MERCY NEPAL— It has been a blessing to continue to partner with Krishna in the ministry of Mercy Nepal. Krishna and Joseph met years ago at a church planting connection and formed a great friendship and partnership. As many of you know Joseph and Krishna continue to plan, design and pursue next steps to fight sex trafficking and help to plant churches in Nepal. In the past we were focused on providing jobs for women and girls so that they would not be enticed into sex trafficking from Kathmandu, Nepal to New Delhi, India. We desired to address the poverty in Nepal and the need for women to earn income in order that traffickers could not lure them into a job in India that in reality was a life of sex trafficking, which is a very common tactic in Nepal. We trained many women in sewing centers that were partnered with Nepali church plants. Women from the community would be trained in sewing skills to either start their own micro business or be hired by another company and be able to earn an income for themselves and their children. As the relationships were formed, our trainers would invite the women to the church plants and share the faith with them.
As Joseph and Krishna discussed what the local Mercy Nepal workers were envisioning, it seemed that another direction needed to be taken. The local Mercy Nepal team wanted us to raise a very large amount of money to establish sewing and garment factories. They believed we could train more women and even hire more women to work the factory and train others. But after much discussion and prayer, Krishna and Joseph decided to go another direction because it would cost thousands to establish one garment factory. The sewing centers are continuing in operation, but we felt a factory would be a very difficult task to pursue.
In the meantime, Krishna told Joseph that in Nepal the banks would pay high interest for any money that was deposited. With over 100 villages in Nepal, Krishna and Joseph began to dream about how to start a foundation and utilize the interest gained (leaving the initial capital untouched) to help under-resourced students and families. Even with a $2000 deposit/village, there would be enough interest gained that we could help students that needed shoes, school supplies, clothes, etc.
Krishna and the local Mercy Nepal workers have approached different schools, and the principals of the schools are very open to having Mercy Nepal partner with them in this way. This has opened up the gospel for the students and their families because they are so thankful. The Nepali church plants are continuing to share the gospel as well. This has also opened up the gospel for the teachers and principals of the schools as they ask why we are willing to help in this way. Please pray as Joseph and Krishna continue to meet and strategize. Pray for Krishna as he travels to Nepal in April and visits the work that Mercy Nepal does with sewing centers and ministry to the schools.
Partnerships – Joseph has been partnering with Vineyard Church of Glendora for the past several years. The VCG staff have been meeting with Joseph to “reimagine” the church of the future. They have talked through evangelism, discipleship, disciple making, and leadership development. As a result of their conversations over the years, a Co/Gather building was rented and developed. This was a building they found to rent that could be utilized for Sunday service, ministry outreaches, and a safe space for the community. They are still in the process of developing micro gatherings in addition to a Sunday service. These micro gatherings consist of groups of church members forming connections with one another and the community around them. It is a wonderful way to build relationships with their neighbors and their spheres of influence as they gather together to learn about the Lord. These micro gatherings would eventually become micro churches within the VCG network. Please pray for them as they continue to plan, partner, and “reimagine” what church could look like in the future—reaching every segment of society with the Gospel and love of Jesus!
Michelle just celebrated the graduation of 5 amazing ladies from their Pathways to Freedom Program! Through Michelle’s partnership with EveryOne Free as a case manager she is involved in each one of these ladies’ lives. It is a rigorous 24-week class that empower survivors of sexual exploitation to gain financial and emotional independence through education and self-discovery. These ladies have worked hard participating, turning in homework, making changes, seeking help and pursuing healing and freedom in their lives. It is such a joy to see lives changed, hope renewed and a new passion for the future as they graduate from our program. They will continue on in our alumni support group and work closely with Michelle for encouragement and support as well as finding other resources they may need (housing, education, job skills) to begin new lives. To God be the glory as He continues to heal and renew lives hurt by injustice.
Thank you also so much for your continual prayers and financial support for us and the ministry here in Los Angeles. We are truly grateful for each of you and are blessed.
Cru City Los Angeles 