Lahu in Vietnam

Lahu
Photo Source:  Anonymous 
Map Source:  People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Lahu
Country: Vietnam
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 12,000
World Population: 590,600
Primary Language: Lahu
Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents: 5.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.04 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Ministry Resources: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Tibeto-Burman, other
Affinity Bloc: Tibetan-Himalayan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Lahu speak in a Tibetan-Burmese language.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Lahu work in cultivation and recently have been doing wet rice cultivation. They also do bamboo and metal work. They also fish and hunt as a means of income. Rice is a regular food for them and they eat fish and meat. The Lahu use herbal medicines alongside rituals. They like to play the flute and drums.
Lahu women give birth at home with the help of female relatives. The baby is named when it is born. There are many details to be observed in a Lahu marriage. Usually, the bride lives with the family of her husband. With death, the family of the bereaved fire shots to tell others close to them what has happened, and they believe it gets rid of ghosts. Sons and daughters are in mourning for three years for their bereaved parents.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Lahu worship ancestors but believe a deity is in control. They believe there are two places in heaven: one is a "dead house" where the person dies and that is the end. The other is a "sick house" where a worship ritual enables them to live longer. They go to fortune tellers to ask them about their situation.

What Are Their Needs?

Of the six countries where the Lahu people reside, they are least reached in Vietnam. Lahu and Vietnamese Christian believers must go to them.

Prayer Points

Pray that Christians will go to the Lahu and give them the gospel message.
Pray for them to have the spiritual hunger it takes to seek and find the King of kings.
Pray for Lahu disciples to make more disciples in Vietnam.

Text Source:   Joshua Project