Akha in Myanmar (Burma)
Photo Source:
Arian Zwegers - Flickr
Creative Commons
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Send Joshua Project a map of this people group.
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| People Name: | Akha |
| Country: | Myanmar (Burma) |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 222,000 |
| World Population: | 687,000 |
| Primary Language: | Akha |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 49.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 25.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Hani |
| Affinity Bloc: | Tibetan-Himalayan Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
In some villages workers have not been able to enter because of numerous dangers, and military battles. A few villages had been burnt down, but God opened the way for a team to reach six villages. They preached the Word of God from house to house with permission granted by the chiefs of the villages. Bible studies were held at night and outreaches during the day. There are many Akha, Lahu and Shan peoples not yet reached and there are no workers!
One of the Akha villages is home to 43 people. All of them are drug addicts except one family. The villagers (including women, men and sons and daughters) smoke opium. By God's grace, 16 Akha drug addicts confessed Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
"We never heard the Good News of Jesus. No one tells us about Jesus," said one Akha woman with tears in her eyes. We preached the whole night. Some drug addicts brought their opium. They smoked the opium and became drunk!
Where Are they Located?
There are hundreds of unreached Akha villages in the Golden Triangle. There are more than 1.5 million Akhas in Myanmar. The Akhas speak the language of Tibeto-Burman that is closely similar to the Lahu and Lisu tribes language. The Akhas usually do not stay in one village for long. They will move from one place to another and they prefer the hilly mountain sides. The distance between the villages may be three or four days on foot.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Swine and poultry are the most important livestock of the Akhas. Dogs are used for hunting but they also like to eat them.
The Akhas mostly get married around 12 or 14 years old and they live in extended family units averaged about 10 people in each family. An Akha man can take more than three wives.
What Are Their Needs?
The depravity of man, the culture and the illiteracy cry out for the transforming power of Christ. Would you please pray for the salvation of the Akhas?
Prayer Points
1. Pray for the salvation of the Akhas and the unreached peoples of the Golden Triangle in Myanmar.
2. Pray for the salvation of the chiefs in the Akha villages.
3. Pray for the Akha children in the Akha region. Most of the Akha children are not in school since there are no schools, no roads and no medical facilities. The children are addicted to drugs. Pray for deliverance from their addiction.
4. Pray for protection of all the laborers of Christ.
5. Pray for provision of workers and resources.
6. Pray for peace in the country.