Eastbound didn’t know what to expect when entering Nepal, but we were definitely not expecting the heat. We were sweaty and hot and often found ourselves praying for cooler weather, or a supernatural coolness to come over us. With all 12 girls sleeping in the same room under one ceiling fan, we can testify that the Lord had answered prayers those nights where we were able to get a good night’s rest. Our host prepared lovely meals for us, with a classic Masala chai tea each day. Our food team was grateful for the break that they had.
We worked with our host in the morning and helped him clear out a section of the fish pond that had over-grown. This is where having 19 hands are really helpful, and we were able to do what was expected of us before we were hit by the midday heat.
We went up into the mountains to do some ministry. Unfortunately, one of our team members hurt her foot, so 2 of us accompanied her to the doctor and went back to the host where we were staying. The Lord definitely works in mysterious ways because I, Madison, had the opportunity to give word and share my testimony at their church while Angelique was able to rest her foot. It was incredible to see how the Lord gave me peace while standing on stage. From shaky hands during a high school oral among my peers, to feeling completely at peace speaking to 30-40 strangers. So if you are doubting if you are capable of this year, I would encourage you to sit with Mark 13:11, “Do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say what is given to you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” This verse was revealed to me in the beginning of the year when I was hesitant, and it’s definitely been a favourite of mine.
The team came together and prayed and felt that it would be a time of spiritual cleansing and prayed about how it would look. We were then split up into three groups, Ministry, Hiking and Camping/homestay. The Lord put it on 4 of the team members’s hearts that they should stay up in the mountain and continue serving while the others went on a hike and camped. It was encouraging to hear how the Lord had such divine appointments with each one of us. Although not all 19 of us were together, we definitely grew as individuals in Christ and found a hunger for Him in the different circumstances he put us in. We were all thankful for this time and opportunity where we could be spiritually cleansed and fill our cups with His word, so we can live with “Gospel In, Gospel Out”.
The team also did a phone fast for a couple of days. Personally, I found such enjoyment in this. I was able to be fully present with everything, with Bible studies, conversations, going on a walks and soaking in and admiring every view so much more because I couldn’t take a photo of it. We were able to clear our minds of the worldly things and fully focus on the Lord and His beauty around us and hear what He wanted to tell us.
Zonneke, who was part of the camping group, explains her experience as such, “While I was up in the mountain-farm village, I stepped out the third morning of our time there. I was mesmerised by the view of a snowy white cloud that hung over the colourful village. It was absolutely beautiful. I had to stand still for a few minutes to take it all in, take in the creation of God. I stood with gratitude there thanking God that he created this time for me to meet with Him. Like a real lover, He arranged everything and just asked me to be with Him, to stand captivated by His beauty. It was a time of real enjoyment and intimacy with the Lord these past few days.”
AJ, who stayed back in the mountains to minister, said “It was quite the experience preaching about thankfulness in a small village in an isolated place in Nepal. It was difficult sharing with a translator. However, God showed me that preaching is not just limited to those who know a lot about the Bible and with experience. God can use people to share the word of God to the people.”
Jasmin, who went on the hike, expressed her experience as such, “I think we can all agree, that it was a challenging time in which we could always find all the strength and endurance we needed in the Lord and had the privilege of not only praising Him in the easy and beautiful, but also in times of struggle. But we also had lots of fun, talking and laughing together and just enjoying Him in some beautiful quiet times up in the mountains. And although totally out of season, we really saw the Lord everyday clearing the sky for us to see, and stand in awe of His stunning creation, raising our voices together to worship Him. He plays with giant rocks and entire mountains as if they were building blocks. That is our God!”
We all regrouped and enjoyed listening to each other’s stories and how the Lord had worked in each person’s life. Showing us that when we are obedient to what we hear the Lord say, He works in wonderful ways. What an honour it is that the Creator of the universe speaks to us and wants a relationship with us! I encourage you to be attentive to what He has to say. He is a good God and will only speak life into us.
Blessings,
Eastbound ♡