The Kri, also called Toong Luang by the Laotian majority, are remarkably the third smallest ethnic group officially recognized in Laos. Despite the lack of transparency regarding the ethnographic methodologies employed by Laotian officials and their exclusion of recognizing other small ethnic groups, the nation's government formally identifies the Kri as an indigenous group. With some of their families having migrated from Ta-Oy in Salavan, the Kri presently inhabit Laos' Bouarapha District of Khammouan Province.
Records detailing the Kri's day-to-day lives are limited. Traditionally, the majority maintained a nomadic outdoor lifestyle, inhabiting trees and caves until 1993, when local authorities compelled almost all the Kri to abandon their customary living practices and adopt more sedentary living arrangements.
Thriving by harvesting fruit and foraging for food within the forests, the Kri has maintained a lifestyle that involves periodically relocating in alignment with available food sources in their remote region. Due to the presence of tigers in the region, instilling a pervasive sense of fear within the community, the Kri employed protective measures to diminish the potential dangers posed by these predators.
The Kri have practiced inherited spiritual beliefs from their ancestors over many generations. Given geographic, cultural, and linguistic barriers, they have had minimal gospel influence throughout their history. Neither the presence of churches nor any instances of Kri individuals professing faith in Christ have been documented in the region.
The Kri people need gospel workers who will not only be ambassadors for Christ, but also their advocates in a hostile world. They will need people to offer medical services and education so they will be ready to adjust to modern Laos.
Pray God would reveal his power and glory to the Kri, surpassing all obstacles that hinder them from knowing him intimately.
Pray Jesus Christ would be lifted up above the Kri community, igniting an unstoppable movement towards Christ among them.
Pray for Kri hearts to be ready and willing to accept the good seed of the gospel.
Scripture Prayers for the Kri in Laos.
“Khammouane Ethnic Diversity.” WeAreLao. Accessed 2024. https://wearelao.com/standard-page/khammouane-ethnic-diversity/
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
