Amdo in China

Amdo in China

Overview

Behind the vibrancy of Tibetan Buddhism’s multi-colored prayer flags and colorful robes is an oppressive religion with elements of the occult.  Born of a long process of cultural collisions, Tibetan Buddhism combines aspects of northern Indian Buddhism    with the traditional Tibetan pantheon of spirits.  The result is a religion of merit-seeking and fear.  Tibetans Buddhists believe that In an attempt to escape the endless cycle of rebirth, they must perform endless rituals, say countless prayers, and depend on the fickle favor of  demonic spirits.  Such is the world of the Amdo of China, a people group that is almost 100% Tibetan Buddhist.  God’s promise in Isaiah 9:2, however, holds out great hope for the Amdo.  The light of Christ is beginning to dawn as Amdo people are gradually choosing Jesus and forming little home fellowships. Amdo believers are being discipled and are sharing the Word with others.

“The light shines in the darkness, the darkness will not overcome it” (John 1:5).

TempleTemple

Tibetan Buddhist  

Biblical

Belief in many spirits, gods, buddhas

Belief in one, true, personal, eternal  God

Many ways to salvation

One way to salvation through Jesus Christ

Use of magic, spells, etc

Never use magic/ spells

Reality is like an illusion

Reality is based on self-existent God

Belief in karma as a nearly endless cycle

Belief in bodily resurrection after death

Facts

Population: 
1053000
Religion: 
Tibetan Bhuddist
Unevangelized: 
82.0%
Christian Adherent: 
0.0%
Primary Development Concerns: 
health care
fair access to land and jobs
Amdo Tibetan

Evangelization

While a Bible translation is available for the Tibetan language (Old Testament 1948, New Testament 1968) it is written in "Old Version" and does not reflect the modern language.Tibetan BibleTibetan Bible

Poverty

Table 2: Selected indicators of human poverty for China

Probability of not surviving to age 40
(%)
Adult illiteracy rate
(% > age 14 )
People not using an improved water source
(%)
Children underweight for age
(% aged under 5)
1. Hong Kong, China
(1.4)
1. Georgia
(0.0)
1. Barbados
(0)
1. Croatia
(1)
59. China
(6.2)
56. China
(6.7)
77. China
(12)
46. China
(7)
153. Lesotho
(47.4)
151. Mali
(73.8)
150. Afghanistan
(78)
138. Bangladesh
(4So8)

Source: UNDP Human Development Report 2009 - China