Han Chinese, Min Nan in Brunei

People Name:	Han Chinese, Min Nan
Country:	Brunei
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	12,000
World Population:	44,117,900
Primary Language:	Chinese, Min Nan
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	12.00 %
Evangelicals:	10.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Chinese
Affinity Bloc:	East Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Min Nan language is also called Hokkien. It is primarily spoken along China’s eastern and southern coasts, Hong Kong, Thailand, and especially in Taiwan. Their language came from a tenth-century kingdom based in Fujian, now a province of China.

Min Nan speakers are among the Han Chinese, the largest ethnic group worldwide. They are the majority in China, but there is a Chinese diaspora in most nations of the world.

The Han Chinese began fleeing to other countries in 1276 after the Mongol invasion. Many other upheavals and conflicts followed, and the Chinese continued to settle in other nations, particularly in Southeast Asia. Others went as merchants, including the Min Nan, who have always been seafaring people. Some came to Brunei in the 1600s. By 1960 the Han Chinese people made up one-fourth of this oil-rich country, but their numbers have decreased substantially since then.

Wherever they went, the Chinese settled almost exclusively in urban areas and became involved in business and commerce. Today, they are very influential in the economies of many of these nations, though they represent only a small percentage of the population.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Min Nan Chinese have maintained their culture and language to varying degrees. They retain Chinese customs regarding marriage and family. They treat their children affectionately and usually indulge boys more than girls. The children are pushed to do well in school and are given much time to devote to their studies.

The Han Chinese are known for their politeness and will go to great lengths to avoid disputes. However, once a dispute begins it is very difficult to stop because the Chinese place a high value on "saving face." Giving ground in an open dispute would cause them to lose face—something the Min Nan Chinese try to avoid at all costs.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Min Nan Chinese have generally maintained traditional Chinese religion. Over time these traditional religious beliefs added elements of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. These beliefs are centered around the concept of maintaining harmony, something greatly valued by all Chinese people.

The Min Nam Chinese consult horoscopes in an attempt to determine what course of action will promote harmony and bring good luck. They also believe in a pantheon of spirits who inhabit the earth. The spirits of their ancestors supposedly roam the earth, and if treated properly they will bring good luck. Ghosts are the spirits of people who are angry at the circumstances of their death; they are malicious and capricious. By contrast, deities are the souls of people who lived virtuous lives. They have spiritual powers that can be used to benefit those who worship them. Although the Min Nam Chinese claim adherence to these beliefs, they seem to have little effect on their everyday lives. Many are non-religious in their daily practices.

There is a small percentage of Christians among Min Nan speakers. Most of these are strong in their faith. They can be used by God to disciple many in Brunei.

What Are Their Needs?

The Min Nan Chinese are sometimes stateless and they do not have citizenship in Brunei. For that reason, they don’t have access to medical care.

Prayer Points

Pray for Min Nan people to be Christ’s ambassadors to Muslims in Brunei.
Pray for the Lord's blessing of the Min Nan Chinese diaspora and the work of their hands as a testimony of his goodness and power.
Pray for Min Nan workers, filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit, to disciple others.
Pray for Min Nan speakers to begin a family-based movement to Christ that will bless them abundantly.