Han Chinese, Cantonese in Panama
Photo Source:
Karolien Taverniers - Flickr
Creative Commons
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| People Name: | Han Chinese, Cantonese |
| Country: | Panama |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 36,000 |
| World Population: | 79,428,700 |
| Primary Language: | Chinese, Yue |
| Primary Religion: | Non-Religious |
| Christian Adherents: | 9.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 6.00 % |
| 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 Panama.
The Chinese began to arrive in Panama in the late 1800s. Most of these were Cantonese speakers. They started as cheap labor but eventually set up small shops. By 1903, they were declared undesirable citizens by a Panamanian law. This threat to their citizenship in Panama lasted for another 20 years. Few Chinese migrated to Panama until the 1980s when they began to arrive for business opportunities.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Cantonese in Panama are usually engaged in business, whether large or small, and often run family-owned shops. Cantonese restaurants are popular in Panama. Most of them speak Yue Chinese, which sets them apart from the Spanish-speaking majority.
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 Panama.
Pray for Cantonese in Panama 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.