Newsletter #60(Nov-Dec.2015)
Raising voice for the LIFE
We faced different kinds of crisis like political instability, fuel shortage (blockade) and natural calamity (massive earthquake) in 2015… but even in those situations God remained faithful to us. God walked with us side by side being as a protector, provider and promise keeper throughout the year. We never stopped doing good...we took all those tragic situation as an opportunity to love our God with all our heart, mind and strength and to love our neighbours as ourselves. Our schedule and annual plan were massed due to the situation but God created the environment to work very differently and creatively. We as a family enjoyed and experienced God’s direct GRACE in our Life, family and ministry. As a whole, the Year 2015 was very fruitful and meaningful to us and VOF Nepal. So, we would like to thank God for His faithfulness and all the prayer partner and supporters for their regular prayer and support! (Soman, Esther, Aquila, Yosef and VOF Nepal)
Therefore Choose Life-TCL training in different parts of Chitwan and Nawalparasi. Therefore Choose Life-TCL training in Kawasoti Nawalparasi On last 17th November 2015 VOF team went to Kawasoti Nawalparasi and conducted one day TCL training among 53 pastor and leaders from 23 different churches in Nawalparasi. The training was happened in the Hikodef Community Hall of Kawasoti with the active coordination of Pastor Council in Nawalparasi. One reputed Pastor initiated the training with prayer and said, “When I read the invitation letter of this training same time I said big ‘YES’ for my participation”. Indeed, the participants were come there with great anticipation, so the training started with great thrill. In the first session of training, Soman Rai made clear about the sanctity of human life to participants by presenting first part of the DVD wonderfully and uniquely created...then in second session he presented about the abortion procedures and its complications and after the lunch, he taught about the Life-saving alternatives of abortion, restoration and church response to abortion. All the sessions were really powerful and productive too...All the pastor and leaders in training understood and realized the urgency of addressing the abortion issue in their church and community. A Pastor admitted that he has no any record in his entire life and ministry spoken about the sanctity of human life in the context of abortion. So he committed himself to speak for Life in his family, church and community. Some Pastor and leaders also became conscious of the wrong decision and counselling to others for abortion and repented same time… Many of the pastor and leaders came and requested for electronic copy of the presentation but they were informed that they are going to get their own personal copy of DVD, leaders guide and some brochures which can be installed in their laptop and pen-drive. They were also noticed about the quick time files and printing materials within the DVD. The event news was also covered by the local TV channel called Devchulli TV at 7 PM and 10 PM news. As a whole, the training was really fruitful. Let’s hope and pray that it will establish the culture of life in Church and communities of Nawalparasi. Thank you so much Gabriel International-GI for your valuable support! Reported by: Soman Rai (Elisha)
The TCL training in Bharatpur Chitwan On last 20th November, 2015 the VOF trainer team reached to Bharatpur Baptist Church in Bharatpur Chitwan and did Therefore Choose Life-TCL training of one day amongst 24 key senior pastor and leaders. The training was occurred despites of different crisis of fuel shortage and others bad effects of blockades in borders. The training was begun with warm welcome, thanksgiving and appreciation for the valuable availability of both trainer and trainees in the midst of different obstacles though it was started one hour late than the appointed time. When the training started God changed the environment of training and made all the participants very serious and calm. They were receiving the teaching and information with great seriousness, like they are listening something new for the first time in their life. Some senior Pastors responded the presentation with great humble and they wanted to do it in a big mass. So they promised to invite VOF team in their churches very soon in future. A Pastor admitted that he was trying to make many excuses for not coming to the training but he thanked God and host for the arrangement by which he was blessed greatly. Finally, they were given Life Bags contained of DVD, book and brochures produced by Gabriel International-GI. The TCL training in Tadi, Chitwan On 23rd November, 2015 TCL training happened in Tadi among 55 Pastor and leaders from different churches of Eastern part of Chitwan. Due to the transportation issue the training had to be divided or conducted in two different locations. The training was started with spirit-filled worship by Arpan Thapa of One People International team, and then the time was given to Soman Rai for presentation. The presentation was able to draw the attention of all the participants in training. In whole sessions, the participants were asked to find out that “what should be the clear and common perspective regarding the sanctity of human life and abortion of churches in Nepal?� All the participants responded the teaching with great enthusiasm and actively involved in every discussion. Finally, they came to a conclusion to stand and speak for Life in every situation and made a clear and common perspective regarding the sanctity of human life and abortion. A Pastor stated that he was not so serious regarding an unborn and abortion but the training opened his eyes to see and understand the importance and value of an unborn and the harsh truth of abortion. A youth lady leader shared her feelings that she felt the need of the training among the youth of her age in churches and outside of churches. She also said that she wants to invite VOF team for the presentation once she discuss with her team. Finally, all the participants were prayed for inner-healing, restoration and new commitment and resolution to be an active Life-giver in their church and communities. The Life-bags with DVD, therefore choose life-leaders guide and brochures were also distributed to them. So, thank you so much Gabriel International-GI. Reported by: Soman Rai.
