January 20th, 2007 - Bitter or Broken
Phuan Quick Facts:
-Total Population 315,000 - 115,000 in Laos and 200,000 in Thailand
-.01% are Christian
-Buddhist and Animist
-Most Phuan are subsistence farmers
-Claim to be descendants of the Tai
Bitter or Broken
During the Vietnam War the Plain of Jars, where the Lao Phuan live, was very heavily bombed. In fact, it is reputed to be the most heavily bombed area on the face of the earth.
“I’m not bitter,” said a Phuan man, “but it is hard to forget what I saw. I was a teenager during those years and the air raids were terrifying. I saw people blown up.”
“Everything you see here,” another said, “Trees, houses, grass, everything, was obliterated. There are bomb fragments everywhere – till this day” (30 years later)
Amazingly, the Phuan do not seem to be bitter. But their hearts seem to be broken. They are eager to talk, eager for friendship, appreciative when noticed.”
Please Pray
-Phuan people hear of the love of the Father they will open their needy hearts to Him
-Phuan people will not seek fulfillment and satisfaction in temporal things but in the Living God and in the abundant life that Christ offers.