Spring visit to Nepal and Ladakh
On 22nd April Sr Roberta Hoey, Chair of the British Province and Unity Board Chair, and I began our journey to Nepal. We met Br Jørgen Bøytler, Unity Board Administrator, in Amsterdam and continued to Kathmandu.
After a brief time of rest we met with Br Shanti Kumar Pradhan, the newly elected Chair of the Provincial Board of South Asia Mission Province at the Shristi Academy and shared a meal and fellowship with the new Provincial Board who had travelled from their various regions. This was their first meeting since the election at Synod in January in Delhi. Sr Roberta, Br Jørgen and I were attending in an advisory capacity to enable the Board to establish their agenda for the future work of the Mission Province. We suggested some key areas they should focus on including structure, ministry, finance and relevant sections of the Book of Order. As someone who has been on the British Province Provincial Board for only a year, I found it intimidating to learn so many new structures, procedures and duties. For this new Board with no such infrastructure in place, it must be a daunting task to establish this from scratch.
After a restful night we met again for breakfast and a further meeting. They had completed fruitful discussions the night before and were ready with many questions which we were able to help with in part, always mindful of the potential variations in local law and polity. A series of action points were agreed, and roles delegated to ensure an even share of responsibility and load. They have a gentle and compassionate Chair who is well respected. After these meetings we felt confident that the Board possesses a strong skill set and a determination to ensure the very best for the South Asia Mission Province in accordance with the mission of God.
After sharing a traditional Nepalese lunch with several members of the Khokona congregation, including Sr Kamaleswori, we travelled with Br Shanti to a high point in Kathmandu called Chandragiri where we 'enjoyed' a trip on a cable car. We reached 2,520m above sea level and experienced some amazing views of Kathmandu and a distant sneak peak of Everest through the clouds. Whilst it was a little bit scary the amazing views took away both our breath and some nerves.
The following day we had some free time and took the opportunity to visit Durbar Square, a World Heritage Site where cultures and religions collide in a rich clash of ancient buildings and pagoda-style temples dedicated to many deities. It was a culture shock and made me more conscious and appreciative of the simplicity of my own faith.
In the afternoon we travelled to the Khokona Church and met with representatives from the committees and leadership of the three churches of Khokona, Baneswar and Chasikot. Again, we were there in an advisory capacity to help the churches discern the best form of leadership structure. Currently Br Shanti Pradhan provides pastoral support and sacramental cover while Sr Kameleswori is the primary organisational leader with a team of worship, youth and house group leaders. They are working towards a more sustainable future, and we discussed many aspects of the ministry in Kathmandu including the possible ordination of some leaders. This would be brought to the attention of the Provincial Board as it is now their responsibility to recommend training and subsequent ordination. We had an opportunity to visit the site of a new mission opportunity in Sanga, Bhaktapur and met with Sr Seema, the leader of this new work. In the evening, we shared in a time of fellowship and hospitality with Sr Kamaleswori and Br Joshua, her son and shared memories of her late husband, Br Nagendra Pradhan.
The next morning, we were departing for Delhi and our final destination of Leh, Ladakh, but not before a visit to Shristi Academy to see the new school venue. We met staff and children and Sr Vani Pradhan and discussed their hopes for the future. This is a marvellous school with a welcoming atmosphere and a palpable thirst for learning. It always makes me smile when I visit. Br and Sr Pradhan exercise an amazing ministry in this place.
After a stopover in Delhi, we arrived in Leh on Saturday 27th April. I was immediately struck by the clarity and thinness of the air and tried to acclimatise to the altitude (3,500m). After a brief rest we met with the Leh Church Committee and ministers in the district, Br Samson Thangpa and Br Danish (also members of the Provincial Board). The Committee took over in April 2023, and this was an opportunity to establish a rapport and to understand their hopes and aspirations for the Leh congregation which is currently in interregnum following the call of Br Dimchui Rongmei to Assam, North East India last December. At times the discussions were challenging, and it was good to have members of the Provincial Board present, strengthening their awareness of the situation. One of the priorities for the Provincial Board to consider will be future ministry provision for Leh, and Ladakh as a whole.
On Sunday we shared in worship with the Leh congregation. Sr Roberta and I brought greetings from the Unity, the British Province and the British Mission Board and Br Jørgen brought the message. The congregation has a broad demographic and includes members of the Nepali Refugee Church. We shared in tea and fellowship after the service and had the opportunity to see the old church which sits alongside the newer building.
In the afternoon we were able to meet with members of the Leh congregation including Br Dechen Chamgha and Br Eliud George, previous members of church committee. They shared their concerns with us in spirit of reconciliation.
In the evening, we travelled to Sheh Congregation and shared in worship and fellowship. We enjoyed songs from the children and choirs. Br Danish led the service and Br Samson brought a short message. During our greetings Br Jørgen taught the congregation to say 'Our Lamb has conquered, let us follow Him' in Swahili - Tumfuate! We shared in hospitality with the congregation and had an interesting conversation with committee representatives who shared their thoughts about the future Provincial structure.
On Monday we visited the Moravian Mission School meeting the Principal Mrs Madu Simon and other members of staff and children. The school seemed well equipped and was undergoing a series of renovations.
We then set off with Br Samson Thangpa to visit Khalatse, an 80km journey travelling along the course of the Indus River. I have not mentioned up to now the scenery in Ladakh. It is breathtaking! The snow-capped mountains, the wispy tall poplars and then in parts a desert like landscape. But the river is by far the most beautiful thing I have seen. We stopped at the Srinagar viewing point and took in view of the Indus River where it meets the Zanskar River. The journey was long but there was so much to see including the significant military presence along the entire main road. Ladakh sits close to the borders of significant political power houses and India is aware of its vulnerability.
We arrived in Khalatse and met the school staff of the Moravian Academy and had a tour of the classes. We learnt that the school has been granted authority to increase the education provision to year ten and this would necessitate the building of a second storey for classes and accommodation. We stood on the prospective site in its raw state and look forward to seeing the transformation in the near future. We also visited the Khalatse Church.
This was our last day before the long series of flights to return to the UK. We journeyed back via an ancient monastery (no photos allowed), a reminder that India (and indeed Nepal) enjoys a huge fusion of cultures; Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Sikhs and various tribal populations offering a rich diversity. Only 2.3% of the population in India are Christians and Islam is the fastest growing religion. We pray for the continued growth and flourishing of the Moravian Church in South Asia under the leadership of the new Provincial Board.
Sr Jane Carter
Chair, British Mission Board