You may have heard last week about a serious revolt in Nepal that has led to a change in the country’s leadership, damage to many government buildings and the deaths of more than 70 citizens (most of them young people.).
Our church has been supporting Katherine Parker as a UMC missionary in Nepal since 2019. Many of you have had the opportunity to meet Katherine in her visits to our church. Katherine’s work in the past has been focused in three areas:
- Adolescent empowerment, including sexual reproductive health and rights and menstrual hygiene;
- Maternal and child health; and
- Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).
This UMC mission is part of the United Mission to Nepal which works in five areas for community transformation: education, health, hospitals, peacebuilding, and sustainable livelihoods. Their website is: https://www.umn.org.np/umn-home/
Katherine is now serving as Programme Development Advisor for United Mission to Nepal. Their work has now become even more difficult and challenging. I have reached out to Katherine to let her know that La Jolla UMC is praying for her and the people of Nepal.
I heard back from Katherine this week. She is okay, but last week was really rough with much uncertainty about what would happen next. She wrote:
There is still a lot of rebuilding needed in Nepal, but there is also a great sense of hope that is permeating the country. Sushila Karki (she is new interim prime minister) is well respected on many levels and the current mayor of Kathmandu is also seen as an up and coming young leader to emerge out of the dialogues.
Thank you for your support of Katherine and this UMC Global Ministry. Please include Katherine and the people of Nepal in your prayers.
Missions & Social Concerns Committee