The TCL training in Ghorahi, Dang
7th December, 2015 Wednesday: With the active coordination of Ezra Himalayan Bible Institute and Balidan AG Church the TCL training was happened in Ghorahi Dang. More than 130 Pastor, leaders and members were participated in the training. Many participants received the teaching with tears and some people admitted that the training changed their perspective and viewpoint to see unborn and abortion. Indeed, the training was an eye opener to them and I believe that the training will open the door for others training in coming days.
The TCL training in Lamahi, Dang
8th December 2015 Thursday: VOF Nepal facilitated the TCL training in Lamahi Dang. The training was arranged by the Ezra Himalayan Institute in Kathmandu and Ps. Lil Bahadur. More than 200 Pastor, leaders and church members were directly informed about the sacredness of human life, abortion, its complication, alternatives and church response. The training was very productive and fruitful.
Voice for the Voiceless( VFV) training in Kawasoti Nawalparasi
On last 18th November. 2015 the VOF team travelled to Kawasoti Nawalparasi for the ‘Voice for the voiceless’ training. The training was held in the Hall of Milan guest house in Kawasoti. According to our registration book 38 key Hindu, Buddhist and Christian women were participated in the training. Mrs Asha Mahotto assisted Soman Rai to instruct\facilitate the training. The training was possible with the active coordination of Tharu Society. Many key women of the society attended the training. So, the training was started with a formal program. All the information was presented in interactive and effective manner. Participants’ involvement was remarkable. Mrs. Parbati Gurung the chairman of Buddhist ‘Tamu’ women society admitted that she had thought the topic in training must be an known topic for her but later she knew and found it totally a new topic for her…it was an unexpected topic for her. She had never considered the issue of abortion like that before. She told, “Abortion is really horrific and painful to baby”…she even admitted that she took many women to Marie Stopes Center for abortion…she told publicly, “I regretted today when I saw the baby in womb and aborted babies photos…I cried…my heart is broken” She also added, “I want to repent for past sinful deed by passing this important information to my Gurung and Buddhist community from today” Another key woman leader of Town Unit Women Association and OM Jyoti Trust named Bindu K C shared her feelings in training. She said, “I must say good to good things…I liked the training because it is all about a woman like me which really addresses the issue of women.” She also added, “I am happy to know that the Bible also speaks about the importance of women and unborn baby.” The event news was covered by the local TV channel called DEVCHULLI TV and MUKANDA SEN TV and local FM also in 7 PM and 9 PM news.
Voice for the Voiceless( VFV) training in Amaltar Madhyavarti Nawalparasi
On last 19th November. 2015 the VOF team travelled to another village called Amaltar Madhyabarti Kawasoti Nawalparasi for the ‘Voice for the voiceless’ training. The training was held in the Community Hall of Tharu Home stay Madhyabarti, Kawasoti. According to our registration book 90 women were participated as a participant and 50 men as an audience in the training Altogether, 150 people were there in the training. Mrs Asha Mahotto assisted Soman Rai to instruct\facilitate the training.The training was held with the contact of Tharu Home Stay Committee in Amaltar Madyabarti. Actually, the committee had invited to females participant only but males also came to see the training. So, we made them an audience sitting in the back. It was really great challenge to present teaching in huge crowd. So, we used mike as loud speaker and used chair for standing to demonstrate apron and flip chart. Likewise, the training went very well and productive. They really enjoyed knowing about the value of a woman or daughter. It could be heard and seen through the noise of hurray and clapping during the exercise of saying, “A daughter is born”. Mrs. Meena Tharu shared about her bitter experience of being born as a daughter. Her mother gave birth to seven daughters in the expectation of a son. When her father saw no any progress, he decided to bring a son giving wife and he did. She also said about a neighbor also, “there was a family in her community and the wife was pregnant …one day she was working in the field near by the house of the family. All of sudden, she heard a noise of crying from the house like someone’s death has occurred…so she ran towards the house and inquired…later she found out that they were crying for the birth of a daughter. She expressed her strong desire to bring change and the training really inspired her for that work. The chairman of the Tharu Home Stay Committee said that the training really impacted their women very directly and it will really work to change their attitude. She appreciated VOF team and said that the VOF is the first organization in bringing such kind of important program in their community. We also talked about the herbal and domestic methods of abortion which is the common practice in the community though it was not mentioned in the VFV curriculum
Voice for the Voiceless( VFV) training in Bhimnagar, Chitwan On last 21st November. 2015 the VOF team travelled to Bhimnagar Chitwan for the ‘Voice for the voiceless’ training. The training was happened in the Hall of BCMS in Bhimnagar. According to our registration book 35 Christian women were participated in the training. Sita Mahotto assisted Soman Rai to instruct\facilitate the training. With the active coordination of Rev. Purna Lama of Believers Church in Bhimnagar the VFV training was possible. The women of Tharu and Tamang group were participated in the training. The presentation started with the opening prayer of Rev. Purna Lama and the remaining times were given to the instructor of training. The instructor presented the story of creation in interesting manner. The participants responded the teaching with great enthusiasm. They wanted to learn about the uniqueness of woman’s uterus, other reproductive organ and system without any hesitation. The openness of participants was the highlight of the training that made the instructor to be more comfortable for teaching. Mrs. Nabina Tamang shared about her feelings that she had never heard and learned so thoroughly about her own body and baby development. She told that she felt so sorry knowing about the annual global rate of abortion i.e. 42 million every year. Tirtha Kumari Lama admitted that she became conscious of her past wrong decision …she regretted and repented a lot when she knew and faced the truth of Bible regarding an unborn…she cried a lot. Mrs. Shree Dorgee shared that she used to work as a Community health worker in her village…that time she performed many abortion…but after knowing all about the realities of baby and abortion she felt to cry and repent. One notable outcome of the training: One of the participants contacted VOF office after a week and shared about a young girl of 21 years old who is in crisis pregnancy. So, she is in Compassion House of VOF Nepal and waiting to give birth to her baby…
