Introduction / History

The Mixisu have been officially included under the Yi nationality in China. The self-name of this group is Mixisu. Although they are surrounded on every side by the Shengzha Nosu people, the Mixisu continue to retain a separate ethnicity. The Han Chinese call the Mixisu Shuitian Ren, which means "water fields people." This generic Chinese name is used for several distinct groups throughout southern China.

The Mixisu were raided by the Nosu for generations, and many were taken away as slaves and concubines. The communist authorities "liberated" the area and abolished the slave system in the early 1950s.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today, the Mixisu lead quiet lives as farmers and herdsmen.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Although most Mixisu do not consider themselves to be religious, they still retain spirit worship and ancestor worship ceremonies which are held on several occasions throughout the lunar calendar.

In many parts of southern China prior to 1949, the Nosu dominated the lives of their neighbors by using their authority as powerful landlords. "One Nosu landowner [in another area] ... would not allow his Nosu tenants to become Christians as they were false and crafty, and if they entered the church, it was from unworthy motives." As a result, few Mixisu have ever been given the chance to hear the gospel. There are a few small Three-Self Chinese churches in Xichang City, but few have ever considered taking the gospel to the unreached Mixisu.

What Are Their Needs?

Without the guidance of Christ, these people are like sheep without a shepherd. They need the good shepherd in their families and communities.

Prayer Points

Pray for the spiritual blindness and bondage to the evil one to be removed so they can understand and respond to Christ.

Pray for the Lord to provide for their physical and spiritual needs as a testimony of his power and love.

Pray that the Mixisu people will have a spiritual hunger that will open their hearts to the King of kings.

Pray for an unstoppable movement to Christ among them.

Scripture Prayers for the Mixisu in China.

References

Operation China, Asia Harvest, Copyrighted © Used with permission