Introduction / History

Kim Mun means "the people in the forest." Research into the Kim Mun is often clouded because of the many names they are known by. In Laos they are often called Lao Huay or Lanten. The name Lanten is a Chinese term meaning 'those who make dye'. Their autonym, Kim Mun, means 'the people in the forest'. "Legend has it that the forefathers of these two branches of Yao [Kim Mun and Iu Mien] were brothers who separated during migration, thus forming two groups."

There is a small Kum Mun population in Laos, a bigger one in Vietnam and a much bigger one in China.

What Are Their Lives Like?

We know very little about the Kum Mun, but most likely their lives are much like the other ethnic groups of Vietnam, Laos and southwestern China.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Kim Mun believe that when bad people die they go to a terrible place, their perception of hell - a thick, dark forest with no villages or clearings. They believe that good people will go to one of several levels of heaven, depending on how much care their eldest son gives the spirit of his dead parent. The Kim Mun worship their ancestors by sacrificing pigs three times each year to honor them.

What Are Their Needs?

Scripture is not available in the language of the Kim Mun, although gospel recordings are available. Some of the more heavily Christianized groups in Vietnam, such as the Roglai, may be able to take Christ to the Kim Mun.

Prayer Items

Pray for rapidly expanding movements of the gospel to Kim Mun communities and families.

Pray the few believers among the Kim Mun will become well-grounded in the faith, sure of their relationship with Christ and growing in righteousness.

Pray these animistic people will seek and find the only Savior.

Pray for the Lord to provide for their needs so they will see his power and mercy.

Scripture Prayers for the Kim Mun in Vietnam.

References

Peoples of Laos, Asia Harvest, Copyrighted © Used with permission