Drukpa, Dzongkha in Denmark
Photo Source:
Steve Evans - Flickr
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: | Drukpa, Dzongkha |
| Country: | Denmark |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 700 |
| World Population: | 236,700 |
| Primary Language: | Dzongkha |
| Primary Religion: | Buddhism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Buddhist |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Drukpa are the dominant people group in Bhutan, a small nation in the Himalayan Mountains. They are Tibetan Buddhist. People who have left Bhutan are often thought of as Drukpas, even though some of them are actually Nepalis, a Hindu people group that usually lives to the west of Bhutan. Nepalis in Bhutan have been violently persecuted in recent years, so some have fled to peaceful nations like Denmark.
The Drukpa people live in the remote nation of Bhutan. Not many move out of the country, but a few have migrated to countries like the United States, India or Denmark.
What Are Their Lives Like?
In Denmark the Drukpa have refugee status. They have not fully settled into Denmark with all that entails. As time goes on, they will need to find employment, which will be difficult. Bhutan has very little modern infrastructure, and they will need to adjust to a nation that is very advanced in this area. It’s hard to say what kinds of jobs Drukpa people are qualified to take in Denmark.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Drukpa believe that 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 AD 746. The Drukpas are Tibetan Buddhist. This form of Buddhist blends Buddhist teachings with bon, an ancient form of shamanism.
What Are Their Needs?
The Drukpa and other peoples from Bhutan need to master the Danish language and gain appropriate job skills if they are going to contribute to Denmark. Some are probably traumatized by being persecuted in the Himalayan nation, and that will need to be addresses.
They have a felt need to become Danish citizens. As it stands, they are not making progress.
Prayer Points
Pray for believers to rise to the occasion to help the Drukpa people in Denmark to learn language and job skills.
Pray for a Disciple Making Movement among the Drukpa to emerge in Europe.
There are Drukpa people in Bhutan who have committed to following Christ. Pray that these people will be used of God to take the gospel to Drukpa people in India and Denmark.