EARTHQUAKE UPDATE NEPAL

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2 EARTHQUAKE UPDATE NEPAL We developed this Prayer Diary earlier this year; it was at the printers when the 7.8 * earthquake struck Nepal on 25 April. Since then our lives, and the lives of so many Nepalis, have been turned upside down. Thousands of people have lost their homes, businesses are shattered, schools and health posts destroyed. Many families are also grieving the loss of loved ones. As this Prayer Diary was already at the printers, we decided not to change it but instead add this update to enable you to pray specifically for our earthquake relief and rehabilitation work throughout this year. Thank you for your prayerful support. UMN COMMUNICATIONS TEAM Pray for the Government of Nepal, as it struggles to manage the impacts of this disaster. Pray for wisdom and integrity from the Prime Minister s office right down to local leadership. Pray especially for Nepal s children. Many were terribly frightened; they have lost homes and possessions, maybe family members. Their schools have been destroyed and their education disrupted. Pray for churches in Nepal, as they seek to respond in their own communities. UMN and its STAFF Praise God that none of our staff were killed or injured. Pray for UMN staff. Many have suffered psychological trauma and distress. Pray that they will recover quickly. Throughout this year, UMN s work will be dramatically increased. Some staff will have changes to their jobs and perhaps transfers. Pray for quick adjustments. Pray for wisdom, so that we can manage workloads and support our staff properly. Pray for staff who have lost their homes in the earthquake. UMN is supporting them with temporary shelter provisions. Pray for UMN, as we gear up into the reconstruction phase. Pray for wisdom, sensitivity and a commitment to our core values through these changes. umn.org.np

3 DHADING DISTRICT UMN WILL BE VERY INVOLVED in the rehabilitation work in Dhading, one of the most affected districts. We have been working in Dhading for more than 20 years, and have strong relationships and capable partners there. 7.8 * magnitude Dhading Kathmandu 7.3 * magnitude Pray for the many families and communities who have lost homes, livestock, food stores and seed. Pray for our Dhading team as they manage an increased workload and many demands from community and from government agencies. Pray for our work in five key VDCs: Lapa, Ree and Jharlang in the far north, and Mahadevsthan and Pida in the south. EDUCATION: Pray for UMN s support for Temporary Learning Centres, which will fill the gap left by schools damaged and destroyed. HEALTH: Pray for UMN s leadership in the area of emergency nutrition. Health workers are being trained, and UMN will continue to support them in 13 VDCs. LIVELIHOODS: Pray that farmers will be able to plant their crops, that small businesses can be restarted, and that people will be able to support their families. DISASTER MANAGEMENT: Pray for work being done to help communities prepare for disasters. Pray especially during the monsoon months. Steep slopes weakened by the earthquakes are very prone to landslides. CHURCHES: The Church is strong in Dhading; many churches were damaged. Pray that churches will be able to rebuild, and reach out to their communities. Pray for church leaders, for wisdom and discernment, and that people of different religions will be able to work together well. * Figures taken from USGS Earthquake Hazards Program earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us #general_summary earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us20002ejl#general_summary

4 VISION Fullness of life for all, in a transformed Nepali society. MISSION Inspired by the love and teachings of Jesus Christ, in partnership with the Christian community and others in Nepal and worldwide, we will serve the people of Nepal, particularly those who live in poverty: Ü To pursue peace and justice for all; Ü To address the root causes of poverty; and Ü To make Christ known by word and life. VALUES We in UMN, being motivated by and dependent on God, believe these values to be foundational to our work. They influence our behaviour, our choice of partners, the way we work with our partners and the selection and development of staff. 2 LOVE & SERVICE EQUITY & SOCIAL JUSTICE INTEGRITY INNOVATION & CREATIVITY SPECIAL CONCERN FOR POOR AND MARGINALISED PEOPLE CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

5 PRAYER HAS ALWAYS BEEN FOUNDATIONAL to the work of UMN, and the church in Nepal. Many of you have faithfully prayed for Nepal and UMN s work for many years, and know lots about Nepal. Others may have just started and know relatively little. Whatever your situation, and wherever you are, we hope that you will find this resource helpful in guiding and inspiring you in your prayer life. UMN s vision is for Fullness of life for all, in a transformed Nepali society and our understanding of Fullness of Life is illustrated in the diagram to the right. Please join with us in praying for God s blessing on UMN and Nepal, that UMN would be effective in working towards this vision, and that Nepali society would indeed be transformed, so that everyone can move towards the fullness of life that God intends for all of us. Yours in Christ, MARK GALPIN Produced by: the Communications Team, UMN Editorial Team: Lyn Jackson Design: Phil Rawlings Cover Photo: Hannah Yoon UMN

