Outreach
Noel Tam is the Area Director (Nepal) at the Methodist Missions Society. He worships at Pentecost Methodist Church. / Photo courtesy of Noel Tam
I
t is a great privilege to be a part of the ministry in Nepal during this critical phase of the development of the Methodist Church
in Nepal (MCN). Over the last three years, the emphasis has been on preparing our leaders, encouraging and leading them, as we empower them with greater responsibilities. One key aspect of our ministry is developing the youth in MCN as part of the leadership development strategy. It is encouraging to witness the enthusiasm of our youth in leadership and ministry. God is raising up a younger generation to gather in the harvest in the nation of Nepal! On a recent visit to Nepal in March 2022, I had the privilege of speaking to the youth through an online Youth Fellowship Service. It was a divine appointment with these 100 youths from our MCN churches and preaching points. The message for them was clear: there will be challenges in the real world and it is important for them to be equipped to manage these challenges in a manner that will be pleasing to God. They need not feel daunted for they will not be alone. I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2
The youth in MCN are slowly but surely finding themselves in the real world. Some of them, having completed their basic education, are pursuing tertiary courses in the universities, while others have taken up jobs to help support their families. They find themselves in the company of friends and colleagues who are pre-believers and have different values and beliefs. Our youth will have to cope with social pressures that they have never experienced before. These include “free and easy” lifestyles and
July 2022 Methodist Message 29
