“Now We Walk Together”: How a Small Church in Nepal Broke Barriers with Love and Service
Names, locations, and images have been changed to protect the identity of individuals in sensitive regions.
In a region where the church was once shunned as irrelevant and lowly, one small fellowship in southern Nepal is reshaping hearts—and livelihoods—through humble acts of love, partnership, and Gospel presence.
A Community Resistant to the Church
In a rural area of southern Nepal, people from traditionally Hindu backgrounds—including Koiri, Yadav, Khatwe, and Brahmin ethnic groups—have long viewed Christianity with suspicion. Many considered it a religion for the poor, the uneducated, or those from lower castes. Local believers were often excluded from community life, treated as outsiders, and viewed with hostility.
For years, the church remained small and isolated. Christians faced rejection at weddings, public events, and even neighborhood gatherings. But despite the discouragement, a few faithful leaders believed God was not finished with their community.
Serving First, Earning Trust
After receiving holistic ministry training through a partner network, Pastor Binod and fellow leaders Asha and Deepak launched a new initiative called “Sunaulo,” meaning “golden.” It welcomed both Christians and non-Christians and focused on practical service—tree planting, sanitation projects, animal banking, small savings groups, and health education.
The church began by serving, not preaching. And over time, this posture of humility opened hearts.
“The church is not foreign. It is part of our community.”
Neighbors who once avoided Christian homes started showing interest in these activities. Eventually, even local government offices took notice, recognizing the group’s commitment to community development.
Growing Together
The turning point came when a government connection led to agriculture training. Thirty people—twenty of them from non-Christian backgrounds—attended a workshop on mushroom cultivation. The skill has already begun improving household income and livelihoods.
Pastor Binod shared his joy:
“In earlier days, no one from outside the church would come to our events. But today, our neighbors participate freely in everything we do. It’s because of this ministry. It helped us build trust—and opened new doors for sharing the Gospel.”
Lives are changing—not just economically, but spiritually. The local church is no longer a fringe presence, but a visible part of community life. And in that soil of trust, Gospel seeds are beginning to grow.
Compel’s Role in the Transformation
This shift didn’t happen by accident. Through partnership with an indigenous ministry, Compel International helped equip leaders like Binod, Asha, and Deepak with training in transformational ministry—empowering them to live out the love of Christ in practical, culturally sensitive ways.
Today, this once-isolated fellowship is not only serving their neighbors but sharing the Gospel with them—showing that Christ’s love is for every family, tribe, and tradition.