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SPECIAL CONCERN FOR
POOR AND MARGINALISED
PEOPLE
INNOVATION & CREATIVITY
INTEGRITYEQUITY & SOCIAL JUSTICE
LOVE & SERVICE
CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
VISIONFullness of life for all, in a transformed Nepali society.
MISSIONInspired by the love and teachings of Jesus Christ, in partnership with the Christian community and others in Nepal and worldwide, we will serve the people of Nepal, particularly those who live in poverty:
Ü To pursue peace and justice for all;
Ü To address the root causes of poverty; and
Ü To make Christ known by word and life.
VALUESWe in UMN, being motivated by and dependent on God, believe these values to be foundational to our work. They influence our behaviour, our choice of partners, the way we work with our partners and the selection and development of staff.
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Welcome to our Prayer Diary for 2016-17 (Nepali year 2073). Last year our first prayer diary received much positive feedback, which has encouraged us to continue the practice. We are so grateful for all of those who pray for UMN and for the country of Nepal – both here in Nepal and abroad. Prayer is truly the foundation for the work that we are involved in, and yet in the busy-ness of our lives so often gets squeezed out. 2015 was a very difficult year for the country and the people of Nepal, but throughout the challenges of the earthquake and border blockade we have been sustained by the prayers of faithful people across the world. Some have recently started praying for Nepal, and others have faithfully prayed for Nepal for many decades. We are so grateful for the dedication of these prayer warriors! We hope that this resource will aid you in your prayers for UMN and Nepal. So often the issues that we are trying to tackle to bring about transformation in Nepali society are so entrenched that we wonder whether we can make a difference. The answer is often: “Yes, but not on our own or through our own efforts.” The process of transformation is God’s agenda and His responsibility; we are privileged to join in that mission. Often the best way to do that is on our knees! Thank you for joining hands with us in this mission through your prayers for Fullness of life for all in a transformed Nepali society.
MARK GALPINExecutive Director (until June 2016)
Produced by: the Communications Team, UMNEditorial Team: Lyn Jackson
Design: Phil RawlingsCover Photo: Hannah Yoon
© UMN 2016
Dear praying friends
Note: For each day we have listed staff or Board members to pray for, and some special days or supporting partners as well! We have tried to keep people’s names on their team’s page, but this has not always been possible.
You may not know them or what they do, but please just lift them up before God, who does know them, perfectly!
NEPALPray for
The political situation in Nepal remains unstable. Some groups are still unhappy about the provisions of the new Constitution. Pray that all parties will seek to co-operate in the interests of the country, particularly of the poor. Pray that the Constitution will find increased ownership among all Nepalis, paving the way for lasting peace, progress and prosperity.
January Rajesh Dangol
February Hasta Gurung
March Ramesh Maharjan
April Lila Ram Sapkota
May Prashanta Shrestha
June Children in Nepal
July Prem Sunuwar
August Nistha Rayamajhi
September Trailokewsor Bhattarai
October Dan Budhathoki
November Bishnu Sapkota
December Sunil Shakya
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Pray for the many groups in Nepal who suffer from discrimination: women, people with mental illness, people affected by HIV and AIDS, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people from the low caste community (Dalits). Pray for justice, but also for community openness and understanding.
Every week, thousands of young Nepalis leave the country to work overseas. Some are educated professionals; many are unskilled labourers. Pray for the migrant workers, for safety, fair conditions and decent pay. Pray for the many women left to manage families, farm the land, and care for children and the elderly.
Pray for the on-going disaster rehabilitation work around the country. Pray for good co-operation between different government agencies, and for honest and fair distribution of relief funds. Pray especially for those in remote communities, that their needs will not be forgotten.
Pray for
Pray for national-level Christian networks and organisations as they work towards creating and promoting a spirit of love, service and unity among the churches.
Pray for the various church denominations as they actively seek to transform the lives of individuals through holistic service.
Pray for the Bible colleges and training centres, that they will develop Christian leaders who are knowledgeable and skillful in leading churches in transformational mission.
Pray for Christian social development organisations, that they would continue to serve the people of Nepal in love and humility.
Pray that Christian leaders who are involved in advocacy, development and politics may gain confidence and the capacity to lead others in addressing issues affecting their communities.
Pray that the new Constitution’s provision for freedom of religion for all minority religious groups, including Christians, is acknowledged, honoured and applied in a peaceful Nepal.
