Shamans are important leaders with the job of communicating between this world and the Otherworld. 

 

In Hmong tradition Ntxwj Nuug (malicious, feared judge of the dead) was killing people faster than they were reproducing.  Saub (a kindly deity) enlisted a human named Siv Yis to cure illnesses, giving him some of his medical instruments to help with the process. Using the power given him, Siv Yis cured others. After his death, he tried to return to earth to help man, but everyone was sleeping when he arrived. Angry that no one welcomed him, Siv Yis threw a tantrum and hurled his instruments to earth before returning to the Otherworld. Various people picked up the instruments and discovered they helped in healing the sick. These were the first shamans.  

 

When a shaman goes into a trance to enter the Otherworld, spirits called dab neeb accompany him.  These “forces” include dragons, tigers, swallows, and a spider who stretches a bridge for the shaman and his spirits to cross to the Otherworld. (Source: The Hmong, A Guide to Traditional Lifestyles, edited by Robert Cooper)

 

Pray:

• Father, we thank you that Jesus is the loving, holy bridge over the chasm separating man and God.  Grow strong Hmong Christian leaders who will passionately direct others to Jesus.
• Give these leaders clear understanding of Your word so that they will teach others accurately.    But also infuse them with Your love so that they will win others not just with “true words” but with lives of loving service.  
• Develop in them an intense desire for integrity and righteousness.  Make their homes models of Christianity in action.
• Create in them a vision of multiplying themselves by training others to lead so that your church will grow strong and healthy.  
• Encourage those involved in leadership training and those who are developing training materials.
• Keep their eyes on the “big picture” goals when daily discouragement sets in.