January 2021

Greetings in the Lord,

We pray this finds you doing well as we press on into this new year.

The work in Nepal continues and we give thanks to the Lord for this.

The Bible Training Center/Children’s Home in Western Nepal continues to take shape. They have been working daily on this since November of 2020. We can not wait to see this at its completion and to see how God will use this building for His honor and glory. So far money sent has totaled 16,000. Pastor Saroj has been faithful to send us detailed receipts of every penny spent. We are so thankful to him and for all of his hard work.

This past Christmas some of the classes who adopted pastors through the adopt a pastor program sent some special gifts of bicycles, and one class sent money for a pastor to buy tin for their church roof. What a blessing this was to these men who received these extravagant gifts. There are still many pastors to be adopted, kindly let me know if you would like more information on how this takes place.

Eric will conclude his contemporary theology class this week.

This has been a blessing for Eric to teach and prepare for. He has enjoyed meeting with these students via zoom and doing the class. The past two weeks he has also taught a Research and Writing Class, and will begin a new class on Last Things in March. Please pray for him as he now as to do the grading and research work for the upcoming class.

We give thanks that it seems Nepal is beginning to open things up for international travel. Although going for Spring Break in March still seems to be out of the question since all tourist are required to quarantine for 7 days. That would defeat the purpose of a 10 day mission trip. Please be praying that they will loosen these things as well and that we can travel to Nepal again soon.

We give thanks to the Lord for you and for your prayers, love and support for the ongoing work in Nepal.

Kindly let us know how we can pray for you!

For His Glory among the Nations,

Eric, Mandy, Andrew, Landon and Lauren

As I sit here today, I am so thankful that the Lord is on His throne, and that I can rest in the fact that all things are under His control.

And though chaos seems to be the mainstay in America, God is still at work both here in the USA as well as in numerous places around the world.

In recent weeks, Pastor Saroj traveled with other pastors to the remote mountain villages of western Nepal. While there, they had a baptism for new believers, as well as encouraged and strengthened the believers there.

These same pastors as well as 14 others are those to whom Eric is working to provide trainings and materials too. The training center that is to be built in Western Nepal, is where they will be able to meet to pursue further Bible training so that they can adequately teach and reach the people of Western Nepal.

Saroj has completed the paperwork for the training center, as well as brought back rocks for the foundation from the village. When the holiday season comes to an end, the work on the building will begin. We are excited to see how God will use this for His glory.

This past week Eric began teaching Contemporary Theology to a group of pastors online. The class is going well, and it has been a joy to Eric to meet with and teach these men online. This class will last for 10 weeks. He will also begin a second class soon.

I continue to write children’s Sunday school materials for the church in Nepal. Thankfully, churches have resumed in person meetings and the kids classes are now studying the Hall of Faith lessons based on Hebrews 11.

We give thanks to the Lord for your continuous prayers and faithful support. God is moving and working among the people of Nepal, and we want you to know that God is using you to accomplish this!

Please Pray:

1. For the Pastors and leaders of the churches in Nepal. That they would preach and teach faithfully, that the Lord would continue to provide for them, and that God would use them for His glory.

2. For the churches in Kathmandu that have just begun to meet in person once more, that God will encourage the believers, and save the lost.

3. For Eric as he teaches his online classes.

4. For God to make a way for us to go to Nepal in the Spring, and Eric sooner if and when things open up there for tourist.

5. For the building of the training center/children’s home, that the building will begin soon, and that God will use this for His glory.

For His glory among the Nations,

August 2020

Greetings in the Lord Jesus Christ,

We pray you are doing well in these trying times, and we rejoice that though this virus has caused many things to be canceled and it has taken its toil on life in general, it has not stopped the work of the Lord.

This past month a need was presented for Bibles in Western Nepal. Due to the Corona Virus, churches have not been allowed to meet for many months. And because most do not have access to the internet, most have not been able to read or study God’s Word. Therefore, money was sent to purchase 350 Bibles for the people in the village churches, and in the mountains. The past few weeks, Pastor Saroj and the pastors of the churches have worked diligently to get these Bibles into the hands of the believers, and for that we rejoice!

Last November, Eric traveled to Western Nepal, and began training 20 pastors. He had plans to return in April for the second training session, and to be honest by this point, would have done a third as well, had it not been for the pandemic. But, due to the virus, he has been unable to travel back because all international flights have been canceled.