January Shrina Maharjan
February Vijeta Shrestha
March Rajanee Nyachhyon
April Abidan Parajulee
May Cati Ramsay
June Malcolm Ramsay
July Bibhu Singh
August Lindsay Davies
September Iona Davies
October Charissa Cleveland
November Ash Cleveland
December Steve Thorson
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THE CHURCHIN NEPAL
UMN’S BOARD AND SUPPORTING PARTNERS
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Partnership is foundational to UMN’s identity. Formed as a partnership initially between eight diverse mission groups in 1954, UMN is still a partnership and expression of unity of the global church, with over 30 international mission agencies and organisations partnering with UMN.
Thank God for the commitment of our supporting partners and the huge support for UMN and Nepal through the earthquakes last year.
Pray for wisdom and humility as UMN and its supporting partners continue to explore and demonstrate the true meaning of partnership in the Gospel.
MAY: Pray for a successful General Assembly on 25 and 26 May 2016.UMN’s Board of Trustees is elected by the supporting partners and has the responsibility to govern the organisation, and ensure it is working effectively towards the fulfillment of its vision and mission.
Thank God for the highly capable and busy Board Members who have committed time and energy to the governance of UMN.
Pray for our 12 trustees – for wisdom and good decision-making.
Pray for Dhanan Senathirajah as Chair and Felicity Wever as Vice Chair of the Board.
MAY and NOVEMBER: Pray for Board Meetings on 23 - 27 May and 20 & 21 November.
January Dhanan Senathirajah
February Mahendra Bhattarai
March Henk Blom
April Jiwan Gurung
May Shanta Maya Gurung
June Grace Khaling
July Kuki Rokhum
August Joseph Shrestha
September Prakash Subba
October Alex Swarbick
November Richard Sykes
December Felicity Wever
Pray for
UMN’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND LEADERSHIP TEAM
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UMN’s Leadership Team (LT), led by the Executive Director (ED), is responsible for the running of the organisation, ensuring that the organisation effectively implements its strategy and works within its values. LT meets weekly for prayer and every two months for a formal meeting.
Pray for the new ED Joel Hafvenstein and his family Fiona, Caleb and Isaac, as they settle into Nepal and Joel into the role of ED. Pray for strength, wisdom and sensitivity as he provides management oversight and spiritual leadership.
Pray for the LT members. Three new members joined LT last year, and a number of LT members move on this year. Pray that the LT would work in unity and provide stability to the organisation over this period of transition.
Pray for the effective alignment of the organisation with the new Strategy for 2015–2020. Pray for the Learning, Policy and Strategy Team, as they seek to improve the quality of UMN’s work, ensuring that we learn from our experiences and address key issues across the organisation.
January Paul Chhetri
February Dhana Lama
March Peter Lockwood
April Sanu Raja Ranjit
May Jerry Clewett
June Mark Galpin
July Joel Hafvenstein
August Lyn Jackson
September Bibhu Singh
October Bal Kumari Gurung
November Madhu Thapa
December Rashmi Karki
Pray for
UMN’S WORK IN BAJHANG DISTRICT
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Pray for
January Deb Garti Magar
February Raju Nepali
March Sarki Diwas Kumar
April Tejindra Sinjali
May Vesh Raj Thapa
June The Environment
July Luke Chuthbertson
August Zoe Chuthbertson
September Jacob Chuthbertson
October Angus Chuthbertson
November Ana Pickering
December Steve Pickering
Bajhang suffers from food insecurity, illiteracy, social discrimination, seasonal migration, domestic violence and unemployment. Traditional beliefs and practices are a barrier to positive change and transformation. Geographical remoteness, high programme demands and limited resources are major challenges.UMN has been working here since November 2008, focusing on the well-being of women and children, especially the poor and the marginalised. Self-respect, a dignified and healthy life, and social and economic security are our objectives. We work in partnership with local non-governmental organisations and co-operatives to enhance their capacity and development.
BAJHANG
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January Padam Uprety
February Susanne Dick
March Phileas Dick
April Nella Dick
May Keziah Dick
June Rosie Clewett
July Fiona Hafvenstein
August Caleb Hafvenstein
September Isaac Hafvenstein
October Rachel Hodge
November Calvin Lau
December Pearl Lau
Relationships with government can be difficult to negotiate. Pray for respectful relationships with local and district government.
Because of remoteness and salary scales, it is difficult to recruit and retain staff. Pray for our staff, as most of them are away from their families for long periods. Pray for safe travel, as roads are poorly made and travel can be risky.
Please pray for Chainpur, the district headquarters, which is a flood-prone area. Pray that flooding won’t cause damage, especially during the monsoon months of June and July.
Pray for the effective implementation of the new project combating harmful traditional practices that are harmful to girls and women. It works on behavioural change which is a big challenge.
