The REC in Nepal

News from the Executive Secretary - 19 May 2011

Dear Friends in the Reformed Episcopal Church,

You recently received our report on my visit to Nepal and the developing Anglican Church in that country. (View Video) The Rev. Rinzi Lama, president of the Anglican Church of Nepal (ACN), has since sent me a copy of the ACN's Spring newsletter which he translated for us. I thought that you might appreciate it. You might want to copy the newsletter for distribution in your parish as well as including it with Missions information on your website. Here are some explanations of ministries and concerns listed by number in the Newsletter:

#1. The established parish of Nazarene Anglican Church in Kathmandu purchased this land for a daughter church in the rural mountains at Nuwakot. It seems that the former meeting place was lost because of hostile pressures on the property owner.

 #2. Jabez Training School is the Nepal Anglican Church's training center offering a two-year course in Bible, evangelism, Christian service, English and other courses. There are currently 9 students enrolled. They are all from the Anglican parishes of Nepal.

 #4. I attended the Teaching Session mentioned on March 3 with Canon Kuan Kim Seng, Missions Director for the Diocese of Singapore. I gave greetings from the Reformed Episcopal Church and shared information about our Church. (View Video)

#5. The first photo shows me with members of the Nepal Standing Committee and Nepal Mission Secretary Chew Boon Ann from Singapore. It might be more difficult to pick out your American representative in the photo at the top of the second page. I spoke at this gathering in the new building of the Nuwakot church plant.

#7. The "burial place" struggle: Christianity is a minority religion in Nepal. Cemeteries under the control of the two dominant religions do not officially permit Christian burials. Nepali Christians have been calling on the secular government to change this policy and it is a significant concern to the churches.

#8. Berea Anglican Church on the edge of Kathmandu was originally another church plant from Nazarene Anglican Church. I was able to visit the new sanctuary which was dedicated on March 23.

I hope that this information will encourage prayer for our partner parishes in Asia. A specific project will be presented at General Council.

Yours in Christ,
Bill Jerdan
Executive Secretary - Board of Foreign Missions

Donations

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