Bhutan is a tiny, remote and impoverished kingdom nestling in the Himalayas between its powerful neighbors, India and China. Often called the last Shangri-la, it has its own unique cultural identity and heritage and a people with deeply held beliefs based on Buddhism. Buddhism values and beliefs guide and still dominate in every aspect of the Bhutanese people’s everyday life. It is also very closely linked to the monarchy and woven into the national fabric of Bhutan culture and way of life. The Gross National Happiness (GNH) which is deemed more important than the Gross National Product (GNP) is employed as a measurement of its people’s level of happiness and assumes that all citizens are Buddhists - “one country, one people and one religion”.  Buddhism accounts for about 80% of the population. About 15% are

followers of Hinduism while the rest follow other religions. Christians account for about 0.5%.

Even though Bhutan proclaims to be a democratic country with religious freedom, evangelism and preaching are considered illegal and Christians remain largely underground and are persecuted in various ways. Bars, pubs and discos have now become legal in Bhutan – a cause of concern for the older generation – but construction of churches is still prohibited and most fellowships are held in the homes of pastors or converts. Those who become Christian face the loss of state benefits such as free education and access to electricity and water. In some instances, harassment and beatings occur. In 2010, a pastor in South Bhutan was sentenced to 3 years in prison for screening the “Jesus” film. In July Pastor Pema Sherpa was beaten, threatened with a sword and told he would be thrown in jail if he did not stop worshipping in his house, but he refused to stop.

In August, our partner in mission, an NMH (Neighbours Mission Himalayas) pastor was persecuted and made to stand in the open for one day from 9am to 4pm by the sub-division officer (SDO). When he pleaded for an hour leniency to accompany his wife for medical treatment, his request was refused outright. His tears mingled with sweat he endured the ultimate humiliation, meted out because of his stubborn refusal to stop holding fellowship in his home despite frequent warnings, harassment, stoning and threats to sever access to basic amenities and education for his children. The SDO had enforced a law forbidding Christians to gather in homes to have fellowship except to have fellowship in their own home with their own family. Christians are further forbidden to mass gathering on occasions of wedding and Christmas. He was so targeted because the other pastors have conceded to the pressure out of fear and he is the only one who resolutely resisted. In spite of suffering pain and humiliation he was able to say “it is a joy to suffer for Jesus.” A prolific church planter and a pastor for more than 15 years, he has planted a number of churches in different parts of the country and continues to plant churches, travelling for long hours through rough terrain and difficult paths, crossing rivers or uphill ascend to meet with believers so he can encourage, have fellowship and holy communion with them. He is focused on bringing the Gospel to the unreached and has no thought for his own safety.

Christians not only face pressure from the authorities but also from the community. There are spies everywhere trailing Christians and their activities, waiting to report them and the people fear to violate the laws and are reticent to talk. Our mission partner and foot soldiers (co-workers) often have had to change the time of fellowship or camouflage water baptism as having a picnic by the riverside. But adversity has not caused the believers to retreat instead their faith is emboldened by courage exemplified in their pastors and the miracles that testify of a loving and caring God. Through personal testimonies the numbers of people getting saved are growing and many have been baptized, accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Bhutan remains one of the world’s least evangelized countries. . There is a huge need for good sound Christian teaching and general education among the Christians in Bhutan.  Despite the lack, restrictions and challenges, God is moving and believers are increasingly spreading across the country. Sadly, most of the 700,000 people living in Bhutan still worship spirits or gods made of wood and stone. They live and die with no assurance of salvation, for they’ve never heard the message of God’s love or Jesus’ sacrifice for them. for They are spiritually hungry and crave truth on which to build their lives. Slowly God’s message is opening the doors to the hearts of the Bhutanese people.

Trust that God will move your hearts to pray for the King and the people of Bhutan that will open the door for the 700,000 populace to have an opportunity to hear the Gospel. Pray also for our foot soldiers that God will encourage them, protect them from harm and harassment and their needs will be met.