About the People
Far up in the northeastern corner of Cambodia, in Mondulkiri province near the Vietnam border, there are broad, sweeping, forest-covered hills with waterfalls and rivers in the deep valleys. Scattered throughout this woodland area are the Pnong people, who typically live in thatched bamboo, two-story longhouses with rounded ends. These farmers and foresters are known for taming elephants to haul trees and cargo. They practice labor-intensive slash-and-burn agriculture, following a 15- to 20-year cycle, using one site for up to five years before moving to a new location.
The Pnong are animists whose lives center around the worship of many nature spirits and performing ceremonies designed to appease and manipulate them.
About the Project
In the mid-1950s, the Pnong people heard of Jesus and invited missionaries to come and teach them. Mission agencies were unable to answer the call at that time, and the tribe sent another request in the mid-1960s. Then regional hostilities broke out, leading up to the Vietnam War. The Ho Chi Minh Trail ran through Pnong territory, so many fled the bombings and became refugees in Vietnam, where some were finally able to learn the gospel. Now, there are about a thousand Christians among the Pnong.
The Pnong are usually short of food for three to five months a year between harvests. During this time, they forage in the forest, hunt, fish or gather resin to sell. Major tracts of land have been logged, sold or otherwise removed from the traditional owners of the Bunong community, leading to a decrease in basic resources.
Until recently, the Pnong language was only spoken, not written. Many Pnong do not speak the trade language, Khmer, very well. Their ability to interact with the broader society is limited, preventing the adoption of innovations and ideas from the outside. The majority of Pnong people lack math skills and are often cheated in the marketplace. Also, as outside influences encroach with alarming speed and impact, the Pnong people are ill-equipped to adapt.
Most of all, the Pnong are grasping for stability and hope that can only be found in Christ. There is not yet a complete Pnong Bible translation, but one is underway.
People-Group Facts
- Population: 30,000
- Trade Language: Khmer
- Heart Language: Pnong
- Religion: Animism
We’re looking forward to using the truck to haul loads of avocados, durian and bananas to sell so that our students can be locally funded and not dependent on outside assistance. Thanks again for all your prayers and support! If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t have this four-wheeled blessing.
By:
Daniel Greenfield
June 01 2020, 3:04 pm | Comments 0
As she continues to grow and learn to be a representative of God, Ary will be a light for the Kingdom among the Pnong. May we all live likewise!
By:
Ryan Schmid
June 01 2020, 8:21 am | Comments 0
They are choosing to leave spirit worship behind and enter Jesus.
By:
Molly Timmins
April 01 2020, 1:57 pm | Comments 0
God is willing and able to take away your fears, too. Will you let Him?
By:
Michael Babienco
February 25 2020, 2:56 pm | Comments 0
As members of Christ’s Kingdom, we must seek first to establish His kingship in everything we do, taking hold of this broken world through His power and transforming it.
By:
Ryan Schmid
February 25 2020, 2:19 pm | Comments 0
If you are considering serving as a student missionary, know that with Jesus you can make a world of difference!
By:
Veronica Nicholaides
February 25 2020, 11:29 am | Comments 0
This year, God has blessed our school with more students and teachers and another grade. We are thankful for the staff God has given us and the witness they are to our students each day.
By:
Daniel & Cara Greenfield
February 01 2020, 2:42 pm | Comments 0
I smiled as I realized that God would also use Ryan to help shed light on the path of these precious people, so young in their understanding and faith.
By:
Veronica Nicholaides
February 01 2020, 2:28 pm | Comments 0
Many of the symptoms were similar to those he’d had with the hepatitis. I began to wonder if the results of the test had been accurate.
By:
Cara Greenfield
January 01 2020, 10:20 am | Comments 0