UMN’S WORK IN DHADING DISTRICT
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January Durga Acharya
February Kalpana Bhattarai
March Shailes Bhattarai
April Health Team
May Nabaraj Joshi
June Krishna Malla
July Jiwan Rai
August Raj Kumar Shrestha
September Sabu Tamang
October Thakur Prasad Rai
November Nilesh Rawal
December Uddab Rimal
In Dhading, UMN has 10 partners; nine local NGOs and a co-operative. We serve the poorest of the people living in poverty in 25 VDCs and one municipality, aiming to bring transformation in their lives and communities. Our target beneficiaries are disadvantaged groups (Chepangs, Dalits, Tamangs, Kumals), children and adolescents, single women, people with disabilities and people living with HIV. Dhading district was severely affected by the earthquakes of April and May 2015, and many people are still displaced.
Pray for
DHADING
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January Lakshmi Shahi
February Gyanendra Shrestha
March Women in Nepal
April Suyog Shrestha
May Bhagyarekha Silwal
June Ursula Utsaha Singh
July Durga Thapa
August Ramesh Thing
September Literacy in Nepal
October Laxmi Shrestha
November Suresh Shrestha
December Anu Gomanju
Please pray for God’s wisdom, knowledge and guidance for UMN’s Dhading Team and its partners as they serve together to bring transformation in people’s lives and in their communities.
It’s quite challenging to implement regular programmes after the earthquake. Many organisations are giving handouts (materials and cash). People have high expectations. Please pray for smooth implementation of all planned programmes.
Please pray for strong co-ordination and collaboration between UMN’s regular cluster team and the Disaster Response Team, and also with partners, government line agencies and all district-level stakeholders.
Please pray for Sabu Tamang, the new cluster team leader. She has been transferred to Dhading from Doti. Pray for God’s wisdom and direction in her work.
UMN’S DHADING DISASTER RESPONSEPROGRAMME
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January Shiva Adhikari
February Araju Bajimaya
March Suraj Bam
April Sujan Bhatta
May Harischandra Budhathoki
June Finlay Hodge
July Chandra Man Ghale
August Laxman Gurung
September Manisha Burlakoti
October Ranjana Kafle
November Parsu Ram Karkee
December Bina Khadka
Dhading Disaster Response Programme (DDRP) is working in five VDCs: Ree, Lapa and Jharlang in the northern belt and Mahadevsthan and Pida in the southern belt. About 80% of the houses are damaged in these five VDCs, and people are still living in temporary shelters; more than 90% of the infrastructure has been badly or completely damaged: roads, foot trails, bridges, drinking water systems, schools and micro-hydro installations. The main source of income in these VDCs is from agriculture, and people used to migrate to urban areas for seasonal work. Now, their economic condition has worsened because people lost grain, seed and livestock, and the damaged infrastructure means a loss of markets. UMN has started infrastructure reconstruction and livelihood recovery projects in all five VDCs.
Pray for
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January Rajesh Khadka
February Bijaya Koirala
March Abina Lama
April Deepak Lama
May Netra Lamichhane
June Posh Lamichhane
July Badri Lamsal
August Rajendra Maharjan
September Rajesh Maharjan
October Mental Health
November Dhan Prasad Paudel
December Ananda Phuyal
Pray for the people who are still living in temporary shelters. Pray that the government will release reconstruction grants so that construction can begin.
UMN is committed to house reconstruction and school construction. Pray that we will receive government approval, and that the work will progress smoothly.
Pray for the safety of UMN and our partner staff during field visits. The northern VDCs in particular are very remote and difficult to access.
Pray for the reunion of families and relatives who were displaced and shifted to temporary camps. More than 350 families from Ree, Lapa and Jharlang have been in camps and will probably remain there until houses are rebuilt. Children in camps have not been able to continue their school education.
Pray for wisdom for UMN and our partner staff as they work under pressure and meet the needs of the people.
LAPA
REE JHARLANG
PIDA
MAHADEVSTHANMAHADEVSTHAN
UMN’S WORK IN DOTI DISTRICT
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January Amrit Ghale
February Dhanmaya Gurung
March Hem Raj Joshi
April Ishwar K.C.
May Aakash Koirala
June Jhankar Kunwar
July Khadak Sunar
August Valerie Lockwood
September Conor Lockwood
October Joel Lockwood
November Erin Lockwood
December Keshav Raj Joshi
Doti is a remote, hilly district in the far west of Nepal. Travel there is difficult; roads are rough and winding. UMN is striving to raise awareness about the rights of women, children and people with disabilities, or those affected by HIV and AIDS. Food scarcity is an issue, as most of the population are marginal farmers.
