Introduction / History

People belonging to the Bit ethnic group inhabit eight villages in the northern tip of Laos. The majority are in the Boun-Tai District of Phongsali Province. Others live in the Samphan and Khoa districts. A small number of Bit people have migrated to Luang Namtha Province. Others live in China.
Most Bit villages consist of between 30 to 50 houses. They are invariably located in forested valleys at altitudes between 400-1000m (1,310-3,280 feet) above sea level. The area inhabited by the Bit in Laos is bordered by the Lu, Kim Mun and Akha.
The Bit speak a language belonging to the Northern branch of Mon-Khmer. Bit is reportedly closely related to the Khao language of Vietnam. Multi-lingualism is now prevalent among the Bit. Many can speak some or all of the Lao, Lu, Khmu and Hmong languages.
Even though they have a distinct ethnicity, the Bit were counted under the Khmu in the 1985 census. The 1995 census listed them separately, however.
There are several clans among the Bit, named after different types of sacred birds. Over the past few decades, the Bit have started on a speedy decline towards assimilation. Today many Bit are culturally and linguistically tied to the Lu or the Lao.
Old Bit women still retain their traditional dress. They like to wear silver bracelets and pendants made of shells.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Animism and ancestor worship are the strongest religions among the Bit. They observe many animistic ceremonies, including worship of the spirits of the village, house, harvest, illness and epidemics. Many spiritual traditions are dying out. In some Bit villages that are situated closer to urban populations, animistic practices have been extinct for several generations.

What Are Their Beliefs?

There are no Christians among the Bit in either northern Laos or southern China. All of them live and die without experiencing the abundant life offered by Jesus Christ. Who will tell them?

Prayer Points

The Bit are being assimilated by several ethnic groups. Pray they will find their identity in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Khmu evangelists to soon focus on the Bit.
Ask God to bring forward a triumphant Bit church in both Laos and China, for the glory of his name.

Scripture Prayers for the Bit in Laos.

References

Peoples of Laos, Asia Harvest, Copyrighted © Used with permission.