Day 11: The Li People

Who are the Li?
The more than 1 million Li have made their homes on Hainan Island off the southern coast of China since their first migration from the mainland 3,000 years ago. Their history records numerous rebellions against Chinese rule, although during World War II the Li cooperated with the Communists to protect their island from Japanese invasion. Today the Li seem to be integrating themselves more and more into mainstream Chinese society, forsaking their traditional dress and some other customs. The Li are in danger of being influenced by the materialism and recent history of corruption present on Hainan Island.

The Li are primarily polytheistic, worshipping the spirits of both their ancestors and of nature. Witchcraft is used to cure illness, and fortune telling is practiced using items such as chicken bones and eggs. A small number of the Li people profess Christianity, and it is reported that there are a few Li Christian churches. However, with no Scriptures available in their own language, the majority of Li people are lost in a world without any knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Points of Prayer:
1. That the Li churches would be strengthened and protected from false teachings. Ask the Lord to equip them to spread the Gospel to their own people.

2. That many Li will give their lives to Christ, before their hearts are captivated by the spirit of greed and deceit present on the island.

3. That Christian workers will discover innovative and effective ways to reach the Li with the Good News.

4. That God will raise up and equip people to translate the Scriptures into the Li's language.