The Missionary Journey of Vicar Nabin Samal (Part 2)
/In the June issue we shared Vicar Samal’s plans for a month-long mission trip to Nepal and northern India. With prayer and financial support from St. Johns Lutheran Church (St. Louis), the South Asia Lutheran Mission (SALM), and CFNA, Vicar Samal departed St. Louis for Kathmandu, Nepal arriving there on June 5. The purpose of the trip: Teach Luther’s Small Catechism to 300 students.
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During his visit Nabin traveled to six locations, met with multiple church and community leaders, and taught the basics of Luther’s Small Catechism to approximately 400 students assembled in classes in four locations.
Weather and transportation issues aside, the most challenging part of his visit had to do with the initial indifference he encountered when attempting to explain the contents of the catechism. After he began teaching however, this indifference gave way to curiosity and then to increasing interest as the importance of these lessons became apparent. Moreover, prior to his departure from Nepal he received numerous invitations to return and teach more classes. Additionally, two emerging church leaders inquired about the possibility of EIIT (Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology) style leadership formation classes as well.
Looking forward, Vicar Samal views the likelihood of a return trip as a definite possibility. He did after all, receive numerous invitations. His dream is to see the eventual establishment of several Lutheran churches in the area and perhaps even the establishment of Lutheran school.
Vicar Samal has one year remaining in his EIIT study program at Concordia Seminary. Please keep him, his wife and his family in your prayers as he concludes his studies and contemplates his next steps regarding this emerging Lutheran mission initiative in Nepal.
By Rev. Al Buckman with
Vicar Nabin Samal
