Last year the Indian Rupee and Nepali Rupee values dropped dramatically by 17% at their lowest point, the lowest in 15 years. This is a by-product of the trade war between the United States and China, and creates an added challenge for the poorest of the poor in remote villages.
The result is that India and Nepal’s economies will likely be slowing down and the cost of imports will skyrocket. This is increasing the cost of goods which is the biggest impact for families already struggling in villages.
Low skill labor jobs in tourism are among the highest valued in Nepal. For example, a nurse in Kathmandu makes around $140 a month, and a teacher makes about $120 a month while a tour bus driver makes $400 a month. Nepalis skilled in a certain trade or educated in a particular field are able to make more money abroad, which is what many do.
These fiscal challenges make ServLife’s microfinance program all the more critical. Last year there were 99 families in the program, and there are plans to launch in more villages this year. With most families increasing their annual revenue by 250% in the first year, the small business loans are providing hope and opportunity.
Families like Narayan’s have seen a fast and tangible increase in revenue while the value of the rupee declines. Narayan was able to purchase two yaks and sell butter, and his business was profitable enough that he was able to support his family and pay off his loan ahead of schedule. Thirty-eight more families in the village also benefited from the loan and as a result the community has flourished.
“Before microfinance, people were poor,” Narayan shares. “They didn’t have money but after microfinance, they have money now. They can take care of their families.” As the value of the rupee decreases, we hope to see more families like Narayan’s thrive and increase their revenue.
In the midst of troubling times, Emmanuel is with us. Through financial challenges, Jehovah-jireh provides for us. When we are broken and hurting, Jehovah-rapha brings healing. In the middle of chaos, Jehovah-shalom brings peace. When we are weak, Elohim shows himself strong. No matter the situation, God provides grace and blessing over and over again.
“We don’t have many churches in Nepal, and only a few people hear about the gospel, so that is why we need to train people.” Nepal Director Bekharaj is driven and passionate about church planting as leaders try to keep up with the rapid 10% annual growth of Christianity in Nepal. The goal is not just more churches, but sustainable, healthy growth of thriving churches. Bekharaj shares, “We need to build leaders so that the church will be strong, so that the church will be healthy.”
This past November, I went on my third trip to Nepal along with seven people who would become my fast friends. This trip opened our eyes to see what God is doing in another country. My team member Jodi McKenna described it as “an opportunity to go to the opposite side of the world, be changed forever, and have relationships that matter.” Over the course of 11 days, we visited the pastor training school, met the 300 children in ServLife’s sponsorship program, and enjoyed fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ from many different backgrounds.
At the beginning of the trip, we took a tour of the pastor training school. We met the pastors-in-training, learned about their spiritual and vocational education, encouraged them in their mission, and heard amazing stories about pastors from previous training school sessions who had planted churches. On one of the last days of the trip, we got to watch the 14 trainees graduate and be commissioned. Then immediately after the ceremony, we took the new pastors to the bus stop from which they were going to their home villages to start new churches. It was energizing as Christians to watch the pastors go out to push boundaries and take the Gospel to new frontiers.
When she saw the letter with its pictures, she immediately recognized her best friend and her family, so Jodi had the pleasure of helping this girl write a letter to her best friend.
Kul 
moved to Kathmandu to find work after Nepal’s civil war. His neighbor was a Christian and invited him to church. Initially, Kul was skeptical of all religions, but through persistence he agreed to go to church at least once. Three months after his first visit to church, he accepted Jesus into his heart.
My 95 year-old grandma passed away at the end of last month, and it has hit me harder than I expected. She was an amazing role model and the matriarch of our family. She had the elegance of a queen and treated everyone like royalty. Her retirement was anything but, as she daily served her church and family. As her church transitioned from hymns to rock choruses, and an old, traditional building to a new modern building, she was leading the charge and continued to serve in the children’s ministry until she was no longer able.
I am convinced that everyone needs to meet this blessed Savior, and only He can make us whole. Thank you for joining ServLife in sharing the hope and restorative love of Jesus around the world. Your generous service has helped start new churches, send children to school and provide small business loans for families. Your support and service is a shout of praise and an investment in God’s kingdom.
