Hdzanggur in China

Introduction / History

For centuries the Hdzanggur have been cut off from contact with the rest of the world. To this day, they are without telephones, electricity, and a postal system. There are virtually no roads in their region. This...tribe practices crude forms of medicine, little changed for centuries. Rock reported, "I did manage to photograph one wild fellow. ... His abdomen was covered with straight scars, made when he had held burning rags against his body to cure his stomach ache. These scars were so evenly placed that they looked like tattoo marks. Others had scars on wrists and hands, marks of fiery ordeals to cure rheumatism."

The Hdzanggur are one of the main tribes of Golog Tibetans. The name Golog means "those with heads on backwards," in reference to their rebellious nature. The Hdzanggur have a reputation for being robbers and murderers. They are heavily armed and practically independent from Chinese rule. One of the first outsiders to visit the Hdzanggur was the intrepid Joseph Rock in 1929. He wrote, "I crossed over ... to see what these almost unknown and wild people were like. Though very suspicious of us, they showed the greatest curiosity about our appearance and clothing. ... They formed a circle about me, feeling my clothes. My pockets in particular amused them. ... They followed me about, shaking their heads in bewilderment."

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today there are boats available to ferry passengers across the Yellow River and, near the main towns, bridges now exist. But 70 years ago, the Hdzanggur were renowned for their unique method of crossing the river. "Here a ferry of inflated goatskins supporting a raft of poles was in operation. These skins soon went flat. After each trip the Tibetans had to blow up each skin - excellent exercise for the lungs. As many as 12 people would ride on one of these flimsy rafts."

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Hdzanggur are fervent Tibetan Buddhists. They also worship a selection of fierce mountain deities. Several Western Buddhists are presently studying at Radja Monastery.

The gospel of Jesus Christ has never reached this geographically, politically, and spiritually isolated part of the world. There has never been a known Hdzanggur believer. Unknown to Christendom, the Hdzanggur have perished in their sin for centuries without the slightest cry for help being heard from their midst.

What Are Their Needs?

Without the guidance of Christ, these people will be lost in this life and the life to come. They need someone to go to them as Christ-bearers.

Prayer Points

Pray for the spiritual blindness and bondage to the evil one to be removed so they can understand and respond to Christ.

Pray for the Lord to provide for their physical and spiritual needs as a testimony of his power and love.

Pray that the Hdzanggur people will have a spiritual hunger that will open their hearts to the King of kings.

Pray for an unstoppable movement to Christ among them.

Text Source:   Joshua Project