Younuo in China

People Name:	Younuo
Country:	China
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	22,000
World Population:	22,000
Primary Language:	Bunu, Younuo
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Unspecified
Ministry Resources:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Yao-Mien
Affinity Bloc:	Southeast Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The term Bunu does not necessarily refer to a specific people group; it simply means "us people." The Chinese government classifies the Younuo people as part of the Bunu in China, who in turn are considered part of the Yao nationality.

Traditionally, Younuo men hunted, although the practice has diminished in the last generation. The Younuo's use as their favorite weapons the crossbow and the muzzle-loading musket. Wild pigs and deer become scarcer every year, ending the prevalence of hunting.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Younuo rarely marry outside their ethnic group, although there is no rule prohibiting this. Often, Younuo women consider the location of their suitor's village—to determine how far she will have to walk to fetch water—before deciding if she will accept his proposal. Sexual immorality is rampant among the Younuo. They accept premarital sex in their culture. A young man may secretly come to his girlfriend's house after dark—knowing exactly where in the house she sleeps—and will call out to her between the cracks in the wall. If the girl accepts the boy's advances, she will leave the house and spend the night with him.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Younuo have a flood legend. They claim the waters once rose up so high on the earth that they reached into heaven. Man then sounded a gong at the rooftop of the earth which woke the Thunder god. The Thunder god saw man's distress and came down to rescue them, causing the flood to end. They also worship a powerful dragon spirit, Zaj Laung, who they believe controls the waters and lives at the bottom the sea. He also controls the weather and must be placated to ensure enough rain for a bountiful harvest. The Younuo believe the dragon can take the form of a rainbow. They also worship the sun and moon.

What Are Their Needs?

Like people everywhere, the Younuo people need to allow the loving Savior to direct their lives. They need his forgiveness for sin.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to intervene in their families, calling people to his side.

Pray for loving, Holy Spirit led workers to go to the Younuo people.

Pray for the Lord to raise up Younuo persons of peace to welcome Christ's ambassadors.

Pray for a church planting movement to thrive in their communities.