Han Chinese, Mandarin in Papua New Guinea
Photo Source:
Jakob Montrasio - Wikimedia
Creative Commons
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| People Name: | Han Chinese, Mandarin |
| Country: | Papua New Guinea |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 29,000 |
| World Population: | 931,431,600 |
| Primary Language: | Chinese, Mandarin |
| Primary Religion: | Non-Religious |
| Christian Adherents: | 7.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 6.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Chinese |
| Affinity Bloc: | East Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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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, and today they reside in nearly every nation of the world including Papua New Guinea.
The first Chinese arrived in PNG in 1888 when the German New Guinea Company brought them in as indentured laborers on plantations. About 40 percent of them died from tropical diseases and harsh treatment until the German government intervened. In 1914 Australia occupied PNG and stopped Chinese migration. When PNG gained independence from Australia in 1975, most migrated to Australia. However, other Mandarin Chinese replaced them in the 1970s and 1980s from various locations such as Southeast Asia.
Most Han Chinese speak one of the many Chinese dialects, which include Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien or Min Bei. Though they are the majority in China, Mandarin Chinese are a minority among these four dialects in PNG. 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.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Some of the Mandarin Chinese in PNG are merchants and shop owners. Most send their children to Chinese schools. Even then, they are losing their Chinese languages and the younger generation is learning the local language, Tok Pisin. There is a problem with Chinese people being smuggled into PNG as cheap labor.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Most Mandarin Chinese in Papua New Guinea are secularized, but many have a strong faith in the Lord. These people can take the gospel to the unreached people groups in their adopted country.
What Are Their Needs?
Secularized thinking and a non-stop work schedule make many Mandarin Chinese unable to deal with their spiritual needs. Those who have made Christ their Lord can be used by him to expand God’s kingdom to the lost in their adopted country.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Lord to use vibrant Mandarin Chinese Christ followers to disciple those who need Christ’s touch in Papua New Guinea.
Pray for Chinese Christian believers to fill the bowls of incense with prayer for the lost in their adopted country.
Pray for the Mandarin Chinese to have the spiritual hunger to seek and find Jesus Christ.