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Asia: Restricted Access

Overview:

Until the 1980s, Bhutan was isolated from the rest of the world by its Himalayan geography, poor infrastructure and poor international relations. In 2008, the country adopted a multiparty constitutional democracy and implemented a new constitution that affords a greater level of religious freedom, but Christians still face many challenges.

Most Christians in Bhutan are of Nepali heritage, and believers are focused on reaching the ethnic Bhutanese with the message of Christ.

Major Religion:

88 percent of the Bhutanese people are Buddhists. Approximately 1 percent are Christians.

Persecutor:

Christians are restricted by national laws and persecuted by local authorities.

What It Means To Follow Christ In Bhutan

The king identifies himself as the defender of Buddhism, and the government works covertly to discourage the spread of Christianity, enacting an anti-conversion law punishable by imprisonment. Christians are viewed as followers of a foreign, Western religion.

There is no opportunity for the legal registration of churches in Bhutan. Christians often lose their jobs and are unable to find work because of their faith. They can lose their citizenship and privileges for being a Christian, so many must worship in secret.

Access To Bibles

Though small numbers of Bibles are allowed into the nation legally, the government continues to restrict widespread distribution. Most Bibles must be smuggled into the country from neighbouring nations.

VOM Work

VOM provides Bibles and discipleship resources. We are also supporting the training and discipleship of future local church leaders.

Prayer Requests:

• Pray that Christians will have discipleship opportunities, despite government restrictions.
• Pray for the courage of Christian converts from Buddhism whose families oppose their faith in Christ.
• Pray for the removal of government restrictions on Christian worship activities.
• Pray that Christians will boldly share the gospel with Buddhist monks in the country.
• Pray that Bhutanese Christians will have greater access to Bibles and Christian resources.

The Voice of the Martyrs. U.S.A

About Coram Deo

Coram Deo — before the face of God. This blog reflects on Scripture, world events, science, music, psychology, and the human mind — always through the lens of Christian faith. All of life is lived before the face of God.