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.
The Hakka Chinese have moved far and wide, often for jobs or business opportunities. One of the places where the gospel has not caught up with them is Taiwan.
In Taiwan, the younger generations of Hakka have largely assimilated into society with the rest of the island. Most Hakka communities don't have high school or colleges, so young Hakka must attend school in bigger cities where they usually end up settling. Older generations of Hakka still live predominately in rural communities outside of bigger cities. While most understand Mandarin, the national language in Taiwan, their heart language is really Hakka, so that's been a barrier in communicating the gospel to them. The Hakka have their own cuisine, architecture and dress.
Ethnic religions are closely tied in with ethnic identity. It’s difficult for anyone to “abandon” the ways of their ancestors, especially in a Chinese context. No matter where they live, returning to Chinese religion and ancestor worship is a temptation for the Hakka Chinese.
In Taiwan the Hakka adhere to traditional Chinese religion. This can include aspects of Daoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Commonly they worship the spirits of their ancestors, believing these spirits can affect their future and their fortune. Therefore, they make offerings and build shrines and altars in their honor. The Hakka depend on spirit healers for some of their needs.
There is already a sizable number of Hakka Christians who can reach out to the others throughout the world. They need to be sent by the Holy Spirit to Taiwan.
Pray for more Holy Spirit anointed believers to go to the Hakka in Taiwan.
Pray for hearts and minds that are open to adhering to the ways of Jesus Christ.
Pray for leaders in the Taiwanese Hakka community to open the doors to hearing the gospel.
Pray for a powerful movement to Christ among the Hakka in Taiwan.
Scripture Prayers for the Han Chinese, Hakka in Taiwan.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
