Sunday, April 6, 2008
First Batch Himalayan Bible Training Centre
First Batch Himalayan Bible Training Centre
Surkhet, Midwest Nepal
Five Month Residential Leadership Training
“ My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them.”
Ezekiel 34:6 (NIV)
Honourable Dr. Rod and all the partners,
Warmest greetings from Himalayan Bible Training Centre, Surkhet family.
To begin with, we are overwhelmed to share with you about the thrilling success of having the First Batch Residential Leadership Training in these two needy most regions of Nepal, namely the Midwest and the Farwest Nepal.
We do not think it would have been possible, had you not been our honourable partner in this endeavor and your invaluable participation and partnership in this regard has been highly appreciated. All glory to God, the Almighty and you deserve all appreciation we could ever offer.
Let me now, share with you some up dates about the first batch of the residential leadership training for five months.
The Day of Commencement.
We, indeed had a plan to start the training on the first of February 2007. Nevertheless, due to the ongoing uncertain general strike in Nepal in those days, we were affected badly to start the training on its scheduled date. i.e. the first of February. As the strike continued, some of the prospective participants changes their minds, and could not come to join us in the training. However, the Lord provided some other new unexpected participants and the total number of the participants was 18 in the beginning, though only 12 of them could attend the opening ceremony on the fourth of
February, 2007, as seen in the picture beside and the rest joined on the following days. In the presence of the local pastors and leaders, 12 particpatns were dedicated to the Lord for the journey of learning for the next five months. The Founder/Director Dil Bahadur Tamang encouraged the participants from the Word of God on that occasion dedicated to the Lord. Since the house we rented was under construction, the Christian Church, Itram, Surkhet sheltered us offering two rooms for hostels for the few early months to which we are
indebted. For few, even the classes were held at the
Christian Church, Itram.
Extra Activities included.
In order to let the participants experience the ministry in a different context, we led them to the field for personal sharing times with the non-believers in and around Surkhet valley. On different occasions, the trainers guided the participants to various places to the live field experiences. The trainers of Nepal Campus Crusade for Christ led all the participants for one full day to share the good news to the non believing friends. Besides the class room sessions, the participants got opportunities to have the experiences in the field and we are glad that many people started coming to the church, being influenced by our participants. On the other occasion, our participants were led to have a Prayer Walk up the hills of Surkhet, as seen in the picture beside.
One of the excitements I feel sharing with you is the active involvement of our participants in the Easter Procession and the Open air preaching. They were given different responsibilities to do a volunteer menial works and Olak Sunuwar,our co-ordinator was given the responsibility to lead the CHOIR of the Easter Program in the Surkhet valley. Another privilege that our participants got was the Leadership Seminar organized by LEAD Nepal, Pokhara for three days. In the seminar, they were taught by pastor Grishma Parajuli. We are sorry that we could not provide the pictures of these activities, as the training center does not own a camera yet. The Only camera we, HBTC Nepal own remains in Kathmandu particularly with the Director for reporting of various training ministries.
Participants exchanged.
In our previous information, we mentioned that there were 18 participants in the training. We also provided the single and also the group pictures of the participants. But, as Mr. Nawal Sing B.K. had to concentrate on his pastoral duties back at his church, he could not complete the course and in the mean time, Miss Nisha Koirala had joined the course and the total number became 18 again. But, this happened after we communicated with you.
Surkhet, Midwest Nepal
Five Month Residential Leadership Training
“ My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them.”
Ezekiel 34:6 (NIV)
Honourable Dr. Rod and all the partners,
Warmest greetings from Himalayan Bible Training Centre, Surkhet family.
To begin with, we are overwhelmed to share with you about the thrilling success of having the First Batch Residential Leadership Training in these two needy most regions of Nepal, namely the Midwest and the Farwest Nepal.
We do not think it would have been possible, had you not been our honourable partner in this endeavor and your invaluable participation and partnership in this regard has been highly appreciated. All glory to God, the Almighty and you deserve all appreciation we could ever offer.
Let me now, share with you some up dates about the first batch of the residential leadership training for five months.
