Introduction / History

Five centuries ago, the O Du were a large and prosperous group who lived along the Nam Mon and Nam Mo rivers in both Laos and Vietnam. At different times they were attacked by the Tai Dam, Han Chinese, Hmong and Khmu, who chased them away and took them as slaves.

The O-Du people now live in the Nonghet District of Xiangkhoang Province, directly on the Laos-Vietnam border. In Vietnam the O Du are acknowledged as an official minority nationality, but in Laos the O Du are not officially recognized at all. It is uncertain which ethnic group they were counted under in the 1995 census. Neighboring people groups in Laos call the O Du Tay Hat, or Hat. This is a derogatory name meaning 'rag people'. They call themselves O Du.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The O Du like to build their houses on stilts and have thatched straw roofs. Inside, rooms are partitioned off with plaited bamboo. Despite being on the verge of extinction, the few remaining O Du are proud of their ethnicity.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Nung have a traditional shamanistic system of religion. They have about 30 shamanistic priests. However, because of the communist influence, the younger generation is becoming more atheistic. Each Nung house contains an altar to the family's ancestors. The altar is in the main room, opposite the doorway, so it has a prominent place.

What Are Their Needs?

Their greatest need is to place their faith in Jesus Christ, alone.

There are Nung Christian believers, but they are few and far between. Their culture demand conformity; it is unacceptable to embrace a "foreign" God.

Prayer Items

Pray for a movement to Jesus Christ that will lead to church plants and discipleship.
The O Du have been slaves to people and demons for centuries. Pray they would soon find liberation in Christ and respond with gratitude and love.
Ask God to raise up laborers to plant churches among the O Du.
Pray that God would lead Khmu and Hmong believers to share the gospel with the O Du.

Scripture Prayers for the O-Du in Vietnam.

References

Peoples of Laos, Asia Harvest, Copyrighted © Used with permission.
Peoples of Vietnam, Asia Harvest, Copyrighted © Used with permission.