January-February 2006
World View

Proud warrior Khambas of Tibet
By Darren Tipton

Legend tells that Tibetan history starts with a monkey (woman) and a siren (man). The monkey was sent for religious retreat on the high plateau. The siren managed to persuade him to marry her. They married and had six children. They were believed to be the ancestors of the Tibetan people. However, archaeology and geology discovery makes ethnologists believe Tibetans are descendants of aborigines and nomadic Qiang tribes. According to archaeological discovery, Tibetan history can be traced to 4,000 years ago.

Located between East Tibet and North Yunnan in China, there is an area that features big mountains, deep rivers and wide valleys — and where more than 3 million Tibetans make their homes.

The Khambas — historically a proud warrior people of Tibet — are both brave and legendary heroes who are known for their warlike spirit. Devout Tibetan Buddhists, this people group is known for its belief in reincarnation and Buddha’s ability to manifest himself in human form.

So when Christian missionaries pray over the Kham people and share God’s Word, God’s Spirit begins to work among the people — but not without great resistance. As God’s kingdom advances among the Kham Tibetan people, the “resident forces” do not want to give up their ground easily. God’s movement in Chinese house churches is strongly challenged by government crackdowns and opposition in many forms.

Take It Personally:

Q---Where are the Khambas people located?
A-- Kham, in general, does not refer to a specific place, it refers to a wide area adjoining East Tibet, South Qinghai ,West Sichuan and North Yunnan. In this wide area are many famous towns and cities such as Khamding, Ganzi, Litang, Batang, Derchin, Mangkham, Bangda, Chamdo, Yushu,and Shiqu, Ma¡erkham.

Q---If God called me, how would I get there?
A---There are four main routes
Fly to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, then go westward
Fly to Xining, capital of Qinghai province, then go southward
Fly to Kunming, capital of Yunnan province, then go northward
Fly to Lhasa ,capital of Tibet Autonomous Region, then go eastward.

Q---How can I pray for the Kham Tibetan people?
A-- Pray for boldness and protection for small groups and individuals who may be in danger of having their spiritual life snuffed out. Pray for a new radio station playing gospel recordings. Pray that the Kham will tune in the radio and also meet believers who can help them move closer to the Savior.