Han Chinese, Xiang in Malaysia

People Name:	Han Chinese, Xiang
Country:	Malaysia
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	70,000
World Population:	35,763,000
Primary Language:	Chinese, Xiang
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	6.00 %
Evangelicals:	1.00 %
Scripture:	Portions
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Chinese
Affinity Bloc:	East Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Xiang are traditionally acknowledged as the most stubborn and proud of all Chinese peoples. Xiang is a distinct Chinese language in transition. It is exposed to Mandarin from several directions. Hunanese women once possessed their own writing system. It was taught by women to women and could not be read by men.
In 1911 the Xiang were described as "the best haters and best fighters in China. Long after the rest of the empire was open to missionary activity, Hunan kept its gates firmly closed against the foreigner."
Though most still live in Hunan Province, some have migrated to Malaysia and the United States for work opportunities.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Xiang are renowned for their theaters and opera.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Xiang follow a mix of Chinese folk religion and traditional Asian religious beliefs.
In Malaysia, there is a higher percentage of Xiang Christians than there is in China.

What Are Their Needs?

The Xiang Chinese need to seek and find the only savior. As it stands, most look elsewhere for their spiritual needs to be met.

Prayer Points

Pray for his kingdom to come and his will to be done among the Xiang Chinese people.
Pray for a movement of Xiang Chinese households to study the Bible and accept the blessings of Christ.
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will drive the Xiang Chinese people to the arms of Jesus.
Pray for workers who are filled with the fruit and the power of the Holy Spirit to go to the Xiang Chinese people.