Pouhoy in Laos

People Name:	Pouhoy
Country:	Laos
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	300
World Population:	300
Primary Language:	Oy
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Unspecified
Ministry Resources:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Southeast Asian, other
Affinity Bloc:	Southeast Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Until 1975, the Pouhoy lived under authority of the King of Laos in Luang Prabang. Over the centuries, Lao kings had the reputation for being distant from the people, unlike the present King of Thailand.

Even though the Pouhoy believe they are a distinct, unique people group, they have never appeared in any mission lists of Laos and are not counted in census figures for Laos. The Pouhoy are situated very near the Kongsat ethnic group, who are even smaller in size.

One scholar has speculated that the Pouhoy may be "the last remaining remnant of a Mon-Khmer group that migrated to southern Laos long ago and became today's Jeng and Oy." This possibility is strengthened by the fact both the Jeng and Oy claim to have originated far north of their present locations.

The Pouhoy ethnic group lives in the Kang Village of the Namo District of northern Oudomxai Province.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Pouhoy are animists, with no understanding whatsoever of the claims of Christ.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Pouhoy people need to put their trust and identity in the hands of the loving God of Creation who sent his son to make it possible for them to enter the Kingdom of God.

What Are Their Needs?

Pray the Pouhoy would soon come to know him who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Ask God to prepare the hearts of the Pouhoy to follow him.

Pray small groups in Laos such as the Pouhoy would not be forgotten as the church reaches the lost.