Cham, Western of Cambodia

Cham, Western of Cambodia Long ago, the Cham had a strong empire, called Champa, located in southern Vietnam. In 1471, Champa was invaded and destroyed by the Vietnamese, and most freemen and aristocrats fled to Cambodia. In 1975, more than 250,000 Muslim Cham lived in Cambodia. With the rise of the Khmer Rouge regime, however, their population was decimated. Captured and removed from their homes, they were forbidden to speak their native language and forced to eat pork, which is an abomination to Muslims. About 100,000 Cham were said to have been executed. Cham villagers are extremely poor, and their settlements convey a sense of impermanence. They are now largely integrated into the Cambodian lifestyle and many now speak Khmer (Cambodian). Ministry Obstacles This Muslim community living in Buddhist Cambodia may have become especially protective of their culture and their religion. Outreach Ideas Sustained prayer is needed to prepare hearts of the Cham. Gospel recordings and the Jesus film can both be useful in communicating the good news of Jesus. Pray for the followers of Christ There are some believers in Christ among the Cham of Cambodia. Pray the Jesus film and Gospel recordings (which are available) will be taken to these believers. Workers are needed. Pray for the entire people group Pray for improved living conditions for the Cham, for employment opportunities, and for good schools to be available for the children. Scripture Focus "After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb." Revelation 7:9		People Name: Cham, Western Country: Cambodia 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 237,000 World Population: 289,000 Language: Cham, Western Primary Religion: Islam Bible: None Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1