Tay

The Tay people migrated to Vietnam from China hundreds of years ago, and are spread out across 12 different provinces in the northeast of Vietnam.  The Tay are arguably the most Vietnamese-ized of all the ethnic minority groups in Vietnam, and they have the highest status among the tribal groups.  Most Tay worship their dead ancestors, and they have a deep fear of these spirits.  They believe these spirits can come back to harm or bless them.  They are very aware of bringing shame on their ancestors, and this fear dominates their lives.  The Tay also visit the local shaman in times of unusual sickness or bad luck.  Belief in the continued presence of the dead is very strong.  

The Tay at a Glance

  • Tay Population in Vietnam: 2,025,000
  • Primary language:  Tay (but many are fluent in Vietnamese)
  • Primary Occupation: Farmers
  • Average Income: $100 per month (estimate)
  • Primary Religion: Ancestor Worship, animism
  • Number of Known Christians: Under 100
  • Christian Resources Currently Available: None
  • Status:  Engaged yet unreached

Pray for the Tay

Use the requests below to guide your prayers for the Tay over the next week.

Monday

Pray that existing Tay believers would have a burden to share the Good News with their families, neighbors, and friends.  Pray that fear would not keep them from the command to make disciples.  

Tuesday

According to God's word in Luke 10:2, "He told them, 'The Harvest if plentiful, but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field'."  (NIV)  Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers among the Tay people, both from inside Vietnam and from abroad.

Wednesday

Please pray for a set of chronological Bible stories that have just been completed in the Tay language.  A Tay person is needed who will allow their voice to be used for the recordings. Pray that we can quickly identify this person and can begin recording the stories soon, and that they would be used to bring many Tay to faith in Christ.  

Thursday

Ask Father to raise up strong male leadership among the Tay.  Most of the existing strong Christians among the Tay are women.  

Friday

Persecution helps to purify the church and keep it strong.  Pray for Tay believers who are facing persecution, that they will recognize the value of the King, and will be faithful to follow Jesus.  

Saturday

Pray that God's Spirit would move among the Tay people, convicting their hearts of sin, righteousness, and judgment.  (John 16:8)  Pray that the blinders that now cover their eyes would be removed and that they would clearly see the need for the Savior.

Sunday

Please pray for the two small house groups of Tay believers who meet together weekly.  Pray that they will hunger and thirst for God's Word and that they would be committed followers of Jesus.