Miao, Huishui Eastern in China

People Name:	Miao, Huishui Eastern
Country:	China
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	24,000
World Population:	24,000
Primary Language:	Miao, Eastern Huishui
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	0.50 %
Evangelicals:	0.28 %
Scripture:	Translation Needed
Ministry Resources:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	No
People Cluster:	Miao / Hmong
Affinity Bloc:	Southeast Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Eastern Huishui Miao are one part of the Miao diaspora that has taken place at various stages over the last 1,000 years.

The Chinese hatred of the Miao reached a feverish climax during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) when the Imperial Court attempted to completely isolate the Miao territory from the rest of China. They set up stone guard posts and military stations, and in many places even erected walls to keep the Miao in the mountains. The remains of these stone towers can still be seen along ridges in Guizhou today. In 1650 the Miao rebelled, tore down the guard posts and walls, and demolished the border between themselves and the Chinese.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Miao have many oral legends of great heroes. One heroine often portrayed on embroidery is Wu Yaoxi. Born in Shidong in Guizhou, she joined the Miao rebellion against the Qing Dynasty (1855-1872) and became a famous general. She was finally killed, but she is still proudly remembered by her descendants.

What Are Their Beliefs?

A sinister part of the traditional Miao religion was the role of some women who produced an evil poison called gu. It was used in secret black magic rituals to put curses on their enemies, who often died because of it. All Chinese people living near the Miao were afraid that these dark powers would be used against them and, therefore, lived in utter terror of the Miao.

In the early years of Protestant missionary work, most workers focused on the needs of the A-Hmao and Gha-Mu in northwest Guizhou because of the readiness with which these peoples responded to the gospel. The Miao groups in southern Guizhou, such as the Eastern Huishui Miao, were comparatively neglected. There may be small numbers of believers among all of the Huishui Miao groups, but there are few vibrant fellowships meeting regularly. The handful of Christians live in small, scattered communities. Few Eastern Huishui Miao have been so fortunate as to receive the offer of salvation.

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 authority of Christ to bind hindering spiritual forces to lead them from darkness to light.

Pray for signs and wonders to happen among them and for great breakthroughs with a rapid multiplication of disciples and house churches.

Pray for bold workers who are driven by the love of the Holy Spirit to go to them.

Pray for an unstoppable movement to Christ among them.