Loba in Bhutan

People Name:	Loba
Country:	Bhutan
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	2,200
World Population:	5,200
Primary Language:	Lhowa
Primary Religion:	Buddhism
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Portions
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Buddhist
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction

The Loba live largely in the Mustang district of Bhutan, which extends north into what would otherwise be China. Until 1952 this small group had their own Buddhist kingdom, which was established around 1380 AD. Some Loba practice polyandry, where one woman has more than one husband, with the men probably being brothers. Almost all Loba are zealous believers in Tibetan Buddhism. There are many temples and monasteries throughout their territory. Some years ago several Loba were relocated outside their territory because of great floods, and this has brought some into contact with Christianity for the first time.

Ministry Obstacles

Buddhism teaches a very different worldview than that of the Bible. Much readjustment in ones' thinking is necessary to begin to understand and believe.

Outreach Ideas

We can pray the few Christians among the Loba will soon become strong enough to take the Gospel to their entire people group. They are not a large people group.

Pray for the Followers of Christ

There have been a few Christians reported among the Loba. Pray they will be nurtured by the Lord's Spirit and that they will grow in numbers and maturity.

Pray for the Entire People Group

Pray the strongly Buddhist Loba will be given a knowledge of their sin and need for a savior. As they hunger to know forgiveness pray the Lord will send knowledge of his Son's death and provision for forgiveness to them.