South Asian, general in Maldives

Introduction / History

There are some segments of the South Asian diaspora that don't fit into any neat language category. Those we simply call, "South Asians" or "Indo-Pakistanis" since we are referring to people from either India or Pakistan. Sometimes Bangladeshis and Nepalis are lumped in as well since those countries are also in South Asia. The small island chain to India's south, the Maldives, includes some of these people.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In today's world, well-educated South Asians travel the world for high-paying jobs. For decades India has produced highly trained techies for jobs that often don't exist in their country. South Asians with these skills take jobs in other parts of the world. There are South Asians who hold desirable positions in banks or work as civil servants. There are also South Asian families who own grocery stores and restaurants. Others have more modest jobs working as cab drivers or farm workers. Though there are special events for South Asians based on their language, they commonly come together as a group, even those who are "generic" South Asians. These gatherings might be cultural or religious. Hinduism is an important part of their culture, and it gives South Asians an identity. South Asians in diaspora often accept one another regardless of religious affiliation. They are not likely, however, to marry across religious or caste lines.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Maldives is a staunchly Muslim country. There is a large Muslim minority among the generic South Asians there, but most are Hindu. Most Hindus in diaspora treat their religion as a means to preserve their culture in a foreign environment. They also look to their gods to help them with their needs in the same way they would in South Asia.

What Are Their Needs?

South Asians in the Maldives, be they Hindu, Muslim, or Sikh, need to hear that Jesus Christ came to save sinful mankind.

Prayer Points

Pray for loving gospel workers to catch a vision for reaching South Asian people for Jesus and that in God's sovereign timing the hearts of these people would be open and ready to follow him.
Pray for Jesus movements to bless extended families so the gospel will spread rapidly.
Pray for the spiritual lives of these people to become fruitful so others will be drawn to Jesus Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project