The Day of Commencement.
We, indeed had a plan to start the training on the first of February 2007. Nevertheless, due to the ongoing uncertain general strike in Nepal in those days, we were affected badly to start the training on its scheduled date. i.e. the first of February. As the strike continued, some of the prospective participants changes their minds, and could not come to join us in the training. However, the Lord provided some other new unexpected participants and the total number of the participants was 18 in the beginning, though only 12 of them could attend the opening ceremony on the fourth of
February, 2007, as seen in the picture beside and the rest joined on the following days. In the presence of the local pastors and leaders, 12 particpatns were dedicated to the Lord for the journey of learning for the next five months. The Founder/Director Dil Bahadur Tamang encouraged the participants from the Word of God on that occasion dedicated to the Lord. Since the house we rented was under construction, the Christian Church, Itram, Surkhet sheltered us offering two rooms for hostels for the few early months to which we are
indebted. For few, even the classes were held at the
Christian Church, Itram.
Extra Activities included.
In order to let the participants experience the ministry in a different context, we led them to the field for personal sharing times with the non-believers in and around Surkhet valley. On different occasions, the trainers guided the participants to various places to the live field experiences. The trainers of Nepal Campus Crusade for Christ led all the participants for one full day to share the good news to the non believing friends. Besides the class room sessions, the participants got opportunities to have the experiences in the field and we are glad that many people started coming to the church, being influenced by our participants. On the other occasion, our participants were led to have a Prayer Walk up the hills of Surkhet, as seen in the picture beside.
One of the excitements I feel sharing with you is the active involvement of our participants in the Easter Procession and the Open air preaching. They were given different responsibilities to do a volunteer menial works and Olak Sunuwar,our co-ordinator was given the responsibility to lead the CHOIR of the Easter Program in the Surkhet valley. Another privilege that our participants got was the Leadership Seminar organized by LEAD Nepal, Pokhara for three days. In the seminar, they were taught by pastor Grishma Parajuli. We are sorry that we could not provide the pictures of these activities, as the training center does not own a camera yet. The Only camera we, HBTC Nepal own remains in Kathmandu particularly with the Director for reporting of various training ministries.
Participants exchanged.
In our previous information, we mentioned that there were 18 participants in the training. We also provided the single and also the group pictures of the participants. But, as Mr. Nawal Sing B.K. had to concentrate on his pastoral duties back at his church, he could not complete the course and in the mean time, Miss Nisha Koirala had joined the course and the total number became 18 again. But, this happened after we communicated with you.
The Graduation Ceremony
As Paul says in Philippians 1:6, “ He who has begun a good work in you, will carry it on to its completion.” We are over whelmed to share with you that we made it and prepared 18 men and women for the Harvest of the Lord and you have played a tremendous role in it. On the 24th of June, the Sunday, the newly formed Ad Hoc board members and the local church and Christian Para-church organization leaders witnessed and blessed our graduates jointly. Our advisor Pastor Solomon Gurung was the Chief Guest of the occasion and also the speaker to encourage our graduates. He shared the words of encouragement quoting II Tim 2:1-7. And the ceremony was represented by all the local church leaders and also the para-church organizations such as, INF, Campus Crusade for Christ, Youth With a
Mission, and so on.
We are encouraged by the attendance of more than 140 leaders. We missed you our honourable partners and sponsors on this occasion and just prayed for you thanking the Lord for your generous Hearts and Hands.
The coordinator Olak Sunuwar was the Master of Ceremony and the youth of Christian Christian Church, Itram led the service with a meaningful worship. After the graduates and the Principal being consecrated by the President of the board, the Founder Director of Himalayan Bible Training Center Dil Bahadur Tamang encouraged the graduates with few words of exhortation saying, “ No one and no thing can ever stop the work of the Lord and He is at work in Nepal, opening many doors for the life transforming Gospel of Christ.”
I believe it has meant you something. We are indebted to you for your faithful prayers first and then the spontaneous generous contributions that has meant us much in this Endeavour of building, training and equipping the saints of this land of turmoil and temples to edify the fledgling churches in this Himalayan kingdom.
