Khuen in United States

People Name:	Khuen
Country:	United States
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	2,900
World Population:	17,500
Primary Language:	Khuen
Primary Religion:	Buddhism
Christian Adherents:	2.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.10 %
Scripture:	Translation Needed
Ministry Resources:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	No
People Cluster:	Mon-Khmer
Affinity Bloc:	Southeast Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Khuen ethnic group live in the Nale, Sing and Viangphoukha districts of Luang Namtha Province in northwest Laos. A few Khuen spill across the border into the western part of Oudomxai Province. Some live in Jinghong County in China's southern Yunnan Province. A small number have come to the United States, mostly in the 1970s and 80s.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Refugee Khuen families live in Richmond, CA and Seattle, WA. They have learned to adapt to American culture, but they enjoy special cultural events with other peoples from Laos or China. Buddhism offers a “cultural” event on a regular basis. Those who wish to stay connected with their culture often gravitate towards Buddhist temples. The younger generation has become more secular, pragmatic and materialistic.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Khuen were converted to Theravada Buddhism under influence of the Lu people about 400 years ago. Buddhism has deep roots in the Khuen culture. Others are secular and Americanized. Few have embraced Jesus Christ.

What Are Their Needs?

It would be easy for American Christians to reach the Khuen people in their midst. Who will take the savior of the nations to these Buddhists?

Prayer Points

Pray for the Khuen people to have the spiritual discernment to look to the cross.
In prayer, bind the spiritual strongholds that keep the Khuen people from finding the Lord of lords.
Ask God to strengthen the few Khuen who profess to follow Christ in the United States.