6 NEPAL BEAUTIFUL, HOSPITABLE, CHALLENGING. Although Nepal has made great progress in the last 10 years, it remains one of the poorest countries in Asia. Women (especially single women/widows), children, people with disabilities or those affected by HIV and AIDS, people from ethnic or religious minorities and people living in remote areas are particularly vulnerable. Thank God for improvements in education and health services that have been helpful for many poorer Nepalis. Pray for the disadvantaged groups listed earlier; that they will be treated with dignity and respect. During 2015, a new constitution will be promulgated in Nepal. We are not sure what impact this will have, but please pray: That politicians and leaders will make decisions that are in the best interests of ALL Nepalis, particularly the most vulnerable. That the new Constitution and its implementation will safeguard the rights of the poor, and of minority groups, including Christians. 4

7 UMN NOW IN ITS 61 ST YEAR, UMN continues to grow and change as it serves the people of Nepal in the name and spirit of Jesus Christ. The challenges are many, especially for a Christian organisation, but time and again we have proved God to be faithful and loving, our Guide and Provider. Liaison Director SANU RAJA RANJIT plays a key role in our agreement negotiations and in the property court case. Please pray for wisdom and strength for him through what promises to be a demanding year. Praise God that, over all these years, in all kinds of circumstances, Hitherto the Lord has helped us (1 Samuel 7:12). Pray for strong relationships with the Government of Nepal, at local, district and national level. Pray for the progress and timely signing of our General Agreement and Project Agreement in Praise God that our Hospitals Agreement was signed in January. Pray for a positive and permanent resolution to two key issues: the ownership of our Headquarters property in Thapathali, and access to the the dividends from our shares in BPC (Butwal Power Company). Pray over the implementation of our new Strategic Plan ; for the changes that will be made, for people adapting to new priorities, and for a smooth transition to the new plan. 5

8 UMN S BOARD AND SUPPORTING PARTNERS Pray especially for Board Chair, DHANAN SENATHIRAJAH, as he leads the Board and works closely with the Executive Director. 6 UMN RECEIVES SUPPORT from more than 30 organisations in about 15 different countries, as well as from individuals and churches. Thank God for the committed support UMN has received over many years. Pray for our Supporting Partners, in their work in their own countries, and as they relate to partners around the world. UMN S BOARD OF TRUSTEES consists of six Nepali members and six members from other countries. They safeguard the reputation of UMN, and hold the leadership accountable for the organisation s work towards its Vision and Mission. Thank God that such busy, capable people are willing to commit time and effort to the governance of UMN. Pray that the Board will make wise, informed decisions that will support and encourage the organisation. In May and November, pray especially for the incountry board meetings 4, 5 & 8 May and November. Find out more about UMN s board at

9 UMN S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND LEADERSHIP TEAM UMN S LEADERSHIP TEAM implements policy set by the Board and manages the operations of the organisation. You can meet them at Thank God for Mark Galpin, UMN s Executive Director, with his many skills and his passion to see God s purposes accomplished in Nepal. Pray for strength, wisdom and sensitivity as he provides spiritual leadership as well as management. This year, UMN is recruiting a new Executive Director to replace Mark when his term ends in mid Pray for the process, that a godly man or woman with the right skills and experience will be selected. Pray for the members of the Leadership Team, as they manage their own teams and also contribute to organisational decision-making. Pray that they will exercise servant leadership and work well as a team. In August, pray for the Leadership Team Retreat August. 7

10 UMN S WORK IN BAJHANG DISTRICT UMN STARTED WORK in this hilly region in the far west in 2008, and has six partners at present. This district faces the challenge of food security and soil erosion. Many men travel to India to work as labourers during the year. This leads to heavy burdens on women, and much social disruption. Discrimination against women, Dalits (low caste) and people with disabilities are some of the issues that UMN and its partners are addressing in Bajhang. TEJENDRA BUDHA MAGAR became Team Leader in Bajhang in Pray for him as he leads the team and builds relationships with local government agencies, other I/NGOs and churches. 8