As we have prayed for these pastors he has begun to train, the Lord has placed upon our hearts to begin an Adopt a Pastor Program. The past few weeks, we have begun speaking with Sunday School classes concerning this need. This program is designed to get classes and individuals connected with pastors and their families in Nepal.

It involves a commitment to pray for one pastor, his family, his church and his ministry diligently, and thirty dollars a month of financial support. If you are interested in adopting a pastor, kindly let me know, and I will send you a photo of a pastor, his testimony, and information on his family and ministry. The money will be sent through Ambassadors for Truth to the pastors, and we will in return keep you updated with prayer request and needs concerning the pastor and his family. You can also write letters of encouragement to the pastors and their families, which we will get to them. We believe this is an excellent way to connect individuals and churches with the ministry in Nepal.

The airports were supposed to resume all flights from Aug. 17^th, and we had hoped to book flights for October. However, they recently placed the country back under lockdown until Sept 2^nd, and no flights are open to tourist at this time. Please pray that God will open the way for us to return soon.

Until then, we continue to pray for the people, minister to them online, and write materials for their use. In October, Eric has been asked to teach a ThM class online. He has begun working on securing online resources for the students, as well as preparing class notes. Please be praying for this class.

We give thanks to the Lord for each of you and pray His blessings to be upon you and your family.

If you would like for us to come and speak with your church concerning the Adopt a Pastor program, you can contact me at mandycarpenter61@gmail.com or by phone, 731-607-6650.

For His glory among the nations,

Eric, Mandy, and family

May 2020

Greetings in the Lord,

We pray this find you and your families healthy and safe, as we continue to endure this world wide pandemic.

It has certainly been unlike anything any of us have ever gone through before, and has taught us all a lot about ourselves and about the Lord.

The impact upon our own country has been huge, yet, likewise its affects on the less prosperous nations has been monumental.

I was recently reading about the horrendous impacts of this virus around the world and was overwhelmed by the needs.

Within Nepal, the impact has indeed been felt. With 99 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Kathmandu and others within the country. The country has been on lockdown since March 24^th and this lockdown has been extended to May 18^th as of now, with the international airport continuing to suspend its flights until May 31^st.

The police are monitoring the border between India and Nepal especially, as the number of confirmed cases and deaths within India continue to rise.

Yet, due to the lockdown which has sought to protect the Nepali peoples from this deadly disease, other problems have risen. Many within the country have limited food as they have been unable to work during the lockdown. Unlike most Americans, most Nepali do not have extra funds to rely upon in the midst of this crisis.

But thanks be to God for many who are at work to help the Nepali peoples. Much is being done within Kathmandu to provide for the needs there, and though the needs are great, we rejoice that many whom we know are working to provide food and necessities to the people.

Therefore, the focus of Ambassadors for Truth is to provide food and necessities to the far west regions of Nepal, where our work of training pastors is taking place. Thanks to your generosity, money has been sent to here to Pastor Saroj, who will use it to purchase food and necessary items for the people. He will then distribute these to those in need.

We pray that we will be able to reschedule our trip that was postponed in April for the near future, so that we can access other needs here, as well as encourage and strengthen the believers.

In the meantime, we continue to work on and to provide training materials to the churches and pastors, in order that they can teach their people affectively. Pastor Saroj and his wife are working even now to translate the children’s ministry materials that I have sent to them into Nepali. Once this is done, these materials can be used in other locations of Nepal as well.

Thank you for your faithful prayers for the Nepali people, and your faithful giving. Please know that you are impacting this country in numerous ways, and we give thanks to the Lord for you.

May the Lord, who is faithful and true, continue to protect you and your families as we press on through this difficult time, and may He continue to use you to be an encouragement to those around you and to the ends of the earth.

For His Glory,

Eric and Mandy

Pray:

1. Pray for the Nepali Christians who are working to reach out to the lost during this time. Pray that God opens the hearts of the lost to their need of Him.

2. Pray for those suffering hunger and are in need, that God will provide for them.

3. Pray that the lockdown will be lifted soon, so that the people can return to their jobs.

4. Pray that this virus weakens within the country and that it does not escalate.

5. Pray that our trip to Nepal will be able to be rescheduled soon.

6. Pray for the pastors and leaders within Nepal as they seek to minister to their churches.

Greetings in the name of the Lord,

We give thanks to the Lord for you this Thanksgiving and pray the Lord’s richest blessings to be upon you.

