ServLife’s calling is to work in the most marginalized places in the world, which often results in pushback socially, religiously and politically. In the last few months we have faced increasing challenges as Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs has setup a new layer of regulations for nongovernmental organizations in order to monitor their work more closely.

The four new regulations are as follows:

1. Nonprofits must report details of property ownership
2. Nonprofits are now required to report financial status and progress reports to the government every four months (instead of every year as had previously been the requirement)
3. Any organization that has not renewed registration in the last three years will forfeit their ability to operate in Nepal.
4. Nonprofits will now need to register as a separate organization for each district they operate in.

The new regulations largely target organizations that focus on rights, policies, and advocacy. This increased reach of the government is a manifestation of Nepal’s long existing fear of foreign influence in their country. Nepal prides itself in being the only country in its region to not have been formally colonized. That being said, these new regulations will affect ServLife’s work in Nepal as we adjust to the new laws. Fortunately, we are only affected by one of these changes, but will now have to incorporate in every district where we operate. This will increase overhead costs, and as a result, many nonprofits in Nepal are ceasing or decreasing their activity throughout the country.

We do not currently plan to cease or decrease our work in Nepal. In all things, we believe that God is in control of what happens in India and Nepal. We will proceed prayerfully with open hands and faithful determination. ServLife is happy to be a tool that God uses, but we believe that people will hear the gospel no matter what.