Ban Yao in China

People Name:	Ban Yao
Country:	China
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	36,000
World Population:	36,000
Primary Language:	Iu Mien
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Yao-Mien
Affinity Bloc:	Southeast Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Military campaigns waged by the Chinese during the Hong Wu (1368-1398) and the Jia Qing (1522-1566) periods of the Ming Dynasty caused the Ban Yao to migrate to their present location. The campaigns were often launched because the Yao refused to pay taxes. They claimed that they were once granted imperial privilege to avoid taxes from generation to generation.

The Ban Yao are officially considered part of the large Yao minority group. Although they recognize historical kinship with the Yao peoples, the Ban Yao now have their own customs, dress, and language. They are unable to use their own language to communicate with other Yao groups in Yunnan and must speak Chinese to communicate.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Until recently, a young Ban Yao man wishing to take a wife had to pay for her. Betrothal involved a negotiation of the bride-price. The price was divided into three different levels, 72, 60, or 48 ounces of silver, depending on the beauty and health of the young woman. The young woman's parents kept their daughter until the price had been paid in full. Some Ban Yao continue to share communal family homes with many of their relatives. The oldest living male is considered the head of the household.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Ban Yao are primarily worshipers of nature and the spirits they believe control it. They believe demons dwell inside large mountains, and their fate is linked to whether or not the spirits are pleased with them.

What Are Their Needs?

The Bao Yao people know they need protection from the spirit world.

About a fifth of the Ban Yao have heard the gospel message through Hmong and Han believers. However, there are no known Christians among them. Reaching them with the good news is difficult because of their isolation and independent mind-set. The Ban Yao have lived and died for centuries without the knowledge of Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to intervene in Ban Yao culture and call these people to his son.
Pray for workers who will go to the Ban Yao and share the gospel message.
Pray for hearts of the Ban Yao people to be drawn to Jesus.
Pray for a church planting movement to thrive in their communities.