The Hakka, although proud of their cultural differences, have never claimed to be non-Chinese. Many famous Chinese have been Hakka, including Deng Xiaoping, Lee Kwan Yew, and Hong Xiuquan (the leader of the Taiping Rebellion).
There is much speculation concerning the historical roots of the Hakka. Some claim that they were the first Chinese people to arrive in China. Others claim that the Hakka are the descendants of the Xiongnu tribe. This much is agreed upon: At various stages between the fourth and thirteenth centuries AD, large numbers of people were forced to flee their homes in the war-torn Yellow River valley to seek refuge in southern China. These war refugees came to be known as Kejia - a Hakka word meaning "strangers" or "guests." When the savage Mongol hordes swept across China in the thirteenth century, many Hakka fled to the south to escape the carnage.
In today’s world, the Hakka are among the Chinese diaspora in many countries including French Guiana.
The Hakka are among the various Han Chinese peoples in French Guiana. They first came to that small South American country as indentured servants in the 19th century. After their terms as indentured servants ended many became international traders.
Today the Hakka Chinese in French Guiana are still often international traders, but they also hold other professions. Though many have left French Guiana, other Hakkas have arrived from China. Those who have been in French Guiana for generations have become acculturated with the majority population.
Most of the of the Hakka Chinese in French Guiana are non-religious. About an eighth of them are Christian, usually Roman Catholic, but they do have a strong Evangelical presence.
Hakka Chinese Buddhists in French Guiana need the chance to hear that Jesus Christ offers life to the full for those who will submit to his lordship.
Pray for the Hakka to have receptive hearts to the things of Christ.
Pray for Hakka church planters to train others to plant more churches and make disciples.
Pray for the Hakka Chinese in French Guiana to become a strong mission force among unreached Chinese groups around the world.
Scripture Prayers for the Han Chinese, Hakka in French Guiana.
Operation China, Asia Harvest, Copyrighted © Used with permission
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
