Chinese, general in Lesotho

Introduction / History

The Han Chinese are the largest ethnic group in the world, numbering about 1.3 billion. Although the vast majority of them live in mainland China, many have immigrated to other countries, and today they reside in nearly every nation worldwide, including Lesotho. As China expands their relationships with the various countries of Africa, there will probably be more ethnic Chinese in Lesotho in the coming years.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Typically, the Chinese own small businesses in Lesotho. Others are involved in the retail textile industry. Many local people consider Chinese goods to be of poor quality and that they pay sub-standard wages. The Chinese have experienced violent persecution in Lesotho. Local people often lump all Asian business communities into the same category.

The chairman of the Chinese Business Association of Lesotho said that the Chinese are well-integrated into Lesotho society.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Diaspora Han Chinese have generally maintained their traditional Chinese religion, which is characterized by a blending of philosophies. It has incorporated elements of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism over time. Their beliefs are centered around the concept of maintaining harmony. The Han Chinese consult horoscopes in an attempt to determine what course of action will promote harmony and bring good luck.

They also believe in a pantheon of spirits who inhabit the earth. The spirits of their ancestors supposedly roam the earth, and if treated properly, are benign and bring good luck. Ghosts are believed to exist as the spirits of people who are angry at the circumstances of their death; these spirits are said to be malicious and capricious.

Deities are supposedly the souls of people who lived especially virtuous lives. They are believed to have spiritual powers that can be used to benefit those who worship them.

Although the Han Chinese still claim adherence to these beliefs, they seem to have little effect on their everyday lives. Many of them are non-religious in practice.

What Are Their Needs?

The Chinese in Lesotho need God’s protection. They have been singled out and sometimes beaten by the local people.

Prayer Points

Pray for God to protect the Chinese in Lesotho.
Pray for peace between the Chinese minority and the African majority in Lesotho.
Pray for the Chinese believers in Lesotho to be salt and light to their countrymen as well as to those around them.
Pray for Chinese disciples to make more disciples in Lesotho.

Text Source:   Joshua Project