Pray for
DOTI
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January Chloe Riggsbee
February Elijah Riggsbee
March Olak Jirel
April Shrawan Shrestha
May Darryl Jackson
June Liz Galpin
July Jair van Turennout
August Youth in Nepal
September Imre van Turennout
October Tim O’Keefe
November Leona O’Keefe
December Jack O’Keefe
HIV is prevalent in Doti. The spouses of migrant workers are the main affected group. 975 people living with HIV and AIDS have been identified in the district. We have been directly involved through referral support for 87 people living with HIV and education support for 52 children affected by AIDS. Pray that they will not suffer discrimination, but live hope-filled lives.
Please pray for children with disabilities. Our partner Disabled Service Organisation is working to ensure treatment and education support for children with disabilities. Currently, 36 children have been treated successfully and 15 children are receiving education support. Pray for their rehabilitation in their family and community.
More than 3,400 people (2,537 women and 864 men) are involved in different Self-Reliant Groups. Pray that these will bring positive change and hope to their families and communities.
Pray for the poorest people in poor communities, like the Badi and Haliya (caste groups), malnourished children, spouses of migrant workers and children with disabilities. Pray that we may reach them within this strategic period.
Pray for wisdom and guidance for cluster members as we support five partner organisations in their planned activities. Pray for their safety and protection while they travel in difficult geographical locations.
UMN’S WORK IN MUGU DISTRICT
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January Tajendra Mudha Magar
February Nabin Chaudhary
March Milan Rai
April Jagat Bahadur
May Netra Shahi
June Josh Galpin
July Debbie Parkes
August Ezra van Turennout
September Children in Nepal
October Prakash Timalsina
November Nirmala Mali
December Hira Lal Shrestha
Mugu District is the least developed district in Karnali Zone. Many of the 55,300 people in Mugu have had very hard lives, the majority suffering from acute and widespread poverty. To address the root causes of poverty, UMN has been working with five partners in education, health, livelihoods and social transformation. Buddha Higher Secondary School has been playing a vital role to provide quality education among the Karani people, an ethnic minority in the northern part of Mugu. The Disabled Rehabilitation and Rural Development Organisation, led by people with disabilities, is raising awareness about disability. The Dalit Girls’ Scholarship Programme has become a cornerstone for educating girls from the low caste community.
Pray for
MUGU
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January TEAR Australia
February FELM
March Gossner Mission
April Presbyterian Church
May Tear Netherlands
June Transform Aid Int.
July ICCO & Kerk in Actie
August Normisjon
September HimalPartner
October InterAct
November BMS World Mission
December Church of Scotland
85% of the summer crop failed last year and winter crops were poor due to a long drought. There is a high probability of food insecurity this year. Please pray that enough food will be available.
Pray for local government officers, including the Local Development Officer. Pray for the guidance and wisdom of God as the Mugu Team works with government.
Pray for the safety and security of the Mugu Cluster Team, partner staff and their families as they seek to empower others in transformational development work.
Pray especially for the poorest groups: those who live in disaster prone areas, small land holders, children, women, herb collectors, and people with disabilities. Pray for sustainable improvement in their livelihoods, food security, health and education.
Pray for adequate funds for the existing long-term projects and also pray for new projects which we hope to start, particularly livelihoods-related work.
UMN’S WORK IN RUKUM DISTRICT
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Pray for
January Tara Bahadur B.K.
February Juntara Budha Magar
March Kul Chaudhari
April Katherine Parker
May Deepa Parajuli
June Miriam Galpin
July Rita Sunar
August Arjun Tamang
September Tara Hang Tawa
October Hygiene in Nepal
November INF UK
December Ram Babu Shah
Rukum District borders Dolpa and Jajarkot on the north, Salyan, Rolpa and Baglung on the south and Myagdi on the east, with one municipality and 41 VDCs. There is high potential for vegetable farming, vegetable seed production, eco-tourism, hydropower and herbal products promotion. This year, Rukum Cluster is carrying out twelve projects with five local partners. These projects are addressing the needs of the poorest people living in poverty. Some new projects have been launched in Rukum in remote VDCs − challenging because of their geography and lack of road access.
RUKUM
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January Tearfund UK
February Mennonite Central Com.
March WMPL
April ELC in America
May Interserve
June Methodist Church
July Bread for the World
August CEDAR Fund
September Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe
October Food in Nepal
November Forum Wiednest
December Geneva Global
Pray for the new working VDCs that the cluster team has selected. Pray for good relationships with line agencies and stakeholders in the community. Pray for us as we explore new ideas to work in new VDCs with local communities.
Pray for changes in attitude in the community, for real transformation and for a willingness to work together.
Pray for staff travel to remote areas where there is no motor access.
Pray for a good relationship between UMN and our neighbours in the new office in Salle.
