Serving Holistically

“The Nepalese Tibetans expect us to help and support them through social ministry as well—not just with nice words about Jesus,” says Yeshe*. What this vision looks like in practice is already evident in his own home. Three years ago, he and his wife, Nima*, adopted Kunga, who was two years old at the time. His father is unknown; his mother abandoned him after he was born. At first, he lived with his grandmother. After that, he moved from house to house, begging for food and sleeping wherever he was taken in.

When Yeshe and Nima took him in, Kunga behaved like a feral child. Today he is a bright, cheerful boy. He speaks English very well and is now in first grade. Under the loving care of his adoptive parents, he has made impressive progress.

Belief in Spirits—How to Escape?

For Yeshe, however, holistic help means more than just practical support. The beliefs of the Nepalese Tibetans are a mixture of Buddhism, animism, and shamanism. Many people suffer from demonic oppression. That is why deliverance ministry is part of everyday life for Pastor Yeshe and his network of church leaders.

Sometimes, however, the unclean spirits resist and say, “We've been in this person for so long—we're staying here.” But Yeshe and his team are aware of their authority in Jesus. After a few sessions at the latest, the demons must leave their “host.”

Finally free!

This is exactly what happened to a woman who suddenly began screaming and cursing loudly during the worship service at Yeshe's church. While the congregation continued singing, the leadership team prayed for her and commanded the spirits to leave her. Eventually, the woman calmed down. After the service, the first-time visitor was warmly welcomed. She was clearly free and beaming from ear to ear.

The woman was aware of her demonic burdens. Buddhist monks and shamanic rituals had already tried in vain to help her. Eventually, she was advised to attend a Christian worship service. A friend took her along. After her deliverance, the leadership team invited her to return so they could pray together and cast out any remaining demons.

They also explained to her the importance of making a personal decision for Jesus. “If the Holy Spirit does not take the place that has been freed, the spirits will return, and the person will be worse off than before,” says Yeshe, summarizing his conviction, which is based on the Bible and confirmed by many experiences.

Fear of Retribution

However, belief in spirits shapes not only spiritual life but also social life. If someone from a mountain village comes to faith in Jesus, he or she is often driven out. Many villagers fear that Buddha and the spirits will take revenge and curse the entire village. If someone in the village dies after a conversion, they often blame the Christian or the pastor involved for the misfortune.

In such cases, the law sometimes even sides with the persecutors. A pastor in Yeshe's circle has been in prison for over 20 years because someone died after a person's conversion. Today, Yeshe supports that pastor's two children.

Those who turn to Jesus therefore often need very practical help: financial support, a new home, or a new job. It is precisely this holistic ministry that, in turn, opens the eyes of others to God's love and makes the Gospel tangible.

* Names have been changed