Voice for the Voiceless( VFV) training in Saurah, Chitwan
On last 22st November. 2015 the VOF team headed to Saurah Chitwan for the ‘Voice for the voiceless’ training. The training was happened in the Hall of BC Saurah, Chitwan. According to our registration book 40 Christian women and young ladies were participated in the training. Puspa Chaudari assisted Soman Rai to instruct\facilitate the training. Saurah is a tourism place of Chitwan where is the provision of Home Stay in typical Tharu culture…many national and international guests come here to visit and enjoy Tharu food and cultural dance. There was a festival in the date of training…so there was huge crowd …people were busy and the instructor had gone there by taking a motorcycle of one of his friends. It was very hard to pass the festival place but he did. And the participants also attended the training with great excitement. Fr. Onesimus Lama opened the training with prayer and the instructor led the class in interactive manner. The Instructor informed about the value of a daughter, reproductive blessing (menstruation cycle, XX and XY chromosomes, etc.) fetal development, abortion procedures, its complications, Life-saving alternatives (parenting & adoption) and recovery from Post-abortive syndromes (PAS) with interesting way. Many young ladies were there who really enjoyed learning about the realities of their body. A teenager girl said, "I strongly recommend this training for teenagers and youth in our community" She was seemed really serious during the teaching sessions. Mrs. Sita Dhahal shared that she used to think abortion as a normal procedure but the training opened her eyes and could see its abnormality. She is a Christian for 6-7 years but never heard about such training. Kush Maya Gurung repented a lot when she saw the body parts of aborted babies and cried a lot. She said that she is going to love her others children more.
Voice for the Voiceless( VFV) training in Tadi, Chitwan
On last 24st November. 2015 the VOF team went to Parsa, Chitwan for the ‘Voice for the voiceless’ training. The training was happened in the Hall of New Creation Church in Parsa. According to our registration book 45 Christian and Non-Christian women were participated in the training. Sabita Pun Magar assisted Soman Rai to instruct\facilitate the training. Parsa is a small town of Chitwan situated in the highway to Kathmandu. So, in the last day of trip to Chitwan and Nawalparai VOF team wanted to do VFV training in Parsa. Ps. John Pun and his wife coordinated the training. And with his prayer the training was initiated. Soman Rai the instructor of training presented the VFV curriculum very sweetly…Participants were also very happy to know about the beauty and sanctity of every human life, especially about female. But in the session of abortion, all the women started to weep and put down their faces. Very soon, the instructor talked about the hope through Jesus Christ for restoration and forgiveness, all ladies prayed, repented and became happy again. Kabita Pun Magar who is the member and facilitator of Empower Women Organization wanted to share her feelings. According to her, she has to teach to women in her community about the positive side of abortion or safe abortion services provided by Government but the training changed her mentally totally. Now, she is not going to teach about the abortion but about the life. She said, “Today I knew very opposite information than I teach…I am really satisfied with the information.” A non-Christian lady was so attracted by the training…she really enjoyed coming inside the church hall and learn such a beautiful things. She even took extra time with instructor to learn about the yellow card…
Voice for the Voiceless( VFV) training in Lubhu Lalitpur On last 18th December. 2015 the VOF team conducted ‘Voice for the voiceless’ training in Phulbari Lubhu Lalitpur among the 30 local women members of Local women group. The training was facilitated by Soman Rai. Currently, Kathmandu the capital city of Nepal is suffering from extreme cold. The temperature of Kathmandu is minus degree Celsius. Another side, people are not able to use light and heater in their room because of lengthy loadshedding of 11 hours. When there is electricity all people use electric machines like pressure cooker, induction stoves and heaters simultaneously in spite of cooking gas, because there is the shortage of cooking gas in Nepal. So, it was very hard to find a meeting hall with electricity in that location because the transformer was blew up. So, the training was happened in the open stair of building of a local family enjoying both solar heat and light. It was an awesome experience doing training like this in open space with natural heat and light. Despite of those entire situations, the training went well… we found total cooperation and coordination from local women and youth. The presentation caught the attention of participated women…they enjoyed a lot to learn about their importance and same time they expressed their unhappiness when they learned about the harsh truth of abortion… Mrs. Ruku Khadka shared about her bitter experience of her past life. She said, “I am really convinced that abortion kills a baby and hurts a mothers..” and finally she told about her that she has been suffering from physical and emotional complication caused by the abortion done before long time. Now, she is very inspired to aware people about the harsh truth of abortion. Sarala Bishunkhe strongly opposed the law of abortion after knowing the reality of fetal development and the abortion…according to her, she had never thought like that before…Now she is very hurry to be voice for the voiceless unborn babies.
