministry of training, equipping and empowering the grass roots leaders of this fertile soil to Lead, Feed and Protect the flocks and Plant new churches in this land of temples. You, our honourable vision conjuring partners deserve our appreciation in this endeavor. I am sure that it would not have been possible for us to carry on this vision, had you not been our friend, partner and benefactor. Let me now share with you about the burning need of partnership in buying a piece of land for the residential training centre in Surkhet, Mid-west Nepal. Brief Preamble of HBTC. Himalayan Bible Training Centre, Surkhet, Mid-west Nepal, HBTC hereafter was established on Feb, 13, 2007 and runs Five Month Residential Bible/Leadership training for the underprivileged, grassroots leaders and the church planters in Nepal. The HBTC is a residential Bible/Leadership training centre of Himalayan Bible Study Academy established on January 2, 2002, a non denominational and interdenominational ministry, also a registered ministry with the government of Nepal and have been alma mater for many grassroots leaders and has have trained 179 leaders in the consecutive 12 sessions. Our joys find no boundary to get reports of tremendous success of church planting by our alumni. Only in the last fiscal year, 56 new churches were planted by our alumni according to the reports we received and all glory to God Almighty. Need of a plot of land to construct our own building. In the last 11 years of ministry across the country, we have been focusing on building the PEOPLE and our priority had never been on Building the infrastructures. Our PURPOSE was distinct i.e. to train and equip the leaders to be more effective & multiplying leaders and the church planters to plant the new churches in inaccessible places of Nepal, God has generously granted us the PEOPLE i.e. both the benefactors and the beneficiaries as you have noticed, and we have been doing the PROGRAMS and never had priority on owning PROPERTY. As it is obvious that the challenges have grown, as the ministry grows and continuing the residential training in a rented house has become difficult. As per the demand of the time and need of the village churches in the mid-west and the far-west Nepal, we are now convicted that our training program has to be upgraded into a Year Bible school which requires a proper management in our own infrastructure. We therefore have been seeking for some like-minded friends to give us Heart, Head and Hand in this challenging effort of buying a plot of land first and then start the construction of buildings in different phases. Here I go with some brief information about the proposed land-purchasing plans. Details of the Project: The proposed area of the land: In the valley of Surkhet, but somewhere 2-3 kilometers away from the main city. The area of the land: 2 Ropani according to the local unit measurement i.e. 10,952 square feet with road access. Estimated cost of the land : NPR. 17,00,000.00 equivalent with GBP 12,319.00 Projected dateline to complete the project: Within next 15 months i.e. by Dec 31, 2013. Ownership of the land : The land will be registered in the name of Himalayan Bible Study Academy, as a Registered organization with the government of Nepal. Usage of the land: Building for our One Year Residential Bible School and short term occasional training programmes. The building of proposed One year Bible School (Jan 2013) will be constructed in the land and some short term seminars and conferences could be held in the premises. “Now to Him, who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” (Eph 3:20) I am sure that this project shall be incomplete without your prayers and partnership. Let me, therefore covet your sincere prayers and spontaneous investment in it for the extension of His kingdom here in Nepal. Thanking and looking forward to a stronger partnership with you in this endeavor, -------------------------------- Dil Bahadur Tamang President, Himalayan Bible Study Academy, (Govt. Reg. No. 1331) Kathmandu, Nepal. Picture sketch of the Proposed buildings of HBTC Surkhet. Building No. 4: Kitchen and Dinning for about 30 people Building No. 3 : 6 Rooms, one room as meeting room and 5 rooms for 10 Female students on 2x2 sharing basis Building No. 2 : Principal’s Quarters Building No. 1 : Main building containing 18 rooms, 10 rooms for Men’s hostel on 2x2 sharing basis, offices, library, Guest Room and Class room so on.

Biographies for the 12th Batch of Students

Himalayan Bible Training Centre, Surkhet Biographies for the 12th Batch of Students Hira Darlami Magar Age: 20 yrs Christya Church Karekhola, Surkhet Address: Jarbuta V.D.C.- 6 Lamidada, Surkhet District, Mid-West region, Nepal Conversion story I am Hira. I come from a remote area of the Surkhet valley. My family is from the Magar people group, living a simple agricultural life on a hillside. My parents work in the fields. I was able to complete Grade 12. One day I climbed up a tree and fell down on the ground and could not move. My father admitted me to the local hospital. After that I was healed. Later, because of alcohol consumption, my father becoming very ill and was admitted to the local hospital. He was not healed and he came back home. One Christian lady came to my house and shared about Jesus. When church people prayed for my father he was completely healed. Then I accepted Jesus as LORD of my life. After that I continued to go to church. Now my pastor has sent me to this training. After this training I want to serve as a youth group leader. Please pray for me. 2. Name: Sunita Tamrakar Age: 22 yrs Asis Church, Chhayoda Dadeldhura Address: Amargadi Municipality-6, Chhayoda, Dadeldhura District, Far-West region, Nepal Conversion story I am Sunita. I was born and brought up in Dadeldhura, with a Hindu background. I came from a poor family. My father and elder brother went to India and searched for work and then sent money for us to live. I continued my education until Grade 10. When I was a child my mother passed away. I stayed with my elder sister once she got married. I felt alone. I had no peace in my heart and because of my situation I worshipped many gods. This did not satisfy my heart so I left behind all my Hindu customs. My friend was suffering with an evil spirit. A pastor was called and with prayer she was slowly healed. When I saw that I liked it and accepted Jesus as LORD. After that I continued to go to church. My church sent me to this training. After this training I want to serve at my church in my village in the women's group. 3. Name: Tej Tamrakar Age: 25 yrs Asis Church, Chhayoda Dadeldhura Address: Amargadi Municipality-6, Chhayoda Dadeldhura District, Far-West region, Nepal Conversion story My name is Tej. I am come from a remote area of Dadeldhura. My family background is Hindu. I born and brought up with these same customs. When I was 12 years old bad friends influenced me and so when I was in Grade 7 I left school. One time I entered a Hindu temple and was possessed by an evil spirit. I was fearful and because of this problem I visited many mediums but could not be healed. My situation grew worse day by day. My friend was a Christian and he invited me to church. When I went to church I was slowly healed through prayer. I continued to go to church. My church sent me to this training. After this training I want to serve with my church youth group in my village. Please pray for me. 4. Name: Gagabir Bath Age: 28 yrs Jyoti Prasamsha Church, Jugar Rolpa Address: Budagau V.D.C.- 5, Simpani, Rolpa District, Mid-West region, Nepal Conversion story I come from Rolpa District. My family is large and poor and of Magar background. From a young age I was involved in rituals. Because of my friends I became mixed up with bad company. I attended drunken parties. Because of my wickedness I was unable to serve my family. 9 years ago I went to Katmandu and worked at a brick factory. At that time a Christian leader come to my workplace and shared about Jesus. After that I went church. When church people prayed for me I was completely freed from my bad habit and I accepted Jesus as LORD of my life. Nowadays,in my village, there is a new church. I serve as a leader in this church. My church sent me to this training. After this training I want to serve with my church in the remote area of Rolpa. 5. Name: Kamal Soni Age: 20 yrs Neware Christya Church, Surkhet Address: Birendranagar Municipality- 1, Gagret Surkhet District, Mid-West region, Nepal Conversion story I was born and brought up in Aalaya Chaur, Surkhet. My family background is Christian. I brought up with Christian values and customs, but I had an up-and-down lifestyle. Because of poverty my father always drinks alcohol. I could not continue school education past tenth grade. At that time I went to a Christian seminar and learnt that Jesus can heal your family's problems. After that I went church. When church people prayed for me I accepted Jesus as LORD of my life. I continue to go to church. My church sent me to this training at the HBTC. After this training I want to serve in Gagret village in Surkhet. 6. Name: Jit Bhadur Budha Chhetri Age: 23 yrs Bheri Christya Church, Surkhet Address: Latikoili V.D.C.- 5, Beri Breze, Surkhet District, Mid-West region, Nepal Conversion story My name is Jit. I come from the bank of the Bheri River. My father was the priest at the Hindu Temple. Because of poverty I could not continue school education past fifth grade. I needed to work so I went to India and spent 20 months there. As I was coming back a thief stole all my money. My mother become very ill, her body was always shaking. My grandmother was a Christian. She called church people and they prayed for my mother. Then she went to a church and after that she believed in Jesus as LORD. I also believed. Now my whole family, including my father, has accepted Jesus and goes to church. My church sent me to this training. After this training I want to serve in my village on the bank of the Bheri River. Please pray for me. 7. Name: Bir Bhadur Wali Age: 56 yrs Anugra Church,Chepang Address: Kunathari Chepang V.D.C.-1Bheri Kinar, Surkhet District, Mid-West region, Nepal Conversion story I come from a Chhetri, orthodox Hindu background. From a small age I worked in the fields. At the age of 18 I joined the Nepali armed police force. After 22 years I retired and worked at home. I was suffering from a sickness at that time. Because of that I could not work and just lay in bed. I went to the local hospital and they referred to me a bigger hospital. I went there but did not improve. I came back to my house and went to church. When I started to go to church I accepted Jesus as LORD of my life. Now my family, including my wife, has accepted Jesus and goes to church. But my two sons could not accept Jesus. I continue to go to church and learn more about Jesus. My church sent me to this training. After this training I want to serve in my Chepang village church. 8. Name: Hikmat Bahadur Gharti Magar Age: 26 yrs Bethel Church, Surkhet Address: Lekparajul V.D.C.- 2, Basari, Surkhet District, Mid-West region, Nepal Conversion story My name is Hikmat. I come from a remote area of the Surkhet District. My family's religious background is Hindu. I was born and brought up according to Hindu customs. In my V.D.C. there is a primary school. Because of poverty I could not go to school. At the age of 18 I got married and we had a child. After that my wife was suffering from a sickness. Because of that she could not work and just lay in bed. We treated her at home but it did not work and so then we took her to a big hospital but she did not improve. We came back home. My aunty is a Christian and she invited me to church. When we went to church my wife was slowly healed through prayer. We continued to go to church. My church sent me to this training. After this training I want to serve with my church in my village. Please pray for me. 9. Name: Lalbir B.K. Age: 17 yrs Bethel Church, Salghaei Surkhet Address: Lekhparajul V.D.C.- 1, Salghari, Surkhet District, Mid-West region, Nepal Conversion story I am Lalbir. My family lives on the bank of the Bheri River. They were all Hindu. Because of poverty I could not continue my school education past eighth grade. When I was 14 I became mixed up in bad company. For that reason I began to suffer from chest pain and became very ill. My father admitted me to the local hospital. I went there but did not improve. At that time one Christian lady came to my house and shared that Jesus could heal. After that I went to church. When church people prayed for me I was completely healed and I accepted Jesus as LORD of my life. Now my whole family has accepted Jesus and goes to church. My church sent me to this training at the HBTC. After this training I want to serve in Salghari village on the bank of the Bheri River. 