Bhotia Sikkim in Bhutan

People Name:	Bhotia Sikkim
Country:	Bhutan
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	6,200
World Population:	105,200
Primary Language:	Sikkimese
Primary Religion:	Buddhism
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Translation Needed
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Tribal - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

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.