People
Who they are
The Nanjingren live in western Guizhou Province, China, in counties such as Bijie, Dafang, Qianxi, Anshun and Liupanshui. Their name means “people of Nanjing”: they say their ancestors were soldiers sent from Nanjing in the eighth and ninth centuries to fight Miao rebels in the mountains. In Qianxi they call themselves Xienan, and in Dafang, Xiejing. The Chinese government has never classified them clearly: they were placed among the “undetermined” minorities, then associated with the Bai, and today some Nanjingren are registered as Gelao, Yi or Han. They speak Guizhou Chinese, and in some places where they have retained more of their identity, they speak Longjia.
Where they live
1
Country
162K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
China Partially reached
|
100%
|
162.000 |
How they live
After several generations in the region, the Nanjingren adopted many customs of minority groups, especially the Miao, and stopped seeing themselves as Han Chinese. When Han settlers arrived in the fourteenth century, they often refused to accept them as Han and persecuted and scorned them. At marriage, the bride price is usually paid in cows. Traditional women’s clothing includes a short-sleeved shirt, a long skirt and a headdress.
What they believe
Most Nanjingren venerate their ancestors. Each home has an altar on the wall of the main room, where incense and food are offered to the dead in the belief that this gives their souls a better life after death. When someone dies, Taoist priests conduct the funeral. There are also Catholics and a few Protestants, as a result of missionary work in the region before 1949.
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.
Mandarin Chinese
Complete Bible
- Translation started Done
- Portions Done
- New Testament Done
- Whole Bible Current stage
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)7.5%
Evangelicals6.8%
Needs
Most Nanjingren have not yet heard the gospel clearly enough to accept or reject it, according to a survey from around the year 2000. The few Christians need biblical teaching and people to guide them through issues in family life, such as remembering the dead and funerals.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray that Nanjingren Christians, whose communities have roots in the work done before 1949, will stand firm in Jesus.
Pray that Nanjingren families who know little about the gospel will hear a clear explanation.
Pray for Nanjingren Christian leaders as they guide families through issues related to traditional funerals.
Pray for people equipped to teach the Bible in Nanjingren communities in Guizhou.
Pray that Nanjingren people who honor their ancestors will come to know Jesus.
Pray for Nanjingren
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
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