10. Name: Moti Prasad B.K. Age: 23 yrs Penticost Church, Gumi, Surkhet Address: Gumi V.D.C.- 7, Bisalchook, Surkhet District, Mid-West region, Nepal Conversion story I come from a remote area of Surkhet. My family lives a simple agricultural life on a hillside. My parents work in the fields. Because of my mother's sickness I was not able to go to school so I went to India and searched for work but could not earn enough money. After many months of hard labor I sent money and mother was admitted to hospital. Sometime later I returned to my village. When a leader visited me he invited me to church. When church people prayed for my mother she was healed and I accepted Jesus as LORD of my life. I learned about Jesus and continued to go to church. My church sent me to this training. After this training I want to serve in my village church. Please pray for me. 11. Name: Honok Bahadur Rawal Age: 30 yrs Anugra Christya Church, Chiuribaj Kailali Address: Pathria V.D.C.- 8, Khairafat, Kailali District, Far-West region, Nepal Conversion story I am Honok Bhadur Rawal. I was born and brought up in the border area of the western terai, with a Hindu background. I came from a family where alcohol was made. From a young age I learned to drink and smoke and fight. I could not continue my education beyond third class. At the age of 13 I left home and went to India. I spent thirteen years there in Jujrath. I came back home, but then returned to India where I worked for five years as a laborer. While working at a house my friend invited me to church. I liked it and accepted Jesus as LORD of my life and have continued to go to church. My life still is slowly changing. My wife also accepted Jesus and went to church. The church has also sent me to this training at HBTC. After this training I want to serve in my village church. Please pray for me. 12. Name: Janaki B.K. Age: 19 yrs Neware Christya Church, Surkhet Address: Birendranagar Municipality- 12, Neware, Surkhet District, Mid-West region, Nepal Conversion story My name is Janaki. I come from the eastern part of the Surkhet Valley. My family background is Hindu and I was brought up with these customs. I passed all the school grades. I left my father's house and stayed in my mother's father's house. My grandfather became a Christian and he invited me to church. When I went to church I liked it and continued to go to church. At church I learnt more about Jesus. My church sent me to this training. After this training I want to serve with my church, ministering to women in my area. 13. Name: Eklal B.K. Age: 43 yrs Asis Church, Dhodekhal Surkhet Address: Birendranagar Municipality- 1, Surkhet District, Mid-West region, Nepal Conversion story I come from Dhodekhali, Surkhet. My family background is Hindu and from a young age I was involved in rituals. Because of poverty I could not receive a school education. I needed to work so I went to India and spent some years there. I came back and worked in construction. I was suffering from a sickness at the time. Because of paralysis I could not move and I always lay in bed. My wife admitted me to the local hospital and they referred to me a big hospital in Kathmandu. I went there but did not improve. The doctor said to me "You have cancer. You will only live for six more months". They sent me back home. I had no hope in my life. I came back to my house and began to count my days. When I started to go to church my life slowly improved. When church people prayed I was healed and I accepted Jesus as LORD of my life. Now my church has appointed me as a church leader. My church sent me to this training. After this training I want to serve with my church. 14. Name: Hira Singh Sarki Age: 28 yrs Siwan Aradhana Church, Kalyan Surkhet Address: Kalyan V.D.C.- 5 Hile Shota, Surkhet District, Mid-West region, Nepal Conversion story I am Hira. I come from Kalyan, Surkhet. My family background is Hindu and I was brought up with these customs. I suffered from a sickness during my childhood. Because of my illness my father did many things to try and help me. At last one Christian leader came to my house and shared that Jesus heals your problems. After that I went church. When church people prayed for me I was completely healed and we accepted Jesus as LORD of our lives. Because of physical weakness I could not continue school more than seventh grade. Now my whole family, including my wife, has accepted Jesus and goes to church. Although our family life is up and down because of poverty we continue to go to church. My church sent me to this training at the HBTC. After this training I want to serve in Hilesota village in Surkhet. Please pray for me. 15. Name: Dev Sunar Age: 21 yrs Gaigatha Church, Taratal Bardia Address: Sanoshree V.D.C.-1, Bargau Coliaroad Bardia District, Mid-West Region, Nepal Conversion story My name is Dev. I come from an area near the border between India and Nepal, the Bardia District. My family background is Hindu and I was brought up with these customs. My family is large, living a simple agricultural life on the Terai. My parents work in the fields. I was not able to pass my school education so I went to India and searched for work but could not earn enough money. I returned to my village. Through a manpower agency I was able to go to Malaysia and work at a furniture company. While in Malaysia I heard that my wife, back in my village, married somebody else. I felt sad and come home, sick with depression. Due to all this I felt very sad. My friend brought me to church. There I learned about Jesus and continued to go to church. I liked it and accepted Jesus as LORD of my life. In my village there are no leaders of the church. I want to lead my church after this training. Please pray for me. 16. Name: Gopal B.K. Age: 18yrs Gaigatha Church, Taratal Bardia Address: Sanoshree V.D.C.-1, Bargau Coliaroad Bardia District, Mid-West region, Nepal Conversion story My name is Gopal. I come from an area near the border between India and Nepal, the the Bardia District. My family background is Hindu and I was brought with these customs. My family is large, living a simple agricultural life on a Terai. My parents work in the fields. I was not able to study beyond eighth grade at school. Because of my friends I became involved with bad company. I attended drunken parties. Because of my wickedness I was unable to serve my family. At that time one Christian leader came to my house and shared about Jesus. After that I went church. When church people prayed for me I was completely freed from my bad habit and after that I accepted Jesus as LORD of my life. In my village there is no leader in the church. After this training I want to serve in my village church. 17. Name: Shankar Sarki Age: 32 yrs Siwan Aradhana Church, Kalyan Surkhet Address: Kalyan V.D.C.- 5, Hile Shota, Surkhet District, Mid-West region, Nepal Conversion story My family lives on the bank of the Bheri River. They were all Hindu. Because of poverty I could not continue my school education past eighth grade. I needed to work so I went to India and spent four years there in Hariyana. I came back to join the Maoist Army during the People's War. I served five years in their army before returning to India as a laborer. Because of my father becoming very ill I returned to Nepal. My father was completely healed when he went to a church and after that I accepted Jesus as LORD of my life. Now my whole family, including my wife, has accepted Jesus and goes to church. Although our family life is up and down because of poverty we continue to go to church. My church sent me to this training at the HBTC. After this training I want to serve in Salghari village on the bank of the Bheri River.

