Christianity in Tibet - Letters from Tibet

Letters from Tibet

We conclude this chapter by reprinting a selection of letters that were received from Tibetan areas of China by various Christian ministries during the 1990s. These precious communications provide insights into the daily lives and personal struggles of Tibetan believers and inquirers as they sought to follow Jesus Christ.

1996

"My marriage lasted less than a year, and as a woman I had to face much criticism from society. I am not happy at work and do not have any real friends. I used to hang a Buddha pendant around my neck in order to feel protected. After listening to your programs I became convinced that God is my Savior. I want to believe in Him."

"I live on a remote plateau where there are no evangelists. Needless to say, we have neither church buildings nor Christian gatherings. Most people here are Buddhists who worship idols. Before hearing your broadcast nobody knew that the universe was created by an Almighty God. Thankfully, some have now received Jesus Christ as their Savior. However, they have many questions that I don't know how to answer. The only thing I can do is suggest they listen to your broadcast. Some are willing to pursue the truth. They pray and sing hymns regularly, and I usually read the Bible to them, although I am limited by my education and I don't understand some verses. Please pray for the believers here and please help us."

1997

"My father sent me to be trained as a monk when I was 12. At 18, I was already in charge of a temple. One day I heard your broadcast by chance, and was attracted to it. I listened every day and invited other people to do so. A year later, I visited two preachers and I received Christ. Now my family is facing persecution. Please pray for me."

1998

"Our area is very poor and backward. We have not believed in Jesus for long. Also, we face persecution from the government and ridicule from unbelievers. We have no pastor or preacher, but we recently started meeting every Saturday and Sunday, although we lack Christian books."

1999

"I am a Tibetan girl. Two years ago I accidentally tuned in to your gospel channel on the radio and I was instantly hooked. Your joyful conversations and friendly voices attracted me very much. With you as my daily companion my worldview and values have changed and corrected. I could not write to you sooner because I work in an area where atheism is the philosophy."

"My wife and I have retired. She often visited temples and worshipped Buddha with incense. In recent years, because of misfortune, illness and other problems, my wife suffered from mental illness. Once she lost her temper and broke a Buddha statue. Afterwards she regretted what she had done and was very frightened. She continued to worship Buddha ceaselessly and confessed her sins in front of the idols. Every day she worried that the sky god would not forgive her and would punish her.

At the time we began to have contact with Christians, and recently my wife and I attended a local church for the first time. She was enlightened by the Lord and is willing to believe in Christ. However, she is still afraid of making Buddha and the god of the sky angry. She is puzzled and frightened.

Can one believe in Buddhism and Christianity at the same time? Is the sky god the same deity that Christians believe in?

We sincerely hope you can answer our questions."

1. Far East Broadcasting, May 1996.
2. Far East Broadcasting, October 1996.
3. Far East Broadcasting, December 1997.
4. Compass Direct, December 1998.

5. Far East Broadcasting, December 1999.

6. Trans World Radio, November 1999.