Introduction / History

The Pinuyumayan are an Austronesian minority who reside in Taitung County, Taiwan. Pinuyumayans were traditionally hunters and farmers. Since the seventeenth century, there has been substantial contact between the Pinuyumayans and outsiders. Over the last two hundred years, Han Chinese immigrated to the Pinuyumayan area and authorities established government offices and schools in Pinuyumayan communities. The influx of Han settlers correlates with the decreased use of the Pyuma language and the increased use of the Taiwanese, Japanese, and Mandarin languages by the Pinuyumayan people. Their Pyuma language recession was noted in the first decade of the twentieth century.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Since the 1960s, the Pinuyumayans have become increasingly integrated into Taiwan society. Migration of Pinuyumayans to the cities mirrors the Taiwan business cycle. When there is an economic downturn, Pinuyumayans return to their homeland area to farm. Since Taiwan's admission to the WTO in 2002, farming is no longer a viable option. Pinuyumayans constitute a numerical minority even in their traditional communities.Most Pinuyumayans choose to speak Mandarin. Taiwanese is also widely spoken. Despite token mother tongue classes in local schools, there is no evidence that children are acquiring proficiency in Pyuma. In fact, younger Pinuyumayans seem disinterested in the language. For most, the perceived benefits of Mandarin and Taiwanese (prestige and access to educational and economic opportunities) outweigh the perceived benefits of Pinuyumayans.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Taiwanese pastors first evangelized the Pinuyumayans in the 1950s. At present, there are six cell groups and churches in the Pinuyumayan villages. The Gospel of Mark was translated into Pyuma using kanji script in the late 1980s, but due to a lack of interest, the translation was not distributed for general use. A revision process that included the adoption of Roman script was later begun. Except for a few elderly individuals, Pinuyumayans are proficient enough in Mandarin to benefit from an existing Chinese translation of the Scriptures.

What Are Their Needs?

Pinuyumayans need to take up their role as Christ’s ambassadors to a dying world. They can reach the lost in Taiwan and beyond.

Prayer Items

Pray for the Pinauymayans in Taiwan to heed God’s call to the nations.Pray for hundreds to be raised up with an unwavering faith in Christ, one that will not be shaken, no matter what comes their way.Pray for God to bring about his purpose for the Pinauymayans.Pray for Christians to have love, joy, peace, and patience as they tell others about the King of kings.Pray for a mighty Holy Spirit revival to permeate their families and churches, drawing them into greater love for God and for their neighbors.

Scripture Prayers for the Pinuyumayan in Taiwan.

References

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