Introduction / History

For centuries, the northern part of Guangdong Province has been a crossroad for migrating peoples. This has caused a wide range of influences on the local Shaozhou Han Chinese population, especially regarding their language. Though this language in printed form is identical to other Han languages, its spoken form is far different. In general, Han Chinese peoples like the Shaozhou consider themselves culturally superior to the minority groups in China.

Many of these people live in Guangzhou City, the primary trade route to mainland China. It is located on the Pearl River, and very close to Hong Kong, traditionally one of China's key locations for trade. From there, some have spread to many parts of the world where they settled and traded.

The Shaozhou are among the powerful Han Chinese peoples. For that reason, they have had more opportunities to trade in other lands, including France.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Shaozhou Chinese run small businesses in France. Some are involved in the informal economy. Those who arrived from China recently usually have their social interactions with other ethnic Chinese. Since there is a Christian presence among several Chinese groups in France, this can be an opportunity for the gospel to spread further among these influential people.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Shaozhou people have a strong need to retain their distinct identity. They sometimes feel they are better than others, which is a barrier to the gospel. In France, some engage in Chinese religious practices, but most are secular. There is, however, a Christian presence among them in France, which is lacking in China.

What Are Their Needs?

Shaozhou Chinese need the spiritual hunger it takes to seek and find Christ in France, where there is religious liberty. They can find salvation if they want it badly enough.

Prayer Items

Pray for a spiritual hunger that would lead the Shaozhou people to the only Savior.
Pray for faithful intercessors and workers among them.
Pray for the authority of Christ to bind and hinder spiritual forces, leading them from darkness to light.
Pray for signs and wonders to happen among them and for great breakthroughs with a rapid multiplication of disciples and house churches.

Scripture Prayers for the Han Chinese, Shaozhou in France.