Bhutan: Serving under constant pressure

Manmaya* grew up in a devout Hindu family in Bhutan, but some family members constantly suffered from various illness. One day, her family encountered Christianity, and the prayers of fellow believers brought about an improvement in her family’s health. Eventually, the whole family chose to follow Christ.

Manmaya later married a Christian who had completed theological training. Both felt called to ministry through their faith. However, in Bhutan, ministry presented numerous challenges.

Serving under great pressure

As Manmaya and her husband felt the calling to serve others, her husband began pastoring a small local fellowship. Their desire was simple: to share the hope and healing the family of Manmaya had received.

But serving as Christians in Bhutan brings many challenges.

The church of Manmaya and her husband had to move several times; in one rented building, the neighbours complained whenever the believers gathered for worship. The landlord, who was a Buddhist, came often to check on them.

It was humiliating and discouraging for Manmaya and her husband; they felt watched and unwelcomed.

Finding a new place proved to be hard as well. Many Buddhist property owners refused to rent when they learned that the building would be used for church services.

Today, they have moved into a basement room owned by a fellow believer, situated far from residential areas. Although the conditions there are harsh, they continue to gather and worship there.

The believers have to live carefully in their daily lives.

Manmaya explains, “Usually Christianity is known as a foreign culture. People have a general notion that Christians have wrong motives. These words are painful to hear. Most of the time we remain silent and just pray. I remember that even Jesus faced persecution, rejection, and false accusations, it gives me strength. They do not know the truth, and do not understand [what they’re doing].”

Children under constant pressure

Perhaps the biggest burden for Manmaya is seeing Christian children grow up under constant pressure.

In schools, children start the day by singing the national anthem and reading Buddhist texts. During school hours, they attend classes taught by a lama to learn Buddhist teachings. Before going home, they join in final prayers. For Christian children, parents teach them about Christ at home and in church, while also teaching them to respect others. But facing such a situation daily is not simple.

“We feel very sad when we see our children struggling,” Manmaya says. “They are too young. They don’t understand it fully and it is challenging for them.”

The weight rests on parents who want to protect their children’s faith while helping them live peacefully in society. Manmaya’s little daughter who will be enrolled in school soon, is the cause of her concern, thinking about the pressures she must endure as a Christian child.

Forgiveness over revenge

Among all these pressures, persecution preparedness training becomes a turning point for the church. Through Open Doors local partners, they received biblical trainings and practical help.

For Manmaya, this training has been deeply meaningful. She learned practical ways to respond to hostility without losing faith. She understood that persecution does not mean God has abandoned them, but it can refine and strengthen the faith of believers. Though their church meets secretly in poor conditions, it has become spiritually stronger.

“This training helps us stay strong reminding us that we are not alone,” Manmaya says.

Manmaya chooses forgiveness over revenge despite rejections. According to her, love and consistent Christian living, speak louder than responses with hatred.

“Jesus is everything to me. He is my closest friend, and he understands me even before I speak,” she says softly.

A heartfelt gratitude

Manmaya appreciates the supporters who continue to love churches in Bhutan, strengthening their fellowship and love for the Lord. She prays that these efforts will continue, and hopes for more training for couples, parents and children, so that families can stand firmly together.

Ministry in Bhutan is not easy. Believers must gather secretly and quietly — but faith continues to grow. Manmaya believes that through prayer and perseverance, faith will thrive. Meanwhile, she and her husband will keep serving, raising their children in the Truth, trusting that every storm has a purpose.

There are many Christians like Manmaya in Bhutan, persevering with faith and showing that even in hidden places, God is at work. Open Doors local partners continue to reach out to these believers supporting them in standing strong, steady, and unshaken through persecution preparedness training.

*Names changed for security reasons