11 BAJHANG There is much political activity in Bajhang, and sometimes party leaders come asking for donations. Pray for sensitivity and wisdom as our staff handle these demands. Relationships with local government are also difficult to negotiate. Sometimes, government agencies try to pass their responsibilities on to I/NGOs. Pray for respectful relationships with local and district government. Because of remoteness and lower salary scales, it is difficult to recruit and retain staff. Please pray for long-term, committed staff members. Chainpur, the district headquarters, is a flood-prone area. Pray that flooding won t cause damage, especially during the monsoon months of June and July. Pray for safe travel for UMN staff, as roads are poor and travel can be risky. 9

12 UMN S WORK IN DHADING DISTRICT DHADING IS A FERTILE agricultural district, with the headquarters just three hours drive from Kathmandu. It extends high into the mountains, right up to the Tibetan border. UMN s current work began here in 2005, though there had been an earlier rural development project in the district. We now have 10 partners. In the south, along the highway, exposure to HIV and AIDS is high, and discrimination against people living with AIDS is a concern. One of UMN s partners also works in two remote northern areas, where travel is difficult and services for villagers are scarce. 10 SHASHI GHALAN is an experienced Team Leader who has served in Dhading for 5 years. Pray for her as she continues in this demanding job, which means that she is often separated from her family.

13 DHADING For good programme planning for the groups we have identified as the very poorest for Often, it is easy to overlook very poor groups, which are hardest to identify and hardest to reach. One of the challenges we and our partners all face is the difficulty of keeping accounting staff, who can often find better job opportunities. We find that no sooner have we trained the staff than they leave, as we have a very limited budget which only allows for part-time staff. Pray that we ll be able to find accounting staff to fill our needs. For a peaceful and stable security situation in north Dhading, as there have been various conflict situations over a long period gang fights, robbery, looting, and even murder. One of our special target communities for is in north Dhading. For wisdom and guidance to maintain meaningful and effective relationships with government line agencies and stakeholders, including churches. Early child marriage rates in some target communities are very high. Please pray that we can help to change some of these harmful practices. 11

14 UMN S WORK IN DOTI DISTRICT SABU TAMANG has been Team Leader in Doti since She is also studying to complete her Masters degree. Pray that she will be able to balance the pressures of work, home life and study. ALSO A FAR WESTERN HILLY REGION, Doti saw UMN begin work there in UMN is striving to raise awareness about the rights of women, stressing the importance of education for girls, and is working with its six partners to stop discriminatory practices against people with disabilities. Food scarcity is addressed through rural development work, and a long-standing partnership with a local higher secondary school helps build better educational outcomes for students. 12

15 DOTI UMN is working with 87 people living with HIV and AIDS, and 52 children affected by AIDS through one of its partners. Please pray for reduced stigma and discrimination against these people by their families and society, and that they may find hope in their lives. It is very difficult to change community behaviour when it is based on long-standing traditions, values and beliefs. Please pray that UMN s work with communities will bring positive behavioural change through various programme interventions. UMN is supporting children with disabilities arranging and funding their physical treatment, rehabilitation and schooling. Please pray that these children and their care-givers can be change agents and role models for others. An ambitious new Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health Programme in 17 VDCs starts in January 2015 and ends in December Please pray for effective planning and implementation. The northern belt of the district (Daud and Khatiwada VDCs) is food insecure. Pray that UMN s Sustainable Livelihoods Programme can enhance livelihoods with improved cropping techniques. 13

16 UMN S WORK IN MUGU DISTRICT A GEOGRAPHICALLY CHALLENGING DISTRICT in the high Himalayas, Mugu has little access to motorable roads. UMN started work there in 1999, with the cluster approach beginning in There are six partners now. With unstable slopes and infertile land, low food production leaves many people struggling to feed their families throughout the year. NABIN RAJ MOKTAN took over as Team Leader in Mugu in This is a very demanding role, as Nabin and most of his team live in a remote area, far from home. Pray for his strength and encouragement. 14

