The Kingdom of Bhutan is a small, remote, and landlocked nation in the Himalayan mountains with just over 700,000 people. While Open Doors estimates the total Christian population in Bhutan to be 19,500 (2.4%), many of these believers are of Nepali heritage. The Drukpa people, Bhutan’s ruling and largest people group, are essentially unreached. Various estimates indicate that there are a few hundred Drukpa Christians scattered throughout Bhutan, who deal with stress every day as they face discrimination and relentless persecution from their families and communities.
Traditional is an apt description for Bhutan, and this is something that its people take pride in. Thimbu, the capital of Bhutan, does not have any traffic lights, and very few international corporate chains. Television and the Internet were not introduced until 1999. Agriculture, livestock, and forestry dominate the economy, and its colorful culture and traditions passed down the centuries remain prominent today.
The tension between tradition and modernity is palpable as Bhutan, particularly its younger generation, is being pulled into the 21st century. Cell phones and Internet cafes are becoming increasingly popular, as are imported vices including gambling, smoking, and violent video games. Newly wealthy businessmen may flaunt their wealth through large houses that are lavish compared to the smaller, more humble homes that Bhutanese royalty live in.
It is not surprising then that there is a suspicion towards anything foreign and modern, as many in Bhutan seek to protect their Buddhist identity, pastoral and simple way of life, and colorful and ancient traditions against foreign influence and the unrelenting assault of modern society.
Against this backdrop, The Tide broadcasts the Lamtheam (Show the True Way) program in the Dzongkha language, Bhutan’s official language spoken by the Drukpa people. Especially in this context, it is critical the people of Bhutan can hear God’s word in their heart language. Even so, the general perception in Bhutan is that the Christian faith is a foreign influence, and this is understandably a barrier as many mourn the transformation of Bhutan into something they may not have recognized as children.
But the Word is “living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” The Word has the power to transform the hearts of our listeners in Bhutan. Our partner ministry initiated over 200 contacts with listeners in Bhutan in the first quarter of this year. We pray for these souls and others who have listened to Lamtheam that they may discern light from darkness and truth from falsehood and place their faith in their Savior.