Day 28: The Nosu People

Who are the Nosu?
"God sent a messenger to [three] sons to warn them of [a] flood. The oldest wanted to kill the messenger. The second son bound the messenger and asked him questions. The third politely asked him why the flood was coming..The youngest son, named Dum, built a boat out of wood in 20 days. Twenty days later the rains came. It rained seven days and nights and flooded the whole earth. The two older sons died. The boat landed in the snowy mountains of Tibet. Dum had three sons who populated the whole earth." (from "The History and Culture of the Nosu Yi people of the Liang Shan") 

Despite the similarities between this traditional story and the Biblical account of Noah and the flood, the Nosu people of the Big and Little Cold Mountains, along the border of Yunnan and Sichuan Provinces, are virtually untouched by the gospel. Their religious practices center around sorcery, divination, and the worship of many gods. Every village has a shaman who mediates between the local people and the spirit world. Early missionaries found the Nosu unswervingly dedicated to their traditional religion, and although there are some Nosu Christians today, the vast majority remain blinded by spiritual darkness.

Throughout history the Nosu have been regarded as ruthless and fierce, a people to be feared. But they also place high value on loyalty, friendship, and being a good host. This is reflected in their willingness to listen to the message of salvation through Christ when it is presented to them. However Christianity remains a mystery in the hearts and minds of most Nosu, since very few Christian materials are available to them in their heart languages.

Points of Prayer:
1. That the Nosu would be set free from the spiritual strongholds that keep them in bondage. Pray that they would know of God's love for them and His desire to have a relationship with them.

2. That every Nosu would soon be able to hear the gospel clearly presented in his or her mother tongue.

3. That the Christians among this people group would be formed into a strong church which is honouring and pleasing to the Lord.