17 MUGU Pray for the effective implementation of the new Mugu Social Transformation project. This project has a different approach, so will involve new challenges for our staff and partner. Living in Mugu is tough. Pray for our staff, most of whom are away from their families for long periods. Staff turnover in the partner organisations is a common problem. Pray for continuity. Many of our partner organisations staff and board members have limited training and experience. Pray for our efforts to build their skills and capacity. Pray for the safety and protection of cluster and partner staff, particularly when travelling. The people of Mugu are particularly vulnerable: socially, economically, and politically. Pray that our work will help to empower them, build their skills and confidence, and help them work towards their own development. Pray that the government agencies in Mugu will act responsibly and with integrity in providing services for the people, according to their duty. 15

18 UMN S WORK IN RUKUM DISTRICT UMN HAS BEEN WORKING in Rukum since 2006, with eight partners. Rukum is one of the key districts in mid-west Nepal where the insurgency started. UMN s peacebuilding work has made a difference in the lives of widows through various income generation programmes. Sanitation, safe drinking water and transportation are also some of the development needs. 16 TARA HANG TAWA is in his first year as Cluster Team Leader. He spent a year as a UMN Intern in 2011, and then worked for World Vision in eastern Nepal until taking up his present post. This has been a steep learning curve, but Tara is a mature Christian with an active faith. Pray for him.

19 RUKUM Pray for a secure, peaceful and appropriate cluster office. We are looking for a new location, with easy access, in Khalanga, Rukum. Pray for good relationships with our six partners who implement programme activities in Rukum district. Pray for the District Federation of Seed Cooperatives that we are working with in the Vegetable Seed Promotion Programme. This is a new partnership for us this year. Pray that the cluster will be strongly motivated by a desire to see Fullness of Life in remote areas of Rukum. Most staff members are living far away from their families. Pray that staff will enhance the knowledge and skills of partner staff to carry out programme activities that will result in positive impacts in the target community. May all cluster staff have wisdom and guidance for planned work and activities throughout the whole year. 17

20 UMN S WORK IN RUPANDEHI, NAWALPARASI AND KAPILVASTU DISTRICTS BISHAL SHRESTHA worked as Team Leader in Doti before moving to Rupandehi in Managing complex programmes across three districts is challenging; pray for his wisdom and sensitivity. UMN HAS HAD A STRONG INVOLVEMENT in Rupandehi for many years, centred around Butwal. The cluster programme began here in 2005, and now UMN has 13 partners. Situated on the border with India, seasonal migrants to India are vulnerable to HIV infection. Through its partners, UMN has been giving teaching on family life and HIV & AIDS in churches. The three districts also contain some very poor communities, where traditional values keep women from participating in community life. 18

21 RUPANDEHI KAPILVASTU NAWALPARASI Pray for the very poor communities in all three districts: for better health treatment, improved mental health, improved sanitation, better nutrition, care and support from the family and the government. Pray for sustainable improvement in livelihoods and food security status for very poor people. Many live in disasterprone areas in three districts, highly vulnerable to flooding, fire, cold snaps during winter, landslides and road accidents. Pray for women and girls who experience domestic violence, gender and caste discrimination, child marriage and dowry problems. Much of our work centres around Self-Reliant Groups that work to empower women. Pray for them. Pray for good relationships with local churches, particularly the effective implementation of Sangsangai (the Church Community Mobilisation Process) in the three districts. Pray that our long-term projects and programmes will have adequate funds to serve very poor communities. Pray for the security of staff and partners in all working areas (especially the southern belts of the three districts). 19

22 UMN S WORK IN SUNSARI AND MORANG DISTRICTS BAL KUMARI PUN RAI manages the team in Sunsari. This sometimes involves negotiation with high-level officials, as well as community people, NGOs and church leaders. Pray that God will use her many gifts in His service. SUNSARI AND MORANG ARE LOCATED on the border with India. UMN started work in Sunsari in 2004 and is currently working with eight partners. Although the two districts are not the poorest in Nepal, they are home to communities of very poor, disadvantaged people, particularly landless workers. Migration for work into India is a problem. Maintaining security in villages close to the border is challenging, as criminals can easily move between countries. These two districts are also prone to disasters, particularly floods, during the monsoon. 20

23 SUNSARI MORANG Pray for the Musahar (Dalit) community, a very poor group who lack social services and generally do not send their children to school. Pray for changes in their traditional ways of thinking. Foreign employment has been a great challenge, breaking up family relationships and putting a lot of pressure on women. Pray that families can find work in Nepal. People with disabilities can t access government facilities; they are also discriminated against by family and society. Pray that UMN s work will build their confidence and help the community understand their needs. Pray for the new generation of Christian leaders; that they may have higher biblical and academic qualifications to better lead and teach their congregations. Children often have to drop out of school to support their parents in work in the fields and household work. Pray that other alternatives for family income can be found. 21

