February 9, 2005

VALLEY FORGE, Pa. – Carole and Charles Sydnor, American Baptist International Ministries missionaries in Kathmandu, Nepal, reported via e-mail last Sunday that they are safe and that life in the Kathmandu valley continues in relative normalcy. In response to civil instability in other parts of Nepal, King Gyanendra has limited communications within the country and with the rest of the world.

The political climate remains uncertain, and human rights groups have expressed concern to the United Nations regarding treatment of opposition figures. However, there appears to be no immediate threat to ordinary citizens, including church and NGO personnel. On Feb. 7 the BBC reported that the King Gyanendra's reconfigured government has issued a new appeal to Maoist guerrillas to renew stalled peace talks.

The Rev. Ben Chan, International Ministries' area director for ministries in Nepal, is in daily contact with ministry partners, monitoring developments in the Himalayan nation. He called upon all American Baptists to continue in prayer for the peace negotiations, the Nepali people and those who are serving them in the midst of this crisis.

American Baptist News Service