There is a lot involved in starting a business here in Nepal – paperwork and approval with the government, finding a space (we believe should be near BFA), renovations, building a Nepali staff that we can train up and disciple, etc. We would appreciate continued prayers through this process for direction, favor and wisdom!
We have also been feeling that it’s time for our family to move to a different location. God has been leading us deeper into great community here that we have become involved in (all who live closer in the direction of where our Café will be), the ministry work we tend to do is closer in that direction, and of course our family continuing to grow with Joshua due in May we could use a bit more space – so we have been house hunting this month and think we found a place that will be open to us as of October. We intend for this to be our one and only move if possible while living in Nepal. The house we are leaning towards has a ground floor flat that two of our good friends can live in right below us, which we LOVE and it’s a great location and big enough house with room to grow and host.
It’s certainly been a whirl-wind of a month with all that going on in addition to our usual routine. I was also very sick for a little over a month and have been struggling with some major back issues related to my pregnancy this time around, which has been difficult while trying to run around after an 11month old (yes, he’s walking and running around already!). Matt has been wonderful at juggling all that we have going on at home, going out for ministry work and trying to do all the research/meetings/errands for getting this Café going. At Iris’ weekly Banquet House, he had met a few women/very young couples with babies that he really wanted to help and reach out to. The babies all were clearly malnourished and not being well taken care of, as the mothers are so young, they don’t really know how to care for them. We donated them some clothes, purchased some baby cereal and milk to give them and he tried to explain a few basic do’s/don’ts before they left each week. One couple in particular he intentionally kept in touch with and checked in on during the weeks. We learned they were fairly open to hearing the gospel, changing their lifestyle, receiving help, and he even got them to join him at Nepali church a couple of times. It’s been difficult to stay connected with them as they are not always accessible by phone and weren’t home when he’s gone to check on them but we did receive a recent update that the husband was just arrested and the young mother (only 16 yrs old) has actually been taken in by some of our other missionary friends here in Nepal in the mean time. Unfortunately, they’ve learned that the baby may have some terrible disabilities and malnourishment issues that they are working on and we are of course praying that Jesus will heal and restore him to 100%. We plan to meet with them soon, pray with them and see what else we might be able to do. Our hope is to also get them plugged into the Nepali church we are connected with, Living Church, so they can continue to be closely discipled and helped.
Matt also came across I think his second demon-possessed person here just a couple of days ago. He and some of the Iris members went and have tried to pray for her twice now. It seems she has been constantly tormented by snakes, responds very little to other people, and has been unable to sleep much at night. She unfortunately has not been 100% delivered yet, but the family reports that she has seemed to improve in her demeanor and has been able to sleep better at night, praise God! – so that was great news and quite an experience for him! I know they all will continue to check up on her and pray for her until they see full healing.
Thank you all for your continued support, prayers and keeping in touch via skype and messages!
PRAYER POINTS
- The young families and babies – for their healing, that they would be open to the Gospel, and for discernment and wisdom on how to help them more.
- Continued discernment with the Café – location, renovations, purchase of equipment, etc. favor in this process!
- Our house hunt – favor and discernment
- Continued guidance in our ministry work here – how God wants to use us, any other areas or people to focus on and reach out to.
God Bless,
Heather & Matt Gibson