BY DAVID STUM Recent world attention has focused upon a tiny Himalayan kingdom roughly the size and shape of Tennessee, bordered by Tibet to the north and India to the south, east and west. Nepal is the land where, after nearly 35 years of parish ministry within the Baltimore-Washington Conference, I now reside with my wife Sheila, who works for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). I am the Community Liaison Office Coordinator for the American Embassy, and together we provide volunteer support to several orphanages in Kathmandu. After almost nine years of a Maoist insurgency, in which more than 11,000 people have been killed and gross abuses have taken place on both sides of the conflict, King Gyanendra recently dissolved his government, detained many leading politicians, cut off communications with the outside world and suspended constitutional freedoms of expression, assembly and movement. Many foreign governments, including the United States, have expressed deep concern at what appears to be a step away from democracy. The political situation is extremely complex and volatile, well beyond my ability to fully comprehend or interpret for others. But I can communicate the effect these events have upon those of us living through this period. 
Only once during my 14 months in this country have I felt a sense of threat. On Sept. 1, 2004, news was released of the slaying of several Nepalis in Iraq, and riots spontaneously broke out in the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu, (including occasional anti-American rhetoric).The mid-day walk home from work, avoiding crowds of angry protesters and burning tires, was indeed an anxious time. However, with that exception, my predominant mindset is that this land is magnificent both in its natural beauty and in the kindness of its people. Nevertheless, there is a low-level anxiety, becoming higher, which is felt to varying degrees by any expatriate living in this place. It is not easy being immersed daily in the plight of one of the poorest countries of the world, with a per capita income of less than $250. Because of the Maoist insurgency and political instability, there are frequent 'bandhs' (general shutdowns) and blockades conducted by the Maoists, and regular demonstrations by political parties and student groups, resulting in traffic disruptions and business closures. There is increased military and police presence on the streets and it is increasingly difficult to safely travel outside the Kathmandu Valley, where most of Nepal's beautiful tourist destinations are found. Many foreign governments are concerned about the future of their development programs and humanitarian efforts in Nepal. For instance, last September, the Peace Corps program was suspended after being at work in the country since 1962. Perhaps most difficult is the uncertainty of what will happen next. Most of the violence occurs outside the city where we reside, and my wife and I do not feel fearful for our lives. No Americans have been killed during this insurgency and while we do not suffer economically, since our incomes continue in spite of changing circumstances, we nevertheless feel the pain of a people in crisis. While we live relatively comfortably, the vast majority of Nepalis struggle daily just to survive. So we welcome the prayers of the people of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, not just for ourselves, but for this country at a crossroads. The Rev. David Stum, a member of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, most recently served Good Shepherd UMC in Silver Spring. He is currently involved in extension ministry in Kathmandu. | 
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