local board meeting 16 September 2012

Loving greetings from HBTC Surkhet. On behalf of the training centre family, let me greet you all in the name of the Lord and express our collective gratitude to you for your active participation and prayers for us. I do not think it would have been possible for us to carry on the training ministry here in the Midwest Nepal, had you not played a vital role of praying and partnering with us and may the Lord bless you. I recently visited the training centre in Surkhet and could attend the local board meeting on the 16th September and may I share with you the following resolution made by the board for your information and prayers. 1. Change in the local board I am glad to share with you that the founding local board had been playing a tremendous role in bringing up the training ministry in the last five and half years and pastor Padam Nepali, the founding chairman has spontaneously handed over the responsibility to the new board chaired by pastor Navin Darlami (Itram Christian Church), as he remained pretty busy these days. The new board comprises the following members. Pastor Padam Nepali : Advisor Elder Engineer Ramji Prasad Koirala : Advisor Pastor Navin Darlami : Chairman Pastor Goman Basyal : Vice-chairman Elder Gyan Gurung : Secretary Elder Dipendra Thapa : Treasurer Mrs. Ganga Nepali : Member Ms. Lalita Auji : Member Mr. Chiran Gaire : Member Let us pray for the successful tenure of the new board for the betterment of the training centre. 2. Up grading the Training Programme As I shared with you some months before for prayers and suggestions about up grading the programme into a year programme, time now has come to proceed further in it. Thank you also for your approval for it and the local board has decided to up grade the training course from five months into a year programme to be effective after the completion of the 12th session i.e. commencing from the 16th of January 2013. I will appreciate your prayers as we need to design the course and take faith steps financially as there will be some additional expense comparatively for the one year program. However, we will not ask you to raise any additional funding for this reason. We will try not to add additional burden to you and the friends and will be happy with the regular funding from you. 3. Need of a piece of land of our own. The board has prayerfully decided to initiate the fund raising for the need of land and building for the training centre in Surkhet. I will prepare a separate proposal for it and send to you some time later. Please bear with me until I spare some time to prepare it. This much for today and it has been our prayer that the Lord would bless you and our honourable partners in the ministry. Thanking you, Sincerely yours in His Harvest, Dil Bahadur Tamang

activities included in training

Besides classes in the classroom, the students are given opportunities to grow in various aspects of life. Here are some of the extra activities included in the training: Fasting Prayer On each last Friday of the month, all the students and staff spend the whole day in prayer and fasting. Indeed, some of the students fast for 40 days, having one light meal in the evening while continuing classes. It has been really encouraging to see the students growing in intimacy with the Lord Jesus, and not only in the academic exercises. In this way, they maintain both mind and spirit during the training. Bible Reading As per the requirement of the training centre, the students complete a reading of the entire Bible from cover to cover at least once during the training session. As the training centre is named the Bible Training Centre, we try to prioritize and help students learn the Bible more than any other subject. Of course, we include other subjects, such as the Major Religions, Church History, Leadership, strategies of church planting, pastoral care, effective preaching, and so on. We are glad that all our students did complete the reading of the entire Bible at least once within the given time, and some of them read it twice.

Blood Donation As seen in the picture above, two students of the HBTC and the principal donated blood in a campaign initiated by Itram Christian Church on National Democratic Day (19 February). The blood donation campaign was held in partnership with Nepal Red Cross Society and it was our pleasure that HBTC also could take part in it. Bible Verse memorization The students are encouraged and required to memorize selected verses. The students need to memorize about 100 verses of the Bible during this five months. We believe the memorization of Scripture helps on many occasions. Outreach experience As in previous batches, the students of this session were sent for outreach experience for two weeks (May 20- June 1) to four different places of Surkhet and Dailekh districts. The first group comprised four members and the cook and went to Battichour (Surkhet) and Khadgawada (Dailekh). This group managed to start a new fellowship group at Khadgawada with 6 new believers. Let us pray that they would grow in their faith in the future. Another group was sent to help the newly planted Baptist church in Birendranagar. They participated in the city sanitation campaign as well, and shared the good news to many people, with one man starting to attend church. The third and the fourth group were sent to help the church in Malarani and also Smarna church in Birendranagar. Altogether more than 2,000 Gospel tracts were distributed, and they shared the Good news with the help of singing and testimony. Altogether 150 New Testaments were distributed and 9 people believed in the Lord. Meanwhile, HBTC national director Dil reports from his recent work in Bhutan, for many years a closed and hard to reach nation. Jaimashih. I am still in Thimphu Bhutan training 25 grassroots church planters. I am glad that I could have email access here in Thimphu as well. I have requested pastor Suresh, the principal and pastor Yam, the director to communicate with you now on, so that we all would grow in communication skills and also in leadership. However, I will be available, whenever it is needed. It has been my prayer and effort to get my colleagues to grow in every aspect of life and ministry, so that this work would continue even if I am gone one day. Thank you once again for all you have been doing. In His harvest, Dil, Thimphu, Bhutan. Next month, we have news of the successful graduation ceremony for this session. Meanwhile, please pray for the upcoming 12th session beginning July 16, 2012. 'Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful...that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ' (Colossians 4:2-3) Yours in Him, Rod.

11th session Student individual biography

1. Name: Mr. Rajendra Rana Magar

Age : 28 yrs Church : Bethel Church, Surkhet Address: Sahartara V.D.C.-7 Tuppatara, Dolpa District Midwest region, Nepal. Conversion story My name is Rajendra Rana Magar. I come from the remote Dolpa District in Karnali zone. I was born and brought up in a strong Buddhist family. I could complete the study of class five only at a local primary school and went to the District headquarters to continue my school education. However, I could not continue my studies, because of the poverty of my parents. I was disappointed a bit and left my home and came to Surkhet hoping to find a job. I was hunting for job and could not find one. In order to survive, I joined a hard working labor team. While working at one house, the landlord cared for me so much and I was really impressed by him. And he took me one day to the church. I liked it and accepted Jesus Christ as the LORD in my life and have continued to go to that church. My wife also accepted Jesus and went to the church. Later the church appointed me to work in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. The church decided to send me to this training centre to be better equipped for the future ministry and the pastor wants to send me to serve the Lord in my village back in Dolpa District after this training. Thank you for your prayers for us and will appreciate your special prayers for me as I plan to go back home in Dolpa at Tibetan border after the completion of the training and plant the churches there which is not easy. 2. Name: Ram Bhadur B K

