The first-ever eastern Lisu language training program was held by Gongcha Church from March 23 to March 26, aiming to enhance the native language levels of believers.
Normally believers use their own language in sermons or hymns in the services. However, the young generation speak Chinese more, becoming unfamiliar with the eastern Lisu language. So the program was designed to teach them the eastern Lisu language, which was created by Rev.George E. Metcalf, a British missionary serving in China with the China Inland Mission.
Now the Eastern Lisu ethnic group, a branch of Lisu minority,has the New Testament in its own language. The translation of the Old Testament is being proofread.
Brother Li of Gongcha Church tells CCD that the eastern Lisu group inhabit counties like Yuanmou, Wuding, Luquan in Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture and some villages and towns in Sichuan.
The Gospel firstly entered into the Yuanmou area in 1919. Believers gathered in a thatched cottage built in 1937, while the cottage was occupied for other use in 1957.Later believers reconstructed the church after it restarted congregation and the church property was returned. The growing congregation are mainly Lisu people.
