Five times each year, our partner Utsang and two church elders set out on a 14–day mission to the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. The journey is long and demanding. The first leg alone is an 18–hour bus ride, often interrupted by mudslides or snow. From there, they travel on foot to reach small, rural communities scattered across vast and rugged terrain.

The churches they visit are young but deeply hungry for sound teaching and faithful preaching. On this most recent trip, they ministered in five churches; two of which were planted ten years ago and have grown significantly since. There were new buildings to dedicate, new believers to baptise, and much rejoicing as congregations gathered eagerly around God’s Word.

Reaching each church requires determination. One involves a five–mile hike up a mountainside. Another demands a four–hour trek through dense jungle. The final stop is reached only after a steep two–hour climb. Yet in every location, the welcome is warm and expectant. Some congregations meet in cow sheds; others gather in old houses that offer little protection from the elements. Even so, the Lord is providing, and each fellowship is slowly expanding.

In every village, the team spends at least two days teaching, encouraging, and praying. Worship begins early in the morning and often continues late into the night. In one community, believers shared how they had faced persecution in an area where Hinduism predominates. Yet they testified with joy that the King of Kings had granted them victory. The team prayed for the sick and for those who do not yet know Christ, rejoicing in the steady stream of new believers as these mountain communities faithfully share God’s love with their neighbours.

Utsang is no longer a young man, and these journeys take a greater physical toll, especially in the harsh winter months. He often returns home exhausted, sometimes battling respiratory infections brought on by the extreme cold. Yet he also returns filled with gratitude and joy. He sees the fruit of faithful ministry in young converts and seasoned believers alike, all reaching out courageously within their communities.

Despite the cost, God continues to bless this work. And each time Utsang comes home, weary but rejoicing, he gives thanks for God’s protection, His provision, and the faithful prayers of His people, both near and far.

 

PRAY WITH US

• Pray for Utsang and his team that they will continue to see this ministry flourish.

• Pray for health and strength for the difficult journeys they must endure and the harsh conditions they often work in.

• Pray for the young churches to grow in grace and see much fruit for their labour.

• Pray for the unsaved in each of these communities, that the love of God will penetrate the darkness of their souls.

• Pray for transport which would make these trips into the mountains much easier for Utsang and his team.