We join Paul in saying, “The gifts you sent are fragrant offerings, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” Phil 4:18.
Himalayan Bible Study Academy Registered with the Government of Nepal.
We thank God for His faithful to us all these years. We are thrilled to share with you that we now have been recognized by the Government of Nepal and has granted us an Official Registration in Capital of Nepal i.e. Kathmandu. Within two weeks time, the government registered us with the name Himalayan Bible Study Academy and Himalayan Bible Training Center in Surkhet will remain as a Branch of Himalayan Bible Study Academy. This was the name given by the government of Nepal to us and the Kathmandu District Administrative Office has given us the Registration No. 1331. God is good all the time and has made all things beautiful in His time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
May the Lord of Harvest bring forth manifold blessings to you, you continue to be our invaluable partner in this ministry giving hearts and hands together. As you have done a lot for us and we do not deserve to ask with you. Nevertheless, we will highly appreciate your prayers for the Following concerns in order to continue this training ministry to help extend the Kingdom of God in these Two Ignored regions.
1. Please pray for the Second session to be started from the first of August, 2007. We are optimistic that you will continue up holding us in prayers and finances too.
2. Pleas also pray for the following URGENT needs.
a. A Digital camera for the proper and frequent communication (worth of Sterling pounds 100.00 )
b. A Mini Photo Copier, as photo copying in Surkhet is expensive and we need to provide the teaching notes to the participants. (worth Sterling Pounds 270.00)
c. A motor bike for the Principal, as local transportation is not available in Surkhet (worth Sterling pounds 1,000.00)
“We thank God for your Partnership in the Gospel from the first day until the today.”
Phil 1:5
Thanking and looking forward your continuing Partnership and Friendship,
Sincerely yours,
In His Harvest in Nepal,
Rev. Dil Bahadur Tamang
Founder/Director
Himalayan Bible Study Academy.
Kathmandu, Nepal.
Mission, and so on.
We are encouraged by the attendance of more than 140 leaders. We missed you our honourable partners and sponsors on this occasion and just prayed for you thanking the Lord for your generous Hearts and Hands.
The coordinator Olak Sunuwar was the Master of Ceremony and the youth of Christian Christian Church, Itram led the service with a meaningful worship. After the graduates and the Principal being consecrated by the President of the board, the Founder Director of Himalayan Bible Training Center Dil Bahadur Tamang encouraged the graduates with few words of exhortation saying, “ No one and no thing can ever stop the work of the Lord and He is at work in Nepal, opening many doors for the life transforming Gospel of Christ.”
I believe it has meant you something. We are indebted to you for your faithful prayers first and then the spontaneous generous contributions that has meant us much in this Endeavour of building, training and equipping the saints of this land of turmoil and temples to edify the fledgling churches in this Himalayan kingdom.
We join Paul in saying, “The gifts you sent are fragrant offerings, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” Phil 4:18.
Himalayan Bible Study Academy Registered with the Government of Nepal.
We thank God for His faithful to us all these years. We are thrilled to share with you that we now have been recognized by the Government of Nepal and has granted us an Official Registration in Capital of Nepal i.e. Kathmandu. Within two weeks time, the government registered us with the name Himalayan Bible Study Academy and Himalayan Bible Training Center in Surkhet will remain as a Branch of Himalayan Bible Study Academy. This was the name given by the government of Nepal to us and the Kathmandu District Administrative Office has given us the Registration No. 1331. God is good all the time and has made all things beautiful in His time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
May the Lord of Harvest bring forth manifold blessings to you, you continue to be our invaluable partner in this ministry giving hearts and hands together. As you have done a lot for us and we do not deserve to ask with you. Nevertheless, we will highly appreciate your prayers for the Following concerns in order to continue this training ministry to help extend the Kingdom of God in these Two Ignored regions.
1. Please pray for the Second session to be started from the first of August, 2007. We are optimistic that you will continue up holding us in prayers and finances too.
