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 Singapore.
Singapore is a country where many diverse ethnic groups intermingle and blend. Their formula has worked very well for them; this is a very prosperous country. The Hakka are one of many Han Chinese groups represented there.
Every Autumn the Hakka gather with friends and family for a special event. They discuss the struggles and virtues of the early Hakka settlers and remind the young ones among them to never forget the Hakka spirit.
The Singaporeans seldom know about the specifics of the Hakka people. They are usually familiar with a couple of their delicious dishes like yong tao foo, a stuffed-tofu dish. They sometimes stereotype the Hakka as stingy, rude, proud, and insular.
The Hakkas have many of their own associations which might reinforce this stereotype. In general, these associations appeal mainly to the older generation. The young are not interested in them.
The Hakka are usually non-religious. Others 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. There are also Christians among them, many of whom are Evangelical.
Hakka Chinese people in Singapore need the chance to hear that Jesus Christ offers life to the full for those who will submit to his lordship.
Pray for the Lord to enable and thrust out loving workers to the Hakka Chinese in Singapore.
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.
Scripture Prayers for the Han Chinese, Hakka in Singapore.
Operation China, Asia Harvest, Copyrighted © Used with permission
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| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
