Incredible Fruit in Bhutan

Showing the True Way in Bhutan

Helping listeners come to Christ and inspiring them to learn more about His word has been the focus of The Tide ministry for nearly 80 years and we are thrilled to share our work in Bhutan has recently shown incredible fruit!

Bringing the Gospel to places like Bhutan means reaching people who face real challenges for their beliefs. People who embrace Christianity risk losing basic benefits of citizenship and often face discrimination when they publicly practice their faith. We consider it a tremendous privilege to guide our listeners through their journeys with Christ and inspire them to learn more about the Good News, even in the face of adversity.

While the Bhutanese constitution “officially allows for religious freedom,” the reality on the ground isn’t always welcoming. That is why our method of discreet radio ministry is so vital.

In June 2012, we launched a weekly radio program in the official Dzongkha language titled Lamtheam, which means “Show the True Way” in English. Our radio pastor, a committed Bhutanese Christian with 17 years of ministry experience, is a true blessing. He discreetly moves about the region, a critical necessity as overt Christian activity is monitored. Listeners are understandably hesitant to correspond via mail, fearing government agents might screen their letters for religious influence. The radio waves provide a safe harbor.

Expanding Our Reach

We are now actively working to expand these broadcasts. Our Lamtheam radio pastor has started personally connecting with local people in his area and nearby villages, telling them about the program, which is aired via short wave through our partners at Good News Hour and Trans World Radio, as no local stations will air Christian content.

His recent activity reports are incredibly encouraging:

• In June: A small gathering of seven people included three regular listeners and four new ones. One non-Christian woman expressed a keen interest in knowing more about Jesus Christ.
• In July: Eight people gathered; four were regular listeners, and four were new believers who were enthusiastic about tuning in every week.
• During August: He contacted six new radio listeners. One person has already put their faith in the Lord, and the other five are interested in the program and we pray will come to the Lord soon.

Government pressure makes people scared, but slowly, they are beginning to believe in the Lord.

Our radio pastor shared his heart with us, saying, “We thank the Lord for opening the door in Bhutan to share the Good News through radio broadcasts and personal evangelism.”

Words from the Heart

The impact of this work is best told through the words of the listeners themselves. We are so blessed to share these excerpts from the hearts of those in Bhutan:

“I am a new listener. First time I listened to your radio program ‘LAMTHEAM’ (DZONKHA) program. I love Jesus Christ. I want to know more about Jesus Christ.” – MR. S

“My friends and I listen to your DZONKHA (BHUTAN) radio program ‘LAMTHEM’ regularly and are blessed. When we listen to the program, we get peace in our lives. We are growing spiritually and walking with the Lord.” – MRS. D

“I am a (non-Christian) Hindu boy. I am listening to the DZONKHA radio program ‘LAMTHEAM’ every Saturday and [am] blessed [and] touched by the word of God. After that, I started listening to it and learnt many things about Lord Jesus Christ. I have come to know that Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the world.” – MR. B

Stories like these fuel our mission and remind us that no border or government restriction can contain the power of the Gospel message. We are honored to be a vessel for His peace in their lives.