UMN’S WORK IN RUPANDEHI, NAWALPARASI AND KAPILVASTU DISTRICTS
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Pray for
January Mukti Chalise
February Tej Bahadur Gaire
March Sunil Gautam
April Nabin Ghimire
May Shreedhar Khanal
June Apsara Nepal
July Dipak Rai
August Ratna Bahadur Rai
September Pandav Rasaili
October Poverty in Nepal
November Suraj Sonar
December Bishal Shrestha
It’s been 11 years since Rupandehi Cluster started its service to the poorest people living in poverty in three districts (Kapilvastu, Rupandehi and Nawalparasi), mostly near the Indian border. We are implementing our programmes through our local partners − nine NGOs and one government school. The Terai, the plains between Nepal and India, is highly politically-affected and the open border creates challenges because of the high prevalence of unsafe migration and trafficking. This year, the cluster team is initiating new work in southern VDCs, where there are some very poor communities.
KAPILVASTU
RUPANDEHI
NAWALPARASI
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January Operation Agri
February Opportunity Education
March PMU Interlife
April Samaritan’s Purse
May SEL
June SIM
July Smyrna Church
August UK Aid
September United Methodist Church
October UMCOR
November United Methodist Women
December Rumila Dangol
Pray for the security, safety and protection of cluster staff and partners during travel in the new southern VDCs and also in the northern hilly part of Nawalparasi. Those areas are critical, sensitive, and challenging to work in.
Pray for better quality education and living conditions for children, as 20% of 12-15 year olds are leaving school after Grade 5 in Nawalparasi; 24% of children under 5 years old are malnourished in Kapilvastu, and HIV and AIDS are affecting many families.
There are 1,625 identified cases of people living with HIV and AIDS in Rupandehi. They need improved sanitation and hygiene, and better access to mental health services.
Pray for the women and adolescent girls who suffer from gender-based domestic violence, gender and caste discrimination, human trafficking, child marriage and dowry problems, especially in the south in Madhesi and Muslim communities.
Pray for the successful and effective implementation of the Integral Mission for Community Transformation Project (the church-community mobilisation process “Sangasangai”) in ten churches of the northern hilly area of Nawalparasi.
Pray for the poorest people living in poverty; those who are in disaster-prone areas in the three districts, communities vulnerable to floods, drought, fire, landslides, and cold snaps during winter.
UMN’S WORK IN SUNSARI AND MORANG DISTRICTS
Pray for
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January Phil Rawlings
February Durga Adhikari
March Gopi Nani Badi
April Satya Bishwas
May Hem Chaudhary
June Bal Kumari Pun Rai
July Surendra Rai
August Bimala Shrestha
September Tirk K. Timsina
October Deepak Thapa
November Dinesh Raj Pathak
December Laxmi Maharjan
Sunsari and Morang districts lie along the southern belt between Nepal and India. There are close relationships between people groups, but high levels of criminal activity across the border cause difficulties. In these densely-populated areas, there are about 324,500 people living below the poverty line (16.5% in Morang and 21% in Sunsari). More than 500 industries have created employment for workers, but still many lack skills and education and can’t get jobs. Factories also pollute the environment.
SUNSARI
MO
RA
NG
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January Nirmal Rai
February Social Justice
March Dayaram Shrestha
April Roshan Maharjan
May Romi Ranamagar
June Hit Bahadur Sunwar
July Prashansa Dewan
August Himal Shrestha
September Indira Amatya
October Madhu Sudhan
November UMN Board
December Olak Jirel
For four years, UMN’s partner Chandra Mukhi Club has been working with local Peace Committees to improve cross-border security. Pray for God’s wisdom to maintain and develop relationships with security personnel from both Nepal and India, local stakeholders and civil society. Pray for staff safety in this project.
Relationships between plains people and hill people have been badly affected by political issues. Schooling and economic activities have been disrupted. Pray for recovery, that relationships can be normalised and income generation activities developed.
Five projects are focused in the southern belt where the majority of the poorest people live. It is very difficult to change traditional cultural practices and beliefs. Pray for wisdom, passion, and loving, serving hearts for the cluster team and implementing partners.
Second-line leadership is lacking in Christian, government and non-government organisations. Pray that a new generation of leaders will emerge.
There are frequent road accidents along the eastern highway. Pray for awareness-raising for drivers and stakeholders to create a responsive environment for public and personal safety.
UNITED MISSION HOSPITAL TANSENWe serve, Jesus heals
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Pray for the water situation. The new 1,000,000 litre rainwater harvesting tank is now completed, but we need good rainfall to fill it.
Because the town water supply is so poor, the hospital is ordering three tankers of water each day. The next project will be a waste water treatment system.
