Dil Tamang is our primary ministry partner in Nepal, a tiny country located between the two superpowers of China and India. Dil is truly a servant of the living God in every sense of the word. Let me share a bit about Dil and his journey of faith.
Dil was born in a small rural village in Nepal. He was sick for most of his first three years of life, yet he could never get diagnosed or cured. Dil’s dad ultimately reached out to the sole Christian in the village, who prayed over Dil. Those prayers were heard and answered and Dil was miraculously healed! Many came to faith as a result of this miracle, and that did not sit well with the Buddhists in the village. That’s when the persecution began. Dil saw his father beaten and then given an ultimatum: renounce your faith or leave the village. Dil’s family chose to honor their Savior and leave! More to this story later.
About 15 years ago, Dil began a ministry to train pastors, largely from rural areas, to become more effective for Christ. There are many channels to this effort, but the primary ministry operation is the Himalayan Bible Study Academy (HBSA), headquartered in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. In addition to training church planters at one of three HBSA training centers across the country, Dil works extremely hard doing mobile training for rural pastors and church leaders who might not be able to come to the training centers. To date, over 9,000 leaders have been trained.
God has blessed Dil with the skills to teach Bible stories that non-readers can then re-tell to others. These oral (or storytelling) methods have proven highly effective in reaching the illiterate for Christ! But to reach some of these remote villages, Dil must travel overnight by bus until it reaches the end of the line. He then treks the rest of the way. With pure delight, he makes these trips monthly—because God called him to action!
I’ve been fortunate to travel with Dil and see and hear his passion first hand. Once, we missed a flight out of Nepal and traveled all across India in order to make our destination on time. He never complained once!
Earlier, I promised to complete the story of Dil’s family being run out of town when he was a little boy. About four years ago, Dil was invited back to that very same community (that only had one Christian) to come and preach. And preach he did! To this day, just about all of the 1,500 people in the village are believers in Jesus! Praise Him!!!!
So, what now? Please pray for Dil and his wife, Mon Maya. Nepal is persecuting Christians. I know he’s had some health issues and traveling can’t be easy for him. Simply pray that he can continue the work to which God has called him. And would you be able to help Dil and our other ministry partners like him around the world this Christmas with a love offering? They work so tirelessly in ministry. Your generous gift would bless and encourage so many around the world this Christmas! Please give as you’re able and according to God’s direction. (If you choose to give, please specify Christmas Outreach.)
Merry Christmas and God Bless!
Jim Gurley | Director of Development