Did Reach Start in Nepal?

Our method for outreach at Reach Initiative comes from an experience I had 5 years ago while spending a month in Kathmandu, Nepal.

In 2018 I spent a month in Kathmandu, Nepal. I was there as a missionary, but I was not partnering with a church or any local ministry. My only mission was to seek out the guidance of the Holy Spirit as I spent time in worship, prayer and scripture. It was an incredible month, and I learned so much about ministry. I decided to challenge myself and spend my last day listening to The Holy Spirit, being obedient in every moment no matter how awkward it may be. That day was hard, but I learned a lot and had a lot of fun with God. I wanted to share this experience with you, as it is where the seed was planted to start Reach.

After spending the morning in prayer, the Lord put it on my heart to seek out all the drug dealers, shop owners and students that I became friends with throughout the month. They knew I was leaving, but I wanted to give them all an official goodbye. As I walked the streets of Nepal, meeting with one friend after the other, I shook their hands, said goodbye, and even exchanged gifts with a few of them. Only one friend remained… Kamal.

Kamal is an older man, probably in his 60’s, who sells handmade instruments. Kamal became my closest friend throughout my month in Nepal.

I found it strange that I hadn’t seen him yet. He’s always in the same place, and I usually have a few conversations a day with him. I had been searching for him all day. After walking for another 30 minutes, I decided to throw in the towel. The moment I gave up, I was offered drugs by an unfamiliar man. In my exhausted and hopeless state, I kindly rejected. He began asking me questions and following me. He then asked if I’d like to have tea with him. At this point I was annoyed and just wanted to go sit somewhere alone. I told him I had to go meet up with some friends (not true), and we parted ways. Not even a minute after, the conviction hit me. I felt The Lord calling me higher…

“Meet up with friends?
Really?
My child, you are so much better than that.

Is that man’s life not worth your time?

Who is going to share the Gospel with him?
If even my children create lies to get away from him, how will he know me?”

Like Adam being exposed for the first time, I felt naked as God caught me in my lie. God exposed my sin, but also gave me the courage to walk back and tell that drug dealer I’d love to have tea with him.

What a perfect father!

That guy’s face lit up! He was stunned that I came back. He was so excited as he led me to a strange, abandoned building.
We walked up a couple flights of dusty stairs, through a cold dim hall, and into a warm smoky apartment. Once my eyes adjusted, and the smoke slightly cleared I saw a familiar face. It was Kamal! Sitting in that warm and smoky room sipping his black tea. The combination of our eye contact and smiles lit up the room. I was relieved to have been unintentionally led to my friend. The one who I had been relentlessly searching for. Sitting next to him was Justin, a guy my age from San Diego, California. It didn’t take long for me to realize that when you say yes to the drug offers, this is where they take you. I was in it, the headquarters, behind enemy lines.

I sat in the smoke-filled room drinking black tea with drug dealers, Kamal and my new Californian friend Justin. We talked about life, and I shared a bit of my testimony. Justin mentioned he was traveling, looking for insight at a local monastery there in Kathmandu. I was praying the whole time, waiting for my opening to share the Gospel. I was nervous, but full of excitement and focus. I felt the comforting voice of the Lord tell me to just mention His name, and He would do the rest.

I slowly sipped my tea while they puffed one cigarette after another. We sat and talked for about an hour, then finally agreed to leave.
As we all stood up, I had my opening. I told Justin to enjoy his time here in Nepal, and to remember Jesus as he searches for insight. I told him that going to that monastery might not give him what he’s looking for. I reminded him again to call out to Jesus for insight. I felt a sense of relief in him as we parted ways.

As I said my goodbyes, I reached out to shake Kamal’s hand, he rejected and went in for a hug. We were both noticeably sad and people began to stare at how unusual it was that Kamal, and I were such good friends.
I was truly sad knowing this would be the last time I’d ever see him.

I went to a small cafe to sit with the Lord and reflect. My heart broke, as I remembered the lost look in Justin’s eyes. I wanted more than anything for him to know Jesus. God reminded me of his comforting words…

” Just mention my name, and I’ll do the rest.”

I left the cafe around 6:00 pm, I was hungry and tired. I was ready to get some rest and end the day. God had other plans. As I walked out of the cafe, an overwhelming feeling of passion pulsed through my body. A few beggars came up to me and I began sharing the Gospel with them, no small talk, I just started sharing Jesus. The few that knew English were translating to the others. I was filled with the Holy Spirit and letting my passion fill the streets of Kathmandu. After sharing with the beggars, I noticed an unusual number of homeless locals. I didn’t recognize any of them, and they were flocking to me. Some offered me drugs, others tried to make small talk, but I rejected it all and began sharing the Gospel again. I was speaking so intensely with this small crowd; I couldn’t believe what was happening. I knew it was not me speaking.

After sharing Jesus and praying for these people I heard my name in the distance. It was another member of my squad. A big group from our squad were eating together, and she was inviting me to dinner with everyone. People were still coming up to me and I was getting overwhelmed as we walked to the restaurant. A few more people came up to us, then we made a clean break into the restaurant.

I explained to her, briefly, what had happened.
”You’re glowing!” She said, and I knew in that moment that the people in the streets of Kathmandu never saw me that evening. For I had been there all month, and the people never flocked to me like this. No, this time was different, they didn’t see me at all.
They saw Jesus.

To this day, that is one of the most incredible days of my life. It doesn’t feel real, and at times I can’t believe it happened. This was one story from one day, but there are many more just like it. That month in Nepal changed me from the inside out. I learned what a true life of ministry looked like. I learned that obedience to God’s voice unleashes the power of the Holy Spirit. Obedience to God’s voice, changes the world.

-Ryan Tovias