NEPAL 2015
We delivered food (huge bags of rice, flour and sugar), supplies and the gospel message to five of the hardest hit villages. One of the villages was in the mountains on the Tibet border. Dolkha District, Bojh village) We were 8750 feet high. We stayed overnight in the home of a Buddhist family who very graciously gave us their living quarters and fed us dinner and breakfast. Food and supplies were delivered to the entire village who embraced us with loving arms and much gratitude. The supplies consisted of toothbrushes and tooth paste, soap for body and clothes, a bucket and a cup. The food were bags of rice, flour, sugar, tea and cooking oil. We also delivered hand made dresses, shorts and hats that were much needed and big hit.
Among the greatest pleasure in this Buddhist village was meeting Ruth. She is 76 years old and was the first Christian in this village. Ruth suffered near death beatings, seclusion and other severe persecutions for accepting the Lord. But all it takes is one spark to light a fire... Because of Ruth, others have come to accept the Lord Jesus Christ in her village. She is now respected and revered as the village matriarch and continues to be a Christian leader and shine her light and love for the Lord. I know Ruth will always serve as an inspiration to me as well as the other team members.
We, with Ruth at our side, were able to share Jesus Christ to the entire village as we handed out the relief items. The villagers listened intently and some questioned us concerning Christianity. They were very impressed to see the love of Christ exhibited in this way. We spent our time there intermingling with the villagers – both adults and children, sharing with them and playing with them. The next day we climbed down a 900 ft. drop to the village area below us. We attended a church service with the Christians of the area (they had lost their church due to the earthquake) and were fed a wonderful lunch. We then had to climb the 900 feet back up! It was grueling and bit frightening . . . one wrong step or slide and you would be down the mountainside. It was truly a faith builder. My Scripture that I kept claiming was Psalm 121:3 “He will not let your foot slip . . . “ and Psalm 139:10 “Even there Your right hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.” For sure, He was with me – and the team – every step of the way.
Another village where we climbed up to and stayed was Ramechhap District, Kurkot village. This was a Hindu village and the lowest of all casts. Even the government ignores them and offers no help. There are no words to describe how grateful they were to receive the food and supplies and have us visit them. Until us, they had never had anyone come to their village. We spent our time helping as we could, sharing the Lord and hosting a church service with guitar music and singing, playing with the children and sharing many smiles. After we left, we were told several accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and their view of Christians had drastically changed for the better! We praise God that we were able to help in this way and be a part of spreading Christianity in this remote mountaintop village.
In addition to delivering food and supplies to villages, we taught 2 days in the Bible College in Kathmandu. We taught the students how to share the gospel with children and adults. About 20 were in attendance. What a blessing and privilege this was! The Nepali translator for our ministry book, Sharing Jesus With Children Around The World, traveled six hours to attend the Bible school training. It was a pleasure and blessing to spend time with Pastor Tika and learn from him as well!
We also shared in two church services and taught Sunday school, giving the the teachers new and interesting ways of teaching the children. We had 3 adults and 2 children accept the Lord while we were there. We are praising God for His faithfulness.
Although physically, spiritually and emotionally challenging, this was a phenomenal mission. I had to totally trust in the Lord for all things – food, sleeping situations, breathing (high altitude), footing on the loose rocks and wet, slippery slopes, His words to speak and share with those who did not know Him. When you trust in Him, everything falls into place. The peace that enveloped me and the team was powerful and overwhelming. The team was hand picked by God, no doubt . . . Don Honeywell, Rusty Russell, LeighAnne McLean, Brandon Johnson (our youngest of 22 years) and myself. Every morning we would rise about 4 am to have our devotion and prayer time with one another. This is what covered us and this is how God spoke to each of us. Amazing how the day would bring about certain Scripture we had discussed or prayed. But God is amazing, all the time. To Him belongs all the glory. I pray we honored Him every treacherous step of the way!
- Lynne Robertson O'Quinn
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7