In the light of the ongoing crackdown of churches in Nepal, the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) urges Christians worldwide to pray for the persecuted within the country.

A series of violent incidents against religious groups, especially Christians, are believed to be initiated by Maoists. It begun in September when twelve Nepalese were killed in Iraq. Muslim temples were also destroyed in other parts of Nepal.

In Khotang, Nepal, exists a seriously persecuted area. The city is now under the control of Maoists, and a Baptist church leader even described that the "security has broken down almost completely".

It was reported by BWA that Baptists were forced to close down their churches, and warnings have been issued to uncooperative pastors. They have been told they will have their hands cut off if they if they do not stop. Some pastors are now blacklisted and are in hiding. Twelve Baptist young people who were planning a revival were captured but have since escaped.

As the churches close down, the congregations are now meeting in homes and forming underground churches. The Maoists even put activity restrictions on pastors. Pastors who venture out to travel must give detailed reports either to the Maoists or the Army, therefore Baptist leaders are unable to visit the other churches or pastors.

BWA spokesman Wendy Ryan said, "So many of these issues get turned into religious issues. It's Muslims against Hindus and everybody against Christians, and that makes for a very, very frightening mix for our believers there."

Despite the anxiety brewing among the believers, Baptist pastors from Khotang are trying their very best to open up dialogue with the Maoist authority. With the courage of their faith, they have planned to meet with the Maoist commander to request they continue to be permitted to meet.

"We've been waiting to hear how the meeting between the Khotang pastors and the commander of the Maoists went," Ryan responded.

Throughout the country, there have been "bandhs" or sporadic and unpredictable strikes that disrupt planning. These have made it difficult to know where and when one can travel, and this has been a problem from earlier this year when evangelism was reported as going well.

It was a "bandh" that caused the Nepal Baptist Church Council (NBCC) to cancel the pastors and evangelists' three day retreat in Kathmandu earlier this year. It was finally held last November. Reports say attendance was excellent and "it was a good time of fellowship and encouragement."

With an unceasing hope, Ryan explained, "A lot of this persecution coincides with the rise in people coming to know Jesus Christ. That, of course, we know is true from the Bible and all through history."

"So, I would say we need to pray and especially pray for peace in Nepal," Ryan concluded. BWA has issued a prayer request for Nepal:

- God will send peace to Nepal.
- Strength and courage will overcome fear.
- Pastors will be safe to lead their churches.
- Leaders will know God's wisdom to deal with the political situation to keep churches open.
- NBCC leaders can hold a pastors meeting.
- Places of safety will be found if this persecution continue