The Yangliu Lalu live in wooden homes, usually built with three rooms: a central space that serves as both kitchen and gathering place, and two side rooms for family use. While many Yi groups in Yunnan celebrate the Torch Festival, the Yangliu Lalu instead honor "Girl's Day," when all women return to their parents' home for rest and renewal. Spiritually, they are animists and ancestor worshipers, believing that the souls of the dead remain on earth rather than passing into another world. Despite living near other Tibeto-Burman groups where Christianity has taken root, such as the Jingpo, Lashi, Maru, and Achang, the Yangliu Lalu themselves have never had a known church or fellowship among them. Most have probably never heard the gospel.

Ministry Obstacles: The Yangliu Lalu live in a part of Yunnan Province that has little Christian presence. With no known believers in their midst and little contact with nearby Christian groups, bringing the gospel to them presents significant challenges.

Scripture Focus: "Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment."
- Psalm 51:4

Prayer Focus: Pray that leaders among this people group will understand the depth of their sin just as King David did. Pray for dedicated workers, especially those gifted in music, to go to the Yangliu Lalu and share Christ in ways that resonate with their culture. Ask the Lord to open hearts so they are willing to seek truth and receive hope. Pray for the rise of Yangliu Lalu believers who will become disciples and disciple-makers, planting many seeds of faith in Christ in their community.