Samadu, Eastern in China

People Name:	Samadu, Eastern
Country:	China
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	800
World Population:	800
Primary Language:	Chinese, Mandarin
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	2.00 %
Evangelicals:	1.63 %
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 Eastern Samadu are part of the massive Yi nationality in China. They speak a very different language from the Western Samadu, a group of 7,500 people who live across the province in the Lincang Prefecture near the China-Myanmar border. The Western Samadu claim to have migrated long ago from the Kunming area, so there would seem little doubt that these groups were once one people. Centuries of separation have caused them to become distinct, even though they still retain the same name. The Eastern Samadu, in fact, now pronounce their name slightly differently, as Samaduo.

The Eastern Samadu were once a much larger group than they are today, but epidemics, assimilation, and migration caused them to reduce in size. Many Yi groups, including the Samadu, have legends about a great flood and about the origins of the human race: "A certain man had three sons. He received warning that a flood was about to come upon the earth, and the family discussed how they should save themselves when this calamity came upon them. One suggested an iron cupboard, another a stone one, but the suggestion of the third that they should make a cupboard of wood and store it with food was acted upon."

What Are Their Lives Like?

Although they no longer participate in many of their traditional festivals, the Eastern Samadu still celebrate the Torch Festival, as do many other ethnic groups in Yunnan Province. A large torch is lit to frighten away the evil spirits before the festival can proceed. In some locations the people drink chicken blood mixed with rice.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The homes of the Eastern Samadu are customarily built at the foot of a hill, and sacrifices are regularly offered on the hillside in the fourth month of each year. In the past the local shaman determined the most propitious day. An altar was erected, and a sheep and pig were sacrificed. Since the antireligion drives of the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s shamans have become scarce, although in recent years some have re-emerged.

Although we know very little about the status of Christianity among the Eastern Samadu, there may be a small number of believers among them. A number of churches, both from the Three-Self Patriotic Movement and unregistered house churches, are present in Guandu County. Most Eastern Samadu, however, have no knowledge of the gospel and have never been focused on for evangelism.

What Are Their Needs?

The Eastern Samadu people need to follow Jesus Christ to experience everlasting joy and unconditional love that only he can provide.

Prayer Points

Pray for the authority of Christ to bind hindering spiritual forces to lead them to spiritual light.
Pray for them to witness signs and wonders and for great breakthroughs with a rapid multiplication of disciples and house churches.
Pray for bold workers who are driven by the love of the Holy Spirit to minister to them.
Pray for an unstoppable movement to Christ among them.