Mentoring Manoj
CMS workers Bruce and Libby serve the Lord in Nepal. Bruce supports
Christian leaders and doctors, and Libby works as a teacher and principal.
Here Bruce shares his experience of mentoring Manoj, a Christian leader
who is himself training leaders for ministry:
Manoj’s story
I, (Bruce), have the joy of mentoring and equipping Christian leaders in Nepal with CMS. One man who has particularly encouraged me as a mentor is Manoj. After coming to faith in Christ at 17 years old, Manoj has committed his life to serving the Lord and seeking opportunities to be trained and train others.
Manoj became an evangelist and pastor in a church in his hometown in eastern Nepal, in 1992, where he served for five years. After this, he married, and served with Theological Education by Extension. Manoj was then invited by the National Churches Fellowship of Nepal (NCFN) to undertake a Bachelor of Divinity. Following his studies, he taught at Ebenezer Bible College, before coordinating missionary and informal training with NCFN. Since then, he has completed a Master of Theology (supported by CMS-A), and served as the Director of the Leadership Training Department of NCFN.
Sharing life and ministry
Since July 2021, I have been privileged to meet monthly
with Manoj to share life and ministry. We encourage, support and pray for one another. In Manoj’s words:
“I was prayerfully looking for a mentor after I lost my mentor in 2015. I wanted someone who really understood the value of mentoring, could walk along with me in difficult times of my life, and hold me accountable. Finally, a missionary ‘didi’ (sister) introduced me to Dr Bruce. Dr Bruce’s warm care has helped me and my family to go through some recent difficult times, including the deaths of my sister-in-law and father-in-law, and family mental health issues. I feel very comfortable sharing my life and ministry with him. I am really touched by his humility and simplicity. I feel so fortunate to have him.”
An example of true servant leadership
Manoj and his wife, Anjiila, support Christian marriages by offering retreats and keeping pastors accountable. In his personal life, Manoj continues to grow as a loving husband and father, while maintaining a good work-life balance and trusting God for all financial needs. He has recently led NCFN through an important strategic review, seeking to maintain direction through post-COVIDchanges and growing hostility towards Christians in Nepalese communities.
As Manoj encounters new and difficult challenges,I appreciate his humble dependence as he patiently trusts God for wisdom and guidance. He is a rare example of a leader who cares for his colleagues and their personal development, while also leading NCFN faithfully. It has been a blessing to see true servant leadership, and I give thanks for the way God has used Manoj to impact the lives of so many others in Nepal. I pray that we can continue to encourage one another in our walks of faith.
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CMS partners with churches and Christian organisations to train and mentor godly leaders who will serve Christ with their whole lives and equip others. Could you offer to serve with CMS to disciple and encourage Christian leaders? Learn about long-term mission with CMS here.