Asho Khyang in Bangladesh

Asho Khyang
Photo Source:  Gerald Roberts 
Map Source:  People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
People Name: Asho Khyang
Country: Bangladesh
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 5,500
World Population: 185,500
Primary Language: Chin, Asho
Primary Religion: Buddhism
Christian Adherents: 38.29 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Ministry Resources: No
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Kuki-Chin-Mizo (Zo)
Affinity Bloc: Tibetan-Himalayan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Asho Khyang are part of the Chin peoples who speaking 19 distinct languages and more than 40 dialects. Chin history goes back to the dawn of time. "The Chins have a story of the Tower of Babel to account for the various clans that inhabit the range of hills ... and traditions of a deluge are found everywhere." The Asho Khyang also live in Bangladesh, a Muslim country that borders Myanmar, a Buddhist nation.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Asho Khyang have many customs involving courtship and marriage. "All the marriageable girls have their own rooms where young men come courting at night. If a girl gets pregnant, the parents allow them to marry. If the girl's family agrees, they may demand five or six pigs or a couple of cows as a dowry."

What Are Their Beliefs?

In Myanmar they were a completely untouched people group until local evangelists visited them in 1987. 76 people invited Jesus into their lives. Christianity is alive among the Asho Khyang in Bangladesh, but they struggle with spiritual baggage. The people are afraid of evil spirits and of the spirits of their dead ancestors. In order to appease the angry spirits, they offer sacrifices of cows, pigs, buffaloes, goats, dogs or chickens.

What Are Their Needs?

Gospel radio broadcasts are available in their language, but they are aimed at Myanmar and are probably not received in Bangladesh.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Asho Khyang in Bangladesh to find their way to the cross and the empty grave.
Pray for Asho Khyang evangelists and disciples to bring in a full harvest among this people.
Pray for Asho Khyang disciplers to disciple many.

Text Source:   Joshua Project