Introduction / History

The Lao (or Laotian Tai) are from the lowland regions of Laos. Their language, also called Lao, is a Lao-Phutai dialect of the Tai language family. Centuries ago, the Lao lived in China. However, relentless pressure by the Chinese gradually forced them southward, and many settled along the Mekong River in the eighth or ninth century. When the Lao Kingdom was replaced by a communist administration during World War II, many Lao fled to Burma and Thailand.

For years, Laos was the battlefield for the conflicts of other nations, as well as the object of political competition between Russia, China and Vietnam. During this time many migrated to other countries like Argentina where they could live in peace. It was difficult for those who went to Argentina in the late 70s and early 80s. The Argentine economy was in trouble, and there were few jobs for outsiders. Some managed to get low-paying jobs as farm workers or small time landowners. Not many Lao people remained in that South American country.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today the Lao in Argentina are becoming acculturated, learning Spanish and enjoying what freedom has to offer. They have many opportunities they never had in Laos, but they want to maintain their traditional culture. This is especially true for those who first migrated to Argentina.

The Buddhist Wat, or temple, is the center of Lao cultural life. Their social structure is based on family units, with no widespread lineages or clans.

The Lao have a variety of folk arts, which include weaving, basket making, wood and ivory carving, and working with silver and gold.

What Are Their Beliefs?

More than half of the Lao are Buddhists. Lao Buddhists believe that right thinking, ritual sacrifices, and self-denial will enable the soul to reach nirvana (a state of eternal bliss) at death. They live in fear of their gods and constantly strive to appease them with religious chants, rituals and sacrifices. They also believe that existence is a continuing cycle of death and rebirth, a process known as reincarnation.

Many are ethnic religionists, combining folk animism (belief that non-living objects have spirits) with Buddhism. They seek help through various supernatural beings and objects. Of major importance to them are the territorial deities. Such traditional beliefs are becoming weaker for those living in far-away Argentina. Some area now Roman Catholic like the Argentine majority. A small number are Evangelical.

What Are Their Needs?

The Lao were greatly affected by the fighting and bloodshed of the 1970s. The older Lao people might need inner healing and counseling. As often happens with immigrant groups, the younger generation is more Argentine than their parents and grandparents. That can sometimes cause inter-generational conflict. But they might be open to looking beyond their traditional religion for new answers.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to call people who are willing to go to Argentina and share Christ with the Buddhist Lao.

Ask God to use Lao believers to share the love of Jesus with their own people.

Pray for a movement of Lao disciples making Lao disciples in Argentina.

Pray for the blood of Jesus Christ to break through any barriers that keep them away from the cross and the empty grave.

Scripture Prayers for the Lao in Argentina.

References

http://littlelaosontheprairie.org/2015/01/02/monica-phromasavanh-the-lao-new-yorker-with-argentinian-roots/
https://www.unhcr.org/spotlight/2022/06/laos-refugee-argentina-karate/
https://lao.voanews.com/a/a-52-2007-05-24-voa3-90685414/1186514.htmlPG