Han Chinese, Hakka in Reunion

People Name:	Han Chinese, Hakka
Country:	Reunion
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	13,000
World Population:	44,256,800
Primary Language:	Chinese, Hakka
Primary Religion:	Non-Religious
Christian Adherents:	9.00 %
Evangelicals:	5.70 %
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 Reunion.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Hakka are blended in with the Cantonese Chinese in Reunion. They have largely blended in with the majority population; they participate in local social activities. However, there are also Chinese associations and Buddhist temples.

Their lines of work heavily favor all kinds of business ventures, but the Hakka can also be in the medical professions. They are among the more prosperous ethnic groups in Reunion.

The Hakka speak the local language. Their family dynamics are becoming more Western. Young adults chose their own spouses, and they don’t necessarily live with their parents until they are married. Women have higher status than in the old days, and they often work outside the home. There is no longer a craving to have a son; daughters are also welcome in Hakka families.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most of the of the Hakka Chinese in Reunion are non-religious. However, there are Christians among them. They are usually Roman Catholic, Anglican or Evangelical.

What Are Their Needs?

Hakka Chinese people in Mauritius 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 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.

Pray for the Hakka Chinese in Reunion to become a strong mission force among unreached Chinese groups around the world.