Nyenpa in Bhutan
Photo Source:
Copyrighted © 2024
Peoples of the Buddhist World, Asia Harvest All rights reserved. Used with permission |
Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Nyenpa |
| Country: | Bhutan |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 13,000 |
| World Population: | 13,000 |
| Primary Language: | Nyenkha |
| Primary Religion: | Buddhism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Unspecified |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | No |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Buddhist |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Nyenpa people live in central Bhutan. They inhabit the western half of the Trongsa District, as well as areas of south-east Wangdue Phodrang District. Linguist George van Driem has given a detailed description of where the Nyenpa language, called Nyenkha, is spoken: 'Nyenkha is spoken primarily on the eastern slopes of the Black Mountains overlooking the Mangdechu River. On the west bank of the Mangdechu, the language is spoken as far north as the village of Simphu and as far south as the village of Kala across the river from Zhamgang. Nyenkha is also spoken in several villages to the east of the Mangdechu between Trongsa and Zhamgang, including Taktse, Usa and Trashidingkha. Nyenkha is also spoken on the western slopes of the Black Mountains in the villages of Phobjikha, Rid 'ang and D 'angchu and in surrounding hamlets of Wangdue Phodrang District. '
The ethnic name of this group, Nyenpa, or 'people of Nyen ', is probably derived from the term Ngenlung, or 'ancient region '. This is the name the Tibetan sage Kunkhen Longchen Ramjam used to refer to west central Bhutan in the 14th century. The name of their language, Nyenkha, literally means 'ancient language '.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Most likely they herd livestock and grow grain like the other peoples around them.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Tibetan Buddhism has had a spiritual stronghold on the area for more than 1,000 years. All the Nyenpa people are Tibetan Buddhists.
What Are Their Needs?
The Nyenpa people have no chance to hear that only Jesus Christ saves us from sin.
Prayer Points
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will lead the Nyenpa people to seek, find and embrace the King of kings.
Pray for loving and dedicated workers to go to them.
Pray for the Lord to open the door for gospel witness.
Pray for a movement to Christ among the Nyenpa people.