Work in Nepal calling for Simpson

In January, Terry Simpson, a pastor from Greenbrier, will be heading to a place he has never been — the country of Nepal. 

Nepal, a country of 30 million, is probably most famous for being home to Mount Everest and its location between India and China. However, the country, which Simpson said recently gained religious freedom, will soon to be home to the Grace Bible College, an endeavor for which Simpson will help lay the foundation.

When he first travels to Nepal, he will be accompanied by eight other pastors who will be going to the country for a Bible conference.

Friends who had visited Nepal shared their stories and photographs with Simpson. 

When he heard that Ram Nepal, a leader of the Reformed Churches of Nepal, wanted to start a seminary for theologists in Nepal, Simpson said he thought, “Wow, I need to get involved.”

His wife agreed but said that she would not be making the journey with him. Instead, she will stay in the area and be with the couple’s four daughters and their families. 

“It is what I need to do and what I am doing,” Simpson said. “I feel good about it. I am excited.”

Nepal is the third poorest nation in the world, Simpson said. However, due to work by Ram Nepal, the students who will be attending Grace Bible College have completed high school. The entire program of study will take the students four years to complete.  

Simpson will be staying a year. 

“I am helping to set it up. I will be one of three professors,” Simpson said. 

A college president and secretary will also be part of the faculty if financially feasible.

The college will be housed in a six-story building in Kathmandu, a city of approximately 8 million people. Simpson said when he signed on for the project, he was worried about the weather because he does not like cold weather. However, he said Kathmandu is in a valley with moderate temperatures ranging from 50 to 80 degrees. 

“I dearly hate cold weather. I moved to Conway from Michigan because I hated cold weather,” Simpson said.

Prior to his retirement, Simpson was first pastor at Cadron Ridge Baptist Church, then founded the Conway Celebration Church. 

“I was on television on Conway Corp.,” Simpson said. 

He currently works with the Flat Rock Baptist Church in Quitman.

After retirement, Simpson traveled to different churches to preach and taught at Arkansas Baptist High School. 

When he travels to Nepal where he will be working with converts who have “no training at all,” Simpson said he will be taking “39 years of experience and my own education over there.”

He will also be taking software and equipment to train the students. The software will provide hand out lessons for the students, according to Simpson. 

“They have a great need that first year just to learn what is in the Bible,” he said.

Although he has no plans to return to Nepal after his year of service, “I am sure I will,” Simpson said, noting that he expected to develop many close relationships. 

“Right now, I am focused toward getting to go, preparing lessons and lesson plans,” he said.

Simpson said he would need to raise enough money to cover start-up expenses and provide he and his wife $1,500 a month living expenses.

“Anything over that gets more students in,” Simpson said.

He is now meeting with churches to gain support for the mission work. He now has enough money for about $800 a month. 

In addition to teaching classes, Simpson said he plans to take students around Kathmandu and other areas to hold crusades on the weekend. Other mission work will be held in the evening after classes.