Han Chinese, Wu in New Zealand
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Operation China, Asia Harvest All rights reserved. Used with permission |
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| People Name: | Han Chinese, Wu |
| Country: | New Zealand |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 26,000 |
| World Population: | 81,174,900 |
| Primary Language: | Chinese, Wu |
| Primary Religion: | Non-Religious |
| Christian Adherents: | 8.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 5.70 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Chinese |
| Affinity Bloc: | East Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Wu Chinese language is more commonly referred to as the Shanghai dialect, but in fact, Wu is spoken in a far greater area than just Shanghai. The Wu are counted as part of the Han nationality.
There are Han Chinese communities in many countries, including New Zealand. The first Chinese arrived in New Zealand in the 1860s, but they were from China’s southern provinces, not the places where Wu speakers are from.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Today the Chinese in New Zealand (the Wu included) are among the best educated and most prosperous ethnic communities in the country. They highly emphasize education, which has helped each generation to advance beyond the previous one.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Though there is a Christian presence among the Wenchows in New Zealand, most are involved with Chinese religion or secular humanism. Some have embraced the magical practice of Qi Gong, which is popular in China. They don’t understand their need to be forgiven by a holy God.
What Are Their Needs?
Wu Chinese need the spiritual hunger it takes to seek and find Christ in New Zealand, where there is religious liberty. They can find the one who is the way, the truth, and the life if they want.
Prayer Points
Pray for a spiritual hunger that would lead the Wu people in New Zealand to the only Savior.
Pray for many Wu speakers to disciple those without a gospel witness.
Pray for the authority of Christ to bind hindering spiritual forces to lead them from darkness to light.
Pray for signs and wonders to happen among them and for significant breakthroughs with a rapid multiplication of disciples and house churches.