(From Pray4SouthAsia.com) The Newar people of Nepal built Kathmandu’s temples. They carved wooden windows, cast bronze deities, and painted the paubha scrolls that pilgrims still honor today. They number about 1.3 million, roughly five percent of Nepal’s population, and most live in the Kathmandu Valley. Their religious life is unusual. Hindu and Buddhist traditions are woven together, with separate priests for each tradition. Most Newar practice religious traditions connected to both Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath. Their language, Nepal Bhasa, is older than modern Nepali. They hold much of the wealth, influence, and religious tradition that shapes the valley. Christians are few. Many Newar see becoming Christian as betrayal of a culture they consider part of Nepal’s foundation.
-Pray that Newar families will encounter Christ through dreams and the witness of Nepali believers.
-Pray that the lie that following Jesus means leaving Newar identity behind will be broken.
-Pray for Newar disciples who can carry the Gospel in Nepal Bhasa.
-Pray that the Kathmandu church will engage Newar neighbors with respect and truth.
To help you understand the Nepali culture a bit better, here is a brief prayer video from The Waiting World, thewaitingworld.net. To see our video, click HERE.