The Hakka, although proud of their cultural differences, have never claimed to be non-Chinese. Many famous Chinese have been Hakka, including Deng Xiaoping, Lee Kwan Yew, and Hong Xiuquan (the leader of the Taiping Rebellion).
There is much speculation concerning the historical roots of the Hakka. Some claim that they were the first Chinese people to arrive in China. Others claim that the Hakka are the descendants of the Xiongnu tribe. This much is agreed upon: At various stages between the fourth and thirteenth centuries AD, large numbers of people were forced to flee their homes in the war-torn Yellow River valley to seek refuge in southern China. These war refugees came to be known as Kejia - a Hakka word meaning "strangers" or "guests." When the savage Mongol hordes swept across China in the thirteenth century, many Hakka fled to the south to escape the carnage.
In today’s world, the Hakka are among the Chinese diaspora in many countries including Indonesia where they have a large population along with other Han Chinese groups. Unlike the other Chinese, the Hakka are often from Taiwan rather than China.
They often work as traders and businessmen. Because of their business acumen and success, the various Chinese peoples in Indonesia are often resented by the Indonesians. However, there is a museum in Indonesia to commemorate the contributions of the Hakka to Indonesia.
The Hakka adhere Buddhism, but they also dabble in Daoism, Confucianism and ethnic Chinese religion. Commonly they worship the spirits of their ancestors, believing these spirits can affect their future and their fortune. Therefore, they make offerings and build shrines and altars in their honor.
A little less than a third of the Hakka Chinese in Indonesia are Christian, usually Roman Catholic.
Hakka Chinese Buddhists in Indonesia need the chance to hear that Jesus Christ offers life to the full for those who will submit to his lordship.
Pray for the Lord to enable and thrust out loving workers to the Hakka Chinese in Indonesia.
Pray for the Hakka to have receptive hearts to the things of Christ.
Pray for Hakka church planters to train others to plant more churches and make disciples.
Scripture Prayers for the Han Chinese, Hakka in Indonesia.
Operation China, Asia Harvest, Copyrighted © Used with permission
https://www.visitsoutheastasia.travel/activity/the-hakka-indonesia-museum-opens-in-jakartas-taman-mini-indonesia-indah-park/
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
