May PPs

Herewith May PPs

Join us in giving THANKS for

* Easter rally and celebrations which were a great witness to the community and encouragement to us.

* There has been good progress in the development of services in the government district hospitals in which NSI is working and in the next few weeks the 3 new sites will be finalised. Our MDGPs are working well.

* An encouraging visit by David and Rachel Williams and the opportunity this weekend to share time with the other four CMSA folk in Pokhara -our first CMSA conference for some years.

* The current KISC English teacher has decided to stay on another 6 months and another English teacher has walked in “off the street” to offer her services. This is an answer to many prayers.

Please PRAY for

* The extension of the Constituent Assembly and Interim constitution finishes at the end of May (28th) – there is uncertainty as to what will happen as the process has not been completed.

* Bruce is mentoring Joshua (one of the ITEEN class) in his MA studies in Christian leadership – pray for wisdom in encouraging him in this.

* Libby is juggling many responsibilities at school and her own studies.

* Primary teachers and a secondary Art teacher for August, Science and English teachers for January

Thanks for standing with us.

Greetings in Him,

Bruce and Libby

Prayer Points June 10

Herewith Prayer Points for June/July.

Thanks for

* Another crisis averted in Nepal when at the “last hour” the Constituent Assembly was extended for 1 year to allow the constitution writing to be completed. Much negotiation was required for this and part of the agreement was that the Prime Minister will step down at some time.

* One family and then 2 single ladies will join us in the CMSA team in Nepal – it will be great to share fellowship with new colleagues

* Great feeding at 3 different camps in May at Mt. Tamborine

* Enthusiasm for mission in Brisbane circles

* Opportunity for Bruce to audit a Theology subject at BCQ and be stimulated in thinking about some tenets of the faith

Prayer for

* The country soldiering on in the midst of uncertainty.

* Focus and clarity for Libby to complete the final 2 assignments in her 2 course subjects.

* University exams for Daniel, Julia and Stephanie

* Time with the wider family before our departure and health of our parents.

* Good closure on our time in Australia as we return to Nepal on July 23.

Greetings in Him,

Bruce and Libby

PS Early Date Claimers – We are planning an Open House and big 0 birthday celebration on Sunday, July 11 at 7 John Bright St., Moorooka 2 -5pm and our Commissioning Service will be at St. John’s, Petrie (North Pine parish) at 9am on Sunday, July 18.

Prayer Points for February

Thanks for joining us in prayer in this month

THANKS

* An encouraging Summer School where all were challenged to consider world mission. It was great for us to meet up with many folk who support and encourage us.

* A good start to our deputation programme with a warm and supportive reception at Dalby and North Pine

* Some refreshing time away for us and as a family

PRAY for

* Our deputation programme that we can encourage folk to partner in mission with us both as churches and individuals

* Stephanie settling into first year university in Brisbane doing a pre-medicine course

* Julia settling back into 3rd year OT and both of them settling back into our home life

* Daniel – starting Honours in maths and adjusting to life in a house with 4 other young males

* Ruth starting at school in Brisbane

* Need for Christian teachers in all areas at KISC and for a clear Christian witness to the students and staff at KISC

* Wisdom in looking for a house for our family

* In the longer term (and especially on our planned return to Nepal) please pray for Libby in clarifying what her role at KISC should be and that Bruce can be a good role model to inspire and encourage young Nepali doctors to serve in rual areas.

Greetings in Him,

Bruce and Libby

Prayer Points for September

Thanks for praying and bringing all these things before the Throne of Grace.

Give THANKS for

* Stephanie’s safe arrival in Paris and now settled with her French family after spending an encouraging and fruitful time with the Mullins and on a GBU student camp (as an assistant cook!).

* Arrival of Esther (age 16) in our family for 2 months – a companion for Ruth.

* School routine settling and each week becoming a little more familiar.

* Our 2nd batch of MDGPs all passed final exams.

* Teams of Christians (doctors, health workers and evangelists) have gone out to remote areas to help cholera victims with the endorsement of the Ministry of Health and a recognition of the Nepal Christian medical group.

Join us in PRAYER for

* The country – still going no where in the constitution writing process amidst great uncertainty. Pray that Christians as a group will remain a beacon of hope in the midst of these difficult times.

