Restricted
Bhutan
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. Hindu-background believers are also persecuted by their families and local communities.
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 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 neighboring nations. Give Bibles
VOM Work
VOM provides Bibles and discipleship resources. We are also supporting the training and discipleship of future local church leaders. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry
Pray for Bhutan
- Pray for Bhutanese Christians to have strength and courage in the face of fear and pressure.
- Pray that the Lord will raise up a new generation of bold and well-equipped Christian leaders.
- As the government restricts access to God's Word, pray that Bibles will be provided for believers and seekers alike.
- Pray for Christians like Jampa who have experienced family rejection and destitution because of their faith in Christ.
- Pray that front-line workers like Tshewang and Umzey will experience God's provision as they boldly proclaim Christ.
