Introduction / History

The Luoxiang Iu Mien are part of the Yao nationality in China. The Chinese call them Pan Yao, meaning "Yao who worship Pan." The other Yao groups in Jinxiu County are the Kiong Nai, Lakkia, Ao Biao, and Kim Mun.

The Iu Mien and Kim Mun were the last two groups to migrate into the Dayao Mountains. They found the best land had already been taken by the Ao Biao and the Lakkia. The Iu Mien struggled in extremely harsh conditions for many years, were forbidden to own land, and forced to live in bamboo sheds while rendering manual labor to the original inhabitants. Another source states the Iu Mien "came to the Dayaoshan Mountains rather late and found no space for settlement in the wooded hills or river valleys suitable for farming. So they had to live in scattered mountain villages at a high altitude. Earlier, they did not even have a fixed place to live in and, like nomadic tribes, roamed from one mountain to another. They are, therefore, also known as the Guoshan Yao (the Yao who keep crossing mountains)."

What Are Their Lives Like?

Despite their extreme poverty, the dress of the Luoxiang Iu Mien is elaborate. Both men and women wear large turbans. The greatest festival for the Iu Mien is the annual Pan Hu Festival, dedicated to the legendary ancestor of the Iu Mien. The Changgu (Long Drum) Dance is the most famous dance of the festival. "The drums used in this dance are shaped like an egg-timer, and their ends are covered with goat's hide. Before the performance, the drums are smeared with yellow mud, presumably to alter the pitch."

What Are Their Beliefs?

Numerous stories abound regarding the heroic exploits of Pan Hu, who is worshiped by the Iu Mien as a spiritual savior.

The first known penetration of the gospel among the Luoxiang Iu Mien occurred in 1996. A Hong Kong-based ministry won approximately 30 Ao Biao and Iu Mien in Jinxiu County to Christ.

What Are Their Needs?

Without the guidance of Christ, these people will be lost in this life and the life to come. They need Christ-bearers to share the gospel truths to them.

Prayer Points

Pray more workers and believers would intercede and be involved in the evangelizing process of the Iu Mein to knowing Jesus as Savior.
Pray for the Lord to provide for their physical and spiritual needs as a testimony of his power and love.
Pray that the Luoxiang Iu Mien people will have a spiritual hunger that will open their hearts to the King of kings.
Pray for an unstoppable movement of Christ to rest upon the Iu Mein people.

Scripture Prayers for the Iu Mien, Luoxiang in China.

References

Operation China, Asia Harvest, Copyrighted © Used with permission.