Han Chinese, Hakka in Australia

People Name:	Han Chinese, Hakka
Country:	Australia
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	9,300
World Population:	44,256,800
Primary Language:	Chinese, Hakka
Primary Religion:	Buddhism
Christian Adherents:	12.00 %
Evangelicals:	12.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Chinese
Affinity Bloc:	East Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

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 Australia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

There are Hakka Chinese restaurants in Australia, especially in Sydney. Even as Chinese food goes, the Hakka style of cooking is popular.

The Hakka might own restaurants, but they also often own small shops in Australia.

What Are Their Beliefs?

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. In Australia they have more people who identify with Buddhism than in other countries. Yet there is also a strong Evangelical presence among the Hakka Chinese in Australia.

What Are Their Needs?

Hakka Chinese Buddhists in Australia need the chance to hear that Jesus Christ offers life to the full for those who will submit to his lordship.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to enable and thrust out loving workers to the Hakka Chinese in Australia.

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.