MISSIONS IN TIBET by F. B. Shaw

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Mar 4, 1897

MISSIONS IN TIBET.

By F. B. Shaw

The north of Tibet is a vast uninhabited region, where the missionary would find no work to do. Coming round to the west, the Moravians hold Tibetan districts in the higher valleys of the Indus, Sutlej, and tributary rivers. Lower down the Indus and west of the Moravians, the Scandinavians are commencing work in Baltistan. This is an important step, for it means the occupation of a district with 100,000 souls as yet untouched by regular work; Mohammedans by religion, but speaking Tibetan, and members of the Tibetan family. Toward the south, Almora is occupied by the London Society, who have devoted what time they could spare to Tibetans, and where an independent worker, Mr. Agnew, has settled. Nepal is as yet unoccupied, being closed to missionaries. The Scotch mission has long held Sikkim and devoted much time to the Tibetans; but this branch of their work is now presumably taken off their hands by the members of the various societies destined for Tibet. Bhotan is unoccupied by Protestants, but the Catholics have a work in that country. In 1854 they had obtained a footing in Tibet, were ejected four years later, and retired to Bhotan. We finally come to the east, or Chinese side, where the Catholics have several stations, but where no Protestants are working at present.—F. B. Shaw.