February 10, 2005

Dear All,

A very quick message to say that I am well. As you may know, we have had a major change in government, which has resulted in a state of emergency and severe curtailing of civil liberties. At first we had no telephones, but international lines returned last night, and Internet became available again this morning. There are rumors of widespread arrests of political party leaders and activists, and some anti-government demonstrations and violence. These are rumors only. Press censorship has made it difficult to know what is actually going on. Kathmandu has been very quiet with heavy security presence. Outside Kathmandu, there has been a national strike called by the Maoists.

Please know that I am safe, as are our staff, though work is difficult amidst uncertainty and difficult communications. Think about how much you depend on the telephone!

Please do pray for the country of Nepal, that this change may ultimately move it along the path to peace.

Please take care in what you say if you do respond to me. There is full censorship.

Beverley

The 2005 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 203