Age : 34 yrs Church : Bethel Church, Salghari Surkhet Address: Lekhparajul V.D.C.- 1 Salghari Surkhet district Midwest region, Nepal Conversion story My family lives on the bank of the Bheri river. They were all Hindus. Because of poverty I could not continue school education after the eighth grade. I needed to work, so I went to India and spend four years in Hariyana. I came back to join the Maoist Army during the Peoples War. I served five years in their army before returning to India as a laborer. Because of my father becoming very ill, I returned to Nepal. My father was completely healed when he went to a church and after that I believed in Jesus as LORD in my life. Now my whole family, including my wife, have accepted Jesus and go to church. Although our family life is up and down because of poverty we continue to go to church. My church sent me to this training in HBTC. After this training I want to serve in Salghari village on the bank of the Bheri river. 3. Name: Durga Bahadur Pun Magar

Age : 31 yrs Church : Itram Christya Church, Surkhet Address : Khadkawada V.D.C.- 8 Deugau Dailekh District Mid- west region, Nepal Conversion story I come from the remote district of Dailekh. My family are Magar, living a simple agricultural life on a hillside. My parents work in the fields. I was not able to pass my school education so I went to India and searched for work but could not earn enough money. I returned to my village. Through a manpower agency I was able to go to Malaysia and work at a furniture company. While in Malaysia I heard my wife back in my village was suffering from a disease. I was also sick with a skin tumor. Due to all this I felt very sad. In September 2007 my friend brought me to a church in Malaysia. There I learned about Jesus and continued to go to church. I liked it and accepted Jesus as LORD in my life. In my village there is no church. I want to start a church in Khadkawada V.D.C. after this training. Please pray for me. 4. Name: Kabita Roka

Age :23 yrs Church : Smarna Church,Latikoili Surkhet Address : Latikoili V.D.C.- 9 Budabudi Surkhet district Mid- west region, Nepal Conversion story I am Kabita. I was born and brought up in West Bangal, India, in a Hindu background. I came from a poor family and was not able to recieve a good education. I could not continue my education past grade 10. At the age of 15 I found work in an office as a laborer. I had no peace in my heart and because of my anxiety I worshipped many gods. This did not satisfy my heart so after that I left behind all my Hindu customs. My friend was Christian her Younger sister called to me church. When I went their pastor preached parable of seed I like it and accept Jesus as LORD. After that I continued to go to church. . Nowadays I am a Sunday school teacher and leader of my church. Now my pastor sent me to this training .After this training I want to start orphaned to care who were helpless children. 5. Name: Janaki Gagatraj

Age : 30 yrs Church : Smarna Church,Latikoili Surkhet Address : Jarbuta V.D.C.- 1 Barrakuna Dhulabit Surkhet District Mid- west region, Nepal Conversion story My name is Janaki I am come from remote area of Surkhet District. My family background is Hindu I born and brought up at same customs. In My school when I was seven class got marriage. I left my fathers house and went at surkhet .I have suffer as stomach problem's visit so many doctor but could not healed. My nice is Christian she called to me church. When I went to Church after prayer slowly I was healed. I continued to go to church my church sent me to this training. After this training I want to serve with my church women group in my village. Please pray for me. 6. Name : Pream Nepali

Age: 28 yrs Church L Living BaptistI Church, Itaram Surkhet Address : Birendranagar Municipality- 8, Surkhet District, Mid-west region, Nepal Conversion story I am come from Dailekh District. My family background is Hindu at the age of child I could involve ritual thing. Be cause of my friend I involve bad company. I joined moust war as a youth force I serve four years their and because of my sickness stay at home. When I went hospital but doctor say that my liver is damage. They send back to my home I have no hope in my life. I came back to my house and count my days. When my elder brother visits me he sends to Church. When church people preyed I was hilled and I believed Jesus as LORD in my life. I marriage with Chhaya and went India and spend in their as a worker at Himanchal. We start gospel preaching and start a new church now this church is running .I appointed one local leader in this church and come back to Nepal my church sent me to this training. After this training I want to serve with my church. Please pray for me. 7. Name: Chhaya Nepali

Age : 28 yrs Church : Living Baptist Church, Itaram Surkhet Address : Birendranagar Municipality- 8, Surkhet District, Mid-west region, Nepal Conversion story I am Chhaya I come from Chisapani Surkhet. My family background is Hindu I brought up at same custom was suffer from a sickness at the childhood. Because of illness I could not continue school education more then eight. at that time one Christian ladies come to my house and share about Jesus healed your prob.lem After that I went Church. When Church people prey for me I was completely hilled after that I believed Jesus as LORD in my life. I marriage with pream and went India and spend in their as a worker at Himanchal. We start gospel preaching and start a new church now this church is running .I come back to India my church sent me to this training. After this training I want to serve with my church. Please pray for me. 8. Name: Karna Bhadur Kharu

Age : 18 yrs Church : Mahima Joti Church,Neta Surkhet Address: Neta V.D.C.- 7 Pude pamka Surkhet District Mid- west region, Nepal Conversion story My name is Karna I am come from remote area of surkhet District. My family background is Hindut I born and brought up at same customs. I ````````` was suffer from a sickness at the childhood. Because of like paralyze I could not move always lay down in bade. My father admit me to local hospital they referred to me big hospital. I went there but did not improve. I came back to my house and went to church. When I started to go to church my life is slowly began to recover! I went to school, but because of my sickness I could not pass the School education more then eight. Because of poverty I could not continue my study. My whole family accepted Jesus and went to church. My church sent me to this training. After this training I want to serve in my village church. Please pray for me. 9. Name: Suman Pun Magar

Age : 21yrs Church : Bethel Church,Dah Malarani Address : Malarani V.D.C.-5 Tusharepani Surkhet district, Mid- west region, Nepal Conversion story I am come from Magar orthodux Hindu trivet. Because of poverty my family environment is not good. At the age of 19 because of my friends I went to the church after that I believed Jesus as LORD in my life. But my family could not accept me as a Christian because of that my life is bitter they reject me. I continue to go to church and learn more about Jesus, I am a single believer of my family. My life is up and down but I continue to go to church. My church sent me to this training. After this training I want to serve in my village church.