2. Pleas also pray for the following URGENT needs.
a. A Digital camera for the proper and frequent communication (worth of Sterling pounds 100.00 )
b. A Mini Photo Copier, as photo copying in Surkhet is expensive and we need to provide the teaching notes to the participants. (worth Sterling Pounds 270.00)
c. A motor bike for the Principal, as local transportation is not available in Surkhet (worth Sterling pounds 1,000.00)
“We thank God for your Partnership in the Gospel from the first day until the today.”
Phil 1:5
Thanking and looking forward your continuing Partnership and Friendship,
Sincerely yours,
In His Harvest in Nepal,
Rev. Dil Bahadur Tamang
Founder/Director
Himalayan Bible Study Academy.
Kathmandu, Nepal.
The Ad hoc Committee being formed
In order to get the local full support for continual and sustainability, we felt to form a local body. Even though we wanted to do in the very beginning of the training center,
had to postpone until our newly appointed Principal completed his Theological Degree in India. On the 23rd of June, the Saturday, we have formed a local ad hoc committee chaired by pastor Padam Nepal, the pastor of the local Assembly Of God Church in Surkhet. We are proud of him, as he is a well known personality in Surkhet because of his contribution to the society. We thank God for His favor to us in getting the local support from these pastors and the leaders to gear up the training ministry.
Front rows from the left, Ps. Guman Singh(Treasurer), Elder Ramjee, Ps. Vijay B.K., Ps. Hem Das, Elder Jagat Basyal.
Back Rows from the left: Ps. Navin Darlami(Vice President), Elder Gyan Gurung, Ps.Padam (President), Keshav Tamang(Principal, ps. Birkha Bayalkoti, Dil Tamang (Founder/Director)
The newly formed Ad Hoc board members consists of the pastors and leaders as follows.
President : Pastor Padam Nepali, Bethel AOG Church, Surkhet
Vice President : Pastor Navin Darlami, Christian Church, Itram, Surkhet
Secretary : Keshav Tamang, (Principal)
Treasurer : Pastor Guman Singh Basyal, Grace Vision Church, Surkhet
Members : 1. Pastor Hem Das, Director GEM Nepal, Banke District
2. Pastor Vijay B.K., Regional President, National Churches
Fellowship of Nepal, Midwest Region
3. Pastor Birkha Bayalkoti, Dailekh AOG Church
4. Pastor Lil Bahdaur Ghartimagar, Dang district
5. Elder Gyan Gurung, INF, Surkhet.
Advisors :1. Pastor Solomon Gurung, Bethel AOG Church, Surkhet
2. Elder Jagat Basyal, Grace Vision Church, Surkhet
3. Elder Ramjee Prasad Koirala, Itram church
4. Olak Sunuwar, Co-ordinator HBTC Surkhet
Patron/ Founder : Dil Bahadur Tamang.
Principal Being Appointed
We are proud to share with you that Mr. Keshav (James) Tamang was appointed by the newly formed Ad Hoc board members to be the Principal of this training centre. To your information, Mr. Kesav Tamang was formerly the Principal of Immanuel Bible Institute in Kathmandu and holds B. Th. from Nepal Ebenezer Bible College, Kathmandu, B.A. from Tribhuvan University and B.D. from Union Biblical Seminary, Pune, India recently. He was consecrated by the president of the board on the occasion of the first graduation as seen in the picture. Hereafter, he will head the training center and Dil Tamang, step down gradually. Nevertheless, Olak Sunuwar, the Coordinator will continue coordinating the training in the coming days too, until the Principal gets settled.
had to postpone until our newly appointed Principal completed his Theological Degree in India. On the 23rd of June, the Saturday, we have formed a local ad hoc committee chaired by pastor Padam Nepal, the pastor of the local Assembly Of God Church in Surkhet. We are proud of him, as he is a well known personality in Surkhet because of his contribution to the society. We thank God for His favor to us in getting the local support from these pastors and the leaders to gear up the training ministry.
Front rows from the left, Ps. Guman Singh(Treasurer), Elder Ramjee, Ps. Vijay B.K., Ps. Hem Das, Elder Jagat Basyal.
