“Nepal seems to be the latest hotspot for intensified attacks against Christians and their faith. Nepal’s 31 million-strong population is predominantly Hindu, at about 81%. Christians make up a mere 1.4% of the entire population. A group of Hindu extremists from the Morcha Nepal, or ‘Morcha’ radical group, is now reportedly using leaflets to warn all foreign Christian missionaries to leave Nepal. 

This demand follows a series of church bomb attacks in recent weeks. The attacks did not kill or injure but did cause significant damage to property. Incidents of Bible burning by Hindu youth, designed to heighten fear in Christians, have also been reported. Christians are being blamed for "corrupting the country," while a new Constitution bans people from converting others to their faith.

All Christian organizations and institutions are also considered ‘fair game’. Despite several arrests, the Morcha have yet to stop threatening Christian missionaries to leave the country. Rather, they have proceeded to declare Nepal a ‘Christian-free’ Hindu nation. They have narrowed down their options to Christians in three grim choices:

1. Leave Nepal immediately;

2. Reconvert to Hinduism;

3. Refuse to leave or convert, and die.

The threats have so far seemingly not shaken the faith of Christian believers, of whom sources report that, "Christians continue their mission of dialogue and proclamation of the Gospel of charity toward all."

Naturally, concerns have been raised about religious freedom in Nepal and the concurrent threat of religious fundamentalism that threatens to kill off the remnants of the Church in Nepal. Christian groups such as Mission Network News (MNN) and Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) suggested that Christians around the world pray for the government of Nepal; for the wisdom of Nepal's leaders; for the people of Nepal; and especially for Nepalese Christians as they continue to practice their faith under such difficult circumstances.

Presbyterian (PCUSA) mission spokesman Hunter Farrell stated that, whereas there was much concern for the safety of indigenous believers in Christ, the PCUSA’s efforts can still continue through them. He anticipated the growth of the underground church in a similar manner as occurred during the ‘hidden years’ of China’s nascent persecuted church.

So what should the Christian viewpoint be in these challenging and distressing circumstances? Jesus Christ told His followers to expect persecution, but that He would be with the Church through it all, and that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. In addition to the warnings of upcoming persecution, He also offered strength and encouragement with such words as these:

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. ...(Matthew 5:11, 12).”