Han Chinese, Cantonese in Peru
Photo Source:
Karolien Taverniers - Flickr
Creative Commons
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| People Name: | Han Chinese, Cantonese |
| Country: | Peru |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 150,000 |
| World Population: | 79,428,700 |
| Primary Language: | Chinese, Yue |
| Primary Religion: | Non-Religious |
| Christian Adherents: | 8.00 % |
| 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: |
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Introduction / History
The Cantonese are from a region of southeastern China once called Canton, now known 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 Peru.
Chinese, usually Cantonese speakers, began to emigrate to Peru as contract laborers in the late 1800s. Most of these contract laborers were men. Commonly, they intermarried with Peruvian women. There was no stigma against such unions at that time. After their contracts expired, some began small businesses.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Cantonese in Peru are often engaged in business, whether large or small, and they usually run family-owned shops. Cantonese restaurants are popular in Peru. Most of them speak Yue Chinese, but the younger generation is more likely to speak Spanish, which helps them assimilate into the Peru population. However, some younger ethnic Cantonese try to also speak Cantonese so they can retain their culture.
Other Cantonese have made their mark in Peru, not only in business, but also in politics, entertainment, literature, music, sports, and academics. They are well-accepted in Peru.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Some Cantonese are non-religious, or they adhere to traditional Chinese religious practices. Others are Roman Catholic or Evangelical. The latter can be a vital mission force in Latin America or Asia.
What Are Their Needs?
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.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Holy Spirit to do mighty things in Chinese churches in Peru.
Pray for Cantonese in Peru 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.