Dear supporter,
This month we consider the outcome of an important board meeting of the college. They were considering the proposal to extend the training from 5 months to 1 year, and discussed the questions you kindly raised, as we seek together the will of our Lord for this work. Kathmandu director Dil Bahadur shares:

Honourable Dr. Rod, and the friends/partners in the UK,
Greetings from Nepal.
First of all, let me express our collective thankfulness for your love, prayers and partnership with us in training, equipping and empowering the Nepalese grass roots leaders. Thank you also for your kind patience in hearing from me in regard to the extension of the course from five months to a year programme. I am glad to inform you that I attended the local board meeting of the training centre in Surkhet on Monday 27th February, and thank God for the way the Lord has been using us for His glory.
Let me now share with you what we discussed in the meeting and request you for your prayers and suggestions concerning it.

The reasons for extending the course from five month into a year programme:
1. A felt need for a longer period to prepare students to LEAD their congregations.
So far, none of the graduates of Surkhet have gone on for further studies after graduating from the five month residential leadership training. In five months, the training centre is limited in its ability to go deeper into study of subjects on the curriculum. Of course, there are many areas that a leader has to learn about. So, the one year program could include some more subjects and could also offer a deeper study.
2. Vocational skill development training along with the biblical training.
In many situations, in the rural context, the local congregation is not able to pay the pastor for his service. If he/she gets a job to pay for his bread, he usually has to go outside his village. But the leader of the congregation cannot leave his home if his flock is to grow, needing his care and nourishment spiritually. Therefore, if he/she can get some vocational skill development training along with the biblical training, he will not have to leave the family and the church for survival.
3. Other short term training centres exist now in the Midwest and far west Nepal.
I am glad to inform you that there are other short term training centres established in these two regions which could meet the need for five month training for grassroots leaders. Those who could not come for a year program, can access training elsewhere. So, it would be more practical and needful to upgrade our training centre into a year program.

Course design (Draft)
1. Thorough Biblical studies : 5 months
2. Vocational/ Skill development training : 3 months
3. Training on Evangelism, Church planting and missions : 1 month
4. Internship/field experience in their own churches : 1 month (Return back to the training centre for one more month)
5. Leadership skills: 1 month (Graduation after 11 months)
Total duration 11 months. (One month gap for preparation for the next session)

I would appreciate your ideas and input in this regard, as this is only a draft proposal. Thanking you, Dil, Nepal.

Any thoughts or suggestions reading this would be gratefully received. Thanks for continuing to pray to the Good Shepherd to continue to lead us into green pastures.

Since this board meeting, you may have heard that our board chairman pastor Padam Nepali was attacked by thugs on a motorbike on waste ground near his home in Surkhet. He was apparently knocked unconscious but is recovering at home. He is said to believe that they were intending to kill him for his Christian witness, so he is rejoicing and praising God he is alive. I have emailed a message of sympathy to Padam on our behalf. Please pray for him to be safe, for his body to be healed, and for his family.
Yours in Him, Rod.

graduation ceremony for the Tenth batch

HBTC Surkhet Principal Suresh Prasad Koiral says:
By the grace of God and by your continuous prayers and support, HBTC Surkhet had its 10th graduation ceremony at Itram Church with 100 plus invited local pastors and leaders. In July, we had taken 16 participants from 10 districts of the mid west and far west regions of Nepal. Except for one brother from the far west, 15 of them have successfully completed their training and we had the wonderful privilege of equipping and empowering them for effective future ministry.

One week Long Outreach Program
In the 10th batch we taught altogether 25 subjects in order to equip them in the knowledge of the word of God. According to our curriculum, for practical experience, HBTC Surkhet had sent them for outreach in three groups for one week each. This time, we had an opportunity to visit and share the good news in two districts. Two groups went to Surkhet and one to Kailali district. During this mission trip, four people accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. They also distributed 100 Bibles and 7500 gospel tracts. We thank God that local Churches hosted our participants for a week and provided accommodation. They also participated with the team. Our participants were encouraged by their hospitality and godly behaviour. All of them were very encouraged and blessed by this outreach because they could practice what they had learned in classes. Most of them had the privilege of preaching in local church services and had opportunity to share their life testimonies.

Testimonies from Graduates
Three participants shared their training experience. Mr. Tanka Bdr Rana from Itram church, shared that he could learn 'how to study and preach from the pulpit'. Being a deacon of the church, he was not able to preach easily before; now, he is well equipped and excited to do this ministry effectively.
Mrs. Khima Rana from Doti committed her life to serve Christ in the unreached remote area of Doti.
Mr. Omprakash from Tulsipur Dang wants to serve with his pastor in the local church. He is a physically disabled person, but spiritually strong and committed to win his people in Dang district.
Mr. Shambhu Tharu sadly lost his father at the end of this training. His father was a pastor and suddenly got ill and died. It was very hard time for him, but God comforted him and strengthened him so he could complete the training. Now Mr. Shambhu will be going back to take responsibility for his father's church as the new pastor.



Graduation Ceremony
By the grace of God, we had a privilege to invite Mrs. Ann Townsend as the chief guest of our graduation ceremony. She has been serving as a teacher in INF Surkhet. She encouraged the graduating students and invited guests, emphasizing that our ministry is based on 'LOVE'. We have to love our people as our God loved us, by paying a great price.
The graduation program was led by Ps Suresh Koirala (Principal) who presented a report of the last five months. It was formally opened in prayer by Pastor Navin Darlami (Vice President). INF Surkhet program manager John Narayan Rai led a prayer of dedication. Graduating students also presented a 'commitment song' that reflected what they will be doing for the Lord in the future: "where you will lead us we will go, what you want us to do, we will humbly obey and follow…" HBSA executive director Yam Tamang conveyed a vote of thanks and word of encouragement to all who cooperated in many ways to achieve the goals of HBTC. Every local board member was able to be involved in this graduation programme. Last but not least, Padam Gaire, president of the local board, concluded the ceremony with a benediction prayer.

