BMS partner, the United Mission to Nepal (UMN),is celebrating 50 years of work with a special gathering on 22nd-26th May. People from UMN's past and present will be travelling from across the world to the anniversary festival, which is taking place at the Godavari Village Resort, near Kathmandu.

"50 years in God's hand" is the slogan for the celebration, which represents UMN being surrounded by His grace, compassion, mercy and love; and that UMN is the tool in his hand, which He uses to serve the poor of Nepal.

To celebrate the anniversary, a very moving video "Life more abundant", which is also the theme of the UMN's 50th Anniversary, has been produced. Stories inside the video allow the viewer to gain an insight into the trials of daily life in Nepal, and how these people’s lives have been improved as a result of UMN's work.

In this nation which suffers from political turmoil and physical poverty, God has changed lives through the organisation. Despite the struggles, the fruits of UMN's work in Nepal are encouraging.

For half a century, UMN has worked in education, health, engineering, industrial and rural development to help tens of thousands of Nepalese people to have a more abundant life. It has also launched a new set of strategies through which it will seek to address the root causes of poverty, address injustice, and will work in the areas of relief, advocacy and peace.

BMS has worked in partnership with UMN since 1958 and currently has 11 long-term and three short-term personnel seconded to them.

In the near future, UMN will be employing a new structure in response to a proposed Act of Parliament in Nepal, which means it won't implement projects directly, but will rather partner Nepali government and non-government organisations.

There will be celebrations worldwide in Australia (3rd – 4th July), UK (30th July - 1 August), Canada (13th-16th August),Germany (24th- 26th September) etc.