Introduction / History

Strangely, the Xinh Mun were counted as a distinct ethnic group in the 1985 Lao census but were not listed in the 1995 census. It is likely they have been incorporated into the Pong ethnic group.

In northern Laos, the Xinh Mun primarily inhabit villages along the Et River in the Xiangkho District of Houaphan Province. A small number live in Thailand, and a larger number are in Vietnam.

Mun are unrelated to the Singmoon ethnic group in Laos, who live near the Thai border.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Xinh Mun communities are often mixed with the Tai Dam. Xinh Mun women also wear clothing and headdresses similar to the Tai Dam. They wear a short vest that has a row of silver buttons carefully made in the shape of butterfly wings. Xinh Mun women are in the habit of chewing betel-nut, which stains their teeth black. Black teeth "are so highly esteemed that one never sees a white tooth save in the mouth of a very young child. Betel-chewing tends to darken the enamel and chut is carefully rubbed on to intensify the black, for it is a common saying, 'Any dog can have white teeth'."

Three generations of the same family living under one roof is common among the Xinh Mun. Their homes are separated into two main sections. One section called the plang is reserved for single men or guests of the family. It also contains the altar for worshiping spirits. The second part, called the xia is the main section where the family sleeps, cooks and eats.

The two main family names among the Xinh Mun are Vi and Lo. Each lineage shares a certain animal that is sacred to them.

What Are Their Beliefs?

A large majority of the Palestinian Arabs in the UAE are Sunni Muslim. There are only a few Christians. Sunnis believe that by following the Five Pillars of Islam they will attain heaven when they die. However, they believe that Allah, the supreme God of the universe, will ultimately determine who enters paradise. Sunnis pray five times a day facing Mecca, fast during the month of Ramadan and attend mosque services on Friday. If a Muslim has the means, he or she will make a pilgrimage to Mecca once in his or her lifetime. Muslims are also prohibited from drinking alcohol, eating pork, gambling, stealing, slandering and making idols.

What Are Their Needs?

Many of the Palestinian Arabs living in the UAE have not heard the gospel message. They believe Isa (as they call Jesus) was a human prophet. The Palestinians working in lower-level jobs in the UAE would benefit by having Christian medical teams show them

Prayer Items

Pray the long-neglected area where the Xinh Mun live would soon be saturated with the gospel leading to a movement to Christ resulting in church plants and discipleship.
Ask God to make the Xinh Mun people hungry to seek for the truth.
Pray the Xinh Mun would have a godly remnant in their midst, as a witness to those who don't know him.

Scripture Prayers for the Xinh Mun in Vietnam.

References

Peoples of Laos, Asia Harvest, Copyrighted © Used with permission.