Pray for the different training work the hospital is involved in: nurses, midwives, doctors, and paramedics. Pray particularly for the new Certificate Medical Lab Technician School’s first year.
Pray for good teamwork among all staff in the hospital. Pray for our pastoral care staff as they deal with poor, distressed, and dying patients. Pray for the work of the Community Health Department, safety as they travel on dangerous tracks, and that their work will have an impact on the lives and health of mothers, and through them the whole family.
January Joy Ransom
February Marianne Brocqueville
March Tom Cleveland
April Cris Cuthbertson
May Hans-Martin Dick
June Deborah Dornon
July Les Dornon
August Becky Eiwen
September Ansie van Rensburg
October Rachel Karrach
November UMN Board
December Paula MacFarlane
Pray for
OKHALDHUNGA COMMUNITY HOSPITALService to people, glory to God
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The hospital has at last moved into its new main building! Thank God for the successful completion of the building work, and the generosity of various donors, large and small, who have funded it, and furnished and equipped it.
The next phase of work will involve construction of a new building for the Maternal Waiting Home. This invaluable service brings pregnant women in to the hospital in the weeks before delivery. There they receive nutritious food, training and counselling, and deliver their babies in the hospital. Prayer for Nirmala, who manages the unit and treats every mother as her own daughter!
Pray for the hospital’s Social Services Department, which arranges free or subsidised treatment for patients who cannot afford to pay. Pray for wisdom and discernment.
Pray for the Lalu Pate Club, a sort of Alcoholics Anonymous in Okhaldhunga. They have registered as an NGO, and are determined to address the problem of alcoholism, and support people trying to free themselves of this terrible lifestyle.
The hospital is responding to the needs of very poor people in 6 VDCs affected by the earthquakes of 2015 in the far north of the district. Pray for the team, for good relationships with the communities, and for the funds they need to provide assistance.
January Erik Bøhler
February Kristin Bøhler
March Water in Nepal
April Fred Langworthy
May Tim Nicholson
June Valerie Nicholson
July Gary Parkes
August Tuk Bahadur Shreemal
September Josh Riggsbee
October Sarah Riggsbee
November Maarit Valkealahti
December Cyndi Langworthy
Pray for
OUR HEADQUARTERS TEAMS AT THAPATHALI IN KATHMANDU
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Praise God for the positive finding during our court case regarding our Thapathali property in February. Pray that, as we negotiate the next steps to gain full entitlement, our team will have patience, wisdom and clarity. Pray for a satisfactory outcome that will enable us to develop the site as we need to.
Pray for the teams based in Thapathali: Site Management, Human Resources, Communications, Information and Technology Services, Funds Management and Finance, and the Learning, Policy and Strategy Team. Pray that their work will be effective in supporting the work of the Programme Team and Clusters.
Pray for Dr Olak Jirel and the Hospital Services Office, as they support two hospitals logistically and in many other ways. Pray for safety for hospital vehicles as they travel to and from Kathmandu.
Pray especially for the recruitment, language learning and orientation of suitable expatriate appointees. Pray that new folk will settle in well and make a strong contribution to UMN and to Nepal.
January Ratan Ale
February Ram Kumar Deuja
March Jhapta Limbu
April Mahila Maharjan
May UMN Board
June Sabina Maharjan
July Sabina Maharjan
August Shyam Kumar Moktan
September Ash Bir Rai
October Bir Bahadur Rai
November Dewan Singh Rai
December Faudar Rai
Pray for
UMN’S PROGRAMME TEAM
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January Janak Bhandari
February Jeevan Karki
March Nabin Raj Moktan
April Susan Rai
May UMN Board
June Ramesh Sivabhakti
July Raj Kumar Shrestha
August Sangeeta Tamang
September Bharat Thapa Magar
October Becky Thorson
November Arno van Turennout
December Ina van Turennout
UMN’s Programme Team, based in Kathmandu, supports and manages our cluster-based work.
Pray for wisdom and courage to embrace our new Strategic Plan, focusing on community transformation. Pray that all programmes can be aligned with this plan.
The new Strategic Plan has brought changes in jobs for some staff. Pray for smooth transition of key personnel in the Programme Team.
Pray that we may develop quality, longer-term programmes and projects to address the needs of the poorest people living in poverty.
Pray for good working relationships with the relevant line agencies and stakeholders within and outside the country.
Pray for our team leaders, for God’s guidance, wisdom and grace to lead effectively and efficiently, with love and humility.
Pray that UMN’s work will add value with justice and love for God’s glory and for His Kingdom.
