Unreached people groups > China

China
Dong, Northern

 

Identity

Although the Northern and Southern Dong speak different languages, they have been combined to form the official Dong nationality in China. The two groups are also culturally different. The Northern Dongs have been assimilated into Chinese culture much more than their southern counterparts. The Dongs call themselves Kam. The Northern Dong population in China is around 576,000.

History

The Dongs were not known by that name until this century. In the past they were part of the ancient Yue race, which dominated southern China. The Dongs have many ancient myths and legends about the origin of the world.

Customs

One of the visually striking aspects of a Dong community is the Drum Tower. For centuries, the Dongs have used the tower as the rallying point of the community: a place where the village gathers for an emergency, celebrates a wedding, and where young Dong couples sing love songs to each other. One source states that there are more than 30 distinct Dong dialect groups in China, and that marriage is rare between members of the various groups.

Religion

The Dongs believe in many gods. They regard certain mountains, trees, stones, and other nonhuman objects as sacred. This is reflected in the Dong custom of planting a fir tree for each newborn baby. A form of black magic, called Tu, is practiced by some Dong in remote areas. The Kitchen god is worshipped during Spring and Fall festivals. A growing number of Dong youth are nonreligious.

Christianity

Although they are considered relatively open to the gospel, the Dongs remain one of the most neglected minority groups in China. Today there are an estimated 600 Northern Dong Christians, a meager number considering their large population of more than one million. Most Dong have never heard the gospel. Both Protestant and Catholic missionaries were active among the Dong prior to the introduction of Communism in 1949. Several churches were built, but the gospel never took a firm hold among the Dong. Efforts are underway to produce a Roman script for them. Many Northern Dongs could now be reached by Chinese-language media.

Prayer
  • Pray that Jesus will reveal Himself to the Northern Dongs in China, and that missionaries will evangelize them. Pray that the Holy Spirit will soften their hearts and open their ears to the truth of the gospel.
  • Ask God to give the Dong believers in China opportunities and courage to share the love of Jesus with their own people.
  • Pray that God will raise up strong local churches among the Dongs in China.
Reference

 


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