Nguon in Laos

People Name:	Nguon
Country:	Laos
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	800
World Population:	3,100
Primary Language:	Nguon
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	2.40 %
Evangelicals:	2.36 %
Scripture:	Translation Started
Ministry Resources:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Mon-Khmer
Affinity Bloc:	Southeast Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Most likely, when the Chinese invaded Vietnam 2000 years ago, the Vietnamese migrated southward into the plains. They expanded to fill all of what is now Vietnam, while the Muong stayed in the mountains and developed as a separate ethnic group. The Nguon probably came from the same historical roots as the Vietnamese people, and their languages are very similar.

Nguon is possibly a transliteration of Muong. The Nguon may have originally been a group of Muong who split off and migrated to a different area. Today the Nguon language and Vietnamese are closely related. The Muong are the third largest ethnic minority in Vietnam.

The majority of Muong in Vietnam live further north of the location given for the Nguon in Laos. The precise location of the Nguon is uncertain. According to the Language Atlas of the Pacific Area, they live directly on the Laos-Vietnam border in the Nakay District of Khammouan Province. The Ethnologue states the Nguon live in "west-central Laos, south of Bai Dinh." Though they have a small population, twice as many live in Vietnam as Laos.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In the past the Nguon faced constant threat from tigers and bears, but today few of these beasts remain. The Nguon even allow their livestock to roam about freely in the woods without fear of them being slaughtered.

Nguon villages are called quei. They put large rocks or markers along the borders of the village to clearly define borders between families and clans. Village leaders, called lang cun, control Nguon villages. No major decision is made by the community without the agreement of the lang cun.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The majority of Nguon are animists. They worship a host of gods, deities and spirits, who they believe can bless and protect their communities.

What Are Their Needs?

The Nguon people need to know that God can provide for all their spiritual and physical needs according to his riches and glory.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to provide the Nguon people an abundant harvest as a testimony of his power and goodness.

Little is known about the location and identity of the Nguon. Pray that more information would soon come to light.

Pray there would soon be a strong church planting movement among the Nguon of Vietnam and Laos.

Pray that Christians of other ethnic backgrounds would have a burden to take the gospel to the Nguon.