Summary
On the 15th day of the first month of the Pumi calendar, all the Pumi celebrate the god of the kitchen. This involves camping, bonfires, feasting, horse racing, shooting contests, and wrestling. At the age of 13, Pumi youth are considered adults. When a Pumi dies, they blow a conch three times to beckon villagers. A shaman then holds a Gei Yangzi Yishi (Sheep Guide) rite. The Pumi believe a sheep will lead the spirit of the deceased into the land of their ancestors. There is no organized church among the Pumi, but visitors report that they are a people ripe unto harvest. In the early 1990s, several Pumi were baptized by a Mosuo believer near Lugu Lake. There was a potential breakthrough in 1997 when 30 Pumis prayed to receive Christ after viewing the JESUS Film in Mandarin.
Ministry Obstacles
A fear of the spirit world keeps most Pumi from following Jesus. They believe putting their faith in Christ would be a betrayal of the spirits. The Pumi have been largely overlooked because of their linguistic diversity and isolated communities.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Ephesians 6:11
Pray
Pray for the Holy Spirit to give His armor to the believers among today’s people group.
Ask God to send workers to share the good news of Christ with the Pumi. Pray that God will remove their fears and fill them with the peace of Jesus. Ask God to give them a great spiritual hunger as they hear the gospel.
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