I’d like to share a few thoughts about my recent trip to Nepal. John 5:19-20, tells us that Jesus only did the works that He first saw the Father doing, and this my desire for Ambassadors for Truth as well.

With this philosophy I asked God to show me, and I looked intentionally to see the Father’s work in Nepal.

I arrived safely October 31 and spent the first few days with friends and students. The first Saturday I preached at Pastor Abraham’s church, and it was natural once again to preach through a translator. My first Sunday, we had a Bible Conference that was offered for students, faculty, pastors, and lay people. At the seminar I taught about the necessity of the Bible in the Christian life within the church. These teachings readily apply to all Christians everywhere. It was a success, and I have been invited back for a second seminary in April.

Monday through Friday of the following week, I taught Ecclesiology, (the doctrine of the church) as a Master of Theology Seminar. The theme of each lesson was to develop a healthy, true church. The first day we defined the church’s identity and purpose. Day two, we examined the value of members as well as the leaders of the church. On the third day, we covered ministry within the church. Day four dealt with the specific challenges of maintaining a healthy church. Our final day, the students presented selective topics as they relate to the church. The students were challenged spiritually, theologically, and practically. Their final assignment was to look at these objective values and determine the health of their church.

Overall the students were pleased with the seminar and the Biblical truths they learned. One student in particular changed His views concerning women in leadership, as well as divorce/remarriage, after reflecting upon the truths of God’s Word. I was very encouraged to see God using His Word to challenge and transform students. Because these are the men who will go on to teach at Bible schools and train the future leaders of Nepal.

The following Saturday I preached in another church, and they gladly received the Word of God.

On Sunday, I traveled to Western Nepal and visited my long time friend, Saroj. The needs here are great, and I specifically wanted to discern what God is doing.

Pastor Saroj had selected 20 pastors from the Terai region to the Mountain region. Some were local, but most travled long distances to come. 2 Timothy 2:22, says to choose faithful men and entrust them with truth. So this is what we did. For two days I taught these men from God’s Word. The theme of the conference was the Kingdom of God from Genesis to Revelation. Though my time was limited, the Lord allowed me to teach them the big picture of the Bible. On the first day, I taught them the Kingdom of God as seen in the OT. We looked at the different eras of the OT and considered God’s purpose and plan for His Kingdom. Day two, we examined the NT and considered the first coming of Christ, the coming of the Spirit, the second coming, and the last things.

It was an amazing two days. These pastors were introduced to the deep truths of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. The next time I return to W Nepal, I intend to give a three day seminar on Hermenutics (How to study the Bible) with these same pastors. From there, we will consider different doctrines of Scripture. Pastor Saroj and I are excited about what God is doing through this training. We have encouraged these men to gather others and teach them these same truths, making disciples of their own.

On Wednesday, we traveled 2 ½ hours to preach in a local church and to witness the baptism of 5 new believers. On the way to this region, a pastor convinced us to stop at a small fellowship, that was made up of only 2 professing believers. Our goal was to encourage them. However, upon our arrival, Saroj asked me to preach a short evangelism message. As they sang, I searched the Scriptures, and the Lord led me to the Rich Young Ruler. In Nepal, many think that if they had more money or a better life, then life would be great. So, I asked them this question. If that is true, why did the rich young ruler want salvation. He had the money but something was missing. At the end, Saroj gave an invitation. The house owner and her daughter who were steeped in Hinduism, said they wanted Jesus as their master. I carefully explained the Gospel and her need for repentance. She in turn removed the Tika (a Hindu symbol) from her forehead and said she wanted her house to belong to Jesus. She then tore down the papers of idols around her door frame and burned them. We all stood in amazement, for God had made her a new creature, and worked repentance in her heart. As we were celebrating, another lady confessed Jesus as Lord.

Her testimony brings tears to my eyes. As a young girl, she heard about Jesus from some other missionaries, but did not believe. Years later she is told that she has an inoperable tumor, and that she needs to prepare for death. That night, she cried out to Jesus and she said a wind filled the room, and a peach came over her. When she returned to the doctor, he said they could operate, and he removed the tumor and she was cancer free. Yet, still she was lost. That is until a white man from America showed up and told her about the rich young ruler. She wept and confessed Jesus as Lord. God gloriously saved her. Bare in mind, we had not planned to stop here, but God had ordained it from the foundation of the world.

