Han Chinese, Min Nan in Panama

People Name:	Han Chinese, Min Nan
Country:	Panama
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	1,400
World Population:	44,117,900
Primary Language:	Chinese, Min Nan
Primary Religion:	Non-Religious
Christian Adherents:	9.00 %
Evangelicals:	5.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Chinese
Affinity Bloc:	East Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Min Nan language is also called Hokkien. It is primarily spoken along China’s eastern and southern coasts, Hong Kong, Thailand, and especially in Taiwan. Their language came from a tenth-century kingdom based in Fujian, now a province of China.

Min Nan speakers are among the Han Chinese, the largest ethnic group worldwide. They are the majority in China, but there is a Chinese diaspora in most nations of the world.

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. The seafaring Min Nan speakers have settled in many places where they can trade and do business. Though most are in Asian countries, some have migrated to Panama.

The Chinese first started coming to Panama as railroad workers in the second half of the 1800s. By the opening decades of the 20th century, they branched out into other areas, especially international trade. Soon the Panamanians were dependent on Chinese imported goods. After China’s massacre in Tiananmen Square in 1989, some Chinese went to Panama as refugees. Those who came later were usually undocumented laborers.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Min Nan Chinese are usually in the business community, but some are common laborers or students.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Min Nan Chinese have generally maintained traditional Chinese religion. Over time these traditional religious beliefs added elements of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. These beliefs are centered around the concept of maintaining harmony, something greatly valued by all Chinese people.

The Min Nam Chinese 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 they will bring good luck. Ghosts are the spirits of people who are angry at the circumstances of their death; they are malicious and capricious. By contrast, deities are the souls of people who lived virtuous lives. They have spiritual powers that can be used to benefit those who worship them. Although the Min Nam Chinese claim adherence to these beliefs, they seem to have little effect on their everyday lives. Many are non-religious in their daily practices.

In Panama, there is a Christian presence among the Min Nan, especially from the Roman Catholic Church. Some are Evangelical.

What Are Their Needs?

There is some discrimination against the Chinese people in Panama. Recent arrivals from China are sometimes shunned by those who have been there later.

Prayer Points

Pray for Min Nan workers, filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit, to disciple others in the ways of Christ.
Pray for Min Nan speakers to begin a family-based movement to Christ that will bless them abundantly.
Pray for Min Nan speakers to have the spiritual hunger to seek and find Jesus Christ.