Nyahkur in Thailand

The Nyahkur are known only in Thailand and are often called the "people of the forest." We know very little about them due to their remote forest lifestyle. However, they're historically important because their root language is considered a "bridge" between other peoples in other locations: the Mon of Thailand and Myanmar, and the Khmer, who are mostly in Cambodia now, but some are in Thailand. The Nyahkur have an unfortunate and painful pattern of being trapped in a never-ending cycle of financial hardship and a culture of dependency marked by constant borrowing. An anthropologist in 1919 called the Nyahkur a "disappearing society" due to rampant disease, alcohol addiction, and other destructive vices. They embraced Buddhism thanks to Thai and Isan neighbors but held on to animistic belief in spirits – guardian spirits, mountain spirits, and soil spirits. They blame evil spirits for misfortunes, and they wear various necklaces, charms, and amulets to ward off evil.

Ministry Obstacles
Despite more than 40 years of missionary effort since 1982 there are no known Nyahkur Christians today. Baptisms were unsuccessful because of animistic beliefs. But missionary work did help preserve their culture and provided social, health, and administrative relief. Their hearts might be closed to a gospel witness.

Scripture Focus
"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,"  1 Peter 3:15

Scripture Prayer
Pray for today’s people group to learn to worship Christ as Lord and King.

Prayer Focus
Please pray for the Lord to send out the right kinds of workers with skills in service gifts to the Nyahkur. Pray for workers with the right kinds of skills in biblical redemptive analogies and gospel storytelling to draw them into God's holy family.

Presented by Joshua Project
www.joshuaproject.net