STRATEGIC PLAN
2015-2020
Considering: Con�ict Sensitivity • Gender • Environment
By:
Working In:
OverviewPart
icularly For:
Wom
en • Children • Dalits
• Pe
ople
with
D
isability
Pray for
UMN’S EDUCATION WORK
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January Anjana Chitrakar
February Elizabeth Cozens
March Kshitij Prasai
April Earthquake Recovery
May General Assembly
June Rachal Koirala
July Avash Karki
August Prem Singh Shintan
September Sujita Silawal
October Hem Chaudhary
November Ananda Phuyal
December Christians in Nepal
UMN’s Education Team works with partners to ensure quality education, both through the formal schooling sector, and through non-formal education classes.
Pray for our work with the most disadvantaged groups, particularly Dalits (members of the low caste community) and children with disabilities.
We are currently working with a partner to install computer labs in Rukum District. Pray that this project will go well, and can be replicated in other clusters.
Pray for child clubs in schools. These are a great way for children to be involved in community development, and learn leadership skills.
Pray for women’s groups engaged in developing sustainable livelihood options. Pray that we will be able to extend mother tongue-based education in other ethnic minority areas.
Pray for
UMN’S GOOD GOVERNANCE WORK
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January Kalpana Basnet
February Arun Belbase
March Himali Gurung
April Gokarn Prasad Joshi
May General Assembly
June Sunila Maharjan
July Sristi Chaudhari
August Mukti Chalise
September Durga Acharya
October Nabaraj Joshi
November Pratiksha Khanal
December Phil Rawlings
The Good Governance Team aims to build the capacity of both rights holders and duty bearers, in order to meet the needs of the poorest people in the community. In 2016 work will focus on building the capacity of partners across our working areas in organisational development, and establishing the Community Transformation Project in Mugu district.
Pray that we will be successful in encouraging people’s participation in the decision-making processes of local development planning.
Pray for women in key leadership positions in local structures.
Pray for an increase in social accountability by local agencies that provide services for poor families.
Pray for the Mugu Community Transformation Project implemented in the remote Karan belt of the district. The terrain is challenging, but there is considerable community enthusiasm. This new initiative aims to improve the quality of local communities through community empowerment processes.
Pray for
UMN’S HEALTH WORK
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January Tara Nath Acharya
February Stephen Coulter
March Shristee Lamichhane
April Rakshya Niroula
May UMN Board
June Joel Githinji
July Nalome Rongong
August Kanchan Shrestha
September Dayaram Shrestha
October Nabin Ghimire
November Jyotshna Thapa
December Surendra Rai
The Health Team is involved in a range of activities, including Maternal and Child Health, Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health, Mental Health, Nutrition, and HIV and AIDS. Their focus is on building the capacity of local health facilities to deliver services to the poorest people in the community.
Pray for the effective implementation of the new phase of the Mental Health Project (2016-20); for the well-being and recovery of patients with mental illnesses.
Pray for proposal development of Faith-Based HIV, Safe Migration and Child to Child projects. The Health Team is participating in various government-led health technical working groups: Nutrition, Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health, Family Planning and Safe Motherhood, Community Home-Based Care for HIV and AIDS. Pray for good collaboration and co-ordination with these working groups, as well as with the government health agencies.
Pray that both partners and UMN Health Team members have the required technical knowledge, skills and positive attitudes to improve the lives of the poorest people living in poverty.
Pray for Tara Nath Acharya in his leadership of the Health Team.
Pray for
UMN’S INTEGRAL MISSION WORK WITH CHURCHES
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January Divya Khanal
February Rajendra Poudyal
March Raju Nepali
April Suyog Shrestha
May Rabbi Shrestha
June Anima Rai
July Abraham Thami
August Kalpana Bhattarai
September Padam Uprety
October Netra Lamichhane
November Deepa Parajuli
December Rajanee Nyachhyon
UMN’s Integral Mission Team works with Christian organisations and churches, enabling them to reach out into their own communities with the Good News in word and deed.
Pray for UMN’s local faith-based partners as they educate, motivate and encourage church leaders to serve people living in poverty through promoting a biblical model of development.
Pray for churches that are implementing various integral mission programmes, including Sangsangai (Together). Pray specially for the 48 Sangsangai facilitators, that they be courageous and confident to lead their communities.
Pray for UMN’s interns (current as well as past), that they may continue to envision other young people for transformational mission.
Pray for theological educators as they continue to learn and model transformational theology through their teaching engagements.
Pray for God’s wisdom and guidance for the Integral Mission Team as they seek to empower others in transformational development.
Pray for
UMN’S PEACEBUILDING WORK
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Pray for
January Mohan Bhandari
March
Laura Coulter
April Sagar Gaudel
May Ruth Clewett
June Shrijana K.C.
