We just came back from Nepal. The Himalayas are beautiful. After five days of overcast skies and only a promise of mountains in the distance, we woke up last Friday to an unbelievable view. In fact, it was so spectacular, that we didn't say a word for more than half an hour. We were speechless. There they stood- the tallest mountains in th world. They seemed to be only two miles away, though we were told that they were 30 miles away. There are 14 mountains in the world with elevations exceeding 8,000 meters. We were staring at some of them and others very close to their elevation. God's world is beautiful.
Nevertheless, the more beautiful scene was the inauguration service for the Free Methodist Church in Nepal and ordination service of the first ordained ministers there. More than 140 were present, among them 50 Nepalese pastors. The worship left me in awe. The commitment of those leaders in the only Hindu state in the world, was inspiring. They have made a commitment to reach the lost and trust me, there are many who are lost. The darkness is palpable. The hopelessness is visible. But, among these redeemed saints, the hope is stunning. One of the new pastors told the story of being beaten by persecutors who wanted nothing of Christianity among his native tribe. But, refusing to leave, a church has emerged among the once hate-filled enemies of the gospel. This 5'2" firebrand of a pastor is committed to see friends and family step into the light. Another new pastor has a story of healing. He would become a Christian if his son could be healed. He was, and he did.
I will never forget the mountains. I will never forget the mountain of hope.