Introduction / History

The Lesu were once named the Ma Long people, who were part of the Sou tribe dating back to the Han and Western Jin dynasties (220 BC - AD 316). "The Lesu entered Yuanjiang County during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and by the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) had spread to Xinping and Shiping counties." The government has included the Lesu as part of the Yi nationality in China, an artificially constructed classification that contains at least "several dozen branches" of different ethnic groups. Lesu or Leisu is the self-name of this group. The Chinese call them Shansu, meaning "mountain people."

What Are Their Lives Like?

There are two different sets of festivals celebrated by the Lesu of different areas. Those in Eshan, Xinping and Shuangbai celebrate a festival called Traditional Flower Fair, while those in Yuanjiang celebrate a Mountain Sacrifice Festival. The festival stems from an old legend in which a Han Chinese and a Lesu fell in love. Their parents strongly disagreed with the engagement. One night the couple went to the peak of Daxishan where they danced and sang. On that night, the two committed suicide together. The festival is now held in their honor.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Lesu people greatly revere the Mountain god, but only those in Yuanjiang County hold a yearly day of sacrifice in order to appease him. On this day the Lesu are forbidden to work in their fields for fear the mountain god will be offended. Their worship comes with restrictions.

The Lesu were a completely unevangelized and unreached people group until 1999, when a Lesu family, who helped record the first gospel recording in their language, gave their lives to Jesus Christ after considering the message.

What Are Their Needs?

They need to know that Jesus brings good news to their families and to the entire world. He is the savior of every nation. They need to understand why they need to worship only their creator, Father God.

Prayer Items

Ask the Lord for Lesu people to have a yearning to know Jesus.
Pray that they will turn and worship only the creator.
Pray for discipleship efforts and evangelistic communities in their communities and families.
Pray for the Lesu people to see and understand living Christianity.
May they crave the Holy Spirit in their communities.

Scripture Prayers for the Lesu in China.

References

Operation China, Asia Harvest, Copyrighted Used with permission.