On Thursday we traveled three hours on the Mountain side were 3-4 churches gathered to hear God’s Word preached. Most of these believers walk 1-2 hours each Saturday to hear God’s word. It was a blessed time, and we again saw God’s hand at work in our midst.

On Friday, we traveled to a church only 30 minutes away. This was a church where God’s hand was evident. The last time I had come to W Nepal, I had preached here. Now, months later, I saw a church that was growing leaps and founds. One lady offered her home as a house meeting for the church. As more gathered, she removed a wall of her home, so they could gather easier. What an amazing example of sacrificial giving. Even now the house is too small and she has offered land on which a larger building can be built. This church is not just growing numerically, but also in spiritual maturity.

The previous time I went there was pronounced speaking of tongues, at which I stopped the service and taught from I Cor. 14. Pastor Saroj later returned and continued this teaching. The pastor of the church was amazed at how God used His word to deal with this issue, and today, there is no longer an issue with tounges.

While there, I taught from John 2. This was not an evangelical message but was geared to encourage the believers. Yet at the end of the service, five people came forward to accept Jesus as Lord. The day before, the house owner had gone and invited them to come, and this was the fruit of her labor. After we had shared with these, another man came forward to accept Jesus. He had actually left to go home but returned under the conviction of the Holy Spirit. This same man the day prior had scolded and cussed the house owner for inviting them to come and told her to never do that again. Yet, the next day, he came, and God saved him.

Over this week there were 9 people saved. We had been praying for 10 to be saved. The following Saturday, three more came forward to accept Jesus as their Savior at this same church. They had heard God’s Word the day prior, and returned on Saturday to accept the Lord.

I saw God miraculously save 12 people this week, which was far more than I saw in the five years I had lived there. My friends and I stood in amazement at the work God had done.

As I reflected on this, I asked myself, why? Why does God use an American white man? Why do the Nepali’s not see the same result? And the Lord gave me a verse. Galatians 6:6-7 speaks of how the one who sows to the spirit will reap spiritual blessings. I am convinced with all my heart that the fruit the Lord gave me is a direct result of your spiritual and sacrificial giving to Ambassadors for Truth.

Though our family no longer resides in Nepal, God is still at work, and continues to use us there. And it is your sacrificial giving, that allows us to return and minister to the Nepali pastors and their local churches.

In April, Mandy will lead a team to conduct a VBS at our local church in Kathmandu, and I will continue the teaching and training of these pastors, and lead seminars in local churches. In the meantime, I will be sending the notes of this past pastors conference, and be preparing for the next one. I will be gathering profiles of pastors who are in need of financial support, for a program we are considering entitled, “Adopt a Pastor.” If you would be interested in helping with this, please let us know. We will seek to upload these profiles in the days ahead to our website with further details.

We would love to come to your church and share more of what God is doing in Nepal and see you face to face.

Please pray for us as we seek a permanent place for our family, a church to pastor or a school to teach in. We again want to say thank you for your prayers and financial support. God is indeed using your sacrificial giving for His Kingdom and His glory in the Himalayas and beyond.

Jaymashia (Glory to God),

Eric Carpenter and family

September 2019

Greetings in the Lord,

It is hard to believe that a week ago today, we were finishing up our packing, preparing for the long flight back to the USA. Now a week later, we are back in the US still adjusting to jet lag and life here in the States. I would be wrong if I said it were a quick adjustment or if I claimed we didn’t miss our other “home.” Yet, we know that for such a time as this, God has brought us back, and He has given us a vision for Ambassadors for Truth that goes beyond what we would ever have come up with on our own.

A few months ago Eric traveled to Western Nepal, and as he met with Pastor Saroj, the Lord gave him a dream for training the pastors that make up the large number of churches in the villages there. These pastors have been placed as shepherds to the people, but they have little to no theological training. God has given Eric and Saroj a burden to see these pastors trained so they can lead the churches God has entrusted into their care. Eric has returned to the US with a desire to write a book of theological training materials for these pastors. A book written in a simple way they can understand, that is also in context with the cultural issues of Nepal. He has asked Pastor Saroj to choose 15-20 pastors whom Eric will then train with these materials. He will have his first training time with them in November, as they embark upon gaining a greater understanding of who God is, and the truths of His words.

