Kawa in Myanmar (Burma)

People Name:	Kawa
Country:	Myanmar (Burma)
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	700
World Population:	93,700
Primary Language:	Wa, Vo
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	10.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.55 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Mon-Khmer
Affinity Bloc:	Southeast Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Kawa, traditionally known as the Wild Wa, are one of three distinct language groups that were combined to form China's official Wa nationality. The Chinese divide the Wa into three sociolinguistic groups: the Kawa, or Wild Wa; the Lawa, or Tame Wa; and the Sinicized Wa.
The Kawa are the most reclusive group of Wa in China. Because of their isolated settlements, they rarely encounter outsiders and have retained their customs and traditions more than the Lawa or Parauk Wa. Until the 1960s the Kawa practiced head-hunting. Members of other nationalities dared not venture into Kawa territory for fear of being decapitated.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They grow a variety of crops, including rice, corn and maize.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Their animistic beliefs have led the Kawa people to into lives controlled by fear. They fear demons, government officials, landlords and their own souls.

What Are Their Needs?

Most Kawa stubbornly resist change and remain an unreached people group. It will take people who are willing to risk their lives to reach these people.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to raise up hearty and bold witnesses of Christ to the Wa people in Myanmar.
Pray for bridges of understanding to the gospel.
Pray for the Kawa people to desire holiness and realize they can only find it in Christ.