Chinese, general in Colombia

Chinese, general
Photo Source:  Ming Xia - Flickr  Creative Commons 
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People Name: Chinese, general
Country: Colombia
10/40 Window: No
Population: 12,000
World Population: 15,879,200
Primary Language: Chinese, Mandarin
Primary Religion: Christianity
Christian Adherents: 60.00 %
Evangelicals: 2.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Chinese
Affinity Bloc: East Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The first Chinese came to Colombia in the mid 18th century to work on the Panama Canal Railway. They had conflicts with the Irish, who had similar employment. When the railroad was completed, some moved to Barranquilla, Buenaventura and Cartagena for other jobs.
Barranquilla became an industrial city in the early 20th century, attracting more Chinese workers. Some worked in agriculture, the laundry business and for retail establishments.

What Are Their Lives Like?

There is a new wave of Chinese immigrants in Colombia. Most of these work for Chinese companies. They are expected to be loyal to the PRC government and to encourage goodwill towards them when dealing with local Colombians. These Chinese workers are often business managers, but they can also be common laborers. We don't know yet if they will settle in Colombia or return to the PRC.

What Are Their Beliefs?

A high percentage of the ethnic Chinese in Colombia are Christian of some sort. Only about two percent of them are Evangelical. Because of the long arm of the PRC government, they are expected to make their faith in Christ subservient to the beliefs of Chinese government.

What Are Their Needs?

Chinese Christian believers need the freedom to worship and to spread the name of Jesus Christ in Colombia. They also need the boldness to stand with Christ no matter what.

Prayer Points

Pray for a Holy Spirit sent boldness for all Chinese Christians in Colombia.
Pray for Colombia to be a place of disciple making for the Chinese.
Pray for spiritual hunger for the ethnic Chinese in Colombia.

Text Source:   Joshua Project