Introduction / History

Although the Cantonese today proudly consider themselves part of the Han Chinese, one ethnohistorian has concluded, "The ethnic origins of the ancient Yue people ... may have been Tai, but with a sizable Miao-Yao minority in the hills. The ancient Yue language was definitely not Sinitic. It is estimated that the population of Guangdong was less than 30 percent Sinitic in 1080."

The more than 30 Han Chinese language groups are mutually unintelligible languages. They are not merely dialects of the same language. Cantonese contains up to nine tones - compared to China s national language, Mandarin, which has only four. Although they speak different languages and dialects, all Chinese people in China use the same written script.

Cantonese speakers have spread out all over the world to just about every country. One of these countries is Australia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Cantonese have continued to be one of the most openly religious of all Han Chinese peoples. Many homes have spirit altars. The Cantonese also observe Taoist and Buddhist festivals.

There are many Christian resources in Cantonese, including a complete Bible and the JESUS Film. Cantonese speakers in Australia have a strong Christian movement. They can be used by God to reach others in that country.

What Are Their Needs?

A spiritual stronghold among the Cantonese in Australia is materialism. They focus on producing wealth, believing that money will make them happy. The Cantonese must understand that they are sinners in need of a savior. Only the Lord can fill that spiritual vacuum.

Prayer Points

Pray believers among the Cantonese of Australia will find fellowship and grow in the faith.
Pray for Cantonese speakers to disciple many who haven t experienced God s saving grace.
Ask God to place a hunger for truth in the hearts of the Cantonese of Australia and to reveal his word to them as truth.
Pray that the Lord would establish a growing, multiplying church among the Cantonese of Australia.

Scripture Prayers for the Han Chinese, Cantonese in Australia.

References

Operation China, Asia Harvest, Copyrighted Used with permission.