On September 10, a court in Bhutan sentenced pastor Tandin Wangyal to three years, 11 months in prison for receiving funds for ministry activities from a foreign Christian organisation.
The court asserts that the pastor received US$11,864 to conduct training and spread Christianity. Wangyal was convicted under Article 71 of the Civil Society Organisation Act of Bhutan, which outlaws raising funds for activities ‘in contravention of the laws of the country’ and without prior permission.
Wangyal and his wife have three sons, aged 8, 5 and 2. ‘I am worried about my wife and my three little sons,’ he said. ‘Please pray for me and my family.’