Tibet (MNN) — Tibetan society's identity with Buddhism has been compared with the situation of the Amish in Pennsylvania. A Pioneers member recently noted that infiltrating Tibetan society with the Gospel is akin to setting up a Tantric Tibetan monastery in an Amish village.
In other words, there are significant walls to climb.
Pioneers has begun scaling those walls, however, with the help of one vital project. The Trel'wa Project is a groundbreaking effort to reach the more than 140,000 Tibetans living in exile in South Asia. Ninety-five percent of the seven million Tibetans around the world remain unreached.
The unique media aspect and familial approach of the Trel'wa Project are what seem to have gained it entry into Tibetan society. Print, web, audio and visual media are used to address issues in Tibetan family life.
Family is a central value in Tibetan culture, yet one Pioneer says a frequent concern of the people is this: "We don't know what to do with our young people." The Trel'wa Project has been able to step in and provide answers from a biblical viewpoint.
Since the last update on this project two months ago, parents have consistently hailed the program as "useful" and "deep" — words that respectively refer to primary value and worthy religious teaching in Tibetan society.
As entire communities discuss the biblically-based principles taught regarding family life, those seeking to know more are connected with local workers who guide them to the Gospel.
Although the process is slow, the program is clearly infiltrating some hearts and drawing interest. The local refugee camp leader, who denied more than 80 percent of Pioneers' community development efforts in the past, has engaged at a level of personal risk in the Trel'wa Project to address these important family issues.
The concepts of Christ and Christianity may be foreign, but doors are opening for the Gospel. Pray that the Lord would continue to use this project to help families, that they might see the eternal value of a family rooted in Christ.
It's only $22 to reach about 50 Tibetans. To help with this project, click here.
