Nepal (MNN) — Conditions created by India’s September blockade are worsening, according to Vision Beyond Borders.
(Photo credit VBB)
The people of Nepal can barely get any fuel, food, or medicine.
“They’ve gone from over 300 fuel trucks a day coming across the
border to less than five,” says Dyann Romeijn with Vision Beyond
Borders.
“The UN is warning that this could affect about three million
children: they could starve as a result of this blockade, if there
isn’t a resolution soon.”
Blockade back-story
India began its blockade of Nepal soon after the former Hindu kingdom
adopted a secular constitution. “The Hindus were very upset about
that,” Romeijn explains.
Line of gas cylinder at Kathmandu
(Wikipedia)
“India has been putting a lot of pressure on Nepal to become a Hindu nation again.”
Click here to learn why India is blockading Nepal.
India’s blockade quickly began hindering Nepali life and hasn’t let
up since. A number of smaller border crossing points have eased blockade
restrictions, The Kathmandu Post reports.
However, at the largest crossing point, where 60% of goods and supplies enter Nepal from India, barriers remain.
Ministry continues, despite blockade woes
Vision Beyond Borders’ children’s ministry and safe house
are still going, thanks to God’s timing and provision. According to
Romeijn, the partner who oversees these ministries recently visited the
U.S. While there, he was able to obtain electric skillets and bring them
back to Nepal.
(Photo courtesy VBB)
“They typically don’t use that. They cook outside [using] wood and
fuel,” says Romeijn. However, the extreme fuel shortage resulting from
India’s blockade has forced everyone to cut back on traditional cooking
methods.
Thanks to Nepal’s rolling blackouts, “There are periods of time where
they’re without electricity. But, then [there are times when] they’ll
have electricity, and they’re able to use these cooktops for [preparing]
food.”
The blockade is also providing a chance to talk with neighbors about Christ.
“It’s an opportunity for Christians to respond to that crisis and to show the love and compassion of Jesus,” Romeijn says.
Visitors are still able to travel to Nepal, but the blockade is
making it hard for Nepali citizens to host and support guests. Right
now, “going” and “giving” may not be the best ways to help VBB and their
partners in Nepal.
(Photo courtesy VBB)
Prayer is always the best option, and Romeijn says they really need
your prayers right now–both for physical safety and spiritual victories.
“The Gospel needs to be proclaimed. People need to know
Jesus, because when that happens, situations are changed. Hearts are
changed, lives are changed, and circumstances are also changed.”