During the days of the British Empire, many peoples from what is now India and Pakistan went to other parts of the empire, sometimes as common laborers, and other times as small-time businessmen. That included the Kachchi peoples from southern Gujarat. There are many communities among the Kachchis, both Muslim and Hindu. Among the most well-known among the Muslims are the Memons. Many migrated to African countries like Kenya, Tanzania and Malawi and now live in the main cities and along important trade routes. In the colonial era their presence in the business community went unnoticed at first. As long as their endeavors remained small, they posed no threat to colonial enterprises in the 1800s. But as these enterprises grew, colonial attitudes shifted. The Kachchis had become a power to recon with, and they were instrumental in speeding independence movements both in South Asia and Africa.

Although living conditions in the African countries vary, the Kachchis who have emigrated are usually from the higher, wealthier communities and have maintained several aspects of their own culture. Many of them work as masons and merchants. Others own small, family run shops. Like other wealthier South Asian peoples, the Kachchis are sometimes the objects of resentment among the local Africans. In Malawi, Kenya and Tanzania, they speak Kachchi at home. They learn English in schools and use it as a trade language.

Most of the Kachchis in Africa are Sunni Muslim. As Sunni Muslims, they try to follow the five pillars of Islam which are fleshed out in many of these profiles. Those who are more religious make sure they pray on Friday afternoons in the mosque and go on the pilgrimage to Mecca at some point in their lives. There is a sense among most Muslims that Allah is too distant to approach for their daily needs, so they look to spiritual forces when they have health needs, etc. It is difficult for people in business communities to find time to pray five times a day as Muslims are expected to do. Some might try to make up for it through generous contributions to the mosque. For salvation in the afterlife, Muslim Kachchis in Africa lean on their works and the good graces of Allah, but they do not have a sin-free Savior as an advocate.

All who do not make Jesus Christ lord in their lives have a spiritual void that needs to be filled. Muslim Kachchis have this unfulfilled need. There is a large Christian community in Malawi that can go to them.

Pray for spiritual discernment and hunger that will lead Kachchi people to Jesus Christ, the only Savior. Pray for loving ambassadors of Christ to go to the Kachchi and be there for them as friends and neighbors, all the while pointing the way to the empty grave. Pray for a Disciple Making Movement among the Kachchis in Malawi.

Scripture Prayers for the Kachchi in Malawi.