Back Rows from the left: Ps. Navin Darlami(Vice President), Elder Gyan Gurung, Ps.Padam (President), Keshav Tamang(Principal, ps. Birkha Bayalkoti, Dil Tamang (Founder/Director)
The newly formed Ad Hoc board members consists of the pastors and leaders as follows.
President : Pastor Padam Nepali, Bethel AOG Church, Surkhet
Vice President : Pastor Navin Darlami, Christian Church, Itram, Surkhet
Secretary : Keshav Tamang, (Principal)
Treasurer : Pastor Guman Singh Basyal, Grace Vision Church, Surkhet
Members : 1. Pastor Hem Das, Director GEM Nepal, Banke District
2. Pastor Vijay B.K., Regional President, National Churches
Fellowship of Nepal, Midwest Region
3. Pastor Birkha Bayalkoti, Dailekh AOG Church
4. Pastor Lil Bahdaur Ghartimagar, Dang district
5. Elder Gyan Gurung, INF, Surkhet.
Advisors :1. Pastor Solomon Gurung, Bethel AOG Church, Surkhet
2. Elder Jagat Basyal, Grace Vision Church, Surkhet
3. Elder Ramjee Prasad Koirala, Itram church
4. Olak Sunuwar, Co-ordinator HBTC Surkhet
Patron/ Founder : Dil Bahadur Tamang.
Principal Being Appointed
We are proud to share with you that Mr. Keshav (James) Tamang was appointed by the newly formed Ad Hoc board members to be the Principal of this training centre. To your information, Mr. Kesav Tamang was formerly the Principal of Immanuel Bible Institute in Kathmandu and holds B. Th. from Nepal Ebenezer Bible College, Kathmandu, B.A. from Tribhuvan University and B.D. from Union Biblical Seminary, Pune, India recently. He was consecrated by the president of the board on the occasion of the first graduation as seen in the picture. Hereafter, he will head the training center and Dil Tamang, step down gradually. Nevertheless, Olak Sunuwar, the Coordinator will continue coordinating the training in the coming days too, until the Principal gets settled.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
introduction
The church in Nepal today is full of small village groups of believers desperate for teachers, preachers and pastors, to make disciples and provide the foundations for sustainable faith। Until fairly recently, training for such leaders was only available from a few organisations based in Kathmandu। When Itram Christiya Church in Surkhet, with help from local INF members, built a new enlarged premises 10 years ago, we did so with a vision for using the facilities for regional meetings and conferences। Some years later, I was contacted by an old friend Dil Bahadur Tamang, principal of one of these Kathmandu colleges, who had a vision for establishing a centre in the west, where candidates from the western regions could access training near to home। Two visions met: introducing Dil to Itram, the Himalayan Bible Training Academy was born.
God has blessed the initiative by pulling together the often fractious churches in the valley to form a joint committee to oversee the school, and provide experienced staff to facilitate the training। Recently, a Pune University theology graduate James Tamang, whose wife is from Surkhet, was commissioned as Principal of the new institute। Batches of 15-20 leaders are given an intensive 5 month training in theology and practical ministry। The first batch graduated in July in a joyous ceremony, and the second intake is well through their studies.
God has blessed the initiative by pulling together the often fractious churches in the valley to form a joint committee to oversee the school, and provide experienced staff to facilitate the training। Recently, a Pune University theology graduate James Tamang, whose wife is from Surkhet, was commissioned as Principal of the new institute। Batches of 15-20 leaders are given an intensive 5 month training in theology and practical ministry। The first batch graduated in July in a joyous ceremony, and the second intake is well through their studies.
