In the heart of Nepal, Overseas Council's Dr. Jaison Thomas (Theological Education Consultant) and Dr. Jessy Jaison (Regional Training Hub Leader for South Asia) recently enjoyed a warm welcome from a learning cohort of Nepali leaders. The Church in Nepal is growing more quickly than the number of well-equipped pastors and ministry leaders. In response, Jaison and Jessy created a partnership between 50+ local churches and two theological schools to develop and deliver contextualized training for hundreds of leaders in over a dozen learning cohorts throughout the country. On this visit, Jaison and Jessy thanked God for the young and old pastors and lay leaders who are learning and flourishing in their journey of faith and service.
“It was amazing how the group is developing vision to serve their churches and their communities,” said Jaison. In these learning cohorts, Nepali leaders gather monthly and immerse themselves in intensive training. What sets them apart is their commitment to apply their learning within their churches, which means no learnings go unused! During their visit, Jaison and Jessy conducted a survey among the leaders to identify their most pressing training needs.
This feedback will help shape future training content to keep these leaders well equipped. For example, in response to earlier feedback, Jaison and Jessy facilitated a training on 'Generosity in Community' a course, in Nepali, designed to impact the lives of individuals within their families, churches and community. Pooja (pictured above wearing glasses), a Bachelor of Arts student, shared her story of transformation by attending the learning cohorts: “I love the Lord and always wanted to be used in God’s ministry. I get new insights, wisdom, and motivation to be active among the community through this Church-Seminary Training Project. I have already started doing discipleship among my age group, and I’m deeply thankful that I can be part of this group.”
What truly makes this project special is its alignment with our hope of seeing servant leaders equipped with the Church for God’s mission. And yet, the journey is far from over. Nepal still needs more training to strengthen its current and emerging church leaders. Jaison and Jessy humbly request your prayers as they continue to facilitate these partnerships and learning cohorts to foster the transformation of this great nation. Your support is helping make a lasting difference in God's advancing Kingdom.
Please join us in prayer for:
Jaison and Jessy's strength and wisdom as they lead the Church-Seminary cohorts in Nepal. Lift up cohort participants, asking for their continued growth in faith, service, and understanding of God's Word. Individuals like Pooja, impacted by the project, to be empowered as agents of change in their communities.
Stories from the Field
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