Mongol, Khalka in Taiwan
Photo Source:
gradlon - Flickr
Creative Commons
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| People Name: | Mongol, Khalka |
| Country: | Taiwan |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 1,100 |
| World Population: | 2,584,400 |
| Primary Language: | Mongolian, Halh |
| Primary Religion: | Buddhism |
| Christian Adherents: | 2.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Mongolian |
| Affinity Bloc: | East Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Khalkha are the largest group of Mongols in Mongolia. In fact, they are the core of all the Mongol peoples across northern Asia. The Khalkha Mongols consider themselves the direct descendants of Genghis Khan and therefore, the true preservers of Mongol culture. In the thirteenth century, Genghis Khan formed one of the greatest empires in world history by uniting all of the nomadic Mongol tribes and sending them out to conquer. For roughly 100 years they conquered throughout Asia as far away as Korea where some of their descendants remain today. During the centuries that followed, the growing Russian and Chinese empires squeezed out the once mighty Mongol Empire. In the early 1920s, Mongolia became a Marxist state until its quiet democratic revolution in 1990. The first Khalka Mongols came to Taiwan along with Chinese refugees when the mainland became communist in 1949. Since that time, Taiwan has allowed a small number of Mongolians to enter as migrant workers. They began to arrive in 2004.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The few Mongolians in Taiwan usually have low-paying jobs, though some are nurses. There are also Mongolians studying at Taiwanese universities. Mongolians in Taiwan are usually young and almost half are women. The greatest festival of the year for all Mongols is nadam, a word meaning "amusement." Mongols from far and wide gather for horse racing, wrestling, archery, and other games. Most likely, those who live outside Mongolia also celebrate this festival.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The majority of Khalka Mongols in Taiwan follow Tibetan Buddhism, also known as Lamaism. This form of Buddhism is blended with bon, a form of shamanism. They include much magic and spirit appeasement in their spiritual lives.
What Are Their Needs?
The Mongolian people need to submit to Jesus Christ so they can experience the abundant life only he can offer (John 10:10).
Prayer Points
Pray for the Lord to provide for their physical and spiritual needs as a testimony of his power and love. Pray that the Mongolian people in Taiwan will have a spiritual hunger that will open their hearts to the King of kings. Pray for workers who are driven by the love and boldness of the Holy Spirit to go to them. Pray for a movement to Christ among them to begin this decade.