Introduction / History

The Gao, who also call themselves Qau, Klao, and Klan, are one of five subgroups of the official Gelao nationality in China. The different subgroups of the Gelao are usually recognized as the original inhabitants of Guizhou Province by most other minority peoples. Samuel Clarke wrote, "These people claim, and rightly, we believe, to be the real aborigines [original inhabitants] of that region.... Where the Miao and Keh-lao [Gelao] occupy the same district, the Miao allow that the Keh-lao were there before themselves."

What Are Their Lives Like?

It is likely that most of the Gelao communities across this wide tract of land share few cultural or ethnic traits. Because of many centuries of separation from other groups of Gelao, the Gao have developed their own ethnic identity, customs and language. Gao women no longer wear traditional dress except for festivals and special occasions.

What Are Their Beliefs?

In the past century the Gao have adopted the religious beliefs of their neighbors, especially of the pervasive Han Chinese. The Gao worship their ancestors on several occasions throughout the year. Local spirits - such as the gods of the Water, Forest, Rice Field, and Village - are also appeased by the Gao. Many Gao youth are atheists with no religious persuasion.
There is a small number of Gao Christians in southern China, mixed in with Han Chinese congregations. There is a smattering of believers in most of the areas where the Gao live.

What Are Their Needs?

Gao Christians needs to be revived by the work of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer Items

Pray for a Holy Spirit led revival among the Gao people that will spread throughout Hainan Island.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out Gao Christians to take Christ to the lost in Yunnan Province.
Pray for Gao Christ followers to be salt and light to their unsaved neighbors.

Scripture Prayers for the Gao in China.

References

Operation China, Asia Harvest, Copyrighted © Used with permission