Hmong Njua in France

People Name:	Hmong Njua
Country:	France
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	133,000
World Population:	796,800
Primary Language:	Hmong Njua
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	10.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.40 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Miao / Hmong
Affinity Bloc:	Southeast Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

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. "Due to geographical separation ... the two Hmong Njua groups [China and Vietnam] have no extensive sociocultural contact and do not consider each other to belong to the same group."

By the middle of the 1970s, Laos and Vietnam fell to the communists. Hmongs had been resisting the communists, and soon they were being violently persecuted. In the coming years, thousands fled to countries like France, which once held Laos and Vietnam as colonies. There are two Hmong groups in France: The Hmong Daw and the Hmong Njua. They have different languages, but their cultures are similar.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Hmong Njuas have been in France since the 1980s. By now, most are integrated into French society. They try to maintain their culture through special events. Each year, they come together to celebrate the Hmong New Year. Hmong Njua women are skilled embroiderers. Mothers teach their daughters these skills at an early age. French is replacing the Hmong Njua language.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Hmong Njuas are animists. They are susceptible to being deceived by strong, influential figures. One of their legends tells of a Hmong savior who will come and lead them into their own land where they will be left alone in peace. Thousands of Hmong in Vietnam have followed a miracle-working leader who claims to be the Hmong savior.

Although there are large Christian communities among the Hmong Njuas in Vietnam, their counterparts in China are an unreached people group. More than half have yet to receive a clear presentation of the gospel. The Jesus film is available in "Blue Miao" - the only translation completed in any Miao/Hmong language. Most Hmong Njua in China are able to understand it, depending on the amount of contact they have had with their Hmong Daw neighbors. Many Hmong Njuas can also understand the Hmong Daw gospel radio programs.

Thus, the Hmong Njuas already had a gospel witness by the time they reached France.

What Are Their Needs?

Hmong Daws need the spiritual hunger it takes to embrace Christ in a place where they are given the choice between secularism and Buddhism.

Prayer Points

Pray for Hmong Njua Christians to take the gospel to others and disciple them in the ways of Christ.
Pray for them to reach those who lack the hope of Christ in France.
Pray for a Holy Spirit-led revival that will bless their families and communities.