Han Chinese, Mandarin in Mozambique

Introduction / History

The Han Chinese are the largest ethnic group in the world. Although the vast majority live in mainland China, many have immigrated to other countries, and today they reside in nearly every nation of the world including Mozambique.

Most Han Chinese speak one of the many Chinese dialects, which include Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien or Min Bei. The speakers of one Chinese dialect cannot understand the speakers of another. The writing system is the same so they can communicate on paper but not orally.

The Han Chinese fled to other countries after the Mongol invasion in 1276. Many other upheavals and conflicts followed, and the Chinese continued to settle in different nations, especially in Southeast Asia. Wherever they went, the Chinese settled almost exclusively in urban areas and became involved in business and commerce. Today, they are very influential in the economies of many of these nations, including Mozambique.

The first Chinese migrants to Mozambique came as early as the 1870s. Most of these were from southern China, not Mandarin speakers. More recent Chinese are from the PRC, and they speak Mandarin.

One of the countries where Mandarin Chinese people are settling is Mozambique. There has been a special relationship between the governments of China and Mozambique for many decades.

What Are Their Lives Like?

There is a small population of Mandarin Chinese in Mozambique. Though most are working at or owning restaurants or shops, a small number have made their name in sports or photojournalism.

There will probably be more Mandarin Chinese migrating to Mozambique in the future. China’s economic influence over Mozambique (and much of Africa for that matter) is increasing. China is contributing mining engineers and infrastructure improvements to Mozambique.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Mandarin Chinese in Mozambique are secularized, but some have a strong faith in the Lord who can take the gospel to the unreached peoples of Mozambique.

What Are Their Needs?

Secularized thinking and a non-stop work schedule make the Mandarin Chinese unable to deal with their spiritual needs. There is a great opportunity for Mandarin Chinese Christ-followers to take Christ to the many unreached people groups in East Africa.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to use vibrant Mandarin Chinese Christ followers to disciple the unreached people groups.
Pray for Chinese Christian believers to fill the bowls of incense with prayer for Mozambicans.
Pray for the Mandarin Chinese to have the spiritual hunger to seek and find Jesus Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project