Laba of China

Laba of China The Laba are also widely known as the Huguang, or Huguangren. Laba is the name they call themselves. The Laba were probably originally a garrison of Han Chinese soldiers who were sent to Guizhou to fight the Miao. After hostilities ceased, the soldiers stayed behind, married local women, and gradually developed a separate ethnicity until they forgot their roots as Han people. The customs and celebrations of the Laba reflect both Miao and Han influences. For many years the main cultural connection between the Laba and Miao was the fact that they prepared and ate the same kind of food, which is significant in China. Ancestor worship and animism are the primary religious systems practiced by the Laba. In the past, a cow was sacrificed to the spirits of the Laba's ancestors every three years. Ministry Obstacles The Laba have been animists for generations. Change is difficult and painful. Outreach Ideas Please pray for workers to take the good news of Jesus Christ to the Laba people. There are many resources available that will help with this in Mandarin Chinese. Pray for the followers of Christ There are a number of Laba who identify themselves as Christians. Pray they will live holy lives, zealous to know and serve the Lord. Pray they provide an excellent testimony to family and friends. Pray for the entire people group "The gospel has never taken root among this group as it has among other peoples in the area." Please pray this situation will change soon. Scripture Focus "Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations." Luke 24:46-47		People Name: Laba Country: China 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 294,000 World Population: 294,000 Language: Chinese, Mandarin Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions Bible: Complete Online Audio NT: Yes Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.2