June 2007 Pacific Rim Prayer Emphasis:
The San Chay of Vietnam

“Draw near, O nations, to hear; and listen, O peoples! Let the earth and all it contains hear, and the world and all that springs from it.” Isaiah 34:1, NASB.

Over 140,000 San Chay live in Northern Vietnam. Another 40,000 live in Southern China. San Chay means people who live on pilings. Primarily ancestor worshipers and animists, spirit worship takes a major place in the lives of these people. Elaborate, colorful festivals are held to appease different spirits such as river, tree or crop spirits. Each village has a shaman who is responsible for all religious activity. The shaman usually acts as the village head man and is highly respected.

The San Chay can be divided into three groups. Each group has its own distinct customs and language. They have no written script. Some can read Chinese, Vietnamese, Hmong and Dao. San Chay communities are divided into family lineages. Each clan practices its own customs and serves a distinct protective spirit. They migrated from Southern China in two main waves, the first in the early 17th century and the second at the beginning of the 19th century.

The San Chay have no scriptures, Jesus video, or Gospel recordings in their local languages. No outside evangelical groups are working to reach the San Chay specifically. Still, about 6,000 people from this people group have followed Christ since 1999 through the witness of believers from surrounding minority people groups. Leaders are being trained and materials in Vietnamese and several tribal dialects are being delivered to these new San Chay Christians.

Pray that:

God will strengthen San Chay believers to live in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Jesus.

San Chay Christians will be bold and wise witnesses to their friends, family and village.

God will call mature cross cultural workers with a heart to live among and reach the San Chay with the Gospel.

God will demonstrate His power and authority over the spirits that the San Chay fear.

San Chay leaders will grow in the grace and knowledge of the LORD and will be able to train other believers to grow and mature as Christ followers.

An increasing number of believers living near the San Chay will become burdened to pray for and witness to the San Chay.

Wisdom will be given to those believers from neighboring people groups who are seeking to disciple and sow the Gospel among the San Chay.