Kayah Eastern in Thailand
Photo Source:
Asia Harvest-Operation Myanmar
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Map Source:
Anonymous
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| People Name: | Kayah Eastern |
| Country: | Thailand |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 19,000 |
| World Population: | 28,000 |
| Primary Language: | Kayah, Eastern |
| Primary Religion: | Buddhism |
| Christian Adherents: | 18.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 4.00 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Karen |
| Affinity Bloc: | Tibetan-Himalayan Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Eastern Kayah Li are a Karenic ethnic group, most closely related to Western Kayah Li. The name "Kayah" is sometimes also used. However, "Kayah" may refer not only to the Kayah Li but also to several related language groups that live in the same area of Myanmar. The name "Kayah Li" refers specifically to the Kayah Li, including Eastern, Western, and other varieties.The majority of Eastern Kayah live in Eastern Kayah State in Myanmar while a small population migrated to Mae Hong Son Province in western Thailand about 60 years ago and established permanent villages during the last 20-40 years. The Eastern and Western Kayah Li consider themselves to be ethnically one.The current vitality of the Eastern Kayah language in Thailand is strong. Eastern Kayah Li is the primary language of the home, and children can speak only Eastern Kayah Li before entering school. While most Eastern Kayah adults can also speak Shan, and those who have an education can also speak Central Thai. Eastern Kayah Li people continue to speak Eastern Kayah as their first and best language.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Eastern Kayah Li people in Thailand are rice farmers living in ten mostly homogenous Kayah Li villages in Mae Hong Son Province.Despite their poverty, they love to adorn themselves with amber and coral necklaces. Festivals are grand occasions, when the villagers dance around a totem pole as musicians play traditional brass drums called Hpa Si, or “frog drums.”What Arer Their Beliefs?While some have adopted Buddhism or Christianity, the majority of the Eastern Kayah Li practice traditional animism. However, they have strong Christians among them who can show them the way to the cross.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Eastern Kayahs need to find a better way to earn a living. Subsistence farming only meets their basic physical needs.
What Are Their Needs?
Pray that soon they will become Christ’s ambassadors to disciple less-reached nations.Pray for the Lord to bless Eastern Kayah Christian believers with an abundance of God’s love, joy, and kindness, drawing others to the King of kings.Pray for them to be grateful for God’s spiritual and physical provisions.Pray for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully in such a way that they will become a light to those who still lack a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Prayer Points
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