Lhomi in China


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

Although they are considered part of the Tibetan nationality, the Lhomi possess their own distinct language and culture. Lhomi means "southern people."

The Lhomi are a Tibetan people who have been influenced by non-Tibetans over the course of many centuries. This has led to the mixture of cultural, linguistic, and religious traits that today identify them as a distinct people group.


What Are Their Lives Like?

This independent tribe grows a few crops, in particular millet for making gruel and beer. They raise sheep for wool and meat, and weave cotton-like garments from wild sisal hemp.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Lhomi believe in the existence of spirits and natural forces that control the affairs of their lives. Their religion has been described as "unrefined Buddhism. ... Their shamans (animistic priests) are as active as the Buddhist lamas. Although animal sacrifice is abhorrent to orthodox Buddhists, the Lhomis make several ritual animal sacrifices during the year." Before millet is planted in September, the Lhomi kill three sheep to placate the patron deity of their village.

Due to the large foreign missionary contingent formerly based in Darjeeling, northeast India, many Lhomi there have some awareness of the gospel, and a few have believed in Christ. In recent years more than 100 Lhomi in Nepal have also put their faith in Christ. They are now sending evangelists to other people groups. Lhomi Scripture portions were first printed in 1976, and gospel recordings are also available. Despite the existence of Lhomi Christians in Nepal and India, it has proven difficult for the gospel to spread to their counterparts in Tibet, due to the political situation there and the tightly controlled borders.


What Are Their Needs?

They need a solid foundation, which can only be found in Jesus. They need security and hope, which can be found in Christian communities. Jesus can give them a personal connection with God that they will find nowhere else.


Prayer Points

Pray for family leaders learn about Jesus, embrace him, and take him to their family members.
Pray for a spiritual hunger among these people and a longing to know God personally.
Pray the JESUS Film will soon become easily available to them in the language they understand.


Scripture Prayers for the Lhomi in China.


References

Operation China, Asia Harvest, Copyrighted © Used with permission.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Lhomi
People Name in Country Lhomi
Pronunciation Low-mee
Alternate Names Kar Bhote; Karbhote; Kathe Bhote; Lhoket; Saapa; Shing; Shing Saapa; Shingsaba; Shingsawa; Singsawa; लहोमी
Population this Country 1,700
Population all Countries 4,900
Total Countries 3
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
People ID 18548
ROP3 Code 114165
ROP25 Code 304695
ROP25 Name Lhomi
Country China
Region Asia, Northeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 19  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country The majority are found in Nepal, where they inhabit six villages on the steep slopes of the upper Arun above Hedanna in Sankhuba Sabha district. In recent years some Lhomi men have moved down to Kathmandu. In India, 1,000 Lhomi people live in the famous tea-growing and tourist region of Darjeeling.   Source:  Peoples of the Buddhist World, 2004
Country China
Region Asia, Northeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 19  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country The majority are found in Nepal, where they inhabit six villages on the steep slopes of the upper Arun above Hedanna in Sankhuba Sabha district. In recent years some Lhomi men have moved down to Kathmandu. In India, 1,000 Lhomi people live in the famous tea-growing and tourist region of Darjeeling..   Source:  Peoples of the Buddhist World, 2004
Primary Religion: Buddhism
Religion Subdivision: Tibetan
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
80.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
20.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Lhomi (1,700 speakers)
Language Code lhm   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Lhomi (1,700 speakers)
Language Code lhm   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Lhomi

Primary Language:  Lhomi

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1976)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1995)
Bible-Complete No
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Audio Recordings Online Audio Scripture Talking Bibles
Audio Recordings Oral Bible stories One Story
General Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible app: Lhomi YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Lhomi YouVersion Bibles
Photo Source Psalms Unplugged Nepal 
Map Source People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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