Chinese, general in Costa Rica
Photo Source:
Ming Xia - Flickr
Creative Commons
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| People Name: | Chinese, general |
| Country: | Costa Rica |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 40,000 |
| World Population: | 15,946,800 |
| Primary Language: | Chinese, Mandarin |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 30.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 1.30 % |
| 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 first Chinese to come to Costa Rica arrived in 1855. There were only 77 of them. Some worked on the railroad while others took on agricultural employment. Others joined them from Macao in 1873, taking on employment as domestic servants or working on farms and for the railroads. The next couple of decades few came from China, and some returned to China to retire. Some married Costa Rican women while others sent to China to find brides. After leaving their jobs with the railroads, some managed to get enough funds to start small businesses. These people established trade links with China and helped newer immigrants get on their feet economically when they arrived.
In some places like Limon, the Chinese established their own schools and community organizations to maintain their culture. But most integrated into Costa Rican ways, especially those who married local women.
Others came from Taiwan in the 1950s-70s, but most of them later moved to the US or Canada. More recent Chinese immigrants are usually Cantonese, from southeastern China. Many of these were single men who married Costa Rican women.
There are now Chinese communities in the Puntarenas area and San José, the capital city.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Most Chinese in Costa Rica hold ordinary jobs, but those who get attention include the Chinese mafia, which came to collect gambling debts in the late 20th century. Others have made their mark through sports, acting and the arts.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Most of the Chinese in Costa Rica are either non-religious or they occasionally practice traditional Chinese religion. That includes ancestor worship and Daoist practices. Though there is also a Buddhist influence, there are also many Christians among them. These Christians are usually Roman Catholic like the Costa Rican majority.
What Are Their Needs?
The Chinese in Costa Rica need the chance to hear and respond to the gospel. Though some attend mass, they often forget the centrality of Jesus Christ in their spiritual beliefs.
Prayer Points
Pray for Chinese Christ followers to make disciples who will make more disciples.
Pray for spiritual hunger among the Chinese, leading them to follow the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Pray for them to join other ethnic Chinese evangelists and missionaries to plant churches and make disciples.