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Christian Mission

Bhutan Ministries:

What: Work is being conducted both inside Bhutan as well as along the border area. The project assists with the support of several evangelists. Bible translation is being undertaken

Why: Christian activity remains restricted in this heavily Buddhist country.

Cost: £ 20 per month to supports indigenous workers; Suggested £25 per month to help translation costs.

 

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What you can do:

Bhutan profile:

The Himalayan region includes a number of independent countries as well as provinces of India . Some areas have experienced remarkable revival for over fifty years and have been sending out their own missionaries around the world. Other places remain tightly closed, satanically bound and deeply persecuted.

With just over 2.5 million inhabitants and 15 different languages the Kingdom of Bhutan presents a considerable challenge to Christianity. It is one of the world's least evangelised nations. 63% of the population are Drukpa (Tibetan related) and strongly Buddhist. Another 30% are of Nepali background. They have suffered immense persecution and ethnic cleansing for over ten years now as a result of their efforts to obtain more democracy. The Bhutanese government is implementing a one nation/one people policy to make Bhutan an homogenous country based on one religion and one culture. It has been practicing a number of racial and discriminatory policies against other cultures and religions believing that Christians represent a western culture/influence.

Church/Mission activity

Prior to 1965 there was complete restriction to the Gospel. There then followed 25 years of relative opportunity for witness through relief agencies by expatriates. Seeds were planted and in 1990 opportunities were again limited. There are very few permitted congregations in Bhutan . Indian believers living on Bhutan 's frontiers and also working in the south of the country have been largely responsible for evangelising and bring Bhutanese to Christ. Some Nepali Bhutanese have come to know the Lord in refugee camps. Careful literature distribution is one of the few avenues for ministry. The New Testament is available in Dzongkha, the national language.

Main unreached groups

All proselytisation of Buddhists or Hindus is banned. All other religions are barely tolerated. It is a difficult situation for the Christians in Bhutan with very harsh persecution being practiced. The Royal Government of Bhutan (RGOB) has been systematically persecuting the Christian population. The practice of Christianity by Bhutanese citizens was banned by a law of National Assembly (Parliament) of Bhutan in 1969. Bhutanese Christians have been denied the right to freedom of religion, worship, observe and practise their religion in community, in public, or even in private by the government. They have become voiceless. Persecution against Christians started again in 1999 and is now widespread and systematic, village by village. Penalties for practicing the Christian faith include denial of admission of children to schools or of studies abroad, difficulties in obtaining bank loans, opportunities in trade and business licenses, promotion in the civil services, recruitment and getting jobs and other restrictions. Christians are asked either to leave their religion or leave the country. There are also many cases of severe physical abuse.

Persecution Index

Every six months, Open Doors World Watch publishes an index which grades countries according to the levels of persecution religious believers, and of Christians especially.

2006 Grading for Bhutan: 6th

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Christian witness
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