Nepal. World Factbook map, 2006

Through much of its history Nepal was virtually closed to outsiders. Political changes in 1950 led to a more open stance. In 1951, Christian missionaries were permitted to enter Nepal. The United Mission to Nepal (UMN) was founded in 1954. It is an ecumenical agency through which various mission groups work together. By 1987 the UMN numbered about 400 missionaries from more than 20 countries. They were sponsored by 39 mission boards. Assignments included medical, educational, and economic development work. In 1956, Rudolf Friesen was sent by the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) to work in Nepal. Later that year two Pax volunteers joined him. In 1957 Lena Graber became the first worker under the Mennonite [Mennonite Church] Board of Missions (MBM). Since then numerous MCC and MBM workers have served under UMN in professional, administrative, and clerical roles. Maynard and Dorothy Seamons were supported by the Mennonite Brethren Board of Missions and Services after 1960. They were engaged in medical work under The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM) in western Nepal. The Christian church in Nepal numbered about 20,000 in 1986 and was experiencing steady growth despite persecution. 

Bibliography

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