Han Chinese, Mandarin in Saudi Arabia
Photo Source:
Jakob Montrasio - Wikimedia
Creative Commons
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| People Name: | Han Chinese, Mandarin |
| Country: | Saudi Arabia |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 108,000 |
| World Population: | 931,431,600 |
| Primary Language: | Chinese, Mandarin |
| Primary Religion: | Non-Religious |
| Christian Adherents: | 8.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 5.70 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Chinese |
| Affinity Bloc: | East Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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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 Saudi Arabia.
Most Han Chinese speak one of the many Chinese dialects, which include Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien or Min Bei. 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 fled to other countries after the Mongol invasion in 1276. Many other upheavals and conflicts followed, and the Chinese continued to settle in different nations, especially 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, including Saudi Arabia.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Most Chinese in Saudi Arabia are in the business community, especially in international trade. Sometimes the Saudi community resents them for their ability to make money.
Mandarin Chinese in Saudi Arabia enjoy cultural events like Chinese New Year.
They retain Chinese customs regarding marriage and family. 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 Mandarin Chinese try to avoid at all costs.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Most Mandarin Chinese in Saudi Arabia are secularized, but when things get tough they resort to traditional Chinese religious practices. These involve consulting horoscopes and seeking the goodwill of their ancestral spirits.
Some have a strong faith in the Lord. These people can take the gospel to the unreached people groups in Saudi Arabia.
What Are Their Needs?
Secularized thinking and a non-stop work schedule make many Mandarin Chinese unable to deal with their spiritual needs. Those who have made Christ their Lord can be used by him to expand God’s kingdom to the lost in their adopted country.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Lord to use vibrant Mandarin Chinese Christ followers to disciple the unreached people groups of Saudi Arabia.
Pray for Chinese Christian believers to fill the bowls of incense with prayer for the lost in their adopted country.
Pray for the Mandarin Chinese to have the spiritual hunger to seek and find Jesus Christ.