Unity Advances Mission, Nepal Church Leaders Say

Church leaders of the Nepal Section of the Seventh-day Adventist Church emphasized unity, spiritual commitment, mission, and the nearness of Christ’s return during their year-end meeting, November 21 and 22, 2024, at the Himalaya Drishya Resort in Dhulikhel, Nepal. The gathering provided an opportunity for church leaders, members, and guests to convene for fellowship, strategic planning, and spiritual renewal.

The Nepal Section, formerly known as the Himalayan Section, has a history of organizational changes. Previously, it was part of the Southern Asia Division’s (SUD) attached field. Then during the General Conference (GC) Annual Council in October 2023, delegates voted to detach the Nepal Section from SUD and attach it to the Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD), headquartered in South Korea.

This transition aligned its administrative operations with a division that oversees Adventist territories in nine countries. The change also reflects efforts to enhance regional collaboration and support for the growing Adventist mission in Nepal, leaders said.

The theme of the gathering, Called to Be Faithful—Commandments of God and Faith of Jesus, underscores the dual emphasis of the Adventist faith: upholding God’s commandments while embracing the faith exemplified by Jesus Christ. It also serves as a call for members to remain steadfast in their spiritual commitment and mission, reflecting the core principles of the church, leaders added.

In the opening presentation of the church gathering, NSD president Yo Han Kim emphasized the urgency of sharing the gospel message, stating that we are living in the last days of Earth’s history and that the second coming of Jesus is imminent.

Hiroshi Yamaji, NSD executive secretary, in his devotional message on November 22, focused on the life and mission of John the Baptist. The story of John the Baptist, he said, reveals our need today of genuine repentance so we can move forward to fulfill Christ’s mission of sharing the gospel.

Other presenters during the year-end meeting included NSD treasurer TaeSeung Kim; NSD Health Ministries director Jacob Ko; Nepal Section president Umesh Kumar Pokharel, secretary Seong Kim, and treasurer Myung Hun Lee; Sheer Memorial Adventist Hospital CEO Hector Gayares, Jr.; and ADRA country director for Nepal Tom Pignon. Various Nepal Section departmental directors also spoke, highlighting the vital roles that women, youth, and health ministries play in sharing the gospel message in their territory and beyond.

In his concluding remarks, Pokharel expressed gratitude for the unity and collaborative efforts within the Nepal Adventist Church family toward furthering the church’s mission. He also affirmed that all accomplishments are ultimately a result of God’s providence.

Some 10,000 members worship in 40 Adventist churches in the territory of Nepal.