Give thanks for:
q God’s giving this vision to Nepalis for this Nepali institution
q Encouragement for the local churches who have all participated in this initiative
q James Chinnery and other INF members who have offered their input
Pray on for:
q Attracting the right calibre of trainee to the programme (both intakes already include women and members of different church groups)
q James the new principal and his team to settle and work well together
q More financial support to make the college self sufficient (more information from rod@macrorie.plus.com)
थिर्द बत्च २००८
Subject Distribution of HBTC Surkhet
Lessons to Begin
01. Spiritual Warfare (18 Hours) : Pradeep Jha, HBTC In-charge, East Nepal
02. Importance of Worship (18 Hours) : Jomesh Tamang, HBTC Staff,
Youth/Worship Leader, Vineyard Church,
03. Christian Discipleship (30 Hours) : Pastor Ram Bahadur B.K.,
AOG Church, Gumi, Surkhet
04. Listening to the Lord’s Voice & Fear of God. : Mr. Tapan Karthak, Base Leader,
(30 Hours) YWAM, Surkhet
05. Evangelism and Church Planting (30 Hours) :Pastor Solomon Gurung
Bethel AOG Church, Surkhet
Academic Lessons
06. Walk Through the Bible (24 Hours) : Walk Though the Bible Nepal Ministry
07. Old Testament Survey (30 Hours) : Book written by Dil Tamang and class taken by Olak Sunuwar, Co-ordinator of HBTC Surkhet
08. New Testament Survey (30 Hours) : Book Written by Dil Tamang, class taken by Pastor Yam Tamang, Principal HBTC, Kathmandu
09. Major World Religions (30 Hours) : Saroj Magarati, HBTC Staff, Kathmandu
10. False Teachings (30 Hours) : Saroj Magarati, HBTC Staff, Kathmandu.
11. Basic Christian Doctrines (30 hours) : James Tamang, Principal, HBTC, Surkhet
12. Study of Christ (Christology) (30 Hours) : Pastor Navin Darlami, Itram Christian Church
13. How to Study the Bible (30 Hours) : Mrs. Deaconess Somati Gurung, Itram Churc
14. Effective Sermon Preparation & Delivery (30 hours) : Book written by Dil Tamang and class
taken by Olak Sunuwar, Co-ordinator HBTC, Surkhet
15. Christian Church history (30 Hours) : Book written by Dil Tamang, class taken by
Mrs. Prabha Tamang, Staff, HBTC Surkhet
16. Women Participation in the Ministry(30 Hours): Book written by Dil Tamang, class taken by
Mrs. Prabha Tamang, Staff, HBTC Surkhet
Leadership Subjects
17. Biblical Picture of the Church(30 Hours) : Olak Sunuwar, Co-ordinator HBTC Surkhet
18. Christian Counseling (30 Hours) : Elder Gyan Gurung, Itram Church, Surkhet
19. Christian Holistic Approach (30 Hours) : Pastor Padam Nepali, Bethel AOG Church, Surkhet
20. Legal Awareness (30 Hours) : Advocate Kedar Khadga
21. Health Awareness (30 Hours) : Mrs. Dilu Thapa, Staff Nurse, Itram, Surkhet
22. Accounting in the Church (30 Hours) : Dil Tamang
23. Pastoral Responsibilities and Sacraments(30 Hours) : Pastor Guman Singh, Mukti Church, Surkhet
24. Contemporary Issues and the Leaders (12 Hours) : Book Written by Dil Tamang and class taken
by Jomesh Tamang, HBTC Kathmandu Staff,
25. Communication Bridges to Oral Cultures ( 18 hours)
26. Evangelical Exposure (Starting with Two Question) (30 Hours)
27. Biblical Leadership (30 Hours) : Dil Tamang
Note: Each Participant has to complete the reading of the Entire Bible at least ONCE during the training period.
सुर्खेत कॉलेज लैटर ओक्ट 2006
Dear Friend,
You may remember I wrote to you earlier in the year regarding a proposal for a new church leaders training college in Nepal. It would be the first such course available outside Kathmandu, enabling greater access to quality theological education for pastors of the many new fellowships in the remoter regions of Nepal. I wanted to once more bring you up to date with progress on making this vision a reality.
First of all, a big thank you to everyone who responded to my original appeal. It’s not something I do well or often, but the positive encouragement has been really appreciated. A small group of supporters was formed, whom I’ve been able to inform as events unfold. Several requested an established UK charity to handle donations, and I am delighted that ex-INF director John Bradley has agreed to do this through his Corinthian Trust.
