Tibetan, Central in United States

People Name:	Tibetan, Central
Country:	United States
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	27,000
World Population:	1,133,900
Primary Language:	Tibetan, Central
Primary Religion:	Buddhism
Christian Adherents:	0.02 %
Evangelicals:	0.02 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Tibetan
Affinity Bloc:	Tibetan-Himalayan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Hundreds of years ago King Narmi Gampo unified the various Tibetan tribes. During the 1800s Tibet came under British rule. After the British left, Tibet was independent for a few years, but that independence ended in 1949 when China invaded Tibet. Many Tibetans sought asylum in other countries, especially India, though some came to the US.

Where Are they Located?

The first Tibetan immigrants came to the U. S. in 1881 and 1890. They were so small in number they were classified as "other Asians" by the government. There were some who came to the U. S. as refugees when Tibet was conquered by the PRC in 1949. As part of the Immigration Act of 1990, 1,000 more Tibetans were given asylum in the U. S. Ninety Tibetan families settled in Southern California.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The relatively new Tibetan refugees have received housing and clothing assistance during their time of adjustment. The Tibetan Cultural and Community Service Center (TCCSC) of California is helping them to become more self-reliant through job training and teaching practical skills for living in America. Some of the more educated Tibetans teach their religious practices at American universities. Others work in menial jobs until they have the right training to advance.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Tibetan Buddhist religion is the life-blood of the Tibetan people. It was placed over the powerful Tibetan religion of Bon, which is a mixture of magic, divination, demon worship, and sacrifices. The patron saint of Tibet is Chenrezig, whose image has up to 11 heads and from 2 to 1,000 arms. This Tibetan form of Buddhism is the fastest growing form of Buddhist in California today; it is promoted by Hollywood stars.

What Are Their Needs?

The Tibetan people in the U. S. need to submit to Jesus Christ so they can experience the abundant life He offers them in John 10:10.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Tibetan people will have a spiritual hunger that will open their hearts to the King of kings. Pray for workers who are driving by the love and boldness of the Holy Spirit to go to them. Pray for a disciple making movement among them to begin this decade.