Akha in Vietnam
Photo Source:
Arian Zwegers - Flickr
Creative Commons
|
Map Source:
People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.
|
| People Name: | Akha |
| Country: | Vietnam |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 23,000 |
| World Population: | 687,000 |
| Primary Language: | Akha |
| Primary Religion: | Ethnic Religions |
| Christian Adherents: | 5.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.30 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Hani |
| Affinity Bloc: | Tibetan-Himalayan Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
|
Introduction / History
Most scholars agree that the Akha were originally of Tibetan origin. The Akha have a detailed creation epic poem. Long recitations, committed to memory and handed down from parents to children, are essential for continuing the Akha culture. Among the Akha, it is important for a man to be able to memorize his complete genealogy right back to the first man, Sm Mi O. To be unable to do so is considered a disgrace. The Akha genealogy now covers more than 60 generations.
Where Are they Located?
Most of the Akha people live in China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, or Vietnam.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Akha people own livestock, especially pigs and chickens. Many of them get married at age 12-14. Akha men can have more than one wife.
What Are Their Beliefs?
There are strong bodies of Akha believers in Thailand and Myanmar, but not in Vietnam, China, or Laos. In these countries they cling to their traditional animistic religion that keeps them apart from the living God.
What Are Their Needs?
The depravity of man, the culture, and illiteracy cry out for the transforming power of Christ. Please pray for the salvation of the Akhas!
Prayer Points
Ask for the Lord of the Harvest to send workers into this field to tell the Akha people that they have been specially created for a unique purpose: to know, love and worship Jesus Christ.
Pray for the Akhas to become a source of life, turning even their persecutors toward the light of the Savior.
Pray for a strong discipling ministry that will transform Akha communities in Vietnam into His likeness.