The Joshua Project, 28 March 2023
Linguistically, the Paxi are members of the Tai Lu language group. While almost all Tai Lu are Theravada Buddhists, the Paxi are Muslims. The Paxi are a fusion of the Tai Lu and the Hui, who converted them to Islam 200 years ago.
Since then, the Paxi have struggled against continual persecution and prejudice from the Buddhist community. They do not observe any of the Theravada Buddhist festivals and refuse to intermarry with non-Muslims. The Paxi have been ostracized by the Tai Lu Buddhist community and forced to live in their own villages as socially distinct.
Strictly adhering to the Sunni Muslim way of life, the Paxi follow Islamic teachings and traditions. They receive frequent visits from Hui teachers who help them in their faith and understanding of the Koran.
A small number of Tai Lu follow Christ. Pray these believers would go to the Paxi, testifying to Christ’s power and love.
Pray for the spiritual blindness and bondage to the evil one to be removed from the Paxi people, so they can understand and respond to Christ. Pray that the Paxi people would have a spiritual hunger that will open their hearts to the King of kings. Pray for an unstoppable movement to Christ among them.