Khmu in Laos

People Name:	Khmu
Country:	Laos
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	761,000
World Population:	886,500
Primary Language:	Khmu
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	10.00 %
Evangelicals:	9.00 %
Scripture:	Portions
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Mon-Khmer
Affinity Bloc:	Southeast Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Khmu Ou are easily the largest ethnic minority group in Laos. They live across a widespread area in northern Laos, spanning eleven provinces. The largest concentrations are found in Houaphan, Phongsali and Vientiane provinces. Nearly all the Khmu people in Laos are Khmu Ou.
There are several clans among the Khmu Ou. Each clan is named after a bird, mammal or vegetable. Members of the clan are not allowed to kill, eat or harm the animal or vegetable that their clan represents. In most locations the Khmu Ou live at the base of mountains and in forest valleys 400-800m (1,310-2,620 feet) above sea-level.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They often live with or near the Hmong, Iu Mien, Lao and Pong.

What Are Their Beliefs?

For centuries the Khmu Ou have been animists, worshiping various deities. Some of their principal spirits include the 'King spirit', the spirit of the house, forest, rivers, rice, and livestock.
In addition, there are many Khmu Ou Christians in Laos. Christian workers have seen the start of a people movement to Christ. More than half of the total number of professing Christians in the entire country of Laos are Khmu Ou.
In 1998, the following report indicated the great hunger many Khmu must find God.... "We received a report from a Khmu pastor, who complained that he hadn't been able to get a good night's sleep for months. The pastor was the only person in the area who owned a VCR. The Khmu's hunger for spiritual truth is so great that many have been watching the JESUS Film practically around the clock. They have no idea how to rewind the video and watch it again, so every few hours throughout the night the pastor hears, "Wake up! We want to watch it again!"

What Are Their Needs?

Given their past interest in the gospel, there is a great need for someone to take them gospel materials and disciple them in the ways of Jesus. The JESUS Film is an excellent evangelistic tool, but they need to understand and obey the word of God.

Prayer Points

Pray the flames of revival among the Khmu Ou would be flamed into a massive fire by the Holy Spirit.
Ask God to strengthen and mature the many new Khmu Ou believers.
Pray the Khmu Ou church would be used by God to take the gospel to all peoples throughout Laos.