The Hmong Njua are not the same ethnic group, nor do they speak the same language as the identically named Hmong in Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. In their language, the same word is used for both green and blue. For this reason, the Green Hmong have been listed as Blue Hmong in many publications. In an attempt to simplify the situation some scholars have listed them by their autonym, Hmong Njua. Chinese sources use the names Qing Miao or Lu Miao to describe this group. Hmong Njua women's clothing in China is very similar to the clothing of the Hmong Leng group. In Vietnam, however, the Hmong Njua clothing style is very different. "All the clothing is made from heavily indigo-dyed hemp cloth with no embroidery. Both women and men wear knee-length trousers and a long jacket ... because of cold weather in Sa Pa."As a result of the numerous wars waged against the Hmong during the Qing Dynasty, most of the survivors "dispersed in several directions." The Hmong in Vietnam and Laos migrated from China at the end of the 1700s and the beginning of the 1800s.When the Vietnam War ended in the mid-1970s, and well into the 1980s, many fled Vietnam and Laos as communist governments were established. Some refugees went to Suriname to start a new life.
The Hmong Njuas have had to adapt to a new language, culture, and an entirely different part of the world. Their numbers in Suriname are small, so they probably have social contact with other Asians.
Most Hmong Njua adhere to their own ethnic religion. But in Suriname, they have the freedom to choose a different spiritual path. They have a complete Bible translation and many gospel materials that can lead them to the Throne of Grace.
The secular environment in Suriname is sure to affect the younger Njua Hmong generation. They need to be introduced to Christ. Those who follow Christ can be used by the Lord as his ambassadors to those in places where they remain unreached, like nearby French Guiana.
Pray for spiritual discernment and a desire for truth among the Hmong Njua.Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in Hmong Njua families, leading them to Christ.Pray that soon Hmong Njua disciples will make more disciples.
Scripture Prayers for the Hmong Njua in Suriname.
Profile Source: Joshua Project |