**Nepali Christian Congregations Thriving in the Heart of South Korea's Spiritual Landscape**
*As the 1990s saw an influx of Nepali migrant workers to South Korea, driven by the desire to secure financial stability for their families, an unexpected journey into the realms of faith began. Initially seeking assistance, Nepalis found solace in Korean churches, where pastors and congregants extended unconditional help, sparking contemplation about Christian faith. This marked the inception of the first Nepali converts in South Korea, and the ripple effect reached back to Nepal, with many returning individuals carrying the gospel message.*
*In the dynamic landscape of missionary activities, South Korea has emerged as Asia's foremost missionary-sending country. Notably, it has become a theological hub for numerous Nepali pastors, with figures like Mangal Man Maharjan and Sundar Thapa pursuing their studies in Korean seminaries. The symbiotic relationship between South Korea and Nepal has produced a cohort of second-generation theologians, including luminaries such as Dr. Pabitra M. Bhandari, Ps. Netra Lal Tamrakar, and Bhoj Raj Bhatta, who dedicated themselves not only to academic pursuits but also to collaborative endeavors with Korean churches, serving in Nepali congregations.*
*At present, the greater Seoul Metropolitan area hosts more than 15 Nepali ministers actively engaged in various Nepali congregations. The collaboration between Nepali theological students and major Korean mega-churches has proven instrumental in fostering the spiritual growth of the Nepali Christian community. Noteworthy examples include the presence of Nepali pastors from theological seminaries serving in around five Nepali congregations of Onnuri Church, and the association of Dr. Pabitra Mani Bhandari with Juan Church, the largest Mega Church in Incheon. Similarly, Ruben Khadka contributes to the spiritual landscape through his service at Yongnak, one of the major Korean churches.*
*Simultaneously, the Nepali Christian population is on the rise in both Nepal and among the new wave of migrant workers in Korea, many of whom align themselves with various Nepali congregations of Korean churches. This interconnectedness is further underscored by the fact that some Nepali churches in Korea are led by Korean missionaries returning from their missions in Nepal. These individuals, having learned the Nepali language during their stay in Nepal, have committed themselves to Nepali ministry back in Korea, leading an estimated 60 such congregations.*
*The numerical and spiritual strength of Nepali Christian congregations in Korea has become increasingly evident. Since the early 2000s, Nepali congregations in Korea have started organizing occasional combined worship services and programs. A testament to this unity was the 2023 United Nepali Christmas Festival, which drew around 300 participants from 12 different congregations, highlighting the cohesive and growing nature of the community.*
*Facilitating this unity is the United Nepali Christian Fellowship, presently led by Ps. Pabitra Mani Bhandari. This umbrella organization plays a crucial role in organizing seminars, inviting various prominent leaders from Nepal as speakers. Dr. Mangal Man Maharjan, Late Pastor Robert Karthak, Ps. Bijay Karmacharya, and others have graced these events as occasional speakers, contributing to the spiritual enrichment of the Nepali Christian community.*
*In conclusion, Nepali Christian congregations in South Korea stand as a vibrant testament to the intertwining of cultures, the growth of faith, and the pursuit of spiritual unity. Through a journey that began with seeking assistance, this community has not only found a home in Korean churches but has also become an integral part of the dynamic spiritual landscape of South Korea.*