The San Chay in Vietnam migrated from southern China in the first half of the nineteenth century. Communities are divided into various family lineages, each clan having their own peculiar customs and their own protective spirit.
The San Chay are officially considered part of the Zhuang nationality in China. They speak a distinct language—different from other Zhuang varieties—and possess their own set of customs and traditions.
San Chay is part of the Central Tai linguistic family. It is a Sinicized group, consisting mainly of various areas of the delta of northern Vietnam; it is also found in smaller numbers in China." It is possible that the San Chay language in China is what linguists label the Yan-Guang dialect of Southern Zhuang.
Strict morality codes are practiced among the rural San Chay. Women must observe strict rules and customs. Whenever a woman encounters a man in a social position superior to her husband's, she is required to hide behind bamboo. The San Chay were traditionally buried when they died but, due to a lack of land, the government has recently begun demanding that the dead be cremated instead. Traditionally, when the body was placed in the coffin, seven coins were added for a man and nine for a woman. The coins represent the Khue star which they believe guides the person's soul to his or her ancestors in the other world.
Spirit worship takes a major place in the lives of the San Chay population. Each branch of the nationality worships a different spirit such as the spirit of the river, the trees, the crops, etc. Elaborate festivals include the playing of castanets, copper
San Chay people need to place their trust in Jesus Christ.
Pray for the power of Christ to bind dark spiritual forces that prevent the San Chay from experiencing His presence.
Pray for them to see and believe the miracles of Jesus Christ and that this would spark a spiritual hunger in their hearts.
Pray for bold workers who are driven by the love of the Holy Spirit to go to them.
Pray for an unstoppable movement to Christ among the San Chay.
Scripture Prayers for the San Chay in Vietnam.
Operation China, Asia Harvest, Copyrighted © Used with permission.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
