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 Vietnam.

Though the Hakka community is small in Vietnam, it is divided into two parts. One of them lives along the border between China and northern Vietnam. The other lives in southern Vietnam, especially Saigon. They came to southern Vietnam in the second half of the 17th century as blacksmiths, contractors, stone carvers, sea traders, and tea merchants.

Today many Hakka families have started the popular noodle shops that line city streets in Vietnam. Hakka noodles, or Hakka Mee, are yellow noodles topped by minced chicken or pork and condiments. Vietnam is not the only country where Hakka food is popular. One can find Hakka Chinese restaurants in many parts of Asia and the West.

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. They have been less receptive to the gospel than most other Han Chinese peoples. Partly because of the communist influence many are non-religious.

The Hakka have a gospel witness in Vietnam. Though Christians are less than 10 percent, they have many Bible believers among them.

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

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

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.

Scripture Prayers for the Han Chinese, Hakka in Vietnam.

Operation China, Asia Harvest, Copyrighted © Used with permission

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