Introduction / History

Monpa people are Mongaloid in descent. Monpa means, "blessed by a horse."

Where Are they Located?

Monpa people live in the regions of Tawang and West Kameng in Arunachal Pradesh in India.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Monpa people are known as friendly and hard working. They work in agriculture, trading, and breeding of yaks and cattle. They are cultivators of potatoes. The foundation seeds are brought from Himachal Pradesh and are grown by Monpa people to give certified seeds. They are sold to farmers in other regions of Arunachal Pradesh.
Other crops are barley, rice, maize and wheat. Tawang is suitable for growing oranges, apples and nuts.

Monpa people live in two story houses made of stone and with planks for floors. They are artistic people who make carpets, utensils from bamboo, and wooden items. They have made a name for themselves with their paintings and paper making.

Marriage usually involves one spouse, although more are allowed. Cross-cousin marriage is the most common practice. Divorce, and remarriage of widows is allowed.

Monpa celebrate festivals. Their language is Tibeto-Burman, but different from that of East Tibet.

No written, audio, or visual Bible resources are known to exist in the Monpa language.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Monpa are Buddhists. The Tawang monastery is the spiritual mainstay of their lives which includes spirit worship and animal sacrifices. The god Buddha has much influence over their lives.

What Are Their Needs?

No written, audio, or visual Bible resources are known to exist in the Tibeto-Burman language which Monpa people speak.

The most important need is for Monpa people to understand that their good works and worship of Buddha will never pay the penalty for their sins, and that Almighty Creator God has made a provision for them.

Prayer Items

Pray that Monpa people will see that their old systems of ethics and religion are not working, and that their only hope is in Jesus Christ.
Pray that intercessors worldwide will regularly pray for salvation of Monpa people.
Pray that churches will be planted and disciples will flourish who will reach their own people with truth of the gospel.

Scripture Prayers for the Monpa in India.

References

www.indiantravelportal.com/arunachal-pradesh/tribes/monpas.html
http://www.indianetzone.com/8/monpa_tribe.htm
http://www.wycliffe.net/en/SearchResults/tabid/88/language/en-US/Default.aspx?q=Tibeto+Burman+language