It was a day filled with joy and thanksgiving as The Methodist Church in Nepal (MCN) marked a significant milestone in its journey of growth. On 8 October 2025, MCN held its first Mission Conference in Kathmandu. It was a moment that signified God’s faithfulness through years of partnership and church-planting efforts by the Methodist Missions Society (MMS), the missions agency under The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS).
The path to this point has been one of steady development under God’s guidance—from its first Annual Meeting in October 2010 to a Mission Conference in 2025. In time, we hope MCN will grow towards a Provisional Annual Conference and eventually an Annual Conference.
Each step reflects not only organisational maturity but also the growing depth and unity of the Methodist witness in Nepal. In the weeks leading up to the Conference, uncertainty had loomed. News of civil unrest and riots in the city, followed by severe floods and landslides in the country’s eastern part, caused many to wonder if the gathering could go on as planned. Yet, in his mercy, God kept the churches safe. Despite the impassable roads, the eastern region joined the Conference via Zoom, a beautiful picture of perseverance and connection despite physical barriers.
At the Mission Conference, Bishop Philip Lim, Bishop of MCS, ordained Ps Ur Bahadur Ghale, exhorting him to “take authority upon the Word of God”. The solemn moment of the laying on of hands over the newly-ordained deacon symbolised the Holy Spirit’s empowering presence for the work ahead. It was a time of renewal and recommitment for all who witnessed it.
Another significant moment was the introduction of four women pastors and church planters stepping forward as Members-on-Trial (MOT). Two of them joined the ceremony virtually from the East Region. This marks a historic step for MCN, where leadership has long been male dominated. Their inclusion testifies to how God is raising up faithful women to serve his mission field, echoing the words of Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
As the Conference drew to a close, participants gathered for a group photograph, with the smiling faces of those joining via Zoom in the background—a poignant reminder that the Church of Christ knows no boundaries. Truly, this first Mission Conference stands as a testimony to God’s sustaining grace and the steadfast faith of his people in Nepal.
In all things, we give glory to God, who continues to build his Church, as promised in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Chern Siang Ling is the MMS Regional Director for Cambodia, Nepal and Vietnam. She worships at Kampong Kapor Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Methodist Missions Society
