There were probably some Indians in Bahrain as far back as 3,000BCE, but actual immigration did not happen until the last 25 years of the 19th century. These were Bania merchants from Gujarat, India. These Banias traded in dates and pearls. Later they added the oil trade. While other Indian nationals came for common blue-collar jobs, the Gujarati Banias were usually in the lucrative business sector.
Today the Gujaratis are in Bahrain doing business. They sell real estate and have online marketing and sales. The Gujaratis have their own associations to make sure they don't lose their culture.
They are usually Hindu, but a significant minority is Muslim.
Over half of the Gujaratis are Hindus, though some of the Muslim Gujaratis are among them as well. Most Gujarati in diaspora serve the great god of mammon but hold to traditional Gujarati Hindu beliefs and practices as well. Those beliefs and practices will differ widely according to details of caste and family background, and some will be deeply concerned and committed related to their traditional ways. Traditional gods and modern gurus compete for attention, with the 19th century-origin Swaminarayan movement continuing to grow and draw Gujarati involvement.
In most countries where there are Gujarati communities, there are no missionary agencies focusing taking Christ to them. The Bible is available in their language, but the Gujarati must see Christianity lived out. There will be obstacles to those who want to take Christ to these highly unreached Hindus. As it stands, there are very few who will dare to take that step.
Pray for an intense spiritual hunger among these Hindus that will draw them into the loving arms of Jesus Christ.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers to the Gujaratis in Bahrain.
Pray for a Disciple Making Movement to Christ among Gujaratis throughout the Middle East that will result in them experiencing the intense blessings of Christ.
Scripture Prayers for the Gujarati in Bahrain.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
