Nepal remains one of the least developed countries in Asia. Widespread unemployment, low agricultural productivity, gender inequality and high levels of migration make for increasingly difficult situations for the most vulnerable communities.
Sunday 3 May
‘I was on the verge of seasonal migration [moving away to find work],’ says Tek, a father of two. Tek and his family own a small piece of land in northern Nepal, but it was not big enough to provide enough food for the family. Lord, we lift to you families like Tek’s, facing difficult decisions to leave their homes and find employment in other countries. Amen.
Monday 4 May
Tearfund’s partner in Nepal stepped in and provided Tek with poultry training and gave him some chicks. Tek now has many chickens, is making organic fertiliser and has bought two goats to provide extra income. ‘They provided me with the hope to earn in our own village, and I will continue my business,’ says Tek. Lord, we pray that more small-scale farmers, like Tek, will be able to provide for their families. Amen.
Tuesday 5 May
‘Being a pastor, I was continuing to obey cultural traditions which society has given us, such as forcing my wife to do whatever a woman has to do within the home, thinking that it’s only women’s responsibility,’ says Pastor Suk. Pray for an increased understanding of the equal worth of men and women in Nepal as bearers of the image of God.
Wednesday 6 May
Pastor Suk and his wife took part in Tearfund’s Transforming Masculinities training, and there has been a profound change in their family. ‘My husband is genuinely supporting me with household chores, which he used to consider only my responsibility before,’ says Am Kumari. ‘Now, we do it together, and our children are also seeing us helping each other and following us by engaging with us.’ Lord, we thank you for lessons in love, equality and respect. Amen.
Thursday 7 May
Pray for better treatment of women in Nepal, some of whom face daily violence and inequality within their homes. ‘I feel blessed to participate in this journey of healing and to know I am supporting other women who are struggling. I will continue this work,’ says Sushila, who took part in Tearfund’s Transforming Families and Communities relationship training.
Friday 8 May
Indraman joined Tearfund’s Transforming Masculinities training and praises God that he now advocates for women to be included in water, sanitation and livelihoods projects. ‘The training has been a personally transformative journey for me, helping me to stand firm against social stereotypes, norms and values,’ says Indraman.
Saturday 9 May
Pray for further meaningful discussions around violence towards women and girls and equal opportunities in Nepal. As Tearfund’s training spreads, pray for the communities and local self-help groups to highlight these issues to their congregations and the wider community.
