#32 Nepal: Bumpy Roads and Bold Preaching

Japan is home to more than 120 million people. Only around 0.3% are evangelical Christians, and 90% of its pastors are over 50. Japan is often called “the graveyard of mission”, and it urgently needs a new generation of church leaders.In this episode, Jim and Stephen look at why the gospel has struggled to take root in Japan. They cover the legacy of post-war liberal theology, a deeply secular outlook, and a collectivist culture where “the nail that sticks up is hammered down.” They also share the story of Gaku, a former maths teacher and keen surfer. After years of restlessness in Australia, he came home to Japan, came to faith through his mother’s prayers and a patient pastor, and is now training for pastoral ministry through the Samurai Project.Stephen also introduces AsiaLink’s new alternative Christmas gifts for 2026: Bibles, pigs, winter kits for Mongolia and sewing machines.Find out more and support Gaku at asialink.org/gaku.

In this episode, Stephen and Jim continue their focus on the Himalayas with Batsal, AsiaLink's longest-standing partner in Nepal. A former Hindu, Batsal is an evangelist, Bible teacher, translator and author who has spent decades travelling the country to share the gospel and to teach pastors and believers. They discuss the challenges he faces from anti-conversion laws and rising Hindu nationalism, and the quieter but vital work he does at his desk in Kathmandu, translating books for churches that have almost no resources. They also reflect on those affected by the devastating flash floods in Nepal, and share news of Operation Monsoon and upcoming short-term teams.

Utsang was born into a high-caste Brahmin family in Nepal — mantras at dawn, the tika mark on his forehead, a life mapped out by Hindu tradition. Then one night, a desperate encounter with a sick neighbour led him to pray to "the God of the Christians." Peace came instantly, and nothing was ever the same. Disowned by his family, Utsang and his wife left everything to plant churches in a country where conversion carries real cost. Today he travels up to four times a year — often a gruelling twenty-hour bus journey each way — to shepherd a growing church movement in Salyan province. Join Jim and Stephen as they explore Nepal's remarkable spiritual landscape and Utsang's costly, courageous ministry.Subscribe today to catch every episode.

Jim and Stephen continue their look at the conflict in Myanmar, focusing on Karen State — home to the Karen and Karenni people, among the military's most targeted groups, both ethnically and for their Christian faith.They share the story of "Aria" (name changed for security), a partner who travels into active conflict zones to bring food, shelter, and Bibles to displaced families, including one journey that unknowingly took her across an active minefield.The episode also introduces a children's home on the Thai-Myanmar border caring for around 60 children separated from their families by war. Nearly all have come to faith, and their nightly times of worship have left a lasting impression on every team that's visited.A moving episode about courage, displacement, and the hope found even in the most desperate circumstances.Subscribe today to catch every episode.

In this episode, Jim and Stephen focus on Myanmar — a country that has known almost no peace since independence in 1948. They explore Asialink's long-standing partnership with a church-planting ministry, which has been training and sending out pastor-missionaries across the country since 2005. Jim and Stephen discuss the very real dangers these church planters face daily — from hostility and military conscription to bombed villages and state-controlled communications — and share the story of one graduate who returned home to find his community destroyed by conflict, yet pressed on to serve a displaced congregation in a city slum.The episode also introduces Asialink's new book, Sparks of Glory, featuring stories of eight remarkable Asian believers. A pre-release copy is available at asialink.org/books with a donation of £20 or more.

Jim speaks to a believer in Pakistan about the challenges of following Christ as a woman in this challenging land.Subscribe today to catch every episode.

Jim speaks to our partner in Pakistan about how God is working in the face of persecution.Subscribe today to catch every episode.

In this episode, Jim speaks with one of our partners, a leader of the growing church in Uzbekistan. He explains how the Lord is moving here and reveals the unique challenges faced by believers.Subscribe today to catch every episode.

In this episode, Jim speaks with Bill, a member of the AsiaLink team, about his experiences from Uzbekistan. Listen for stories about how God is at work in this often overlooked land.Subscribe today to catch every episode.

Jim catches up with one of our partners in Nepal to reflect on the 10 year anniversary of the 2015 earthquake.Subscribe today to catch every episode.