Eastern Nepal was an unreached province for the Church of God until I met Pastor Purna Magar in 2006. Now, the Nepalese people are eager to hear the Word and have a willingness to suffer death for their faith in Christ.
As a man of East Nepal, Purna Magar was ministering there for more than 20 years and has established more than seven churches under the Himalayan Pentecostal Church Mission in India. He was unable to continue this same ministry because the missions director passed away and his successor’s vision to go on with Nepalese missions was not the same. Pastor Purna was able to keep up three churches on his own.
As I paid my visit last year, Purna was happy to fellowship with us.
Pastor Purna is married with five children. He has numerous stories to share about how God used him amazingly in casting out demons, healing various infirmities, challenging witch-doctors, crossing high-current rivers and so on. He was badly tortured by his own family, villagers and beaten by the government. He says, “It was very difficult to be a Christian and preach the Gospel during the Panchayat regime.” He even had to leave his home and forcefully fast many times.
Pastor Purna is now pastoring a small congregation in a village. This church does not have a proper place to worship, nor any musical instruments. I did not see any carpet to sit on or any furniture such as a pulpit. I was so troubled with their poverty as I was preaching a message on blessings. However, their eagerness to hear the Word and willingness to suffer till the death has encouraged me to thank God for His move. Glory to my Lord that I was able to bless them with some Rupees to buy a lot for the church. Now they have land, but no place to worship. Please remember this church in your prayers.
Pastor Ram, Church of God Nepal Representative