This past June, Eric was also approached by a Nepali professor who has asked Eric to write a Systematic Theology course with recorded videos, and class notes. This class will be used to teach and train pastors online all throughout Asia and even Africa. What an amazing opportunity for the training Eric can provide to reach even more.

God has also opened the door for Eric to be the Theological Director of the MTh program with the Asia Graduate School of Theology. With such position, God has put Eric into a place that will enable him to select the visiting professors who will teach the Nepali pastors and leaders. This will prove increasingly helpful in leading the training of these leaders to be Biblically based. Eric will teach Ecclesiology this November.

For the past year, I have been writing the kids ministry teaching materials for our local Nepali church. I have written materials on Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The church has asked me to continue writing these lessons, as finding children’s ministry materials in Nepal is very difficult. Therefore, I will continue writing Bible material as well as planning and preparing the VBS materials which we will then use in April of 2020.

We stand amazed at all of the wonderful opportunities God has brought our way. And though, we are not living in Nepal, at this time, God has given us numerous ways we can still make an impact upon this nation.

Due to these opportunities, Eric will be traveling to Nepal 3-4 times a year, and I will accompany him once a year to lead our Nepali church’s VBS and to train ladies in women’s ministry. Yet, aside from these visits, much work will need to be accomplished Stateside that will then be used in Nepal. Eric is excited to begin writing the training materials, as well as to write and record the Systematic Theology course.

This is where you come in. For apart from your prayers and continued support none of this will be possible. So, we would ask that you would continue to pray and to give to the work of Ambassadors for Truth, whose vision has not changed, rather it has expanded. A vision and opportunity to teach and train the Christian leaders of the Himalayas and beyond.

We can’t express how much your prayers, love, and support mean to us. May the Lord bless you above and beyond, just as He has used you to bless us.

For His Glory Among the Nations,

Eric, Mandy, Andrew, Landon, and Lauren

Ambassadors for Truth

August 2018

Greetings from Nepal,

We pray that you are doing well, and give thanks for your prayers and support of our work here in Nepal.

This past month began with a little vacation to Thailand. It was a most perfect week, the only problem was how quick the time went. Yet, we were thankful for the time the Lord gave us.

Upon our return, life got busy. Especially for Eric, who is teaching an intensive one month class presently, on top of his normal daily classes. The intensive class is Ethics which he has taught yearly since our arrival, and which he enjoys immensely.

My class, Intro. To Christian Education, is going well, but I must say three hours is a long time to teach. Yet, I pray that the class will truly help the students in their work with children and teens in their churches. A great need here is good Christian curriculum. In the class, the students are learning to write their own, and I’m praying some will feel called to do just that. Or at the very least to translate some of the English materials into Nepali.

The kids are growing much too fast. This past week we celebrated Andrew’s 16^th birthday. I don’t know where the time has gone. He has joined the praise band at church, and has practice weekly. One of the staff is teaching him drums which he enjoys a lot. Landon is still learning guitar, and enjoys leading music with the kids at church. Lauren is now learning piano, and enjoys free time with her friends.

One of the young men the Lord has given Eric to disciple, is growing by leaps and bonds. He truly desires to serve His people, and train them in God’s Word. He is an encouragement to us, to never give up.

The festival time is quickly approaching here in Nepal, with Dhasai in October, and Tihar in November. Much of life as we know it will shut down during this time. We hope to do a little trekking during this time, to the great delight of Landon.

We are looking forward to the team coming in November from Hopewell Baptist, which includes my parents. While they are here, thanks to the fact the youth pastor and his wife will be coming, we will be having a two day Youth Retreat. We are working now to plan and prepare for this. Everyone is getting excited.

Thank you does not seem adequate for our appreciation for each of you. Thank you kindly for your prayers, your love, and your support. We thank God for you!

For His Glory,

Eric, Mandy, Andrew, Landon and Lauren

July, 2017

Greetings in the Lord,

We pray you have each had a wonderful summer. To be honest, I’m not sure where the time has gone. It seemed like just yesterday we had 3 months until furlough, and now as I sit typing, we are down to just 15 days until we depart.

