East Indian in Suriname

People Name:	East Indian
Country:	Suriname
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	179,000
World Population:	1,348,700
Primary Language:	Hindustani, Sarnami
Primary Religion:	Christianity
Christian Adherents:	48.00 %
Evangelicals:	24.02 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

This people group originated in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar before they were taken to the Dutch colony of Surinam in South America to work on sugar cane and coffee plantations. After the Dutch lost their colonial holdings in Surinam in 1975, some of the Hindi Sarnami came to the Netherlands, though others stayed in Surinam.

Where Are they Located?

Surinam is a small nation in the northern part of South America.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Aluminum production is the key industry in Surinam. Oil, lumber, and agriculture make up other parts of Surinam's economy. The Hindi Sarnami people are most likely involved with these industries.

The Hindi Sarnami people speak their own version of Bhojpuri, a language spoken in northern India. Their language changed quite a bit as time went on and words were borrowed from Dutch and local languages. But there are Christian resources in their language.

What Are Their Beliefs?

About half of the Hindi Sarnami speakers in Surinam are Christians of some sort.

What Are Their Needs?

The Hindi Sarnami people in the Surinam need a spiritual hunger that will lead them to having a devoted relationship with Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray for spiritual receptivity among this largely Christianized people.
Pray that the Hindi Sarnami people will eagerly read the Bible and view the JESUS Film in a language they can understand.
Pray for a disciple making movement to emerge among the Hindi Sarnami people in Surinam.