The Cantonese are from a region of southeastern China, once known as Canton, now referred to as Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province. Traditionally, they were regarded as one of the 30 Han Chinese groups, but some consider them to be from the Tai groups.
The large southern city of Guangzhou, which has been continually inhabited for 2,200 years, has always been the center of Cantonese civilization. The Cantonese often migrated to other parts of the world, either as merchants or as common laborers. Today they live in 36 countries, including Reunion. Cantonese speakers blend in with various other Chinese groups that are not from China. For example, some Chinese come from South Africa.
In the 1850s, the Chinese were recruited to R union as indentured servants, but this arrangement only lasted two years. The Cantonese-speaking Chinese were more likely to go to Reunion in the 1860s. Chinese immigration to R union ceased after World War II. There have been no new Cantonese speakers in R union since that time.
Cantonese Chinese individuals in Reunion run small businesses, supported by strong community ties. Although the Cantonese are largely integrated and French-speaking today, some are attempting to reconnect with their cultural roots by learning Cantonese.
Some Cantonese are non-religious or they adhere to traditional Chinese religious practices. Others are Roman Catholic or Evangelical.
Regardless of where they live, the Cantonese people need a deeper spiritual hunger. People who own businesses typically have little time or energy to consider eternal matters.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to do mighty things in Chinese churches in Reunion.
Pray for Cantonese in Reunion to have a spiritual hunger that will lead them to Jesus Christ.
Pray for Cantonese Christians to evangelize and disciple those who are willing to find their way to the one who is the Truth.
Scripture Prayers for the Han Chinese, Cantonese in Reunion.
Operation China, Asia Harvest, Copyrighted Used with permission.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_R%C3%A9union
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