* Wisdom and insight in preparing and presenting devotions at staff meetings

* Julia preparing for a mission in Thailand at the end of the year

* Daniel considering his options after graduation later this year.

* Stephanie looking after the French family’s children,improving her French and growing in her faith as she goes it “alone”

* God’s timing for Alan and Barbara’s house sale (Libby’s parents’ family home of 53 years!)

* Rural health workers in general and particularly those in mission hospitals who face great challenges from communities who have become increasingly violent and difficult to handle when anything goes “wrong” now. Recently in Dadeldhura the hospital was shut down for a day after a patient died and the family has demanded monetary compensation.

Greetings in Him,

Bruce and Libby

BLURB

Dear Friends,

BRUCE’S BIT.

It has been both a great privilege and steep learning curve to fill in for my colleague as Acting Executive Director of Nick Simons Institute (NSI) over these last 4 months. It has given me an opportunity to see firsthand the work that we dreamed and prayed about when a small group of us first took up the challenge the Simons family gave to do something worthwhile for Nepalis. With about a US$1 million dollar annual operating budget, the mission to train and support rural healthcare workers, principally through working with government and excellent healthcare providers (including some mission hospitals) is being fulfilled. I have also appreciated visiting some of our sites to be reminded of the challenges of rural healthcare. Recently in Bajhang, I gave my first ketamine GA (general anaesthetic) in a long time after scrounging around for the appropriate equipment as the only doctor there reduced a fractured arm. We were also able to take 2 referred patients back with us to Dadeldhura in our hospital landcruiser for further treatment in “relative comfort”. A 60 yo man with appendicitis (subsequently had an operation) and a 6yo boy with a fracture (who having never been in a vehicle previously, suffered from carsickness), survived the 13 hour trip (extended 3 hours by having 2 flat tyres). Some of the dirt road was still being built in sheer mountainside. It is hard to imagine one (especially a woman needing a caesarean section) having to walk or travel in a bus on this punishing journey to reach medical help since there is no significant operative services in Bajhang yet. This is why we work to build a team of health workers, including our bonded MDGP doctors, the first of whom should be going to Bajhang next March after graduating this August and doing 6 months in Dadeldhura to build up his skills. Please pray for this huge yet essential challenge. I have also been given more insight into the workings of government and of a company and enjoyed the opportunity to work with a small group of keen and committed staff. My colleague returns at the beginning of August and I can return to my “consultant” role and be available for more support as Libby takes on Acting Principal role. I will also be able to concentrate more time on the GP training role and conduct final exams.

			Ruth Speaks… School finished a week ago so now it’s holiday time! On Thursday we had our end of year celebration where Steph graduated. I’ve had some play days already. Today I’m having three friends over for a play. Yesterday Mum, Dad and I went to the Indian Embassy to get the visa for us to go to Calcutta. Dad’s leaving this Saturday and Mum and I are going next Saturday. Steph is leaving the same day as me and Mum. I’ll be sad to say goodbye to her. I’ll be the only child then. No older sisters to play with.  It’s getting a little bit cool with all the rain though my family don’t think so. I am wearing long sleeve shirts and scarves. We’ve had lots of rain which is a good answer to prayer. But we still need some more.
	Stephanie Speaks… My time in Nepal has come to an end. After sixteen and a half years it’s time to say goodbye though I know I’ll be back for lots of visits. My graduation was a wonderful time to reflect on God’s faithfulness and to close off my time at KISC, saying farewell to many. Now it’s just down to packing – ugh, and lists of jobs to do before I leave. I’m excited about all the adventures ahead but also scared and sad to be leaving family and home. I know though, that God has gone before me and his grace will keep me through all the new experiences and challenges.

NOTEWORTHY NEPAL NEWS.