24 UNITED MISSION HOSPITAL TANSEN ALSO IN ITS 61 ST YEAR, UMHT continues to provide quality medical and surgical treatment, even to people who cannot pay. An adequate water supply has always been a problem. This year, UMHT hopes to build an additional rainwater harvesting tank to double the water storage capacity. Pray for funding, and for an effective project. UMHT is preparing to train certificate level laboratory technicians, in partnership with Tansen Nursing Campus. Please pray that we get the necessary approvals in good time to enroll students in July/August, and for the preparation of the classrooms and labs. Pray for the Pastoral Care team as they counsel the distressed, suicidal, terminally ill and AIDS patients, give spiritual support on the wards and decide on the financial help needed by patients. Pray also for Sita, our play therapist, and Deborah, our teacher, who work to make a stay on the children s ward a happy time for ill children. Pray for the New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Centre, home for mentally ill patients on the road to recovery. We plan to build a new centre with space for income generating activities, but we still need to be given or to buy suitable land. Please pray for sufficient senior medical staff for the hospital. We are short of General Surgeons and Obstetrics/Gynaecology doctors. Pray for Dr Rachel Karrach, the Hospital Director, with her many responsibilities. 22

25 OKHALDHUNGA COMMUNITY HOSPITAL PATIENTS CONTINUE TO FLOCK TO OCH, where they can obtain quality treatment at affordable prices. The hospital extension project is progressing. Pray that work may continue as planned, so all can be completed within this calendar year, within the fixed budget, and that donors may be found for the parts for which funding has not yet been found. Pray for Fred Langworthy as he manages this project. It will be a challenge to continue running the regular hospital activities during and after transfer to the new buildings. Pray that the transfer will go smoothly. Pray that the Hospital Advisory Committee will refine its role and contribute to the hospital s functioning. Pray also for the relationship between the hospital and the community. Pray that the co-operation between the hospital and the Lalu Pate Club (Alcoholics Club) will continue to bear fruit. Pray also that the co-operation between the hospital and the local church will be developed further. Pray for the hospital s continuing community health work in several VDCs. Pray for Tuk Bahadur Shreemal, Hospital Director, and Dr Erik Bøhler, Medical Director. 23

26 24 OUR HEADQUARTERS TEAMS AT THAPATHALI IN KATHMANDU VARIOUS TEAMS provide support for our cluster work and hospitals. Pray for the Human Resources Team and the Site Management Team, led by Paul Chhetri and Ratan Ale. These include drivers, gardeners, helpers, security guards, maintenance staff, administrative officers, our liaison officer and people who recruit and support our staff. Pray for the Funding and Finance Teams, without whose efforts our work would grind to a halt! Pray that adequate funding will be available, and that our finances will be effectively managed. Pray for team leaders Bibhu Singh and Bishnu Sapkota. June and July are particularly busy times for these teams. Pray for the Communications and Information Technology Teams, led by Lyn Jackson, Vijeta Manaen Shrestha and Shrawan Shrestha. Pray that people will be encouraged by the stories of change they hear, and that UMN s IT services will work efficiently and effectively. Pray for the Hospital Services Office (HSO), and for Dr Olak Jirel, who manages it. Pray for the Hospital Executive Committee, as it meets regularly to discuss the hospital matters. Pray for the HSO staff as they deal with various government line ministries and take care of central and logistic support for the hospitals.

27 UMN S PROGRAMME TEAM UMN S THAPATHALI-BASED Programme Team supports our development work in a range of ways. Part of the learning process is to ensure that evaluation studies are carried out periodically in all our programmes. Pray that we will find the right consultants to help us learn how to implement our programmes better, and that all our staff will have a learning attitude. Pray that UMN s three cross-cutting issues of gender, conflict sensitivity and environment and climate change, are considered in all our programmes, and in the way UMN works as an organisation. Pray for the work of the Programme Support Unit, in planning, budgeting and co-ordinating the development of well-designed projects. Jerry Clewett will be leading this team. Pray for DHANA LAMA as she takes on the challenging role of Programmes Director in July. Thank God for her energy, wisdom and communication skills that will enable her to carry out this role effectively. Pray for MADHU THAPA and the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Team, as they expand their role in 2015 to include strategy and cross-cutting issues. Pray that the changes will go smoothly and that the results will strengthen the effectiveness of UMN s work. 25

