Fuma in China

People Name:	Fuma
Country:	China
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	1,100
World Population:	1,100
Primary Language:	Foma
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	2.60 %
Evangelicals:	2.33 %
Scripture:	Translation Needed
Ministry Resources:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	No
People Cluster:	Tai
Affinity Bloc:	Southeast Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Fuma have been officially counted as part of the Han Chinese nationality, even though they speak their own language and hold to their own identity. The Fuma are considered by some to be a subgroup of the Cun, but locals say the Fuma are a distinct people group. Cun means "village" and is a generic term applied to Chinese people living in western Hainan who speak languages related to Li.
Hainan Island has witnessed wave after wave of immigrants from the Chinese Mainland over the past 2,000 years. Most settled in the northern part of the island, forcing the original inhabitants of the island, the Li, southward and westward. Today most of northern Hainan is inhabited by Han Chinese and Lingao - members of a mixed people group who speak a language resembling Zhuang. In the areas located near the boundaries between Chinese and Li culture, however, a great deal of fusion has taken place. Because of centuries of interaction between the Han and Li, people groups have been formed who are ethnically and historically Han Chinese but speak a Li language. The Fuma fall into this category. In other locations the fusion has occurred the other way around. Ethnic Li people can be found throughout Hainan who can speak only the Chinese language.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Fuma have few customs that distinguish them as a people group. They do not wear any traditional dress and are some of the poorest people in all of China. For generations they have struggled to survive in their remote location.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Fuma do not practice an organized religion, although many have a deep reverence and respect for their ancestors.

What Are Their Needs?

The Fuma church needs the Holy Spirit to move among them, bringing true holiness and humility.

Prayer Points

Pray for a Holy Spirit led revival among the Fuma people that will spread throughout Hainan Island.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out Fuma Christians to take Christ to the lost in Yunnan Province.
Pray for Fuma Christ followers to be salt and light to their unsaved neighbors.