Testimony from 7th Batch Student (Alumni)
Mr. Purna Bardewa shared how he was blessed and equipped in HBTC as part of the seventh Batch. Immediately after completing training he began serving as a pastor in Tatapani, Surkhet. He was an active student and now he is responsible for multiple ministries in Surkhet. He is also running Atmik Yatra Radion, a weekly teaching program in Surkhet. Besides this, he runs a tuition center in Surkhet. His HBTC training has enabled him to confidently share in the graduation ceremony.

Thank God for His grace and mercy to equip, empower and mobilize the workers of God into His Vineyard in order to reap the harvest. On behalf of the HBTC Surkhet family I would like to express my deep thankfulness to Dr. Rod and his family and other partners as well for joining us and extending helping hands in this glorious ministry. Kindly pray for the 11th Session which is already underway. Thank you, Suresh.

10th anniversary of HBSA

Celebration of God’s Faithfulness of TEN years.
Dear friends and partners,
Loving greetings from HBSA.

“He is the Eben-ezer, who has helped us thus far.” (I Sam 7:12)

First of all, let me express my personal gratitude and a collective thankfulness to you for your faithful friendship, partnership and sincere prayers for us in the last ten years in the efforts of training, equipping and empowering the Grass Roots leaders/church planters of Nepal. We do not think it would have been possible for us to carry on this training and church planting ministry, had you not played a vital role in praying, encouraging and supporting us financially.
Our joys find no boundary that we could complete TEN years of ministry, the first MILESTONE beginning from Jan 2, 2002 and it is all because of your faithful partnership with us. God has been very faithful to us in holding the training seminars in all 75 districts of Nepal in the last 10 years. Regardless of all political turmoil and chaos in the land, the Lord has been very faithful in using mild vessels like us in helping the grass roots leaders getting training in their own locality.

Celebration in Chitwan, central south Nepal.
On Jan 1-3, 2012, we all the staffs and the children had a wonderful time of celebration of God’s faithfulness of TEN years to us. The first reason of choosing Chitwan, Central south Nepal for this unprecedented celebration to us is that this is the central place for the staff members coming from Kathmandu, Central Nepal, Dhankuta East Nepal and Surkhet, the Midwestern Nepal, easy access of travels. Secondly, we wanted to have sweet fellowship among the staff members who live in different locations, instead of spending a huge amount of money for publicity inviting many people for the occasion. I am personally proud of all the staff members for their commitment and faithfulness in the last ten years and pray that the Lord would bless bless them all so that many more grass roots leaders/church planters would be trained in order to plant thousands of churches and Feed, Lead &Protect their respective flocks in more effective ways to glorify God.
We are glad to share with you the following results of our joint labor in this endeavor in the last Ten Years.

Full time staffs : 14
Local coordinator (Bio-vocational Missionaries) : 18
Training seminars held in : All 75 districts
Mobile based Leadership Training for the number of : 4,385
Grass Roots church Planters among the Oral Learners Training in different level for : 5,067
Graduates of Five Month Residential Leadership Training : 445
Surkhet, Midwest Nepal (10 sessions) : 153
Lalitpur, Central Nepal (14 sessions) : 223
Dhankuta, east Nepal (4 sessions) : 69
Master of Ministry graduates in Kathmandu : 20
M. Min continuing in Kathmandu : 99
M. Min continuing in Biratnagar : 44
No. of Oral churches planted : more than 200

All glory to God.

“Give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name, make known His deeds among the Peoples.” (Psm 105:1)
A leadership Seminar for the staffs
On the occasion of the celebration, while almost all the staffs were present, I felt that they needed some encouragement and required to learn some leadership skills in order to be more effective in their respective tasks in the ministry. Our guest speaker, Rev. Sukdev Giri, a YWAMer of Chitwan district encouraged the staff members on three different aspects of leadership. First of all, he focused on the life of Abraham, the Father of Faith who loved and Obeyed God, and became the blessing to many nations, not only for his people. Speaking further about the faithfulness of Abraham, he emphasized that the ministers of the Lord ought to be faithful even in small tasks trusting even for an unknown destination. It was the obedience that led Abraham to be the blessing to many.
Secondly, he encouraged us to be available referring the life of Gideon, who thought that he was not worthy for the calling. But, God could use him in protecting and saving his people from the Midianites. He was busy threshing wheat when God called him. He also referred some other busy people whom God could use for His purposes e.g. prophet like Elisha who was ploughing when Elijah called him to follow. Likewise, Paul was busy on the road to Damascus, when he encountered Jesus, Matthew was on the table of the tax office, Simon Peter and Andrew were casting their nets into the sea, and John and James were mending their nets when Jesus called them. God always calls and uses busy people rather than the idle ones. He is concerned about the faithfulness and availabilities of the people, rather than the abilities.
Thirdly, he focused on different gifts in the ministry referring to I Cor. 12 and Rom 12. He encouraged our staff members to carry on divine task and be faithful in the gifts granted by the Lord. In a team like ours, we all the members have specific roles to play in order to win the game and no role is lesser than others and everyone plays a vital role in the endeavor. Everyone is significant in the eyes of the Lord and we complete as the team members, but do not compete with each other.

