The Wholistic Approach

Forty-five church leaders in Nepal—including pastors, ministry volunteers, and Bible workers—attended a therapeutic massage and hydrotherapy training seminar, November 24-27, in Banepa, central Nepal. Jacob Ko, Health Ministries director for the Northern Asia Pacific Division, and Sundar Thapa, Health Ministries director for the Nepal Section, organized the event.

The focus of the seminar was training leaders to treat pain and discomfort using simple, natural, and inexpensive remedies that can be applied in home and church settings to bring healing and comfort to their communities. By focusing on affordable, natural remedies such as massage and hydrotherapy, attendees can also become equipped to address health challenges in regions with limited access to advanced medical facilities.

During his presentation, Hector Gayares, chief executive officer of Sheer Memorial Hospital, located in Banepa, shared physical and emotional benefits of massage and hydrotherapy and emphasized the integration of health ministries with the broader mission of the church. Others involved in the training seminar included Nepal Section president Umesh K. Pokharel, who presented the morning devotional; Sheer Memorial Hospital nurses, who demonstrated practical techniques of the therapies; and other church and medical leaders in the region.

The seminar not only provided valuable health training but also strengthened the bond between church leaders and their mission to serve their communities wholistically, organizers said. They added that the collaborative efforts of all the contributors exemplified how practical health initiatives can support the mission of the church.