Introduction / History

The Maleng are also known as the Pakatan. Their location is within the Nakay District of Khammouan Province, in the central part of Laos. Specifically, the live near the banks of the Theun River, around Ban Si Nho. A larger number of the Maleng live in Vietnam, where they are officially included as part of the Chut ethnic group.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Maleng live in one of the most poverty stricken areas of Laos, despite the abundance of natural resources in the region.

Most Maleng people are farmers. Since they came down from the mountains, the Maleng have been forced to learn how to plant and harvest vegetables, and how to live sedentary lives. The related Chut-speaking tribes in the mountains continue to get most of their food by hunting, fishing and foraging on the forest floor.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Maleng people have their own traditional religious practices. They serve and fear the spirit world. Those in Laos have a much higher percentage of Christian believers than those in Vietnam.

What Are Their Needs?

Christianity has made no impact on the Maleng, despite the fact there is a growing church in the eastern part of the province. Believers in the area have experienced harsh persecution for their faith, which in many cases has caused the believers to lose their boldness and to become 'secret believers'. A gospel recording is available in Maleng.

Prayer Items

Ask God to convict the Maleng of sin, righteousness and judgment, that they might seek Him with all their hearts.

Pray the Gospel would spread to all parts of Khammouan Province.

Pray the Maleng would not be forgotten by the Body of Christ. Ask God to direct workers to them.

Scripture Prayers for the Maleng in Vietnam.

References

Peoples of Laos, Asia Harvest, Copyrighted © Used with permission