Fall 1999

Week nine

The Pumi of China; a summer missionary’s story; job list; and God’s Heart for the Nations by Jeff Lewis

Unreached People Group (UPG) focus: The Pumi of China

The Pumi of China were originally Tibetan nomads. Today, with villages up to 9,000 feet above sea level, they are known as a mountain people. The Pumi are one of China’s smallest officially recognized ethnic minorities. Pumi traditionally marry outside of their clans through parental arrangements. Their homes are two-story log structures with a wooden roof. The family lives in the upper level, and the lower level is used for storage and animals. The Pumi are known for making wool sweaters, linen, bamboo goods, liquor, wooden bowls and herbal medicines.

There are only five Christians in the population of 30,000 Pumi. The major religions of this people are Animism and Buddhism. Most of the Pumi are animists. They worship ancestral spirits and other spirits that inhabit rivers, trees, etc. Prayers and sacrifices are offered to the spirits, and witch doctors or sorcerers are called in to consult the spirits when faced with difficult decisions. When the people feel that the spirits are restless or angry, no effort is spared to appease them.

What are their needs?

Only a handful of Pumi has been converted. Most of these are located in an isolated area of the extreme north of the Pumi world. Pray for the witness of these believers. Workers who speak Pumi are needed to encourage these believers and to help them share the hope of Jesus Christ with their people. The translation of the Bible and the JESUS film is critical to this ministry. The Pumi could also benefit from agricultural teams who could help them better utilize their resources.

In order to enter a prayer commitment with this or other unreached people groups, call the International Prayer Strategy Office at 1-888-462-7729.

A summer missionary’s story:

—From CHINA

“One of our stops was in a small city. We prayed as a group before we went out to the street to pray. Our team walked into a store to buy ice cream. We asked the store owner if he knew any churches in the area. He said that his family is Christian and has tried to convert him. As we talked, we came to understand that he believes in a force in all creation. I was feeling ill from breakfast, so I went to the back of the store and prayed for his salvation. We were about to leave when the owner asked for a Bible. We gave him one. Ron told him how to read it. John saw the owner’s hard face change as his eyes became wet. It was an awesome experience. It was wonderful to see the Lord work.”

Opportunities to serve in China: 

URGENT!!!!!

Call your friends, send e-mails, talk it up!

These semester projects start in January. Would you or do you know anyone who might want to participate. Time is running down!

Another college student’s quote:

—From CHINA

“For the first time in my life, I have returned from the summer, not on a “spiritual high,” but changed for good. I was challenged in ways that were not always fun, but my walk grew stronger.”

Bible study:

GOD’S HEART FOR THE NATIONS