Lahu in China

People Name:	Lahu
Country:	China
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	314,000
World Population:	588,500
Primary Language:	Lahu
Primary Religion:	Christianity
Christian Adherents:	55.00 %
Evangelicals:	33.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Tibeto-Burman, other
Affinity Bloc:	Tibetan-Himalayan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Lahu are one of China's 55 official minority groups. The name Lahu reportedly means "to roast tiger meat by fire," although others say the name has no meaning. Their skill as hunters has given them their nickname of Musso, which is used throughout Southeast Asia. Since 1890, when the Lahu surrendered their rebellion against their Yi and Tai landlords, they have been viewed as cowardly by other minority groups in Yunnan. An old Lahu man said, "Ever since the defeat, the Lahu lost heart and were despised by other groups."
The Lahu have a long history of war and armed conflict against their oppressors. They rebelled more than 20 times throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The region they occupied west of the Lancang River was branded "a place of constant riot."

What Are Their Lives Like?

Lahu women give birth in the privacy of their own rooms. Three days after the birth they invite old people to a small feast where they name the child. However, if an unexpected visitor should come in the meantime, he or she is given the honor of naming the newborn. When a Lahu dies, three shots are fired into the air to scare away the spirits and to announce the news to the village. Lahu communities have long been plagued by stealing and rampant alcoholism. "It is common to see a group of Lahu drunk and beating their fists on the roadside and shouting as they are led homeward."

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Lahu believe in a supreme god named G'ui Sha. Many Lahu villages have a temple consecrated to this deity. This belief in One Supreme Being played a large part in their mass conversion to Christianity.

What Are Their Needs?

The Lahu people have been blessed with the gospel. They need to take the name of Christ to others.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among the Lahu people, making them a city on a hill to the tribes and peoples nearby.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out Lahu workers to those in Yunnan Province who do not know about the saving power of Jesus Christ.
Pray for the Lord to bless the Laha people with an abundant crop as proof of his power and love.