Day 24: The Mosuo People

Who are the Mosuo?
Settled around an isolated mountain lake on the border of Yunnan and Sichuan Provinces, the Mosuo people are very much cut off from the outside world. A road to the lake didn't even exist until 1982, and it has only been recently that the Mosuo have begun to see tourism in their area. But the tourists are coming, attracted by the unconventional matriarchal customs of the Mosuo people. Traditional marriage as we know it in the west is practiced by only about 30% of the population. The remainder practice "serial monogamy", with men living at home with their mothers, and visiting their lovers at night.

The white stone altars found throughout the villages are evidence of the strong influence that Lamaism has over the Mosuo people. Worshippers walk around these altars in a clockwise direction, expecting to receive good luck and happiness. In addition, most homes contain altars to Buddha, ancestral spirits, and the god of fire. At one time there were around 10 Mosuo who professed Christianity. But unfortunately, there has been no follow up for these believers, and most have returned to their pagan beliefs. It is clear that the majority of the Mosuo people remain unreached, with no Scripture available in their heart language, and never having heard of Jesus Christ.

Points of Prayer:
1. That the thousands of lost Mosuo will soon hear about Jesus and joyfully surrender their lives to Him.

2. For God to send workers to spread the good news among the Mosuo and disciple the few believers among this people group.

3. That God will show the Mosuo how to obey Him without losing their Mosuo identity. 

4. That the Bible would soon be made available to the Mosuo in their own language.