Introduction / History

Kayan peoples like the Mirik were traditionally fierce warriors and headhunters.

Where Are they Located?

They live in Malaysia's Sarawak State of Borneo.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Mirik Kayan people of Malaysia are sedentary rice and sago farmers who trade with other ethnic groups. Like other people groups in Borneo, they live in longhouses and hunt and fish. They are great craftsmen who are famous for making boats out of belian, a strong tropical hardwood. Kayan people are noted for their extensive tattoos and stretched earlobes.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The primary religion practiced by the Murik Kayan people is ethnic religion. Ethnic religion is deeply rooted in a people's ethnic identity and conversion essentially equates to cultural assimilation. Those who go to them must respect their culture and present Christ in such a way that they understand that they need to embrace Christ, not Christ plus a foreign culture.

What Are Their Needs?

The Mirik Kayan people need the chance to embrace the Lord of lords.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Mirik Kayan leaders to have dreams and visions that will give them the desire to find out more about Jesus and open their community to missionaries.
Pray for believers to take Christ to this tribe.
Pray for spiritual openness to the ways of Jesus.
Pray for a disciple making movement to flourish among the Mirik Kayan people.

Scripture Prayers for the Murik Kayan in Malaysia.

References

http://www.unesco.org/archives/multimedia/?pg=33&s=films_details&id=1770
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kayan_people_(Borneo)
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Kayan
http://scholarpublishing.org/index.php/ASSRJ/article/view/85/0