A Window of Opportunity

Troy Bierma and Arbin Pokharel became good friends while they were at Kuyper College and Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Mich. Arbin came from Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city; Troy, from the small town of Sioux Center, Iowa. Arbin had always planned on returning to Nepal, and as Troy learned more about Nepal, Troy began thinking about serving there too.

Troy and his wife, Faith, talked with Christian Reformed World Missions about overseas opportunities. An open position in Bangladesh that included connecting with partners in Nepal looked like a good fit. The Biermas accepted the position and headed off to Bangladesh.

This spring, however, the Biermas’ long-term ministry plans changed, bringing them to the place they had first hoped to be: Nepal.

Since continued political struggle has made it difficult for any ruling party to impose strict controls, people in Nepal are experiencing more religious freedom. Many Nepali are looking and longing for a more prosperous life.

There are two needs [in Nepal],” says Russ Palsrok, World Missions’ EurAsia regional leader.

 “First, to share the gospel with spiritually hungry people, [and second] to provide discipleship training for leaders and laity.”

The Biermas’ work in Nepal now builds off short visits they made earlier. Troy teaches at the Evangelical Presbyterian Theological Seminary, where Arbin is now the principal, and follows up with Timothy Leadership Training groups. “We have come to Nepal to teach and disciple [indigenous] Christians to be national Christian leaders,” the Biermas say. “There are more new believers than ever before and very few mature leaders to guide them.”