Day Six: The Dong People

Who are the Dong?
The Dong are famous for their carpentry skills, and there are two structures unique to Dong society: the Drum Tower and Wind and Rain Bridges. The Drum Tower is the highest and most cherished building in the village, functioning as a place for public meetings as well as the center of social activity. The covered Wind and Rain Bridge also serves as a meeting place, a rest area for weary travelers, and a shelter from bad weather.

The Dong are polytheists, believing that everything in nature has some sort of spiritual significance. To neglect the spirits of trees, rocks, rivers, wells, etc. would destroy the spiritual balance and result in sure disaster. The most revered deity in Dong culture is the goddess Sasui, the Creator of Villages. Out of 3.1 million Dong people, a mere 300 profess Christianity. Despite missionary efforts among the Dong in the early 1900's and reports of eager responses to the Gospel, Christianity has never taken hold among the Dong. There is currently very little Scripture available in the Dong language, and all of this contributes to the Dong being one of the most Gospel-neglected minority groups in China.

Points of Prayer:
1. That the Dong, who love music and singing, will one day bow before the Lord in worship.

2. For the Dong to have an understanding of God as the Creator not only of their villages, but also of the entire universe.

3. That Dong believers will be faithful to boldly share their faith in their communities, and that God will raise up more Christians to go to the Dong for the purpose of sharing Christ.

4. That the Word of God will be made available in an understandable format to all Dong, and that it will be fruitful and accomplish the purposes God has for it.