Urak Lawoi
Urak Lawoi (pronounced: oo-rak lah-woi) means “Sea People,” Their way of life is genuinely linked to the ocean. Since migrating to Thailand from Malaysia by boat many generations ago, the Urak Lawoi communities have sustained themselves fishing. The men weave nets, build traps, and dive for fish, while the women collect shellfish in low tide. They are a family-oriented people concerned with preserving their traditional way of life amidst the threat of decreased fish populations (loss of traditional jobs) and increased globalization. Because of this, they hold tightly to their religion, a mixture of animism, ancestor worship, and Buddhism. They are open to the Gospel, but few decide to submit to Christ based on the customs of family and culture.
There are no known Urak Lawoi outside Southern Thailand.
PRAY WITH US:
Our Loving Lord, would you bless these people with messengers of the Gospel who will live lovingly among them and share their lives, becoming part of their community. Immanuel, God with us, live through your ambassadors in meaningful and powerful ways as they come alongside the Urak Lawoi. Let the song of the Lord arise from an ever-increasing community of faith. Bless them with a new song on their lips, with praise to their God. Amen.
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