People
Who they are
The Maonan live in China, mainly in northern Guangxi, with communities also in southern Guizhou. They call themselves Anan, a name meaning people of this place. Huanjiang, in Guangxi, is home to a significant portion of this people and is a Maonan autonomous county. The Maonan are among the ethnic minorities officially recognized by the country. Their history and traditions are passed down orally from generation to generation. In addition to their own language, many speak Chinese and Zhuang to communicate with neighboring peoples in the region.
Where they live
1
Country
105K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
China Partially reached
|
100%
|
106.000 |
How they live
Many Maonan families have the surname Tan, and villages are organized around families sharing the same surname. Yams, beef cattle and bamboo hats are known as their three treasures. Knowledge of plants also has a place in family life: in a study conducted between 2012 and 2014 in Huanjiang villages, residents said they had learned orally how to prepare remedies using local plants.
What they believe
Traditional beliefs predominate among the Maonan. They include devotion to various deities and strong influences from Taoism. On household altars, the names of deities and deceased family members appear on wooden tablets. There are also Maonan Christians, though they are still few. Christian work in Huanjiang began in 1897, and a church destroyed during the Cultural Revolution was replaced by a new building completed in 1992.
The Bible in this people's language
A people only truly understands the gospel when they hear it in the language of their heart. See how far the translation has come.
Maonan
Portions translated
- Translation started Done
- Portions Current stage
- 3 New Testament Still ahead
- 4 Whole Bible Still ahead
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)6%
Evangelicals5.8%
Needs
In Huanjiang, the cost of hospital care is one reason families turn to medicinal plants, and water shortages have long been an obstacle for communities in the region. These practical needs call for prayer. Maonan Christians are few and need training to teach their families the ways of Jesus.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for health care for Maonan families in Huanjiang.
Pray for sufficient water for Maonan communities.
Pray for the Scriptures to be used and understood in the Maonan language.
Pray for Maonan Christians who teach their families about faith in Jesus.
Pray for the training of leaders in the Maonan churches of Huanjiang.
Pray for Maonan
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar