Han Chinese, Min Nan in Singapore

People Name:	Han Chinese, Min Nan
Country:	Singapore
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	1,215,000
World Population:	44,117,900
Primary Language:	Chinese, Min Nan
Primary Religion:	Buddhism
Christian Adherents:	10.00 %
Evangelicals:	9.43 %
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 Han Chinese are the largest ethnic group in the world. Although the vast majority live in mainland China, many have immigrated to other countries, and today they reside in nearly every nation of the world including Singapore.

Most Han Chinese speak one of the many Chinese dialects, which include Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien or Min Nan, which is a similar dialect to Min Bei. Although the dialects are very similar, the speakers of one Chinese dialect cannot understand the speakers of another. The writing system is the same so they can communicate on paper but not orally.

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. 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. They make up a large percentage of Singapore’s population, but their business acumen is felt there.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Diaspora Han Chinese, including Min Nan speakers, continue to primarily live in cities. Typically they own businesses that range from small shops to international corporations. This is especially true in Singapore, where the economy is based on international trade. Others work in the service industry. Tourism is also an important industry.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Min Nan adhere to traditional Chinese religion. They 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, are benign and bring good luck. They believe ghosts exist as the spirits of people who are angry at the circumstances of their death; these spirits are malicious and capricious. By contrast, deities are the souls of people who lived especially virtuous lives. These deities have spiritual powers that can be used to benefit those who worship them. That motivates the Bin Mei to worship these deities. Although the Han Chinese still claim adherence to these beliefs, they seem to have little effect on their everyday lives. Many are non-religious in practice.

There is also a strong church among the Min Bei that can be a blessing to non-believers around them.

What Are Their Needs?

Like people everywhere, the Min Nan people need to put all their hope and faith in Jesus Christ. Only then will they have life to the full that only Jesus offers.

Prayer Points

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 have the spiritual hunger to seek and find Jesus Christ.
Pray for Min Nan speakers to begin a family-based movement to Christ that will bless them abundantly.