July 2008 Pacific Rim Prayer Emphasis
The Red Tai of Vietnam

“Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God; Let Thy good Spirit lead me on level ground.” Psalm 143:10, NASB.

The Red Tai, also known as Tai Daeng, are a Chinese minority group that migrated south following the Red River into Vietnam. This people group is closely related to the Black Tai and White Tai, who are also found primarily in Vietnam. They are mainly rice farmers. Their animistic religion includes the belief in multiple personal souls. Many ceremonies focus on strengthening these souls. The Red Tai also worship ancestors, guardian spirits and local spirits by making daily food and drink offerings to ward off bad luck and gain blessings.

Over 185,000 Red Tai live mainly in the Thanh Hoa province. Over 30,000 Red Tai live in Laos. While the Gospel has been shared among the Red Tai to a limited extent, response has been slow. Few Christian resources are available in the Tai Daeng language.

Showing respect to those of higher position is a value of the Red Tai. From a young age Red Tai are taught to show proper respect to those above them in society. Status in the community is determined by age, occupation and wealth. For example farmers rank below merchants who are below government workers. The Red Tai are patriarchal, but both the men and women share equally in farming and domestic duties.

Pray that:

Spiritual strongholds caused by generations of animistic worship will be overcome by the outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit.

Christian materials will be developed in Tai Daeng.

The Holy Spirit will prepare the hearts of the Red Tai to respond to the Gospel.

Prayerwalking teams will come and prepare the spiritual soil among the Red Tai.

God will raise up leaders among Red Tai believers to establish rapidly reproducing gatherings of believers.

Medical volunteers will use their skills to gain entrance into Red Tai villages.

Red Tai believers will boldly share with their friends and family.

Download a printable .pdf version of Around the Rim Prayer Guide here.
Download the July PacRim Prayer Calendar here.