Bhutan lies in the eastern Himalayas, between China and India. Bhutan is a tiny country the total area is about 4,000 square miles. With a population of 2.3 million, Bhutan has remained a hidden kingdom by choice for many years. It is one of the least evangelized nations in the world. King Wangchuk and the government reinforce the hold of Buddhism over the country. Bhutan was totally closed to Christians until 1965 and even now only a small number of organizations who are helping run hospitals and schools are allowed in. There is strictly no evangelism allowed.

Here is a report we received from our native missionaries working in Bhutan. “We met local church leaders Pastor Raj and Pastor Lama who are serving God in Bhutan. House church meetings and prayer fellowships are conducted mostly at night to avoid suspicion. Evangelism is normally done through close friends and at family get-togethers.

Beaten, jailed & persecuted for Jesus - Early this year two evangelists (John and Benjamin) had been arrested for evangelistic activities at Paro. They are still in jail. Even their families have not been able to visit them because of fear of persecution. Bhutanese Government allows other religion to practiced ‘indoors’ only and to preach anything other than Buddhism, is an act classified as treason.

Recently secret police have arrest 6 Christians for interrogations but who were later released. Thanks to the prayers of the believers. On two occasions, while we were having the Sunday service, meetings had to be stopped because of the spies who lurk around houses to find any Christians. All church and prayer meetings are conducted at night to avoid suspicion. Some trek for 2 – 4 hours on the mountains just to be in the meetings. Though there is hardship, Jesus gives us strength to carry on the task of evangelism and church planting.

We spent a week at Mr. Hemraj’s house. Though they are Buddhist they are very responsive to the word of God. He used to drink heavily and his family requested us to pray for him. During our stay the whole family accepted Jesus and was baptized in water. (By Dorjee Lama)

Harvest NOW continues to train and provide financial support to the pastors, missionaries and evangelists who are risking their lives to preach the gospel. Please pray that in spite of persecution and restrictions imposed by the government, people in Bhutan may hear the gospel.

Thank you for your love and prayer for the souls of men, women and children

Bhutan - Land of many dragons