Li, Bendi in China
Photo Source:
Anonymous
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Map Source:
Joshua Project / Global Mapping International
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| People Name: | Li, Bendi |
| Country: | China |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 80,000 |
| World Population: | 80,000 |
| Primary Language: | Hlai |
| Primary Religion: | Ethnic Religions |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.10 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.03 % |
| Scripture: | Portions |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Li |
| Affinity Bloc: | Southeast Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The ancestors of the Li are believed to have migrated to Hainan Island from the Mainland approximately 3,000 years ago. The state of Li is mentioned at the beginning of the tenth book of the Chinese Book of History. Although the various Li groups on Hainan Island acknowledge a common historical kinship, "they are divided into several groups, distinguishable by their different dialects [and costumes]." The name Li means "black" or "dark brown"; it can also mean "numerous."
What Are Their Lives Like?
Until recently the Bendi Li relied on hunting and fishing for their survival.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Bendi Li are mostly polytheists and animists, worshiping a multiplicity of gods and spirits. Before the antireligion purges of the Cultural Revolution, most Li villages had their own shaman who acted as a medium between the community and the spirit world. Of the more than one million Li on Hainan Island, only 1,000 believe in Jesus Christ.
What Are Their Needs?
They need to know that God s ways should be embraced and obeyed. They need to see living Christianity in action.
Prayer Points
Pray that the people will find their way to Jesus and gladly accept him.
Pray for more missionaries to be interested in helping build up the Bendi Li community both spiritually and economically.
Pray for the gospel to spread from family to family among the Bendi Li people.