Introduction / History

The identity of the Bit - who are called Buxin by the Chinese - is a complicated matter. The Chinese officially view the Bit as part of the Khmu, but the Khmu do not belong to any of China's official nationalities. They were included in a list of Undetermined Minorities in the 1990 national census. In Laos, the Bit were counted separately in the national census of 1995.

The Bit have ethnic relatives in both Laos and Vietnam, yet their language is distinct from the Khmu whom they are counted part of in China. The Khmu claim to be the original inhabitants of Laos, living there before they were driven from the best land by Lao invaders from China during the 12th and 13th century.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Funerals are elaborate affairs for the Bit. The deceased are buried in the mountains. A funeral house is constructed over the grave and is filled with the person's personal items such as a rice basket, drink pipe, bowls, and chopsticks. They erect at the front of the grave a four-to-five-meter (13-16 ft.) pole. A wooden bird and a shirt belonging to the deceased's wife or husband are attached to the top of the pole.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Bit practice a mixture of Theravada Buddhism and animism. They believe a person has five souls. After death, one soul remains in the house; one goes to the fields; one settles in the foot of the tree that was felled to make the coffin; one lives in the funeral home; and the last remaining soul flies to the sky.

There are few if any Christian believers among the Bit in China or Laos, although there are many Christians among the related Khmu of northern Laos.

What Are Their Needs?

The Bit people need to submit to Jesus Christ so they can experience the abundant life he offers in John 10:10.

Prayer Items

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.

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.

Scripture Prayers for the Bit in China.

References

Operation China, Asia Harvest, Copyrighted © Used with permission