28 UMN S EDUCATION WORK UMN WORKS TO ENSURE the availability of and access to quality, relevant teaching and resources for formal and nonformal education, for poor and marginalised adults, young people and children. 26 Pray for the implementation of the Technology Alleviating Poverty project supporting computer labs that we plan to start from this year with Microsoft Innovation Centre Nepal in some of our working districts. Pray for our two large Child-Centred Community Development Programmes in Dhading and Sunsari. Two particular issues are the retention of Child Partners (children who represent the project communities to the donors), and volunteers. Thank God for the faithful commitment of our Supporting Partners, who provide the funding for our education projects. Pray that this support will continue. Pray that materials provided by the Opportunity Education Foundation programme will find good use in the schools. Pray for the many women who attend Non-formal Education programmes supported by UMN. Pray for our Education Team, led by Kshitij Raj Prasai.

29 Pray for Tara Nath Acharya, in his first year as Health Team Leader. Please pray that he will be able to take up management of the team and the work quickly and effectively. Exchange rate losses have meant a reduction in funds available. Pray that sufficient funds can be found for all programmes. Pray for proposal development, and for favourable outcomes. UMN played a key role in establishing the National Mental Health Network of Nepal, a group of more than 20 organisations involved in mental health work. This year, the Network will become independent of UMN. Pray that the handover occurs smoothly, and that its work continues. This year, UMN will begin to implement a new Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health programme. Pray that this will be effective in promoting good health and wise decision-making among young people in our working areas. UMN S HEALTH WORK UMN IS INVOLVED in maternal and child health, community health, nutrition, adolescent reproductive health, HIV and AIDS prevention and care, mental health, and Water, Sanitation And Hygiene (WASH). We work to strengthen local health posts and birthing centres, as well as providing training and resources for community health workers and peer educators. 27

30 28 UMN S PEACEBUILDING WORK UMN S PEACEBUILDING TEAM seeks to build strong, harmonious, supportive communities where people are respected and can flourish without the threat of discrimination or violence. Their work includes advocating for people with disabilities, addressing gender issues and domestic violence, strengthening community mediation processes, helping communities cope with trauma (from violence or natural disasters), and promoting inter-faith dialogue and networking. Pray for an end to domestic violence, and for healing for women and girls who have experienced such violence. Pray that religious leaders will continue to accept and respect each other, and co-exist in harmony to promote peace and justice. Pray that Inter-faith Peace Networks can make a strong contribution. Pray that people with disability will have equal access to and participation in all levels of community activities, and be treated with respect. Pray for staff working in difficult conflict situations, that they will be able to overcome the sense of powerlessness and hopelessness that undermines fullness of life. Pray for Bal Kumari Gurung Rai in her leadership of the Peacebuilding Team.

31 UMN S SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS WORK IMPROVING LIVELIHOODS in a sustainable way is an important step towards self-sufficiency. This includes helping communities prepare for and recover from disasters, as well as improving agriculture, providing training and supporting micro-businesses. The Disaster Management Act that has been forwarded to the Cabinet is yet to be endorsed by the Government. Pray for an early endorsement. Similarly, please pray that the Government will be able to formulate and endorse the Food Act to ensure the fundamental rights of people to healthy, quality and nutritious food. UMN has a number of substantial projects in the Livelihoods area. Pray that we will be able to value hard-working staff as important assets, and to retain them. Pray that the Government at all levels will appreciate I/NGOs like UMN as development partners. Pray for good relationships that will enable us to do our work well. Pray for farmers, as they struggle to grow sufficient food and make sometimes difficult choices. Pray that our staff and partners will be able to support them. Pray for Suresh Bhattarai and the Livelihoods Team. 29

32 UMN S CAPACITY BUILDING AND ADVOCACY WORK 30 HELPING OUR PARTNERS to work more effectively in their own communities is central to UMN s work. This includes building their organisational skills, helping them mobilise the community, and equipping them to advocate with and for the people they work with. Pray for the staff who are responsible for developing the capacity of UMN s 53 partners, that they can help build a strong civil society in Nepal which will work for justice for the poorest people in the country. Pray for the success of UMN s new Community Transformation project in Mugu. Pray that UMN and partner staff will quickly understand the new approaches, and that the communities will be empowered to change the lives of their poorest members. Pray for the staff members of the Advocacy and Capacity Building Teams as the two teams merge in July. Pray that this new team will become even more effective in making sure that the poorest people can play a significant role in decisions which affect their lives. Pray that throughout our working areas, good governance at the local level can be developed, and that service providers will do their job honestly and well. Pray for the effective participation of the poorest people. Pray that UMN will use the learning and evidence that it gains from its projects to influence policy and practice at both the local and national levels.

