By Sharon Mager, BCM/D Correspondent
BUTWAN, Nepal—Samuel Cho and his wife Young, during a mission trip to Nepal this April, crossed a chain link suspension bridge in Butwan and entered the world of the “untouchables.” The Chos started the first Nepalese Baptist church in the United States called Nepal Church of Baltimore. In addition they have planted a Bhutani church in Baltimore.
The couple, working with International Mission Board (IMB), missionary Sanford Bhowmik, was overwhelmed with compassion for the destitute, discouraged and hopeless people living under and around the bridge. Deemed the lowest level people of the Hindu caste system, the “untouchables,” the outcasts, are shunned, despised and left with the dirtiest, unwanted jobs. Many believe this is their destiny and therefore accept it. “They are happy with it. They say, ‘This is who I am,’” Samuel Cho said sadly. “They need Jesus.”
The couple saw a woman standing by a fire selling pork and rice wine to people coming home from work. Samuel felt God leading him to preach near this woman and he began sharing the Gospel. Many gathered around and listened to Samuel. Twenty people accepted Christ, including the woman selling the pork.
Samuel purchased all the food the woman had and shared it those around him.
“I asked them, if we start a church here, would you come? They responded to me loudly, ‘Yes!’’”
Bhowmik asked Samuel, “What do you want to call it?”
Samuel looked at the flame on the grill. “Let’s call it Holy Spirit Baptist Church,” he replied to Bhowmik.
The missionary agreed and the two contacted Kamal, pastor of four other local churches. Kamal agreed to pastor Holy Spirit Church with the help of Bhowmik.
“The next day we had the foundation service of the Holy Spirit Church,” Samuel said.
Fifty more people, including some of the “untouchables” accepted Christ.
The Nepal Church of Baltimore will support the new plant.