• The number of Nepali workers leaving for foreign employment tumbled by 17 percent during the first eight months of this fiscal year as compared to the same period last year
• There are about 17,000 Nepalis in Australia – it is suspected that a number of female students from Nepal are involved in the sex trade to meet their cost of living in Australia and there is a need for greater regulations of education “consultancies” in Nepal. Julia’s experience with a Nepali girl highlights the enormous challenges for these folk.
• 76 percent of people in Nepal have access to water (87 percent people of the world), but only 46 percent of the people in Nepal have access to toilets (59 percent of the population in the world). Kathmandu City is facing the worst drinking water shortage ever.
• A World Bank report estimated 400,000 children will die worldwide from the impact of the financial crisis. (more than 56,000 in Asia)
• In Nepal, infant mortality has dropped to 48 in every 1,000 children and the child mortality rate to 61 per 1,000 children in the last ten years but there is an increasing trend in the rural areas. (Key factors are if the family is educated and if the mother’s age is over 20 years.)
• Acute food shortages are expected in far west due to extended drought compounded by high temperatures which has destroyed 50 percent of the crops in some districts.

LIBBY’S BIT

Steph’s graduation was another milestone for our family as time moves on a little too quickly for our liking. It was also a time for KISC to give thanks to God for His faithfulness during a stretching year for the country and the school. We take stock and look to Him for all wisdom and direction. I was not able to ‘drop’ after the end of year function like most years as new folk arrived immediately and inductions are under way.

I would value your prayers as I become ‘Acting Principal’ at the beginning of our new academic year on August 3^rd. I feel entirely inadequate for the task especially since our other vice Principal is in the UK with his wife and brand new baby and our administrator leaves in September to begin a Masters programme. The sign above my desk says ‘Little me, Big Him.’

Thankyou for your faithful support through CMS. Your giving and praying goes a long way! Please pray that more folk will hear God’s call to come to Nepal. KISC continuously needs teachers of various subjects. In these unstable days it is good to know that our Lord is our rock and fortress.

Yours in fellowship, the Hayesharu (Bruce, Libby, Steph and Ruth)

Prayer Update

Herewith our PPs for July/August.

THANKS for

* The successful completion of a school year with Stephanie graduating from KISC – we continue to give thanks for the wonderful education our children have been afforded and the opportunity that has given us to stay in Nepal.

* A successful trip to the far west for Bruce which went according to schedule despite a bandh which meant an overnight travel and staying in a place for the day waiting for the road to open. It was a good reminder of the challenges of rural health.

* Libby completed another subject towards her Masters’ and finished the school year still on a rapid learning curve as she takes up more responsibilities. She successfully organised the end of year function which went very well.

* Daniel and Julia completed another university semester and can now enjoy some holiday.

* Bruce finished Ephesians with the ITEEN group and we celebrated together over a meal and watching a challenging and encouraging film about Christian marriage “Fireproof”.

* There has not been any major ongoing threat to Christians though we understand there is still some fear and uncertainty in the community after the bombings.

PRAY for

* Libby as she prepares to be the Acting Principal in the new school year. She has further “orientation” over the holiday period as she settles in new teachers.

* KISC which has had a challenging time in this last 6 months and needs spiritual protection.

* Stephanie as she leaves and embarks on her “gap period” which will take her to a friend and camp in USA and then to France to live with a family to improve her French.

* Bruce is going to Calcutta for a 10 day contact programme for the CMC Family Medicine Diploma programme – Libby and Ruth will join for a week after farewelling Stephanie.

* Daniel going in to his last semester and Julia as she plans for a mission trip to Thailand at the end of the year.

* Little has changed with the Nepal’s governance as it lurches along. Pray that the constitution writing can continue and be successfully completed within a year.

Greetings in Him,

Bruce and Libby

Prayer Update

Thanks for those who prayed after the tragic bombing on Saturday May 23 which unfortunately claimed a 3rd victim when the mother of the young 14yo girl who died on the day also succumbed 1 week later. A Hindu extremist group called Nepal Defence Army has claimed responsibility for the blast.Hundreds of Christians joined in a protest rally last Sunday (May 31), marching through the main thoroughfares in central Kathmandu calling for guarantee of religious freedom and demanding action against those involved in the bomb blast. A 27yo woman has just been arrested, apparently having admitted that she left a bag with a pressure cooker bomb in the Church premises while the morning prayers were underway. Police are still looking for the leader of the Nepal Defence Army suspecting his involvement. Keep praying about this situation that believers will act in a responsible and forgiving way.

Please join us in Prayer : THANKS for

* Stephanie is almost finished a marathon exam period and her plans for her 7 month gap are coming together.We are looking forward to her graduation on June 25.

