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This is the new incoming class of 2010 at Grace Bible School in Kathmandu. This Bible Seminary, led by Pastor Raj Kumar, trains young men and women from remote areas of Nepal. At the school they are provided with solid biblical and pastoral training which will enable them, when finished, to return to their villages and lead their congregation, and shepherd their communities. Due to the incredible poverty of these remote areas, each student has been sponsored and supported as God opened the doors for these men and women to receive the much needed training that will bring His kingdom to the people in areas that are still unreached. This October i have the honor of spending some time with these students and teaching on the topics of leadership and evangelism. Pray for us as we learn together!
We have been working with Sanumaya and her family for many years. Sanumaya’s husband died in a construction accident and left her alone with 4 small children. Over the years we have helped her with housing, food, and education for her kids. This past May when i went to visit with her, i found that her two youngest daughters were no longer in school. When i inquired as to why this was, she responded by telling me that she could no longer afford their school fees. i told her that it would be an honor to help her and that i would take care of any school fees required in order for them to register for their classes. Her daughter became very excited, but i noticed that Sanumaya was silent. The next day i returned with my friend and pastor, Raj Kumar. i asked Sanumaya about the situation and found out that her youngest daughter (12 yrs.) works cleaning houses and makes about 1000 NRP per month. (about $13 USD) Her older daughter (15 yrs.) makes about 1500 NRP per month. She told me that if her two daughters go back to school she would no longer be able to pay her house rent and would have no place to live. The money her children make covers the rent while the money she makes at her little bamboo tea shop in her neighborhood by the river, provides for their food. i found myself in the midst of a moral quandary. If i send the girls back to school to receive their much needed education i would end up putting the family out on the street. The next morning i met with Raj Kumar and the elders from his church to figure out our options. i discovered that for about $75-$100 i could provide Sanumaya with the training and equipment to operate her own candle making business. With only 8 hours of electricity provided per day in Kathmandu, there is an enormous demand for high quality candles and the revenue would easily provide the money she would need to offset the incomes of her two daughters. The next day i went with Pastor Raj Kumar and two of the elders from the church to share our idea with Sanumaya. As you can see from the photo, they are now both elated. Sanumaya is looking forward to the added dimension of her shop, learning a new trade, and having a solid education for her kids. Raj Kumar is also meeting with Sanumaya at her tea shop a couple times a week. While drinking tea, he continues to share the love of Jesus with her and the people who frequent her shop. An amazing connection!
