Unreached Peoples: The Tribes of Myanmar Burma Chin State
The speaker shares observations of the Chin and Naga tribes in Western Myanmar, highlighting their cultural practices, traditions, and community spirit.
This sermon reflects on a journey through Chin Hills in Western Myanmar, encountering the Chin and Naga tribes. It describes the simplicity and peace found in a typical Naga village, where hospitality is shown through traditional rice liquor and cultural practices like tattooing. The celebration in a Chin village showcases the unity and joy of the community in events like childbirth, marriage, and tribal returns, expressed through traditional dances and songs amidst the scenic mountain backdrop.
Full Transcript
Crossing swift flowing rivers and ravines, we followed the mountain track on Chin Hills to see Chin and Naga tribes of Western Myanmar. A typical Naga village on one mountain slope, poor but peaceful and simple. We were first taken to village Spirit House to show our faces there.
The place is also used as a bachelor house and community house. Luckily, we were set through a medium that we were allowed to stay in the village. There, our friendly host gave us large cups of traditional rice liquor as refreshments.
Wife and daughter of our guide are pounding rice traditional way. These ladies, like other Naga ladies, have tattoos on their faces and chins. Old lady refused to be photographed.
Meanwhile, our guide, Zangku, is cooking food for us. I believe he is going to give us real typical Naga dinner tonight. Next day, in another village, Chins are celebrating some event.
A childbirth, a marriage, a return of someone as a tribe. They always dance together happily on a clear ground in the middle of the village. Men and women, young and old, all collectively dance and sing traditional team spirit song gazing at cloudy, misty, faraway mountain ranges from time to time.
Sermon Outline
- Introduction to the Chin and Naga Tribes
- Observations of Village Life
- Celebrations and Community Events
- Dancing and singing
- Collective joy and community spirit
- Tattoos and facial markings
Key Quotes
“We were first taken to village Spirit House to show our faces there.” — Paul Hattaway
“Luckily, we were set through a medium that we were allowed to stay in the village.” — Paul Hattaway
“Men and women, young and old, all collectively dance and sing traditional team spirit song gazing at cloudy, misty, faraway mountain ranges from time to time.” — Paul Hattaway
Application Points
- We can learn from the Chin and Naga tribes' sense of community and collective joy.
- Their cultural practices and traditions can teach us about the importance of preserving heritage and customs.
- We can apply the principle of community and teamwork in our own lives and churches.