San Chay

The San Chay migrated to northern Vietnam from southern China in the 1600s and then again in the 1800s. They are predominantly animists who worship the spirits of the mountain, river, crops, etc. Because the primary religion practiced by the San Chay people is deeply rooted in their culture, converting to Christianity essentially means they lose their ethnic identity. Despite this barrier to the gospel, a movement of God among the San Chay has been taking place over the past decade. Praise the Lord that now there are more than 6,000 San Chay who have entered into a personal relationship with their Creator!

The San Chay at a Glance

  • San Chay Population in Vietnam: 170,000 (also living in China)
  • Primary Language: Cao Lan
  • Primary Occupation: Farming
  • Average Income: $70 per month (estimate)
  • Average Education Level: 8th Grade.
  • Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions
  • Number of Known Christians: More than 6,000
  • Christian Resources Currently Available: None
  • Status: No Longer Unreached; Approximately 6.4% Evangelical

Pray for the San Chay

Use the requests, prayers, and Scripture below to guide your prayers for the San Chay over the next week.

Monday

Ask God to break down any barriers that are keeping the San Chay from coming to Him. Ask Him to create a hunger in their hearts to know the Most High God who created them and loves them deeply.

Father, I ask that You would open the eyes of the San Chay and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to You, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified. (Acts 26:18)

Tuesday

The San Chay have expressed interest in getting the Jesus Film translated into their language. Pray that this will be possible and that Scripture, radio broadcasts, and other Christian resources would also become available in the San Chay language.

I thank You, Lord, that salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. I pray the San Chay will call on the name of the Lord and be saved. (Acts 4:12; Romans 10:13)

Wednesday

Pray that San Chay Christians will grow daily in their walk with the Lord and that they will have a deep passion for sharing the Good News with their families, friends, and neighbors. Pray that there will soon be a church in every San Chay village.

I pray that all the San Chay will remember and turn to You and that all the families of the San Chay will bow down before You, for dominion belongs to You, Lord, and You rule over the San Chay. (Psalm 22:27-28)

Thursday

Pray for church planters who have a burden for reaching the San Chay. Ask God to open doors for them to share the Gospel and that He will lead them to "people of peace" in each San Chay village.

I pray that all the San Chay You have made will come and worship before You, O Lord, and that they will bring glory to Your name. For You are great and do marvelous deeds. You alone are God. (Psalm 86:9-10)

Friday

Pray for San Chay fortune tellers to desire to learn more about God and for San Chay Christians to be able to clearly share the Gospel with them.

Lord, You sent Jesus as a witness to testify concerning the light, so that the San Chay might believe in it, adhere to it, trust it, and rely upon it through Him. This light is a revelation to the San Chay declaring: You are light and in You there is no darkness at all. (John 1:7; Luke 2:32; 1 John 1:5)

Saturday

The San Chay live in fear of the dark spirits. Pray that God would free the San Chay people from the bondage of this fear and bring them into the light of the Gospel.

Almighty God, open the eyes of the San Chay people, that they might see Your glory and Your power. The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving San Chay, that they might not see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of You. God, You said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness.’ Please shine in the hearts of the San Chay to give them the light of the knowledge of Your glory in the face of Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:4, 6)

Sunday

Pray for Christians facing persecution in Vietnam—particularly for the San Chay believers. Ask God to surround them with His strength and courage so they will stand strong in their faith.

Lord Jesus, You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain, and with Your blood You purchased men for Yourself from every tribe and language and people and nation. I thank You, Father, that you have made the San Chay to be a kingdom and priests to serve You and that they will reign on the earth. (Revelation 5:9-10)