Missions Message

Today I want to focus on a people group that our children learned about and prayed for this week in Kids Church, the Khamba people. They are a people group that live in Tibet and are part of the 10-40 window. Tibet is part of China and home of Mt. Everest. As many of us know, Tibet lost its temporary independence in 1950 when China invaded Tibet. Before that it was considered a theocratic Buddhist state. The Communists have sought to destroy the culture, religions and ethnic identity of the people. It is thought that perhaps 1 million people have lost their lives in resistance and a further 100,000 have been forced into exile including the Dalai Lama who is considered the political and spiritual leader of Tibetans.

Our children learned this week that they love horses and are known for their expert horsemanship. One unique pastime the Khamba (or Khampa depending on how you phonetically hear this people group's name) people have is yak racing. They are Lama Buddhist and are part of the red hat faction. According to Operation World, there is much demonic bondage and spirit appeasement. The Khamba people believe that they need to earn merit to gain access to heaven which can be done through saying certain prayers over and over again, doing good, and other methods to appease the spirits. In all of Tibet, only .2% are Christian, largely Catholic.

Prayer Points:

• That the Khamba people will be released from spiritual bondage and become followers of Christ.

• That the efforts going on through the Jesus Film, radio and personal evangelism will bear fruit and that many people will hear the Good News and believe.

• That there will be a peaceful and just settlement for the political situation in Tibet.

All this information comes either from The Caleb Project or Operation World.