The population of China now sits at an astonishing 1.4 billion people. Officially, the Chinese government recognizes 56 ethnic groups. However, missiologists have identified just under 400 distinct people groups within the nation, each with unique languages, cultures, and beliefs. Despite the vastness of the country and the diversity within it, an estimated 100 million Evangelical Christians live in China—a number that represents a miraculous work of God over the last few decades. Most of these believers are from a Han Chinese background, which is not surprising given that the Han are the largest people group in China, with an estimated population of around 1.29 billion people, including all its subgroups.
With this many believers in China, Christians worldwide might think, “Wow, almost 8% of Chinese citizens are followers of Jesus!” While this is certainly cause for praise, it is crucial to remember Jesus’ final words to his disciples before he ascended into heaven. In the last chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus commands:
All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age (Matthew 28:18-20, CSB).
Jesus’ command is clear: His disciples are to make disciples of all nations, not just some. The Greek term used here, πάντα τὰ ἔθνη (panta ta ethne), refers to all ethnic groups or people groups. Thus, while we praise God for how he is calling many from the Han people group unto himself, we must remember that our task is not finished. Jesus’ commission is for all the ethne, and he is worthy of worship from every single one of them.
The Unreached: A Call to Prayer and Action
China is home to some of the largest unreached people groups in the world. The three largest of these are the Hui, Uyghur, and Mongolian peoples. Together, these groups represent over 31 million individuals, with less than 0.01% identifying as Christians. To put it in perspective, missiologists estimate that more than 700 missionaries are needed to effectively reach these three groups alone, given their size and geographic dispersion.
These statistics are sobering. They remind us that while the gospel has made significant inroads in China, there are still millions who have never heard the name of Jesus. Most people from unreached people groups will live their entire lives without ever hearing or having the chance to respond to the good news. This is the greatest challenge they face—not poverty, not political oppression, but spiritual lostness.
The Three Largest Unreached Groups
The Hui People
The Hui people, numbering over 10 million, are predominantly Muslim and have a deep cultural and religious heritage. Despite their large numbers, there are very few Christians among them. The Hui are spread across various provinces, making it challenging to reach them with the gospel. Their strong Islamic identity also poses significant barriers to evangelism.
The Uyghur People
The Uyghur people, primarily residing in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, are another predominantly Muslim group. With a population of around 12 million, the Uyghurs have faced severe political and cultural persecution in recent years. The combination of these hardships and their Islamic faith has made it incredibly difficult for the gospel to penetrate their communities.
The Mongolian People
The Mongolian people, with a population of approximately 9 million, are spread across Inner Mongolia and other regions. Traditionally following Tibetan Buddhism, the Mongols have been resistant to the gospel for centuries. However, there are signs of hope, as small communities of Mongolian believers are beginning to emerge, though they still represent a tiny fraction of the population.
Our Responsibility
As followers of Christ, we have a role to play in reaching these unreached peoples. Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations includes these 31 million Hui, Uyghur, and Mongolian people who are lost without him. Our role is not optional—it is a mandate from our Lord, who has all authority in heaven and on earth.
Here are a few ways we can engage:
1. Prayer: The first and most crucial step we can take is to pray. Pray for the Hui, Uyghur, and Mongolian peoples. Pray for the few believers among them to be bold in their faith. Pray for more workers to be sent into these harvest fields. Pray for hearts to be softened and for barriers to be broken down so that the gospel can take root.
2. Giving: Financial resources are needed to support missionaries and ministries working among these unreached people groups. Consider how you might contribute to these efforts, whether through your church, mission organizations, or other avenues.
3. Going: For some, the call to reach the unreached may mean physically going to these people groups. Short-term missions, long-term commitments, or even relocating to areas where these groups live are all possibilities. If you feel called to go, begin by seeking God’s guidance, preparing yourself spiritually and practically, and connecting with organizations that are already engaged in this work.
4. Advocacy: Raise awareness about the spiritual lostness of these unreached groups within your churches. Share their stories, challenges, and the need for the gospel. The more people who are aware, the more likely it is that prayer, resources, and workers will be mobilized to reach them.
Conclusion
Over the next few months, we will be writing more in-depth articles about the unreached people groups in China. In December, we will dedicate time to praying specifically for these ethne who are among the least reached in the world. As we embark on this journey together, let us remember that the greatest problem facing these people groups is their lost condition. They are in desperate need of the salvation that only Jesus can provide.
As Christ-followers, you and I have a role to play in bringing the gospel to these unreached peoples. Whether through prayer, giving, going, or advocacy, we can contribute to the fulfillment of Jesus’ Great Commission. The task is great, but so is our God, and he is worthy of praise from all the ethne of China.
Will you join us in praying for the unreached peoples in China? Together, let us commit to being part of God’s mission to make disciples of all nations, until every people group in China and around the world has heard the good news of Jesus Christ.
Image credit: Getty Images via UnSplash+.
Will Rusher
Will Rusher (pseudonym) and his family have been living and serving in East Asia since 2006. He currently oversees ministries to the unreached people groups in East Asia.View Full Bio
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