Sedang in Vietnam
Photo Source:
Anonymous
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| People Name: | Sedang |
| Country: | Vietnam |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 131,000 |
| World Population: | 132,000 |
| Primary Language: | Sedang |
| Primary Religion: | Ethnic Religions |
| Christian Adherents: | 15.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 1.55 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Mon-Khmer |
| Affinity Bloc: | Southeast Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The 1995 national census of Laos listed 786 Sedang people, living in two communities in the Sanxai and Phouvong districts of Attapu Province. The Sedang live in the extreme southeast corner of Laos, near the juncture of Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.
The great majority of Sedang (more than 100,000) live in Vietnam, primarily in Kon Tum Province. In Laos, the Sedang language is related to Halang and Halang Doan, but each of these three groups has a separate ethnic name and lives in a different area.
What Are Their Lives Like?
A communal house is located in the middle of each Sedang village. All social activities revolve around it. On its roof are two sharp objects that resemble large sails or axe-heads. Animal horns are also placed on the corners of the roofs. The communal houses are built entirely with the wood of trees that grow in the area.
In the past, the Sedang frequently made human sacrifices to demons. A visitor in the 1890s recorded, "When they build a communal house they place a living slave, usually a prisoner of war, into the hole into which the main column will be driven."
Some of the Sedang claim to have a legend of a great flood long ago that destroyed the earth's inhabitants. Only one brother and sister survived. They say that the Creator God caused the flood because He was upset at the increase of wickedness and debauchery among humans.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Sidama were evangelized in the early-mid 1900s by Kambata Christians and later, by Norwegian and Danish Lutheran and SIM missionaries. The first Kambata missionaries were martyred by the Sidama, but the Kambata persevered and finally, a small group of Sidama Christians resulted. Now, Sidama is largely Christian including a number of Orthodox. Nearly a tenth are Muslim, non-Christian cults, and traditional religionists. The main churches, in order of size are: Mekane Yesus (Scandinavian Lutheran roots), Kale Hiwot (SIM, Baptist roots), Orthodox, Hiwot Birhan (Swedish/Finnish Pentacostal roots), Mulu Wengel (Full Gospel roots), and Catholic.PRGRPHOver the past 10-15 years, most Protestant churches have adopted a Charismatic/Pentecostal style of worship. Youth choirs are influential in the church and keyboards are the choice of musical instruments of church worship.
What Are Their Needs?
The Sidamas need to take the gospel to those who have no chance to meet their savior!
Prayer Points
Pray for a movement of the Holy Spirit among Sedang people that will result in church plants and discipleship.
Ask God to raise up laborers to plant churches among the Sedang.
Pray many Sedang would listen to the Sedang-language Gospel broadcasts aired by FEBC.