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Contents 1 Tibet - Xizang Autonomous Region 1.1 Location 1.2 Rule by China 1.3 Religion 1.4 Challenges for Christians: 1.5 Prayer 2 External Link

[edit] Tibet - Xizang Autonomous Region

[edit] Location

• Tibet is a plateau region in Central Asia and the indigenous home to the Tibetan people. With an average elevation of 16,000 feet, it is the highest region on Earth and is commonly referred to as the “Roof of the World.” Tibet is part of the People’s Republic of China with a small part, depending on definitions, by India.

[edit] Rule by China

• Tibet is a contentious international issue. It lost its temporary independence as a theocratic Buddhist state in 1950 when China invaded the land. The Communists have systematically sought to destroy the culture, religions and ethnic identity of the Tibetan people. Resistance to the occupiers has resulted in frequent revolts and unrest. Over one million people may have lost their lives and a further 100,000 may have been forced into exile including the spiritual and political leader of Tibetans, the Dalai Lama. Pray for a just and peaceful end to the current unrest.

[edit] Religion

• Tibet is mostly Tibetan Buddhist (80%), and Christians comprise only 0.2% of its population. Tibetan Buddhists believe in reincarnation. They also believe that every action influences how the soul will be born in the next life. Such teachings have caused them to live their lives in bondage and fear. Tibetan Buddhism has a strong hold on the people. There is much demonic bondage; the pre-Buddhist Bon religion with its spirit appeasement and occultism permeates society. Blood covenants were made with the powers of darkness in past centuries — these must be renounced. There are officially still 1,780 monasteries and 46,000 Buddhist monks. Pray that present sufferings may be God’s means for bringing spiritual freedom to Tibetans.

[edit] Challenges for Christians:

• The constitution of the People's Republic of China provides for freedom of religious belief and the freedom not to believe in Tibet. However, the government has sought to restrict religious practice to government-sanctioned organizations and registered places of worship and to control the growth and scope of the activity of religious groups.

[edit] Prayer

1. Pray that God will set Buddhists free from the bondage of fear in Tibet.
2. Ask the Lord to reveal Himself to the Tibetans through dreams and visions.
3. Ask the Lord to raise up strong local churches among the Tibetans.

[edit] External Link

• Wikipedia