Bokha in China

People Name:	Bokha
Country:	China
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	12,000
World Population:	12,000
Primary Language:	Bokha
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	0.10 %
Evangelicals:	0.05 %
Scripture:	Translation Needed
Ministry Resources:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	No
People Cluster:	Tibeto-Burman, other
Affinity Bloc:	Tibetan-Himalayan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Bokha are one of more than 100 distinct tribes and people groups that comprise the official Yi nationality in China. The Bokha speak their own language which is not mutually intelligible to any of the Yi varieties in the area. They also possess their own unique dress, customs and festivals.

The Bokha appear to consist of people from more than one historical migration. Most Bokha claim to have first arrived in the area after fleeing the chaos of war in Hunan Province more than 1,000 years ago. Their migration route took them through Wenshan Prefecture and into Honghe where they finally settled in Pingbian County. Some Bokha people living near Pingbian Township, however, claim to have migrated from Guizhou and Sichuan provinces only about 200 years ago.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Bokha are skilled at making rice and corn whiskey, which they consume in copious quantities. As soon as a guest enters a Bokha home, he or she is offered a bowl of powerful whiskey which the host clasps in two hands as a mark of respect for the guest. To refuse to drink the whiskey is considered a grave insult by the Bokha, and a visitor may not be allowed to stay if they cannot offer a good excuse. The Bokha have many superstitions relating to preparation of food and eating.

What Are Their Beliefs?

On certain occasions throughout the year, the polytheistic beliefs of the Bokha come to the fore. The Bokha set aside the 16th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar to worship the dragon. Each village has a sacred tree on the outskirts of their village. They believe the tree is home to the spirit of the dragon. The entire village gathers around the tree to offer prayers, incense and sacrifices. They plead with the dragon to protect them and cause them to prosper in the coming year, and to cause all calamities and disease to stay far from their communities. The Bokha living in the northeast corner of Pingbian County "appease the dragon god by placing spicy whiskey on an altar beneath the dragon tree. They then take the whiskey and pour it into a basin in the altar. Having filled the basin, they use a hollowed reed and take turns sucking the potent brew from the altar."

There are just a few Christians among the unreached Bokha people. The Bokha remain unevangelized and devoid of any Christian witness.

What Are Their Needs?

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

Prayer Points

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.