In 2020, in the initial months from January to March, we have allowed the privilege of gathering for worship in our church. However, as the summer approached, the world faced unprecedented challenges due to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus. The global landscape was dominated by news about the pandemic, prompting significant changes in our way of life.
Despite the challenges, the movement of people to other states continued. To adapt to the evolving circumstances, our weekly and Sunday worship services shifted to virtual platforms through Zoom. Physical gatherings in the church and other public areas were temporarily halted to prioritize the safety of our congregation. By May 2020, nearly 99% of our church members had relocated to various cities and states. Pastor Bhadra’s family and others also moved to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on May 30th, 2020, leaving only a few families in Houston, Texas. At that time, we didn’t have a church building in Harrisburg, so we worshipped in a basement and continued our services through Zoom. In October 2020, with the assistance of Pastor Shankar Rai from Lancaster, we secured a place to worship at Slate Hill Church in Camp Hill.
Around ten (10) families gathered for worship, adhering to safety measures such as wearing masks and regular hand sanitization. Since Pastor Bhadra’s arrival in Harrisburg, he initiated connections with other pastors in the area of Harrisburg, discovering approximately 6-7 Nepali-speaking churches. In September 2020, he, along with the support of pastors and leaders, founded the Harrisburg Nepali Christian Society. By God’s grace, this marked the beginning of unity among Nepali-speaking churches in the region. The first pre-Christmas program was celebrated at Slate Hill Church, drawing more than 200 people together. As individuals moved from other states, the church experienced growth, with God’s presence evident in the everyday expansion of our community. Despite the challenges of the year, the resilience and adaptability of our congregation, coupled with the unity forged among Nepali-speaking churches in Harrisburg, reflect our commitment to worship, community, and the continued growth of God’s church.
