Strengthening Families Through Parent Seminars

The past few months have shown God's goodness in opening doors we never could have opened ourselves. By His grace, I have been able to reach remote villages, as always, for teacher training, parents' seminars, leadership meetings and other ministry work. During these visits, I have had the joy of meeting with parents who love their children deeply and work hard to provide for their physical needs but often do not know how to help guide them in education and development. I was able to connect with 182 parents in the Terai plains and 112 more in the hilly district of Lalitpur. Most were mothers who had walked for hours under hot sun (in Siraha) because they want to learn how to better support their children's growth.

But numbers can never tell the whole story. After two hours of a long training session at the schools in Siraha district, we served simple snacks and fruit juice. As most of the male participants were eating, one mother came up to me holding her snacks. "Panni?" she asked. "Water” (Pani is Nepali word for water)? I was confused at first. Then I realized she was not asking for water. She wanted a plastic bag to carry the snacks she had received home to her children. She hadn't even touched them. Soon, other mothers were doing the same thing.

These women had walked miles on empty stomachs to be there. They were hungry. But they chose not to eat so their kids could have something special. This experience brought back memories of my own mother returning home from other people's fields where she worked for daily wages, tired and hungry, yet always carrying something special for us children. The Lord allows us the joy of serving alongside this kind of loving sacrifice; love that He uses to open hearts to receive the message of His even greater love.

In one training session, after everyone else had gone home, a woman stayed behind to talk with us. Her husband has been in a wheelchair for the past four years after an accident, and since then she has carried everything; the work, the family expenses, the burdens, and the constant worry. “I thought keeping them fed was enough,” she told us. “I was always too exhausted for anything more. But today I realised that the time I give them may be the most important gift I can offer. I will find a way to do better.”

Our son Abhay just finished his big exams and has now stepped into 11th grade, beginning his studies in law. We are thankful to the Lord as he continues learning, even while working through his own questions and doubts. I am often away from home with project visits and trainings, and it is not always easy to balance family and ministry. Yet, I see God’s hand at work; teaching us to trust Him more deeply, both in Abhay’s journey and in the lives of the families we serve.

I have been writing devotionals for Scripture Nepal whenever I get the chance. It’s something I really enjoy, and it helps me stay rooted in God’s Word. Another highlight for me has been spending time with the teenagers in our church. Their thoughts challenge me, encourage me, and remind me why working with families is so important.

·       Please pray for God’s protection during the rainy season; both for our travels and for Nepal as a whole, since last year’s floods and landslides were devastating.

·       Please pray that many fathers will attend our parents’ seminars, so they can lead their families well and raise the next generation faithfully.

·       Pray for young Christians who wrestle with many questions, that they may find their answers in the Lord, just as Thomas did.

I know “thank you” feels far too small for what’s in my heart, but it’s the best place to begin. You are not only supporters, but you are also true partners in this work. Your prayers bring change. Your giving brings new hope to families and school communities. We count it an honour to serve as your representatives here in Nepal, and we carry you with us wherever we go.

In His service,

Krishna Bohora