December 2006 Pacific Rim Prayer Emphasis:
The Katang of Laos

"Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? And yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are of more value than many sparrows." Luke 12:6-7, NAS.

The Katang are the sixth largest official ethnic group in Laos at a population of little over 120,000. They are dispersed over a widespread area of Southern Laos. Their religion practices include animism mixed with ancestor worship. The few Katang who follow Jesus are often persecuted. Shamans and community leaders fear that Christians will bring a curse on the village from the spirits they have worshipped for countless generations. Most Katang have absolutely no awareness of the Gospel. Those who do know about Jesus are often bound by fear of the spirits and of community opposition.

The Katang believe in a myriad of animistic, local spirits.  Spirits of the household, the village, the forest, ancestors, and the rice harvest are just some of the many spirits that are worshipped.  One of the most important spirits is the spirit of rice.  If this spirit is offended, a white buffalo must be sacrificed.  If there are national disasters or if disease strikes, village animal sacrifices are made.  These sacrifices are made in small spirit houses that are intentionally placed several meters from the village to help keep evil spirits away.

Traditionally the Katang live in longhouses. When a child or grandchild marries the house is simply extended to make room for the new couple and any children they may have. At Tumlan village, tourists can still visit a 328 foot longhouse inhabited by over 30 families. Today, many young Katang are leaving their villages and assimilating into the dominant Lao culture.

Pray that:

Katang believers will live victoriously before their people despite persecution and spiritual oppression.

God will call mature believers to have a burden for living among and reaching out to the Katang with the Gospel.

God will demonstrate His power over village spirits and shamans through healings and dreams.

Young Katang will meet Christians as they leave their villages to seek a better future in the larger towns and cities.

Thousands of intercessors will commit to pray for the Katang until the church is established.

Effective strategies will be developed to introduce the Katang to the Gospel.

A rapidly reproducing, indigenous Katang church will be born before the end of 2007.

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