Han Chinese, Wenchow in France

Introduction / History

Wenchow is a city on the east coast of China in the Zhejiang province. The people there speak the Wu language, so there is some crossover between the Wenchow and the Wu Chinese.

Wenchow is also one of the Han Chinese communities living in France as well as China. There have been Chinese immigrants in France for over 100 years, but most of them were not from Wenchow.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Wenchows are recent arrivals compared with many other Chinese in France. They are not as integrated into French ways as someone whose grandparents came decades ago. They are less likely to speak French than older Chinese communities, and more likely to socialize only with other Chinese. Some other Chinese communities in France consider them backward.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though there is a Christian presence among the Wenchows in France, they are primarily involved with Chinese religion or secularism. Because the Wenchows are more connected to Communist China than earlier Chinese immigrants, they are very much affected by the secular mindset. They don’t see the value in embracing a savior or being forgiven from sin.

What Are Their Needs?

Wenchow Chinese in France 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 Points

Pray for a spiritual hunger that would lead the Wenchow people in France to the only Savior.
Pray for faithful intercessors and workers among them.
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 great breakthroughs with a rapid multiplication of disciples and house churches.

Text Source:   Joshua Project