The introduction of anti-conversion provisions in the constitution and the penal code, which criminalise the propagation of faith, place Christians in the vulnerable position of potentially being prosecuted for proselytising. Anyone can be accused of violating the law, even for peacefully sharing their faith or belief. Charitable organisations owned by Christians are also at risk of being targeted for prosecution even if they are not involved in proselytising. Find out more about Nepal at csw.org.uk/nepal
Chinimaya Blon and Pastor Tamang
Chinimaya Blon is a Christian social worker who has run an orphanage in Dhankuta district since 2011. In 2016 the government refused to renew her licence. With consent from the children’s parents, she moved the 14 children under her care to Kathmandu and placed them under the care of Pastor Hari Tamang who provided a shelter within his church compound. They were both arrested, imprisoned for a week and charged with child trafficking and attempted conversion. Police and social services then raided the compound and took custody of the children. Their case has been ongoing since 2016.
Sunday 10 May
Pray that the charges against Chinimaya and Pastor Tamang would be dropped, and that the Supreme Court would rule in their favour.
Monday 11 May
Ask God to strengthen Chinimaya and Pastor Tamang after the years of the ongoing legal case. At a hearing on 5 February the court requested further documents. Pray that the case will not be prolonged as it has already caused many hardships to the accused.
Tuesday 12 May
As you pray today, use the words of Amos 5:24 to inspire and guide your prayers for Chinimaya and Pastor Tamang. ‘But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!’ Pastor Dilli Ram Paudel, General Secretary of the Nepal Christian Society Last April Pastor Dilli Ram Paudel, a church leader named Kausang Tamang and two other people were arrested at their hotel, while attending a conference for pastors. Pastor Dilli Ram was arrested on false charges of religious conversion and was detained for a week before being released on bail. During that time he wasn’t allowed visits from friends or relatives and wasn’t given the meals he needed as a diabetic.
Wednesday 13 May
Pray that the false charges against Pastor Dilli Ram and the others would be dropped, and that he would be free to continue his ministry without fear of further prosecution.
Thursday 14 May
Ask God to strengthen church leaders in Nepal as they show their support, and pray that his case would not strike fear into their hearts.
Friday 15 May
Use Jeremiah 7:17 as you pray for Pastor Dilli Ram and Kausang today: ‘But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.’
Saturday 16 May
God of justice, rise up to defend the cause of the oppressed in Nepal and bring justice to all those who are falsely accused of illegal conversion. As they wait patiently for you Lord, may you hear their cry and move quickly to help them. Amen.