What a joy to see the Lives (babies) saved from death (abortion)! A young unwed lady of 21 years old came to our contact...she was in crisis pregnancy. She attempted to abort her baby several times but failed...Ultimately, her parents came to the knowledge of her pregnancy and looked for help from VOF Nepal. So, VOF Nepal decided to provide shelter for her...she received tender care and counselling in the safe home of VOF Nepal. Finally, she gave birth to a cute baby girl on the Christmas Eve- 24th December 2015… The lady chose to raise her baby by herself despite of her parent’s pressure for giving away the baby. Now, her parents are supporting her decision...but she is not allowed to come her home or village with the baby. However, VOF Nepal is standing with her and baby in their hard time. The Lalitpur District Children Welfare Committee recommended to provide an instant nourishment to a newly born baby given birth by a street girl... to VOF Nepal for one month… So, the baby was well nourished by VOF Nepal and submitted to Kosis Nepal again through DCWC… Now, the baby is with her mother in Kosis Nepal ...because the mother is getting treatment there …as she is mentally retarded and glue addicted. (All the related organizations are appreciated for their involvement) In fact, the lady was helped by VOF Nepal during her pregnancy two times keeping her in the safe home but she ran away twice, Anyway, she is fine with her baby today.
Christmas Celebration and Gift Distribution Program– 2015 On 23rd December 2015 VOF Nepal celebrated Christmas with the single mothers, babies and kids in Compassion House and Hope House. VOF Nepal had organised ‘Love Feast’ on the occasion of Christmas for the mother and kids. Same day, VOF Nepal distributed warm clothes to the mothers, babies and kids as a Christmas gift...the gifts were sponsored by the Akron Bhutanese Assembly Church in USA. On the behalf of all the mother and kids we would like to thank all the leadership and members of ABAC for their valuable support and love.
FUNDING Special thanksgiving and prayer points: ∗
Lets thank God for His unfailing love and faithfulness throughout the year 2015
∗
Lets thank God for His safety in the trip to Nawalparasi and Chitwan and please pray for all the participants in our last trainings and seminars to apply the teaching in their life and ministries.
∗
Lets thank God for the safe delivery of the baby and normality in mother’s life
∗
Now please pray for the good future of the mother and baby and others single mothers and babies in Compassion house.
∗
Please pray for the mother and baby safe home Building Project , its needs and needed assistances.
∗
Please pray for the new lady in crisis pregnancy living in Compassion house
∗
Please pray for the up-coming CLTs and SIT trainings
∗
Please pray for God’s guidance and His provision throughout the year 2016
First of all, VOF believes in vision, then in provision. We are always committed to fulfil the vision from God, but it won’t be possible unless someone wish to support the vision from God with their cheerful heart and hand. So, please open your heart and hand to support this LIFE- GIVING work. VOF receives any kind of grant you wish to send: prayer, financial, commodity, volunteers, technical, etc. Thank you.
Banking Details: Account No.: 00602676670017 Account holder: Voice of Fetus, Nepal. Bank name and add: Himalayan Bank Ltd. Patan Branch, Lalitpur, Nepal. Swift code: HIMANPKA
For further information: Voice of Fetus, Nepal GPO 8975 EPC: 2194, Katmandu, Nepal. Email: voiceofetus.np@gmail.com Contact: +977-9841651569 Website: www.vofnepal.org