Gorkha/Nepali

  • Pre-Entry
  • Pre-Evangelism
  • Evangelism
  • Discipleship
  • Phase-Out
  • Completed

About the People

The Gorkha/Nepalese people live throughout southern Asia. The predominant religion among this people group is Hinduism, but many are also Buddhists. Some are Christians or Muslims. The Gorkha/Nepalese people are divided into more than 50 different sub-ethnic groups, such as the Newars, Thakalis, Rais, Limbus, Tamangs, Magars and many more. Each group has its own language, culture and traditions. The common language spoken among all the groups is Nepali. Some live in the mountains, while others live in the plains.

Nepal is located in the Himalayas, sandwiched between China to the north and India to the south. It is a land of rich geography. The mountainous north has eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains, including Mount Everest. It contains more than 240 peaks over 20,000 feet. The fertile, humid south is heavily urbanized, with Kathmandu serving as the nation’s capital and largest city.

For more than 300 years, Nepal was ruled by a monarchy of the Shah dynasty. However, a decade of civil war with Maoists and weeks of mass protests by all the major political parties led to the election of a constituent assembly in 2008 that voted to abolish the monarchy in favor of a democratic republic.

About the Project

With Nepali ethnic sub-groups spread all over Southern Asia, their needs are quite diverse. But they all share the common plight of being almost entirely without a Gospel witness to point them to Christ. In Nepal itself, the years of civil war made cross-cultural missionary work difficult or impossible. Only recently has Nepal begun to reopen to ministry.

The Gorkha Project has been suspended due to political pressures that finally resulted in the denial of missionary visas. However, AFM missionaries left a small but thriving church in Darjeeling, and they continue to mentor its leadership and visit it as they are able.

People-Group Facts

  • Population: 27 million
  • Language: Nepali
  • Religion: 81% Hindu, 9% Buddhist

Frontier Stories

Through the Valley of Death

Though my path has taken me through the valley of the shadow of death, God’s mercy and saving grace shines like the sun.

By: Naresh Tudu, Pastor of the Darjeeling SDA Church With Jared Wright
November 01 2016, 9:51 am | Comments 0

God With Us

We’ve come to India to help people understand they don’t need idols because God is with them and is speaking to them every day. That what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Cor. 4:18).

By: Tonya & Jared Wright
April 01 2012, 12:38 pm | Comments 0

A Good Education

“I’‘m afraid this is going to be very difficult for you.“” Though the headmaster wasn‘’t talking to me, I felt my stomach tighten. He looked imposing behind his wide, polished desk. He looked at the young girl sitting beside me and said sternly but kindly, ““You‘’re going to have to work very hard to succeed here.”

By: Karen Lovitt
March 01 2012, 6:28 am | Comments 0

Rongju Awaits

These newborn Christians have a fire burning in their hearts. They have that first love the Apostle John spoke of so long ago, and they want to express that love to their family and friends in a meaningful and lasting way.

By: Tonya & Jared Wright
March 01 2012, 6:20 am | Comments 0

Finding Meaning

The Bible tells us that Jesus is the Author and the Finisher of our faith. That tells me that, in my work as a missionary, I neither really start anything in someone’s life nor finish it. My role is to be a rung in the ladder people are climbing toward God

By: Jonathan & Karen Lovitt
February 01 2012, 11:08 am | Comments 0

Brave Hearts

Only through your financial support and prayers are we able to reach the Gorkha people of India for Christ.

By: Tonya & Jared Wright
February 01 2012, 10:41 am | Comments 0

Faith by Caste

Christianity isn‘’t something you’re born into like caste. It‘’s a choice.

By: Karen Lovitt
January 01 2012, 11:08 am | Comments 0

New Life, New Name

We’re very happy to be a part of helping this new baby girl begin her journey in life.

By: Jared Wright
January 01 2012, 5:53 am | Comments 0

Back to top

Cart