Meanwhile the principal of the Himalayan Bible Institute who is spearheading this initiative, Dil Bahadur Tamang, has visited Surkhet on a number of occasions while holding conferences in the Mid West and Far West. He has won backing from all the local churches, and the YWAM discipleship training which has been going for a number of years there. He is putting together a steering committee representing all the church denominations in the region, and this unifying effect locally seems to have been a welcome spin-off from this initiative.
We plan to start the first 5 month intake in February, God willing. Faculty, including local church leaders with academic qualifications, is in place. A candidate for long term principal has been identified, a gifted teacher with a Surkhet wife currently completing an MTh in Pune, India. Accommodation and training facilities are being provided by the churches.
Regarding finance, we have raised the initial capital costs for setting up the college, thanks to your generosity. Now, we are looking for sponsors for individual students to help them cover their expenses during the course. Of the planned 20 students per 5 month intake, we have enough promised for 5. The cost is £40 per month per student, or £200 for a completed leadership training. In return, we want to establish a direct correspondence between supporter and the sponsored student, to enable us to understand and better pray for the growing church in Nepal.
I believe there must be others God is prompting to take part in this faith exercise, which is why I’m writing to you again. If the regular amount quoted is too much, a partial contribution is of course welcome. If I’ve forgotten some important information, please reply and ask. If you can’t give at this stage, but would still like to be informed of developments, again let me know.
Thanks for reading. Please pray for Dil and his team as they work hard to make this happen. Please also pray for the churches in Surkhet as they learn to work together, some for the first time, for a vision that has been there for a number of years. And thank the Lord, ‘for every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything’ (Heb 3:4).
Yours in Him, Rod.
You may remember I wrote to you earlier in the year regarding a proposal for a new church leaders training college in Nepal. It would be the first such course available outside Kathmandu, enabling greater access to quality theological education for pastors of the many new fellowships in the remoter regions of Nepal. I wanted to once more bring you up to date with progress on making this vision a reality.
First of all, a big thank you to everyone who responded to my original appeal. It’s not something I do well or often, but the positive encouragement has been really appreciated. A small group of supporters was formed, whom I’ve been able to inform as events unfold. Several requested an established UK charity to handle donations, and I am delighted that ex-INF director John Bradley has agreed to do this through his Corinthian Trust.
Meanwhile the principal of the Himalayan Bible Institute who is spearheading this initiative, Dil Bahadur Tamang, has visited Surkhet on a number of occasions while holding conferences in the Mid West and Far West. He has won backing from all the local churches, and the YWAM discipleship training which has been going for a number of years there. He is putting together a steering committee representing all the church denominations in the region, and this unifying effect locally seems to have been a welcome spin-off from this initiative.
We plan to start the first 5 month intake in February, God willing. Faculty, including local church leaders with academic qualifications, is in place. A candidate for long term principal has been identified, a gifted teacher with a Surkhet wife currently completing an MTh in Pune, India. Accommodation and training facilities are being provided by the churches.
Regarding finance, we have raised the initial capital costs for setting up the college, thanks to your generosity. Now, we are looking for sponsors for individual students to help them cover their expenses during the course. Of the planned 20 students per 5 month intake, we have enough promised for 5. The cost is £40 per month per student, or £200 for a completed leadership training. In return, we want to establish a direct correspondence between supporter and the sponsored student, to enable us to understand and better pray for the growing church in Nepal.
I believe there must be others God is prompting to take part in this faith exercise, which is why I’m writing to you again. If the regular amount quoted is too much, a partial contribution is of course welcome. If I’ve forgotten some important information, please reply and ask. If you can’t give at this stage, but would still like to be informed of developments, again let me know.
Thanks for reading. Please pray for Dil and his team as they work hard to make this happen. Please also pray for the churches in Surkhet as they learn to work together, some for the first time, for a vision that has been there for a number of years. And thank the Lord, ‘for every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything’ (Heb 3:4).
Yours in Him, Rod.
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