by Ashley Denton
Missio-Tourism, is Tourism with a Mission Purpose
Recently a group of my friends just returned from trekking Annapurna Base Camp circuit through a company called, Nepal Outdoor Adventures. This trekking company is not just about exploring the Himalayas, but it is about making a difference in Nepal, especially among young people.
Nepal Outdoor Adventure Treks’ Mission
In 2009, Wilderness Ministry Institute helped a small group of young Nepali leaders start a micro-enterprise called Nepal Outdoor Adventure Treks & Expedition. NOA is a group of men and women who are passionate about reaching young people in Nepal for Christ. Nepal is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, however, it is also one of the darkest countries in the world, spiritually. It is estimated less than 1 percent of the countries population is Christian. There is a great need for the Gospel in this country and we believe the most effective way to bring a long term Gospel movement to this culture is by empowering local adults to reach the youth in their own community.
Poverty and Unemployment in Nepal are Missional Issues
One of the major obstacles to overcome is the local poverty of Nepal. Nepal suffers from an unemployment rate of 70 percent. This lack of employment forces a large majority of the adults to find work overseas. There is a substantial void left in mentorship, evangelism and discipleship as older Christians move away from their community.
A Nepal Trekking Business-as-Mission Model: Nepal Outdoor Adventure Treks & Expedition
We have developed a business model to help keep youth workers in their community called, Nepal Outdoor Adventure Treks and Expedition. Every 10 trekkers that use Nepal Outdoor Adventure Treks and Expedition will employ a full-time youth worker in Nepal for a year. This is a Nepalese owned and operated trekking company.
A Tangible Way to Support Youth Ministry in Nepal & See its Beauty for Yourself
The best people to reach a culture are the people of that culture. This Nepal trekking business will benefit youth ministry in Nepal by empowering youth workers to stay in their community and reach the next generation of the church. I highly recommend a Nepal trekking experience through Nepal Outdoor Adventures. Your involvement will truly make a difference!
P.S. To read more about the philosophy behind why and how we use outdoor adventure as a tool for evangelism, discipleship, leadership development, and spiritual formation in Nepal, you can read the book, Christian Outdoor Leadership.
