As the New Year of 2025 dawned in January, a multinational mission team from around the globe began to assemble in Nepal. The primary mission of this trip was to minister to the youth of Nepal spiritually, mentally, and practically. This dream for an international youth conference began several years ago in the heart of Nepal’s national youth leader, Yamsing Tamang. Yamsing had seen a need and a hunger in the young people to know more about Christ, to meet Christians from other cultures, and to be strengthened in their faith. He also felt a deep concern for the mental health of his youth because of the struggles with hopelessness that is brought on by depression due to poverty, lack of opportunity, joblessness, and an overall difficult life. The conference included leaders and youth from America, India, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Nepal. More than four hundred young people walked, rode public buses, and hitched rides on trucks just to be at the conference.
The venue was held mostly in an open-air structure with a roof and no walls even though it was January. There was no complaining, even when the cold wind was blowing accompanied by a cold, foggy mist. The young people sat attentively through the classes from early morning until 5:00 p.m. After a two-hour break, they happily reassembled at 7:00 p.m. for worship, preaching, and celebrations until it was time to dismiss. At bedtime, all the young ladies slept on the floor of the local church, and the young men boarded buses that carried them to another nearby church, where they slept on the floor as well. Amazingly enough, there was no complaining from either group; they only expressed excitement for the opportunity to be a part of the conference.
The celebrations and singing were so intense and loud at times that Bishop Gopal Lama had to caution the participants because of complaints from some of the local Hindu population. He requested the young people to try and contain themselves so that the police would not come.
Every morning, Bishop Kirk Rising took the young people through the class “Think About It,” which addressed and encouraged better mental health. Many of the youth were blessed and strengthened by this teaching. Dr. Cathy Payne spoke in the general session, but she also had one session where she ministered to all the young ladies. Bishop Tim McCaleb taught on the importance of mixing God’s word with faith, and the national youth leaders of the Philippines and Malaysia ministered in song as well as through teaching. Juan Rivera, youth leader of the Northeast Spanish region in the United States, and Omar Gonzalez, state youth leader of California, taught classes, preached during the evening services, and mightily encouraged the youth of Nepal. Jessica Wellings and Jonathan McCaleb also participated in the conference, with each of them sharing words of encouragement.
The conference ended with every young person receiving a new Bible that was provided by the Tucson, Arizona, church. Most of the youth had never owned a Bible, and there was such delight on their faces as each one received the Word of God in the Nepali language. This solemn time of handing out Bibles was extremely moving to the entire team. To see the enthusiasm and eagerness of the Nepali youth as they eagerly came forward was a time that will not be soon forgotten.
After the youth conference ended, the ministry did not stop. The team visited nearby local churches, seeing their work, hearing their testimonies, praying with them, and giving out Bibles. We also had the opportunity to visit one of our orphanages. As the team arrived, the children were lined up to greet us, and we spent several minutes talking to the children as Sister Payne asked each one to share about school and their dreams for the future. After a while, the children sang songs, posed for pictures, and gave big hugs to all.
As the mission trip was coming a close and each of the members began returning to their homes, the consensus was that traveling to Nepal and meeting the people there was an incredible, rewarding experience, and even though we all went there to minister, we each acknowledged that we received much more than we gave.
Testimonies from Team Members
A Divine Appointment in Nepal
Pastor Richard Anthony, Malaysia National Youth Director
My recent trip to Nepal for the youth conference was a profound experience, fulfilling a divine appointment I could never have fully anticipated. My purpose was threefold: to teach on topics of faith and resilience, connect with the vibrant Nepali youth, and support our church in organizing Nepal’s inaugural youth conference. From the very beginning, God’s hand was evident.
My initial hesitation about accepting the invitation was replaced with a clear sense of purpose as I learned about the rising rates of depression and suicide among young people in Nepal. This knowledge resonated deeply, given my own journey in overcoming depression, and solidified my understanding that God had a specific reason for me to be there. This understanding was further cemented when I was able to share my personal testimony for the first time, something I had not done before.
The interactions with the youth were truly inspiring, marked by their receptiveness, engagement, and genuine excitement for the Lord. Learning a Nepali worship song during my layover became an unexpected powerful connection point. Distributing Bibles in the Nepali language and witnessing the eagerness for God’s Word was an unforgettable ministry highlight. This experience also resonated with memories of my father’s ministry in a nearby Hindu village, highlighting the impact of perseverance and faith. Connecting with national youth leaders from other nations created a profound sense of unity in Christ.
I am deeply grateful to Bishop Tim McCaleb for this incredible opportunity. The Kathmandu Post’s report of 7,223 suicides in Nepal during the 2023–2024 fiscal year—the highest in the nation’s history—underscores the conference’s timeliness. It is clear this gathering was divinely orchestrated to bring us together as instruments of revival in Nepal.
Do It Again, Lord!
Omar Gonzales, California Regional Youth Director
Where do I begin? It was a blessing and an honor to be with our COGOP family and the young people of the beautiful country of Nepal. Glory be to the Lord for being able to witness history in the making—Nepal’s first ever youth conference!
Over 400 young people were in attendance, with additional representation from India, Malaysia, Philippines, and North America. It was glorious to see such an atmosphere of expectation and a genuine desire for the Word of God. I saw with my very eyes the kingdom of God flourishing in the hearts of every pastor, parent, and young person present in this conference. I had the opportunity to hear their stories of how they came to the faith, and I learned of the obstacles and challenges they face on many levels because of their faith in Christ. Despite those challenges, their faith continues to grow and so does their desire to see God’s glory and to learn about his Word.
I returned home with a full heart and a love for God’s people in Nepal, and I could not help but remember the powerful words of Jesus: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Matthew 5:6 ESV). May the Lord quench the thirst of our young people in Nepal in deeper waters; may he do it for our churches in Asia and all around the world, for this is only the beginning for the young people of Church of God of Prophecy. Do it again, Lord!
Blessed!
Jisel Baliguat, Philippines National Youth Director
I was amazed with the experience the Lord provided me on the mission trip to Nepal. My testimony from the youth conference begins with the knowledge that this was my first invitation to speak in another nation. Starting with my first presentation, I was very nervous as I was required to deliver the lesson in English, and I am not a native English speaker. Additionally, my lesson had to be understood and translated. I had been praying for several days for the Lord to use me as an instrument to speak to the young people and to share the Word of God. It certainly was a blessing to be able to connect with them. After I had spoken the first day, two young girls approached me and thanked me in our Filipino language. I was so touched and blessed by them for trying to learn how to thank me in my own language.
During the second day, I was blessed by how attentive the young people are in Nepal. This new way [for me] to serve the Lord and connect with his people is so exciting.
It was also a blessing to see the creation of God in Nepal and to experience the hospitality of the people. It was an incredible blessing to be a part of the team that ministered. I thank the Lord for the opportunity he gave me.
