Origin
The Hmong legends suggest that their ancestors were from a much colder climate in the past. Many historians suggest that they once lived among the mountainous and steppe regions of Tibet, Mongolia, and Siberia. For about 4,000 years they have lived in China. As a result of constant conflict with the Chinese, many moved into the Southeast Asian countries of Laos, Vietnam, Burma, and Thailand over the past two hundred years. During the last 30 years, many Hmong were forced to become refugees in Thailand for helping the USA in the Vietnam War and the “Secret War” in Laos. Since then some have relocated in the USA, Argentina, Australia, Canada, France, and French Guiana in South America. Many still living in Laos are on the run and fighting battles with the Laotian communist as a result of the war 30 years ago. Reports confirm that the Laotian communists are essentially using them for live ammunition practice.
Clans
The Hmong are divided into many subgroups or clans. In Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand there are White Hmong, Blue Hmong, Black Hmong, Green Hmong, and Flowery Hmong. Mike and Sonja work mostly with the White Hmong. Each clan has a unique language. Even though Hmong from different clans can speak to each other, the Bible has been translated into that particular dialect because of grammatical and vocabulary differences.
Religion
Most Hmong are animist. There is a constant fear of evil spirits, and they must appease them on a regular basis. If someone dies at a young age, gets sick, or has an accident, the Hmong believe that the spirits have been offended and therefore they must sacrifice one or more animals to hopefully appease the spirits.
There are many Hmong coming to know Christ. When they realize and believe that Jesus Christ paid for all their sin on the cross and that He is more powerful than the spirits, they destroy their “demon shelf” where they once worshipped to demonstrate that they have a new Lord of their life.
Mike and Sonja’s primary purpose is to share the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and give them the foundational teachings from the Word of God so that they will be able to develop into "fully developed, authentic, evangelistic, disciples of Christ." For more information about how you can receive the gift of eternal life through the forgiveness of your sins by Jesus Christ... click here.
Population*
Worldwide: 7-8 million
China: 4-6 million
Vietnam: 800,000
Laos: 350,000
Thailand: 150,000
USA: 300,000
*Population statistics can vary widely.