Christmas Preparations Bringing Hope to Nepal

Nepal is a country still struggling after the devastating earthquakes earlier this year, and the trade embargo with India that has been in place for the last five months, since Nepal passed its secular constitution.

The Indian embargo is causing enormous suffering and hardship to the Nepalese people, as they struggle to find fuel to heat their homes or to use for cooking, as well as a shortage of some basic food supplies.

However, although Christians make up only a small percentage of Nepalese population, Christmas celebrations are igniting enthusiasm and excitement across the country.

Private entrepreneurs, government officials, religious leaders and lay people believe that the enthusiasm for the preparations for Christmas will help to bring fresh hope and provide a much needed boost to all people in Nepal.

Father Ignatius, a Catholic priest, confirms the growing anticipation ahead of Christmas: “The joy and enthusiasm is no less than in previous years. We are all preparing to welcome the birth of Christ. There are still many problems and obstacles caused by the embargo, but the people are ready to overcome them.

• Pray for Nepal in the lead up to Christmas, that many will find the true reason for the celebrations, and find true hope and life through Jesus Christ.
• Pray for the Church in Nepal to use this season as a time to reach out to their neighbours and share the truth of Christmas.
• Pray for protection for Christmas in Nepal, with growing pressure from Hindu nationalists.
• Pray that the trade embargo with India will be lifted and food and fuel be available to the people who need it.

John 1 vs 1 – 5: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God … What has come into being  in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”

Source: http://www.asianews.it/news-en, http://www.persecution.org