Bhutanese Refugees
You Are Here » Home \ Ministries \ Missions \ Bhutanese Refugees
[View Printable Page]

Bhutan is a country wedged between China and India and is a Buddhist kingdom about half the size of the U.S. state of Indiana.  It's considered one of the world's most isolated countries and the government strictly regulates foreign influences, including tourism, to preserve the country's Buddhist culture.  Bhutan stripped the minority ethnic Nepali Hindus of their citizenship and forced them back into Nepali refugee settlements in the early 1990's, allegedly in an attempt to ensure a homogenous culture.  The U.S. has offered to resettle 60,000 of the estimated 107,000 Bhutanese refugees of Nepalese origin now living in seven U.N. camps in southeastern Nepal--their home for the past 17 years.  Once they arrive, they will be sent to different cities around the U.S.  Texas is scheduled to receive 20,000 of the 60,000 over the next five years.  Currently there are about 400 Bhutanese/Nepalese refugees living in the Dallas area with families arriving daily. 

Highland is working with a couple, the Lorey's, who are focused on helping meet the needs of these new arrivals.  Many of them are being moved into apartments in the Vickery area and are in need of basic items such as furniture, computers, clothes, and even cleaning supplies.  Money can also be given.  Other opportunities are teaching English or teaching them how to drive.  If you are interested in helping this group adapt to their new home, please contact us for more information, secretary@highland-baptist.org .