Kim Mun in Vietnam

People Name:	Kim Mun
Country:	Vietnam
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	221,000
World Population:	561,600
Primary Language:	Kim Mun
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	1.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Portions
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Yao-Mien
Affinity Bloc:	Southeast Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Kim Mun means "the people in the forest." Research into Kim Mun is often clouded because of the many names by which they are known. In Laos they are often called Lao Huay or Lanten. The name Lanten is a Chinese term meaning 'those who make dye'. Their autonym, Kim Mun, means 'the people in the forest'. "Legend has it that the forefathers of these two branches of Yao [Kim Mun and Iu Mien] were brothers who separated during migration, thus forming two groups."

There is a small Kum Mun population in Laos, a bigger one in Vietnam and a much bigger one in China.

What Are Their Lives Like?

We know very little about the Kum Mun, but most likely their lives are much like the other ethnic groups of Vietnam, Laos and southwestern China.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Hemshin people in Turkey presently make up diverse groups of Sunni Muslims. The vast majority follow Sunni Islam. Their practices align with the Hanafi school, which dominates the region. These people depend upon good works and obedience to the ways of Islam to pay the penalty for their sins. They believe that Allah spoke through his prophet, Mohammed, and taught mankind how to live a righteous life through the Koran and the Hadith. However, the Hanafi school teaches flexibility and the use of reason in interpreting Islamic law. Its wide following shapes the Hemshin's local religious practices and legal traditions.

What Are Their Needs?

Full Bible resources exist in the Turkish and Armenian languages. Workers who appreciate their historical identity and traditions could become Christ's ambassadors to the Hemshins.

Prayer Points

Pray for rapidly expanding movements of the gospel to Kim Mun communities and families.
Pray the few believers among the Kim Mun will become well-grounded in the faith, sure of their relationship with Christ and growing in righteousness.
Pray these animistic people will seek and find the only Savior.
Pray for the Lord to provide for their needs so they will see his power and mercy.