The kids are super excited. They are making a list of all the foods they want to eat, places they want to go, and people they want to seeJ. We too are looking forward to reconnecting with each of you, and our families.

This past month, Eric taught two different classes. He began the month teaching Theology 4 at HGST, and just finished Friday teaching Apologetics at NPTS. Today, his students came for a time of fellowship, which was a great time. It was quite humbling to sit and listen as they shared how much they respect and love Eric as a teacher. And how he has impacted their lives for God’s glory.

I never stop to be amazed at the numerous opportunities the Lord brings across our paths to serve Him here. Most every weekend, Eric preaches God’s Word. Last Thursday evening, he had the opportunity to teach at a Youth Rally, and a few days past to share the Gospel with many unbelievers.

This past week, the kids and I began our new homeschool year. We have completed our first week, and lived to tell about itJ. No, in all honesty, it has been great, and they have done an amazing job. We are trying to get three weeks of school in, so we can take a few weeks holiday when we first arrive to just spend time with family.

The next few weeks will prove to be very busy, as many have invited us to come to speak at fellowships before our departure. The next three nights in fact, we will be going to different places. Pray that our remaining time before furlough is used for the Lord’s glory!

We will also seek to finalize our schedule of our time in the States, and finish all the last minute things needed to be done before we go. Pray for us as we depart this “home” to go to our other “home.” It is quite a difficult thing to live “between worlds.” Thank you for your love and prayers, we can’t wait to see you!

Love in Him,

Eric, Mandy,Andrew, Landon and Lauren

Greetings in Christ,

We pray this finds you doing well, and as always we want to begin with our thankfulness to you for your heartfelt prayers, your generous support, and your encouraging words.

Far West Nepal:

This past month Eric had a wonderful opportunity to serve in Western Nepal, where he was able to do pastoral and church training. In the five days he was there, he had the privilege of leading a Pastor’s conference, teaching four sessions of Biblical teaching to pastors who have little to no training. He was also blessed with the opportunity to preach at least five services, and to help baptize 24 new believers. It was indeed a blessed time! As you can see from the photo, baptisms in Nepal take place in the river, in all your church best clothes. J

While in Western Nepal, Eric worked alongside Pastor Saroj and his father who oversee numerous churches in this area, as well as house 10 orphan children. Unlike a lot of “orphans” in Nepal, who live in homes for kids, but have parents or family in the village. These children have no family, yet the joy they have in the Lord is amazing. As you can see, they enjoy Eric’s visits almost as much as he does (this is his second trip to the Far West). We sent along toys and clothes to the children from here, and plan to get more things to them when we can.

Life and Ministry in Kathmandu:

Eric’s classes at the Bible colleges are coming to a close, as he wraps up the course and prepares them for the final exam. He has enjoyed teaching both classes (Theology II and Gospel of John) and is thankful for the ability to invest in these students.

Weekly he meets to disciple a group of young men, as well as a local doctor who is growing in his walk with the Lord.

In the coming months, Eric will be teaching Theology III at HGST, and possibly another summer class at the Bible College. We are hoping to go as a family to Western Nepal this summer as well to minister in the churches, and possibly lead a kids Bible camp.

My weeks go by fast as I continue to homeschool Andrew, work at the church, and meet people for discipleship. Twice weekly I meet via Skype two girls from Indonesia for discipleship, and beginning this Wednesday, I will begin discipling a group of college girls on a weekly basis. I’m very excited about this opportunity. Another opportunity the Lord has brought about is a chance for me to teach English to a young lady who works at the local Big Mart down from our house. I’m praying God will use this as an avenue to lead her to know Him.

The children are growing up way too fast, but are doing quite well in their studies, and enjoy their friends here.

Ways to Pray:

1. Continue to pray for us as we seek to minister and disciple all God brings our way.

2. Pray for Eric and his students as they finish out their classes and for Eric as he prepares to teach upcoming classes.

3. Pray for the believers and pastors in Western Nepal, that God will continue to bless and grow them spiritually.

4. Please continue to pray for Eric’s dad as he will begin a new chemo drug soon, pray his body receives it well.

5. Pray for us as we are looking and planning for our furlough this fall. Pray for all the decisions that have to be made before we leave, as well as our time in the States.

