Purpose
Nyob Zoo Ministries operates with a three-fold purpose:
1) Bible Literacy
2) Health Education
3) Discipleship Training
Mission and Goals
* Translate Bible content and spiritual resources into the Hmong language
* Distribute content through print, TV, radio, and social media
* Educate the Hmong community about health and diet
* Train and equip lay members on Hmong church planting and growth
* Support spiritual projects that positively impact the Hmong community
* Produce scholarships and worthy student funds for students involved in Hmong ministriesBoard of Directors
Nyob Zoo Ministries was founded in May 2024 by nine individuals representing about five areas throughout the United States where Hmong people have settled. You can find out more about them below.
Cheng Vang
President
Cheng was born and raised in Santa Barbara County by Don and Pai Vang, Hmong refugee parents that escaped the spread of communism and genocide in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. The Vang family found the grace of God, a love of His truth, and a community of believers in the Santa Barbara and Lompoc Valley Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Churches.
After completing high school, Cheng began attending the University of CA, Davis, where he met Nhou, his wife since 2005. Realizing that his love for Christ was incompatible with his current life trajectory, Cheng walked away from UC Davis to enroll for one year at Weimar College. He would continue to minister as a lay pastor for the Sacramento Hmong SDA church plant.
In February 2016, the very first Hmong SDA church property in North America was purchased through the dedication and vision of the Sacramento Hmong SDA group and the support of many friends. It was from this experience that Cheng had now decided to find ways to support other fledgling Hmong church plants around the nation.
Cheng currently co-directs the Refugee Ministry, which involves Hmongs, Afghans, and Venezuelans. The ministry consists of young people and young families throughout the Sacramento region, working together and serving as the hands and feet of Christ for the impoverished newcomers looking to settle in the area.
Cheng has spent nearly two decades in ministry involving various areas: Hmong ethnic ministry, public campus ministry, homeless ministry, refugee ministry, youth ministry, discipleship training, and church organization. He currently holds A.S. degrees in Business Administration and Accounting. Cheng currently works as a Quality Assurance Technician for the State of California and serves as an ordained elder of his local church. Cheng loves studying the Bible and the character of God. He also enjoys singing and playing classical guitar.
Judah J. Vang
Treasurer
Judah was born in a Thailand refugee camp to Hmong parents fleeing the Secret War in Laos. Once his family was resettled in the United States, Judah made it his mission to strive for both academic success and spiritual faithfulness.
After completing his Bachelor's degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of CA, Santa Barbara, Judah found that his integrity with numbers would serve the church well. For about a decade, he served his local congregation as the church treasurer.
Judah currently works as a software engineer for Intel Corporation in Folsom, CA. He is married to his wife, Pim, and they have four children: Caleb, Joshua, Paris, and Pearl. The family stays involved in Pathfinders and Adventurers in the Sacramento area. Judah enjoys boating, fishing, and the outdoors.
Nhou Her
Secretary & Assistant Treasurer
Born into a Hmong family in a refugee camp in northern Thailand, Nhou grew up in a family that practices Shamanism. Once her family had resettled in the United States, a local church outreach gave her the first glimpse of God's love. Barely able to comprehend anything due to the language barrier, it would be another decade before Nhou accepted Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior.
After meeting her husband, Cheng, Nhou felt a longing to reach her people, the Hmong. She has been part of countless retreats and outreach events within the past 20 years. She was instrumental in the translation of the It Is Written Hmong Bible Study Guide set, a multi-year project that was completed in 2020.
Nhou currently holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of CA, Davis. Today, she serves as a refugee ministry leader and is actively reaching out to newly arrived refugees in the Sacramento region. Some of Nhou's favorite hobbies include cooking, gardening, and spending time in nature.
Chee Yang
Compliance Officer
Chee is a dedicated member of the Seventh-day Adventist community since 2017. Raised as a Sunday-keeper, Chee transitioned to observing the Sabbath faithfully and has since found profound spiritual fulfillment within the Adventist faith. Alongside his lovely wife, Gina, and their five children, Chee embodies the values of family, faith, and service within his congregation and beyond.
As an elder at the Hickory Hmong Korean Seventh-day Adventist Church, Chee is deeply involved in the spiritual leadership and pastoral care of the local community. His passion for doing God's work shines through in his commitment to nurturing spiritual growth, fostering unity, and serving those in need. Whether through leading worship services, mentoring youth, or organizing outreach initiatives, Chee exemplifies a steadfast dedication to living out the teachings of Jesus Christ in all aspects of his life.
Gina Yang
Technology & Social Media Coordinator
Over the past seven years, Gina has dedicated herself wholeheartedly to serving within the Adventist Church, embracing roles such as deaconess and Sabbath School Leader. Alongside her church commitments, she actively engages with the Hmong community, organizing initiatives like health fairs, Bible studies, and children's ministries. These endeavors stem from her deep-seated belief in the importance of outreach and inclusiveness, striving to foster a sense of belonging and support among diverse cultural groups.
Aside from her religious duties, the love and companionship of her cherished family brings immense joy and fulfillment to her life. Whether sharing heartfelt conversations over family dinners or embarking on outdoor adventures together, these moments lay the foundation of her happiness in Jesus Christ. As a devoted wife and mother of five children, she holds dear the bonds of affection and unity that strengthen her family unit. These values not only shape her personal life but also influence her professional endeavors, guiding her with a profound sense of purpose and gratitude.
Pastor Chanchai Kiatyanyong, DMin
Advisor
Chanchai grew up in Thailand and found in his life calling in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. His wife of over 40 years, Chamaiporn, has been by his side through ministry in various countries such as Thailand, Philippines, and the United States.
Pastor Chanchai is an ordained minister of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and he has served in the highest capacity of church leadership, including as President of Thailand Mission from 2010-2015. He is also one of few Hmong Seventh-day Adventist leaders holding a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies.
Pastor Chanchai and his wife have spent seven years leading out in Hmong ministries in Wisconsin. Their passion to serve has now led them back to Thailand since June of 2025. Pastor Chanchai's greatest joy is seeing people make that personal decision to follow Jesus Christ as their Savior.
Daniel Kim
Advisor
Elder Daniel Kim is a retired engineer with a passion for Hmong ministry. For over a decade, he and his wife have been spearheading the Hmong outreach in areas around Hickory, NC. One of their goals is to plant the first Hmong Seventh-day Adventist Church on the eastern seaboard of the United States where many Hmong have settled.
Daniel currently resides in Georgia, but he makes the long drive to Hickory almost every Sabbath to support the fledgling Hmong church plant alongside several Korean Adventist members. His dedication is a testament to his love for the Savior.
Tracii Hauck
Advisor & Special Projects
Tracii Maixia-Vang Hauck surrendered her life to Jesus at the age of 16 after being delivered by Christ from
demonic harassment. After 2 years of genuinely seeking her Savior, she was
baptized and became a Seventh-day Adventist. Tracii attended Union Adventist
University, and while on campus, she served as one of the school worship
coordinators and Bible study group leaders.
After marrying her husband,
Daniel Hauck, she became a pastor's wife at age 21. They moved to Minnesota
and continued to serve the Lord in the Minnesota Conference of Seventh-day
Adventists as well as the large Hmong community in the Twin Cities.
After graduating college with her Bachelor's of Social Work, Tracii worked as a case manager for the elderly population, and shortly after, as a principal in one of the local Adventist schools in Minnesota. She is now a stay-at-home mother to her one-year-old son, and also expecting another baby boy due in February of 2025. She has joined her husband's pastoral ministry full time as a volunteer in his four-church district and in other aspects of his ministry.
