Nyaw in Laos


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

Although they maintain a separate ethnicity, the Nyaw speak a language similar to Phutai. When people from the two groups meet, they are able to communicate with each other without too many problems except some different pronunciation and a few different words. Because of these similarities, the Nyaw were counted as part of the Phutai ethnic group in the 1995 Lao census.


Where Are they Located?

The Nyaw live in central Laos. Their main location in Laos is within the Pakkading District of Borikhamxai Province, where they are spread out over almost the entire district. They spill over into the Pakxan and Borikhan districts of Borikhamxai, and also the Hinboun District of Khammouan Province. An unspecified number of Nyaw yo also live among the Thai Isan people in northeastern Thailand. More live in Thailand than Laos.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Many Nyaw live along the Mekong River, which they fish from. The Mekong is the 12th longest river in the world (the 10th largest in terms of volume). Until recently, there was not a single bridge crossing the Mekong into Laos. The Thai-Lao Friendship bridge, constructed with the help of the Australian government, was opened in late 1993.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Nyaw believe in many spirits and gods. Buddhism has made little impact on them despite the fact they have lived alongside the Lao for a considerable time. Some of the major spirits worshipped by the Nyaw include the spirit of the rice, water, forest, village, and trees. They also worship the spirit of heaven, as do the Phutai.


What Are Their Needs?

There are a small number of known Tai Nyo Christ followers on both sides of the Lao-Thai border. They usually meet in Lao churches in Laos, or Isan churches in Thailand.


Prayer Points

Fervently intercede so that all Nyaw would soon receive a gospel witness, and many would trust in Jesus Christ.
Pray the gospel would spread among Nyaw families to those who remain trapped in spirit worship.
Ask God to raise up laborers to help start a church planting movement among the Nyaw.
Pray for the Lord to demonstrate his power and love by providing them with an abundant harvest this year.


Scripture Prayers for the Nyaw in Laos.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Nyaw
People Name in Country Nyaw
Alternate Names Jo; Ngeou; Ngo; Nyo; Ou; Su; Tai No; Tai Nyo; Tai Yor; Yo; Yor
Population this Country 18,000
Population all Countries 101,000
Total Countries 2
Indigenous No
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
People ID 16148
ROP3 Code 111248
ROP25 Code 306236
ROP25 Name Nyaw, Tai Nyo
Country Laos
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank 21  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country They live in north-east Thailand and central Laos. Most are found in the Thai provinces of Sakhon Nakhon, Naknon Phanom, Mukdahan and Nong Khai. All of these locations are near the Thai-Lao border.   Source:  Peoples of the Buddhist World, 2004
Country Laos
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank 21  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country They live in north-east Thailand and central Laos. Most are found in the Thai provinces of Sakhon Nakhon, Naknon Phanom, Mukdahan and Nong Khai. All of these locations are near the Thai-Lao border..   Source:  Peoples of the Buddhist World, 2004
Primary Religion: Buddhism
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
69.99 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.01 %)
0.01 %
Ethnic Religions
30.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Nyaw (18,000 speakers)
Language Code nyw   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Unknown
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Nyaw (18,000 speakers)
Language Code nyw   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Nyaw

Primary Language:  Nyaw

Bible Translation Status:  Translation Needed

Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Photo Source Copyrighted © 2024  Peoples of Laos, Asia Harvest  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Map Source Bethany World Prayer Center  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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