In August the rice fields in Southeast Asia are ripening, almost ready for September harvest.  “Making a snake’s stomach” is the way the Hmong refer to the rice heads as they fill out. Farmers continue the ongoing struggle with weeds.   But hungry birds threaten the crops as well. Bells rigged with strings to pull or strips of cloth on sticks serve as scarecrows.

 

If the birds are especially threatening, the farmer will bargain with the spirits by constructing a small altar near a large rock or tree.  On this altar, a chicken or pig will be sacrificed as payment to the spirits.  Later the animal becomes a meal for the family. (Grandmother’s Path, Grandfather’s Way by Lue Vang and Judy Lewis, p., 173)

 

Pray:

• Lord of the harvest, protect Your Word as it is planted in the hearts of Hmong.   Make it “spring to life,” transforming entire villages with the gospel.
• You promised harvest to those who do not become weary in well-doing.  Restore the vision of weary believers; give them diligence in sharing your word and joy in the reaping You promise.  (Galtians 6:9)
• Give wisdom to those who are planning radio broadcasts in Black Hmong.   Protect them as they travel and explore needs.   Direct them to workers who can assist in program development and broadcasting.   Overcome all obstacles so that there can be great harvest among the Black Hmong.
• Encourage believers in Lai Chau, Dien Bien and Lao Cai provinces of Laos and Vietnam where persecution is particularly harsh; today, show them Your love and care in tangible ways.