Sword & Trowel 2017: Issue 1


the pipes themselves. This work is being carried out under the auspices of Grace Social Welfare Organisation (started after the earth- quake) and in liaison with local pastors.


Earthquake relief


Substantial earthquake relief work was carried out in 2015-16, with some church construction projects still con- tinuing. Pastor Rai and his fellow workers are thankful for the support given by Sword & Trowel readers to the relief work and report that God has opened many opportunities for the extension of his kingdom. New churches and mission points are now in existence due to this compassionate labour accompanied, wherever possible, with Christian wit- ness.


Anti-conversion law On 8th


August, Ne-


pal’s parliament passed a bill restricting religious conversion and criminal- ising ‘hurting religious sentiment’. Under its provisions, anyone con- victed of encouraging someone to convert


could be sentenced to up to fi ve years’ imprisonment. Under Nepal’s 2015 constitution, actions to ‘convert another person from one religion to another’ were already illegal. Pastor Rai reports that they ask those who are to be baptised to sign a declaration that it is a voluntary action on their part. In the Lord’s goodness, churches in remote regions continue to grow.


Pastor Rai studied at


the LRBS from 1992-3 and is supported by the Tabernacle’s Overseas Ministry Fund. See page 5 for details.


Compassionate Work Continues page 19


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