* Nara’s wife has been discharged from hospital after several operations – it is good to see the smile back on his face! * It seems that there are just enough teachers for KISC next academic year.

* NSI had a productive retreat time to review the year and plan for next year. It has been a great opportunity for Bruce to be involved with a commited team. The “team” and families enjoyed rafting down the Trisuli!

PRAYER for

* There has been a change of government with continuing unrest on the streets as political parties struggle to come to any concensus.

* Keep praying for Stephanie’s future plans for study.

* Long term Christian teachers for KISC are still needed – particularly science and English teachers.

* Daniel and Julia facing University exams.

* Libby’s folks for ongoing healing.

* Bruce has an important trip to the far west to look at new opportunities for trainings and further establishing the work in a remote district hospital in Bajhang.

* Libby completing this semester’s subject writing a major paper on health education policy at KISC.

Greetings in Him, Bruce and Libby

Urgent Prayer

Please PRAY for the situation in Nepal.

We arrived at church this morning to find police present and though the service had started inside it was stopped and everyone came outside. We were told there had been a bomb blast at the Catholic church in Dhobighat. It was decided that everyone should go home but we had a brief time of prayer and an appropriate bible reading. (2 Chron 32:7,8)

I went to Patan Hospital as we had heard there may be many casualties but when I arrived it was all under control. 9 people had been brought (unfortunately 2 died as below in first news report) and 4 were in the Operating Theatre. So I was able to return home.

In my own ITEEN study we are looking at spirtual warfare (Ephesians 6) and this is a very clear example of the manifestation of it through people. We are reminded that Jesus has already won the victory. We are called to be courageous and to stand firm and not to be afraid.

Please Join us in praying for all believers here as well as the country in general as it faces much uncertainty.(There should be a new PM elected this afternoon though the Maoists have boycotted the parliament.)

Greetings in Him,

Bruce and Libby

Bomb rocks Dhobighat church; two killed, dozen others injured

Two persons got killed and over a dozen others were wounded when a bomb went off at the Church of Assumption in Dhobighat Saturday morning.

The deceased are identified as Alestina Joseph, 14, a ninth grade student of St Mary’s school and a resident of Betia, India and Deepa Patry, 30. The former died while being taken to the hospital and the latter died while undergoing treatment.

14 other people are injured and undergoing treatment Alka Hospital, Jawalakhel and Patan Hospital. Situation of two is reported to be critical.

The bomb went off at 9.15 am when as the Saturday prayer was about to begin. There were about 150 people in the church when the bomb went off, according to Gabriel who was present at the Church during the blast.

Police have cordoned the area. A bomb disposal squad is working as two unattended bags were found on the site, reports say.

Father Bogati, chief of the Assumption Church condemned the incident. Damodar Gautam of World Hindu Federation also condemned the blast saying attacks on religious shrines were unfortunate.

No one has officially owned up the blast. Involvement of Nepal Defense Army is suspected as pamphlets marked with their names were found in the site. nepalnews.com May 23 09

Prayer Points

Join us in giving THANKS for

* Fruitful time in Tansen including opportunity to join in Good Friday service

* The Nepali Church celebrated Easter with a march and rally inspite of threateneed political activity on the day.

* Getting the ALSO (Advanced Life Support Obstetrics) course established in Nepal – this has been a major part of Bruce’s work in NSI (Nick Simons Institute)

* Daniel’s 21st birthday – reaching a milestone and celebrating with friends and family.

PRAYER for

* Stephanie preparing for final Cambridge AS exams starting in May and then for sorting out her “gap period” from July – February and future plans for study.

* KISC – to establish the right “tone” and “core values” for the school especially in the face of increasing non-Christian influence in the school.

* A Family close to us struggling in their relationships as their daughter has decided to move out from home. Pray we can be supportive and wise in advice as they seek to deal with this estrangement.

* Annual planning meetings for the Nick Simons Institute. (NSI)

*KISC’s driver and his wife were in a serious accident with a bus. Nara is recovering well but his wife will be in hospital for several months with badly fractured legs. Safety in travel is a constant prayer need.

