Tai Pao in Vietnam

Tai Pao
Photo Source:  Copyrighted © 2024
Peoples of Laos, Asia Harvest  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
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People Name: Tai Pao
Country: Vietnam
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 10,000
World Population: 11,900
Primary Language: Tai Pao
Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents: 0.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Translation Started
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: No
People Cluster: Kadai
Affinity Bloc: Southeast Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Tai Pao people are part of the Kadai cluster of languages and people groups. They live in a region that is home to more than 140 small tribes.

Where Are they Located?

The Tai Pao people live in Laos and Vietnam.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Tai Pao people are earnest seekers, zealously striving to interpret dreams, soliciting the help of monks and nuns, even consulting spirit mediums. Unfortunately, they are not seeking God or even wisdom. They are after something they consider much more valuable: lucky numbers. The lottery has captured their collective attention, motivating them to spend their energy and money trying to get rich quick.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Tai Pao practice a mixture of animism and Theravada Buddhism. Such a religious intertwining has existed in Laos since Buddhism was introduced. Even stories of the introduction of Buddhism to Laos have evolved into animistic myth.

For the Tai Pao, maintaining their culture is equally as important as their religious beliefs. Accordingly, the few Tai Pao who have been exposed to the gospel have not seriously considered it, believing that to become a Christian would be a disgrace against their culture and heritage as a Tai Pao.

What Are Their Needs?

The Tai Pao people need transformed hearts that will be open to the things that matter.

Prayer Points

Ask Him to send workers who will communicate the unsurpassing greatness and supremacy of God and His son.
Pray for the eyes and hearts of the Tai Paos to be turned away from superficial wealth and opened toward the glorious, eternal riches of Christ Jesus.
Pray the Tai Pao would no longer be hidden away from the influence of Christianity.
Pray for dreams and visions that will give them the willingness to seek Him.

Text Source:   Keith Carey