Indian Monks Discovering Christianity Through Alan

Monks aren’t particularly known for being on top of modern societal trends, but Gyatso and Tenzin* are breaking the mold. They traveled from India to Atlanta with the goal of studying English, the sciences, and the outside world. When they return to India, they’ll share what they’ve learned with their peers to help that sect of monks integrate better with the modern world.  

One very interesting aspect of Gyatso and Tenzin’s mission is that they are eager to learn about the Bible and Jesus. “They have not stated that they want to become followers of Christ,” says Encompass intern Alan, “but they’ve given me and my fellow workers a big opportunity to pour into them, teach them, and show them the love of Christ.” And what they learn about Jesus will be brought back to India! 

Alan first met the monks at a weekly cultural exchange event where people meet at a coffeehouse to engage in one-on-one conversations with people from other cultures. Some come to practice English, some come to swap cultural stories, and others come for community. After the event, participants are invited to stay and participate in Bible reading and reflection as a small church gathers there every other week. 

Gyatso and Tenzin had never attended the church service before, but on Alan’s first Sunday at the cultural exchange, Tenzin asked him, “Will we read the Bible there?” When Alan affirmed him, Tenzin smiled and said, “Okay, good!” Alan says, “I haven’t spent much time with monks before, but the fact that he was happy to read the Bible filled me with hope.” 

A few minutes after the church gathering had started, everyone introduced themselves and said a little bit about themselves. “The fact that Gyatso, Tenzin, and I are all single and in Atlanta to learn led to them calling me a monk,” says Alan. “I'm a Star Wars fan, and Jedis are basically monks, so being called a monk was very fun for me!”  

Gyatso and Tenzin both participated in reading aloud, and when everyone was discussing the passage, they asked very insightful questions. Alan says, “The questions they were asking showed that they were hungry to learn about Jesus Christ and God’s love.” 

The monks were given Bibles to take home and asked for recommendations on what to read. “I spoke to Tenzin a few days later, and he told me he read more on his own,” Alan says. “And Gyatso asked one of my colleagues to send him the daily Bible verses with background and commentary on some passages!” Before they dispersed, one of the church members welcomed Gyatso to message him or Alan with any questions he has while reading. 

“Now I see them two or three times a week,” Alan says, “and I am very much looking forward to engaging with them and helping them learn about the Bible.” 

Please join us in asking God to open Gyatso and Tenzin’s eyes as Alan and the other church members show them Jesus’s love. 

*Names changed for privacy