Dear Friends,

The winds of March are upon us as the weather warms up. We are thinking through strategies to survive the load shedding. It is now 16 hours of cuts each day but there is the promise of more to come so food hygiene will be an issue. We may have to return to our Okhaldhunga lifestyle.  What a marvelous ‘winter’ (your summer) we just enjoyed with both Daniel and Julia sharing time with us. We enjoyed Christmas, family walks and day trips together. This included the traditional new year at Anandaban on the edge of the Kathmandu Valley. Daniel returned to Australia on 13^th January to attend another exciting Summer Beach Project at Coolum as well as being groomsman for a wedding. Julia returned only last week just in time for her cousin’s wedding and the recommencement of uni. We are all adjusting to the changes of living separately again.

Libby’s Bit

I am presented with amazing variety in my roles at KISC. The annual carol service brings together many people in the community to celebrate the birth of Christ. 2008’s theme was ‘Adoration’ and a student band sang a beautiful theme song for this. Then in February, I was responsible for our inter-house music festival where the students work very hard to show off their talents in song, dance, improvisation and instrumental performance. Again, we were impressed by the amazing talent in the school. It is a great opportunity to encourage student leadership as house captains get their houses organized for the event. My new role as Vice Principal is still in its infant stage and I am attending many meetings gleaning much information about our policy of employment, admissions and other management issues. KISC is always looking for new staff so please encourage Christian teachers you know to consider coming to join us for a year or two or more. ( www.kisc.edu.np)

Bruce’s Bit.

I have started my new job as Acting CEO Nick Simons Institute (NSI) while continuing with the MDGP training. This is a unique challenge and opportunity to be more involved in human resource development for rural Nepal and to see first-hand the current situation. I expect to be travelling to various places in the next few months to see ongoing trainings as well as looking at future sites for MDGP training as our programme expands its rural sites. I was privileged to attend the US Christian Medical Association’s Continuing Medical Education programme in Chiang Mai in February. Libby was able to join for the first week for an opportunity for us to be spiritually refreshed and encouraged and for me to have an intensive 42 hours of medical sessions updating on many relevant topics. It was great to be among missionary doctors from many parts of the world working in various parts and see what God is doing. A couple of Nepali Christian doctors were also able to attend which was helpful for them. In January I attended the CMC Vellore International Consultation and council meetings. It was inspiring to be amongst committed Indian Christian doctors as they grappled with their issues of how to bear witness to Christ. CMC Vellore is starting a Family Medicine programme and I look forward to being part of the process as they develop this. Give Thanks for these wonderful opportunities and the challenges ahead both here in Nepal and India. I have 2 new fellows in my ITEEN group as we have started Ephesians. Please pray for Prakash and Joshua that it will be a fruitful experience for them.

NOTEWORTHY NEPAL NEWS

• President Dr Ram Baran Yadav on Christmas Day at a programme organised by the local Christian community said Nepal as a democratic nation treats all religions equally. There have been some disturbing reports of persecution recently so Pray there will be true religious freedom in Nepal.
• Mistakes by the crew of a plane that crashed in Nepal’s Everest region (Lukla airport) caused the accident which killed 18 people, including two Australians, said the official report into the accident. (We were in the region at the time and saw the wreckage.)

• An England-based group will head to Everest base camp(in photo) in April to play what they hope will be recorded as the highest-ever official sports match, raising money for charity along the way – it will be Twenty20 match where they will have to deal with air containing just 65 per cent of the oxygen they are used to. (This is the same place where we trekked in October – they say the area is the same size as LORD’s!)
• The government, after consulting with the country’s leading astrologers and religious figures, decided that the Nepali calendar for the next year (2066) will be one month shorter than the regular calendar i.e. will have 11 months only. Based on calculations of the earth’s rotation, it is said that the Nepali calendar is behind by 23 days. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, there are no leap years. However there is still some dispute about this so publishers are producing 2 calenders for 2066.

• Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said the vision of New Nepal will come into reality only when every Nepali citizen becomes literate -the government aims to make around 2.6 million people literate within mid-April. Nepal’s illiterate population is estimated to be around 7.8 million. Pray that this will be successful.

• 10,000 Bhutanese refugees resettled so far, of which Australia has taken 520. Pray for all these refugees as they resettle.
• There has been a bandh (strike) somewhere in Nepal every day in February and a total of 550 were counted for 2008. Please pray for the country in the midst of this.