After being incorporated into the Northern Asia-Pacific Division, the Himalayan Section held its Year-end meeting for the first time. On November 27, at the Baneepa Church located east of Kathmandu, Nepal Mission convened year-end meeting to review the direction of missionary activities
The year-end meeting of the Himalayan Section was attended by NSD officers and numerous local pastors, including Kim YoHan, the president of NSD, Kim TaeSeung, the treasurer, Kim SunHwan the director of Adventist missions. During the meeting, they confirmed the Northern Asia Pacific Division’s keen interest in the Nepal Assembly and its missionary significance.
Himalayan Section officially comprises 41 churches and has more than 94,000 members, led by Dr. Umesh Pokharel as president and Dr. Hae-Sung Kim, a PMM missionary from South Korea, serving as the director of global missions.
While Nepal does not have an official state religion, Hinduism functions as the de facto state religion, presenting practical challenges for organizing churches in the country. Since 2018, the Nepalese government has implemented the “Anti-Conversion Law,” significantly complicating missionary activities. Foreign missionaries, including Koreans, have faced increased restrictions, exacerbated by the country’s economic challenges. Nepal remains one of the world’s poorest nations, with a per capita GDP of around $1,300 in 2023, ranking 163rd globally, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The Year-end meeting addressed various challenges confronting the organization, including a comprehensive reorganization of the Himalayan Section. This involves bringing numerous independent churches and mission agencies scattered throughout Nepal under the Section’s umbrella, particularly addressing the treatment of non-denominational churches embracing the Seventh-day Adventist message.
Despite not having an official building, the Himalayan Section preserves. Missionaries across the country face adversity, with several foreign missionaries, including Pastor Kim HaeSung, Pastor Kim JongHoon, and Pastor Song HaeSub, working in challenging circumstances to support saints and churches.
The Year-end meeting focused on strengthening linkages between mission agencies in Hetauda, Dachcha, Pokhara, and other areas, improving organizational management, and addressing the creation and staffing of new departments within the Section.
The committee also discussed the integration of reformed members from other denominations, particularly those who have accepted the message of the Second Coming of Jesus. Many of these individuals lack biblical knowledge, posing challenges for assimilation into the existing Adventist culture. The meeting emphasized the need for systematic education and nurturing for these new members.
Following the year-end meeting, discussions took place with NSD president, local pastors, and missionaries. Despite transportation challenges in Nepal, ministers from across the country came together, demonstrating their dedication to the first year-end meeting.
NSD president, Kim YoHan expressed hope for Nepal, citing the dedication of church members and missionaries working tirelessly despite numerous challenges. He emphasized the church member’s commitment to supporting missions in various ways, calling for unity and close communication.
Even when Nepal was part of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, it faced missionary challenges. Since joining the NSD, the reality has become clearer, revealing hidden potential. This underscores the necessity for systematic and comprehensive support.
“Himalayan Section serves as a bridgehead for missionary work in Hindu countries,” remarked Kim YoHan, NSD president, concluding the year-end meeting. “The inclusion of Nepal into NSD at this critical time is a great work of God, and we will overcome challenges through unity.”