Lahu in United States
Photo Source:
Anonymous
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| People Name: | Lahu |
| Country: | United States |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 1,600 |
| World Population: | 588,700 |
| Primary Language: | Lahu |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 70.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Tibeto-Burman, other |
| Affinity Bloc: | Tibetan-Himalayan Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Lahu are one of China's 55 official minority groups. The name Lahu reportedly means "to roast tiger meat by fire," although others say the name has no meaning. Their skill as hunters has given them their nickname of Musso, which is used throughout Southeast Asia. Since 1890, when the Lahu surrendered their rebellion against their Yi and Tai landlords, they have been viewed as cowardly by other minority groups in Yunnan. An old Lahu man said, "Ever since the defeat, the Lahu lost heart and were despised by other groups."The Lahu have a long history of war and armed conflict against their oppressors. They rebelled more than 20 times throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The region they occupied west of the Lancang River was branded "a place of constant riot."Today the Lahus not only live in China, but they also have large populations in Thailand and Myanmar. There is also a small Lahu group in the United States.
What Are Their Lives Like?
In the United States, some Lahus blend in culturally with most other Southeast Asian immigrants. Most are well-integrated since their grandparents and parents came decades ago. They try to have cultural events that are more meaningful to the elders than they are to the younger ones.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Lahu believe in a supreme god named G'ui Sha. Many Lahu villages have a temple consecrated to this deity. This belief in One Supreme Being played a large part in their mass conversion to Christianity.
What Are Their Needs?
The Lahu people have been blessed with the gospel. They need to take the name of Christ to others in Thailand and Myanmar.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among the Lahu people, making them a city on a hill to the tribes and peoples nearby.Pray for the Lord to thrust out Lahu workers to those in Yunnan Province who do not know about the saving power of Jesus Christ.Pray for the Lord to bless the Laha people with an abundant crop as proof of his power and love.