33 UMN S INTEGRAL MISSION WORK WITH CHURCHES UMN S INTEGRAL MISSION TEAM has worked with more than 300 churches, using the Church Community Mobilisation Process we call this Sangsangai (Together) in Nepali. The team also supports our faith-based partners, works with Bible colleges to ensure that students understand integral mission, and runs a highly successful internship programme for young Nepali Christians. Pray for UMN s local faith-based partners as they educate, motivate and encourage their fellow church leaders to serve people living in poverty through promoting a biblical model of development. Pray for churches that are implementing Sangsangai and other programmes in their communities. Pray for UMN s interns (current as well as past), that they may continue to envision other young people for transformational mission. Pray for God s wisdom and guidance for the IM team as they seek to empower others in transformational development. Pray for Integral Mission Team Leader DIVYA KHANAL (right) and Advisor RAJENDRA POUDYAL (left), for their relationships with church leaders, Bible colleges and other teams within UMN. 31

34 THE CHURCH IN NEPAL 32 Praise God for the continuing growth of the church, and the emergence of godly secondgeneration leaders. Pray for Christian leaders, that they may continue to grow in the spirit of love and unity. Pray for para-church organisations and Bible colleges/training centres, that they may continue to support the church by developing leaders equipped with knowledge and skills for a greater ministry in Nepal. Pray for Christian social development organisations, that they continue to serve the people of Nepal in love and humility. Pray that Christian leaders may gain confidence and capacity to lead others in advocacy on issues affecting their communities. Pray that the new Constitution and Criminal Codes will ensure freedom of religion for all minority religious groups, including Christians. CHURCHES IN NEPAL continue to grow and mature, spreading the Good News and seeking to build Christ-following communities throughout the country. Their commitment and love for God and for others is often an example to churches in the west. Now that Nepal is officially a secular state, churches have been more open and involved in the public sphere. However, many Christians still face suspicion and discrimination in their families and communities.

35 GENDER ISSUES IN NEPAL ALTHOUGH THERE HAS BEEN MUCH PROGRESS, Nepal is still a very patriarchial society, where traditions and social norms result in constrained roles for women and men. Some traditional practices limit the way women can participate in community life. Domestic violence is common, and opportunities for girls restricted. Pray that UMN will model sound, respectful gender relationships for its partners and the communities it works in. Pray for our female staff, many of whom struggle to balance the demands of home and work. Pray also for safety as they travel. Pray for the many women s groups that UMN and its partners support. These groups provide an important place for women to gather, share experiences and find encouragement and a sense of belonging Pray for national laws that will be fair for both men and women, particularly inheritance, citizenship and marriage laws. Pray against the many traditional practices that are harmful for women: chaupadi (the practice of secluding women during menstruation), child marriage, capture marriage, polygamy and dowry. 33

36 34 THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN NEPAL CLIMATE CHANGE IS NOT A VAGUE future threat for rural people in Nepal; it is a real and present danger. Rainfall is more Erratic. Temperature variations are wider and more intense. Flooding and landslides are exacerbated by glacial melt, and small temperature changes result in changes to insect and plant life. In a country where more than 80% of the people depend on agriculture, the threat to livelihoods can only become more serious. Pray for wise government decision-making and planning for climate change and disaster risk reduction, and for adequate funding to help communities adapt and become more resilient. Pray for UMN s work in disaster preparedness. Pray that communities will be strengthened and able to reduce their risks. Pray for wisdom as UMN plans all its programmes, that we will not contribute to environmental degradation and will be wise in our use of resources. Pray for communities most affected: marginal subsistence farmers, communities vulnerable to flooding, and the very poor who suffer most from intensely hot and cold weather.

37 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 35

38 THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS! United Mission to Nepal PO Box 126, Kathmandu, Nepal Phone: , Fax: communications@umn.org.np umn.org.np