Staff Retreat & Elephant Riding
As mentioned above, we all were busy in the task given by the Lord and needed some refreshment to gear up faster in the new year. We read in Mark 6: 30-34, that our Lord Jesus wanted his disciples to take some rest in a quiet place. We too tried to apply the method and I remember that I had taken all the staffs and children on one occasion in July 2009 to the mountain top riding the only Cable Car in Nepal. All appreciated the idea and felt refreshed. Our Lord took his disciples to the sea shore some times, and to the mountain in some other occasions in order to disciple and teach them. I am just trying to imply the biblical lessons in the process of building the team.

In order to get some rest and be refreshed to gear up faster, there was a Christmas break for 16 days granted to each staff member and also thought that a Three Day Retreat would do some fueling, we decided to have all the staff members along with their children go for Elephant riding at Chitwan National Park on the 4th Jan 2012. As Nehemiah did while the work of rebuilding of the wall was Half Way through, people were tired and started thinking about their family needs. Nehemiah stationed them according to their families (Neh 4:13) and work was completed after 52 days. Just trying to apply the Biblical example, we had all the families stationed and enjoy the elephant riding on the 4th Jan morning.

Prayer Concerns
As we proceed to the second phase of ministry after this milestone, we will appreciate your continuing friendship, partnership and prayers for us. In the first decade of ministry, our prayer and priority have been to focus on the Purpose, People both benefactor and beneficiary and Programs. Now the time has come for us to initiate for securing some Property as well which will help us on the way to Sustainability. We, therefore will write soon to you for prayer and partnership for the needed land and building for the training centers in this second phase of
Ministry.

For this second decade of ministry, we continue to covet the prayer and partnership of the like-minded partners like you and we need God desperately.

“If your presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.” (Exod 33:15)
Your partnership has meant us much and may the Lord continue to bless you for His purposes.
Thanking you for all you have been doing,

Dil Bahadur Tamang
Founder/President
Himalayan Bible Study Academy (Govt. Reg No. 1331)
Kathmandu, Nepal.

Report of 10th Batch

Report of 10th Batch
Himalayan Bible Training Center
Five Month Residential Leadership Training, Surkhet

Warm Greetings, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2012 from HBTC Surkhet.
By the grace of God and by your continuous prayer and support HBTC Surkhet could have its 10th graduation ceremony on 11th Dec. 2011 at Itram Church with 100 plus invited local pastors and leaders. In July 17, 2011, we had taken 16 participants from 10 districts of mid west and far west Nepal. Except one brother from far west Nepal, 15 of them have successfully completed their training and we had wonderful privilege to equip and empower them for effective future ministry.

One week Long Outreach Program
In 10th batch we taught altogether 25 subjects to equip them in the knowledge of the word of God. According to annual planning, for the practical experience, HBTC Surkhet had sent them for outreach for a week in three groups. This time, we had an opportunity to visit and share the good news in two districts. Two groups went in Surkhet and one in Kailali district. During this mission trip, four people have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. They also distributed 100 Bibles and 7500 gospel tracts. We thank God that local Churches hosted our participants for a week and provided accommodation. They also participated with team. Our participants were encouraged by their hospitality and godly behaviors. All of them were so much encouraged and blessed by this outreach because they could practice what they had learned in the class. Most of them got privilege to preach in the church services and some even got opportunity to share their life testimonies.

Graduation Ceremony (11th Dec.2011)
By the grace of God, we had a privilege to invite Mrs. Ann Townsend as chief guest of our graduation ceremony. Who has been serving as a teacher in INF Surkhet. She encouraged to graduating students and invited guests from the word of God. She emphasized that our ministry is based on 'LOVE'. We have to love our people as our God loved us with paying great price.
The graduation program was led by Ps Suresh Koirala(Principal) and he also presented the training reports of five month. It was formally started by the prayer of Ps. Navin Darlami (Vice President of HBTC Surkhet board). Mrs. Ganga Nepali (Board member) welcomed all invited guests.INF Surkhet program manager Ps. John Narayan Rai led dedication prayer. Graduating students also presented a commitment song that reflected what they will be doing for the Lord in future. Song says; where you will lead us we will go, what you want us to do; we will humbly obey and follow… HBSA executive director Ps. Yam Tamang took an opportunity to convey the vote thanks and word of encouragement to all who cooperated in many ways to achieve the goals of HBTC.
Praise God, all the local board members involved in graduation program and cooperated. At the last not the least, Ps. Padam Gaire president of local board concluded the graduation ceremony with the benediction prayer.

Testimonies from Graduates
Three participants had got time to share training experiences. Mr. Tanka Bdr Rana from Itram church, shared that he could learn 'how to study and preach from the pulpit'. Being a deacon of the church, he was not able to preach easily before, now, he is well equipped and excited to do ministry effectively.
Second, Mrs. Khima Rana from Doti, she has committed her life to serve Christ in unreached remote areas of Doti. Third person was Mr. Omprakash from Tulsipur Dang. He wants to serve with pastor in the localchurch. He is physically disable person but spiritually strong and committed to win his people in Dang district.
One of the students, Mr. Shambhu Tharu at the end of this training, he lost his father. His father was a pastor and suddenly got sickness and died. It was very hard time for him but God comforted him and could complete the training. Good news is Mr. Shambhu is going take the responsibility of this church as a pastor after this training.

Testimony from 7th Batch Student (Alumni)
Mr. Purna Bardewa shared how he was blessed through HBTC training and was equipped in HBTC in seven Batch. Right after his training he has been serving as a pastor in Tatapani Surkhet. He was one of one the active students and now he is responsible person of multi ministries in Surkhet. He is also running Atmik Yatra Radion program once a week in Surkhet. Besisde this, he is involved in tuition center in Surkhet. It is because of HBTC training, he confidently shared in the graduation ceremony.
Thank God for His grace and mercy to equip, empower and mobilize the workers of God into His Vineyard to reap the harvest. On the behalf of HBTC Surkhet family I would like to express my deep thankfulness to Dr. Rod and his family and other partners as well for joining us and extending helping hands in this glorious ministry. Kindly pray for 11th Session, which will start January 15, 2011. Thank you

In His Service
Ps Suresh Prasad Koiral
Principal, HBTC Surkhet