Nepali, general in Canada
Photo Source:
travelwayoflife - Flickr
Creative Commons
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Map Source:
People Group location: Joshua Project. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Nepali, general |
| Country: | Canada |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 8,500 |
| World Population: | 875,600 |
| Primary Language: | Nepali |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 4.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 2.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Hindu - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Nepalis are not defined by language, but by their citizenship and their allegiance to the nation state of Nepal. Though they have a trade language that has various names, you can't take one language and call it Nepali per se.
The original "Nepalis" came hundreds of years ago from India, Tibet, and Central Asia.
In prehistoric days a Hindu sage by the name of Ne established himself in the Kathmandu Valley, which has always been the center of Nepali civilization. He meditated and taught there. He was also the protector, or "pali" of this land. Thus, the term, Ne-pali began. This land is high in the Himalayan Mountains, north of India. They share the Hindu religion with their Indian neighbors.
Where Are they Located?
Nepali immigrants to Canada are mostly found in the province of Ontario, and the city of Toronto.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Most Nepalis came to Canada for better economic opportunities and professional fulfilment. They hold all kinds of professional positions in business, banking, forestry, and medicine. Many Nepalis in Canada are students. There is a small number of them who came through the Gurkha Welfare Appeal (Canada) to join Canada's military forces.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Nepalis are defined by their religion, Hinduism. Though there are many Tibetan Buddhist peoples in Nepal, these people are from other people groups. Nepali Hindus have the same caste system as Hindu Indian society.
Hinduism is a diverse religion which can involve devotion to one or two gods, or to many. The Vedas are the closest thing to sacred literature in Hinduism.
What Are Their Needs?
Nepali Hindus need hearts that are open to having their spiritual needs fulfilled by none other than Jesus Christ, the only Savior.
Prayer Points
Pray for Canadian and Nepali believers to reach out to these people who need a relationship with the only Savior.
Pray that God will open their hearts to Christian materials found on the Internet.
Pray for a disciple making movement among Nepalis in North America.