With love and thanks in Christ, Eric, Mandy, Andrew, Landon and Lauren

Greetings in the Lord,

Happy Valentine’s Day! How thankful to God we are for you and for how He continues to demonstrate His amazing love to us through each of you. It is safe to say that I have once again fallen behind in my getting the newsletter out. I apologize for that. The month of January passed us by quickly. I’m not 100% sure where the time goes.

This past month has brought about some change in our lives. For one, I am now homeschooling Andrew due to his not adapting so well to the style of learning/testing here. It has been good, but has been an adjustment. The program he is doing is all done online, but I am there to help and guide him. We have been learning a lot. The great thing about the online school however is that as long as there is an internet connection, we can do it wherever. So the days I’m at the church, he is able to come along and do his studies there. Landon and Lauren are doing well in the school here, although I do add to their studies in areas such as grammar and history.

For Eric the change and challenge has been to prepare and teach Theology II as well as the Gospel of John. Though he is enjoying teaching both as well as spending time with the students. He also meets with students outside of class for discipleship and preaches a variety of places each weekend. The first of January he traveled to Eastern Nepal and taught a 5 day pastoral training seminar. It was a wonderful time and blessing from God to allow him to pour his life and God’s Word into these men.T

We are preparing now for our annual VBS at the church. It is our plan to have two VBS’s this year. One at our main church, and one at the church plant in the village. These will be held in April because as I’ve told you before, this is the holiday break between school years here. We are so thankful to Tina Morris and her church, Poplar Heights Baptist Church for the great materials. We are grateful as well for the additional VBS and Sunday school materials sent by Hopewell Baptist. Thank you all for your investment in the lives and ministry of the people of Nepal. Words will never fully be able to express our deepest appreciation for you all.

As the boys are growing older, we are seeking to involve them more and more in the ministry God has given to us. So each week Andrew joins Prabal (a local Nepali Staff member) and goes to Compassion House, where they jointly teach the kids from God’s Word, sing and play games. A few weeks ago Andrew taught about Joshua and the battle of Jericho. This was a blessing to him and to the children. Landon is also working now to lead music for the opening assembly time at church, and he is doing an excellent job. At the VBS Andrew will also assist in leading the games and helping the teachers.

September 2016

Greetings in the Lord from Nepal!

We pray that you are doing wonderful and enjoying the goodness of our Lord. 

It is that time of year again here in Nepal when the city is preparing for the largest Hindu festivals Dashain and Tihar. The schools will close for two weeks and all government offices will close off and on throughout the month. Dashain is a fifteen day festival that celebrates the victory of the gods over the demons. Each day has symbolic meaning, with two days aside to offer goats, buffalos, chickens, and sheep as an offering to the gods.

Each year this festival occurs I am overcome by the lostness of the people here. Overwhelmed by the traditions the people follow and the hopelessness that these festivals, worship and sacrifice hold for the people. But I am also reminded of the true victory of good over evil which was fulfilled through Christ at Calvary. The sacrifice He made once for all who believe! Leading me to a heart of gratitude for the precious gift of salvation, and a burden to continue praying for and serving the Nepali people. Please join us in prayer this month especially that the god of this world who has blinded the eyes of the people will be overcome, and that the Lord would reveal Himself vividly to the people here.

Highlights of the past month:

This past month Eric has been teaching Gospel and World Religions. A class that provides students with information of what others believe and then how to best evangelize such people. The class ended on Tuesday, but has been a source of enjoyment for Eric to teach.

Eric also continues to take every opportunity given to preach and teach God’s Word. Leading in house fellowships, as well as church services.

I also continue in the Women and kid’s ministries at church, as well as leading in Bible study monthly at Compassion House. I am also now teaching two Bible studies a week over Skype with my Indonesian friends living in Maldives and Austria. God is amazing in providing such wonderful opportunities to instruct in His Word.

The kids continue in their studies, but are looking forward to the school holidays this coming month, especially since my parents will be here for two weeks of that time.

How to Pray

Pray for the people of Nepal, that God will reveal Himself to them, showing that He alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Pray for God’s wisdom as we follow His leading.

Continue to pray for our visa process that we will have to do soon.

Pray for my parents as they travel this way and for a wonderful visit.

Pray for a mission team from Australia who will be coming the end of November, staying with us. Pray that God will prepare them now and use them then.

Love and prayers,

Eric, Mandy, Andrew, Landon and Lauren