July Bir Nepali
August Damodar Pandit
September Liv Wendel
October Sunil Gautam
November Kul Chaudhari
December Katherine Parker
The Peacebuilding Team at UMN is working to develop peaceful, harmonious, just, safe and secure communities in this context.
Pray for our conflict sensitivity, mediation and interfaith programmes, that UMN and its partners can identify the divisive forces at work in different contexts and unite communities across and within religions, cultures and politics.
Pray for the children who receive corrective surgery in our disability programme, that they can be encouraged into school. Pray that treatment, schooling and rights for children with disability may become generally accessible in Nepal.
Pray for healing programmes for those who still suffer trauma after the earthquake, or after floods, landslides, political or personal violence.
We are beginning new work in anti-human-trafficking in Rupandehi, where migration is high and trafficking common. Pray for this initiative.
Pray for the process of creating federal states in Nepal, that concerned groups can agree on terms and boundaries without violence and that the new states can answer the needs of their residents.
UMN’S SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS WORK
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Pray for
January Binod Awale
March
Kiran Mani Basnet
April Nagendra Bastakoti
May Suresh Bhattarai
June Roger Cozens
July Owen Davies
August Susan Parajuli
September Melsan Shrestha
October Ram Sharan Shrestha
November Juntara Budha Magar
December Dhana Lama
UMN’s Sustainable Livelihoods Team promotes appropriate, sustainable and resilient livelihoods options for poor families.
Pray for active co-operation and collaboration between stakeholders and line agencies to bring meaningful livelihood status change to the poorest people in the nation.
Pray that Sustainable Livelihoods’ projects will be able to balance social, economic and environmental aspects of life through participative and inclusive development work.
Pray that the Government of Nepal will distribute farmers’ identity cards to small holders and marginal farmers. This will entitle farmers to subsidised inputs and market benefits based on their identity in marginal, semi-commercial and commercial categories.
Pray for UMN’s disaster preparedness programme, that we will be able to build resilience and help communities prepare for local disasters and recover quickly.
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Pray about CROSS CUTTING ISSUES
January Cheli Gurung
March
Bina Malla
May
Avinaya Shah
July
Durga Upadhyay
August Hazel Wong
October Suraj Bam
December
Bhagyarekha Silwal
GENDERThe way gender works in Nepal expresses itself differently in various social and ethnic groups. The country has been undergoing many changes. These lead to both challenges and the potential for transformational gender equity work. We need wisdom to understand the issues and work together well.
Pray for adolescent girls, as entering puberty means an end to the relative freedom of childhood and putting on a strict gender straight-jacket. Alarmingly high suicide rates among adolescent girls have been reported. Pray for wisdom in how we can support them.
Quality of life for elderly women is much in doubt, particularly if they live alone. Pray that we can better know them and reach them.
Gender equality works for both women and men. Pray that as we engage men more in this transformation process, they will realise that gender equity is a real chance of freedom for men too.
Mainstreaming gender will be an uphill battle if it does not involve our own realisation that we are part of the gendered system. Pray that we will have fresh eyes to see equity/inequity in our own daily life and work, and bring about change.
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CLIMATEThe Himalayan region is very sensitive to the impacts of climate change. Reduced snowfall, erratic monsoons, more intense temperature extremes in summer and winter and changes in insect ranges are already causing difficulties for subsistence farmers.
Pray for farming families whose livelihoods are already threatened by changes in the climate. Pray that communities will develop resilience and adaption strategies.
Pray that governments around the world will be serious about reducing emissions and providing funds for adaption work.
Please pray UMN will be able to mainstream Environment and Climate Change work across all the clusters and partners, down to the community groups.
Also pray that in teaming up with the Sustainable Livelihoods Team, at least one Climate Change Adaptation project can be designed and forwarded to potential donors for funding.
CONFLICT SENSITIVITYUMN seeks to contribute to peace and harmony in communities, minimising harm and division. Sometimes, conflict is necessary in creating a more just and peaceful society, as long as it is dealt with sensitively.
Pray that all UMN and partner staff would understand and take ownership of our conflict sensitivity policy and would practise it in all their programmes and activities, so that it becomes a normal way of thinking.
Pray that we can minimise harm, conflict or negative impact caused in the places where we work by planning and working sensitively with a thorough knowledge of the community and the potential divisions and connections within it, and with a careful, professional and empathic approach.
Pray that our programmes and activities will have a beneficial effect, not only in terms of practicalities but also as we mend relationships and build trust and understanding among and between groups.
UNITED MISSION TO NEPALPO Box 126, Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone: +977 1 4228118, 4268900Fax: +977 1 4225559
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS!
