Pastor Finally Released on Bail

Pastor Keshab Raj Acharya and his wife Junu - Photo: Morning Star News www.morningstarnews.org
Pastor Keshav and his wife Junu after his release.
Photo: Morning Star News

Pastor Keshav Raj Acharya was finally released on bail in late June after spending three months in prison. Sources state that the bail amount was exorbitant, considering the charges against him.

Pastor Keshav was first arrested on March 23rd, after a video was uploaded to YouTube in which he allegedly stated that God could heal COVID-19 through prayer. Despite denying that he uploaded the video, Pastor Keshav was arrested after being asked to pray for a woman who had contracted the virus. He was then charged with spreading false information and misleading his followers.

Released on bail April 8th, Pastor Keshav was rearrested the same day and further charged with "outraging religious feelings" and "attempting to convert." Bail was set at approximately $5,500 CAD, which his wife couldn't afford to pay, and so he was returned to prison. When the bail was finally able to be posted on May 13th, police arrested him a third time while he was still at the courthouse. This time, he was charged with printing and distributing Gospel tracts.

After being denied bail again, Pastor Keshav was transferred to a remote prison that is renowned for its harsh conditions. In late June, a judge reviewed the case and set bail at $3,300 CAD. Five days later, Pastor Keshav was finally released. On behalf of their family, which includes the couple's two young children, his wife Junu is thankful for the prayers and support of fellow Christians. During this time, however, as the church was unable to pay the rent for the facility, they had to vacate the building.

Join us in praising God for working out Pastor Keshav's eventual release! Pray that all the charges against him will be dropped and that he will remain free to raise his young children in the ways of the Lord and continue ministering to others, despite this setback. May God provide these believers a suitable worship facility, in fulfillment of the Scriptural promise that He will build His church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). Additionally, may this pastoring couple be given wisdom and divinely appointed opportunities as they endeavour to bring this about in their community.

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  • Country Information

    Population
    30,899,443 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Chhettri (16.5), Brahman-Hill (11.3), Magar (6.9), Tharu (6.2), Tamang (5.6), Bishwokarma (5), Musalman (4.9), Newar (4.6), Yadav (4.2), Rai (2.2), Pariyar (1.9), Gurung (1.9), Thakuri (1.7), Mijar (1.6), Teli (1.5), Yakthung/Lumbu (1.4), Chamar/Harijan/Ram (1.4), Koiri/Kushwaha (1.2), other (20)

    Religion (%)
    Hindu (81.2), Buddhist (8.2), Muslim (5.1), Kirat (3.2), Christian (1.8), Other (0.5), Unspecifed (0.2)

    Leader
    President Ram Chandra Poudel (2023)

    Government type
    Federal parliamentary republic

    Legal system
    English common law and Hindu legal concepts

    Source: CIA World Factbook

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    Pray that despite the lack of freedom to share the hope of faith in Christ, the Lord will give Christians opportunities to evangelize.

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Nepal News

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    Photo: Voice of America

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    Photo: Christian Solidarity Worldwide

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