Popei in China

People Name:	Popei
Country:	China
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	6,500
World Population:	6,500
Primary Language:	Lolopo
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Tibeto-Burman, other
Affinity Bloc:	Tibetan-Himalayan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Popei have been officially combined with dozens of other distinct ethnolinguistic peoples to form the Yi nationality in China. The Popei are widely known by their Chinese name, Shui Yi, meaning "water Yi." The Popei (Shui Yi) are often mistaken for the Shuitian (Watery Fields) group, but the two groups are distinct and speak separate languages. Popei is this group's autonym.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Although small in number, the Popei celebrate many traditional Yi festivals. These include the Garment Contest Festival which takes place in Zhijie Township of Yongren County every February. The Get-Together of Princes Festival is held in Longjie Township of Dayao County on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month. The people throw water over each other, sing, dance, and create an edible "prince" which they bake and eat.

What Are Their Beliefs?

As the Popei were gradually absorbed by the Han Chinese, they adopted many of the Han's Daoist and ancestor worship rituals.

The region inhabited by the Popei is one of the least evangelized in all of Yunnan Province. Various hidden tribes and groups in the area are locked away by remote mountains and rushing streams. Roads into the area were only constructed in the 1950s. Before then access was only possible by foot or on horseback from the nearest town. The nearest churches are among the Nasu and Lipo in Wuding.

What Are Their Needs?

They need the chance to allow the light of Christ to bless their families and villages.

Prayer Points

Ask God to prepare evangelists for the Popei who will be able to teach them about Christ and his love for all people.
Ask God to prepare the Popei’s hearts to make Christ to the center of their lives.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully among Popei family leaders.