Han Chinese, Min Bei in China, Hong Kong

People Name:	Han Chinese, Min Bei
Country:	China, Hong Kong
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	67,000
World Population:	8,812,000
Primary Language:	Chinese, Min Bei
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	7.50 %
Evangelicals:	5.00 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Ministry Resources:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Chinese
Affinity Bloc:	East Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Han Chinese are the largest ethnic group in the world. Although the vast majority live in mainland China, many have immigrated to other countries. Some live in Hong Kong, which is technically part of the PRC.

Most Han Chinese speak one of the many Chinese dialects, which include Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien or Min Bei. Although the dialects are very similar, the speakers of one Chinese dialect cannot understand the speakers of another. The writing system is the same so they can communicate on paper but not orally.

The Han Chinese began fleeing to other countries in 1276, after the Mongol invasion. Many other upheavals and conflicts followed, and the Chinese continued to settle in other nations, particularly in Southeast Asia. Wherever they went, the Chinese settled almost exclusively in urban areas and became involved in business and commerce. Today, they are very influential in the economies of many of these nations, though they represent only a small percentage of the population.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Diaspora Han Chinese, including Min Bei speakers, continue to live primarily in cities. In several countries they typically own businesses which range from small shops to international corporations. This is especially true in Hong Kong, where the economy is based on international trade. Others work in the service industry. Tourism is also an important industry in Hong Kong.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Min Bei adhere to traditional Chinese religion. They consult horoscopes in an attempt to determine what course of action will promote harmony and bring good luck. They also believe in a pantheon of spirits who inhabit the earth. The spirits of their ancestors supposedly roam the earth, and if treated properly, are benign and bring good luck. They believe ghosts exist as the spirits of people who are angry at the circumstances of their death; these spirits are malicious and capricious. By contrast, deities are the souls of people who lived especially virtuous lives. These deities have spiritual powers that can be used to benefit those who worship them. That motivates the Bin Mei to worship these deities. Although the Han Chinese still claim adherence to these beliefs, they seem to have little effect on their everyday lives. Many are non-religious in practice.

There is also a strong church among the Min Bei that can be a blessing to non-believers around them.

What Are Their Needs?

Like people everywhere, the Min Bei people need to put all their hope and faith in Jesus Christ. Only then will they have life to the full that only Jesus offers.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord's blessing of the Han Chinese diaspora and the work of their hands as a testimony of his goodness and power.
Pray for Min Bei workers, filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit, to disciple others.
Pray for Min Bei speakers to have the spiritual hunger to seek and find Jesus Christ.
Pray for Min Bei speakers to begin a family-based movement to Christ that will bless them abundantly.