Hmong Njua in Thailand

Hmong Njua
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Map Source:  People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Hmong Njua
Country: Thailand
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 69,000
World Population: 777,700
Primary Language: Hmong Njua
Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents: 12.00 %
Evangelicals: 3.03 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Miao / Hmong
Affinity Bloc: Southeast Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Hmong Njua are not the same ethnic group, nor do they speak the same language as the identically named Hmong in Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. In their language, the same word is used for both green and blue. For this reason, the Green Hmong have been listed as Blue Hmong in many publications. In an attempt to simplify the situation some scholars have listed them by their autonym, Hmong Njua. Chinese sources use the names Qing Miao or Lu Miao to describe this group. Hmong Njua women's clothing in China is very similar to the clothing of the Hmong Leng group. In Vietnam, however, the Hmong Njua clothing style is very different. All the clothing is made from heavily indigo-dyed hemp cloth with no embroidery. Both women and men wear knee-length trousers and a long jacket ... because of cold weather in Sa Pa.
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. Over time linguistic differences have emerged.

What Are Their Lives Like?

There are several ways for young Hmong Njua to show their admiration for each other. In some areas, lovers give each other fruit tree saplings which they plant together. For years to come they go into the woods together and tend to their growing trees. Some crops harvested in southern Yunnan include sugarcane, tea, hemp, cotton, and maize.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Hmong Njua 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. In recent years thousands of Hmong in Vietnam have followed a miracle-working leader who claims to be the Hmong savior.

What Are Their Needs?

Although there are large Christian communities among the Hmong Njua in Vietnam, Thailand and the United States, their counterparts in China and French Guiana are unreached. 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 Njua can also understand the Hmong Daw gospel radio programs.

Prayer Points

Pray the Hmong Njua would see they can enjoy abundant life if they put their trust in Jesus Christ.
Pray for the Lord to intervene in their families, calling people to his side and blessing them in every way.
Pray for Hmong Njua workers to go those who remain unreached in China and French Guiana.
Pray for their hearts to be drawn to the Lord of lords.

Text Source:   Joshua Project