Anti-conversion constitution isn't slowing down Christians

Christians in Nepal are adapting to the recent changes made to the country's constitution.

In September, Nepal's president signed a new constitution, completing the transition the South Asian nation began in 2008 from the world's only Hindu monarchy to a secular government. The new constitution outlaws any act to convert another person from one religion to another, and since its adoption, there has been backlash from Hindu groups, including violence resulting in the deaths of 40 people.

Christian Aid Mission assists 12 ministries in Nepal, and spokeswoman Amie Cotton tells OneNewsNow the Christians there are concerned about more persecution.

"But they are used to doing ministry in a low-key fashion anyway, so they're just kind of waiting to see how things go," Cotton reports. "They don't expect it in the majority Nepalese-speaking areas, but where there's not much gospel work, there could be some reaction."

Many ministries are sharing the gospel by providing aid and meeting the needs of those affected by the devastating earthquake in April.

"That has made a huge impact on non-believers; they want to know, 'You're in a bad situation just like me, and yet you're reaching out to help me -- why are you doing this?' And it gives them the perfect opportunity to share Christ," the Mission spokeswoman shares. "And many people are open to that."

Cotton asks for prayer that the gospel will spread into the unreached sections of Nepal.