Bhotia Sikkim in Bhutan
Photo Source:
Kandell, Alice S. - Library of Congress
Creative Commons
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Bhotia Sikkim |
| Country: | Bhutan |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 6,300 |
| World Population: | 101,300 |
| Primary Language: | Sikkimese |
| Primary Religion: | Buddhism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Unspecified |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Tribal - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Bhutan was closed off to the rest of the world for centuries. The Bhotia believe they have been Buddhists since the Tibetan sage Padmasambhava flew across the Himalayas on the back of a tiger and introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in 746 AD.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Bhutan is not as closed to the outside world as it once was, but access is still limited. But the larger obstacle is the mindset of the prevailing religion.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Sikkim Bhotia people are solidly Buddhist. Young men are required to make an oath of allegiance to Buddha at age 15.
What Are Their Needs?
Only in recent years has the gospel of Christ started to gain a foothold. The Sikkim Bhotia people need the chance to hear and respond to Christ’s offer of abundant life.
Prayer Points
Sustained prayer is needed to prepare the hearts of the people of Bhutan to understand the message of Christ, and to believe.
Pray for the followers of Jesus among the Bhotia community, that their faith in Christ will be strengthened by regular fellowship together.
Pray for an accurate understanding of the grace offered by Christ, and that they will desire to be obedient to Christ's teachings.
Pray for hunger to find a solution to their sin problem.