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 Suriname.
Some of the Hakka and other Han Chinese ethnic groups came to Suriname when it was still a Dutch colony. Others have come more recently from the PRC.
There is a small community of Chinese in Suriname. Many have arrived in recent decades from the PRC to start small businesses like market stalls and chicken farms.
Most of the of the Hakka Chinese in Suriname are non-religious. Some are Christian, usually Evangelical.
Hakka Chinese people in Suriname need the chance to hear that Jesus Christ offers life to the full for those who will submit to his lordship.
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.
Pray for the Hakka Chinese in Suriname to become a strong mission force among unreached Chinese groups around the world.
Scripture Prayers for the Han Chinese, Hakka in Suriname.
Operation China, Asia Harvest, Copyrighted © Used with permission
https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/chinese-come-suriname
https://www.reddit.com/r/asianamerican/comments/ovkqp5/growing_up_hakka_chinese_surinamese_asian/
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
