Gujarati in Zimbabwe


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

One could use the word "tragic" to describe the current situation in the southern African, land locked nation of Zimbabwe. The former name of Zimbabwe was Rhodesia. Blessed with diamonds, gold and platinum deposits, little of any of the income from these valuable commodities end up helping the majority of the people of Zimbabwe. After three decades of mismanagement and corruption dictator Robert Mugabe was finally deposed in 2017. In 2000 Mugabe expropriated the land holdings of 4000 white farmers. This led to an exodus of the educated upper and middle class European citizens. Unfortunately, there has been only small glimmers of improvement since Mugabe left.
The homeland of the Gujarati people is west India. During the time of the British Empire many Gujaratis left India and migrated to different nations including Zimbabwe. During Mugabe's rule, many Gujaratis departed the chaos and financial upheavals in Zimbabwe to live in more stable countries. There are still thousands of them in that southern African country.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Gujaratis are known as the best businesspeople and industrialists in India. They use their economic acumen to build trading companies, industrial plants, mining operations, and tourist resorts in Zimbabwe. After the British left and the white minority lost power, politicians nationalized large companies owned by Gujaratis and destroyed the businesses. A small group of Gujaratis remains in Zimbabwe who own shops, restaurants and retail stores. Rampant inflation has wiped out the life savings of many Gujaratis which led to them losing their small businesses and homes.
Tourism was once a big part of the nation's economy. The civil war and chaos have reduced the tourist trade by three fourths. Zimbabwe has many scenic natural wonders and parks. Poaching and deforestation have cut the large animal population by over 60%.
There is hope that the lives of the Gujaratis in Zimbabwe will improve. Gujarati parents strongly encourage their children to marry within their people, culture and religion. Young people study their language of Gujarati and the Hindu faith at Saturday schools. Parents want their children to obtain college and professional degrees. Gujaratis women hold a higher place in their families than in most African and Asian societies.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The large majority of the Gujaratis in Zimbabwe practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. They worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Hindus believe that by performing rituals and good works that they will attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The Gujaratis visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hope of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians do with their heavenly Father. There are many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs. The main yearly holidays of the Gujarati people are Holi, the festival of colors and the start of spring, Diwali, the festival of lights, Navratri, the celebration of autumn and Rama Navami, Rama's birthday. The Gujaratis often celebrate Christian holidays. A tiny fraction of the Gujaratis claims to be followers of Jesus Christ.


What Are Their Needs?

The Gujaratis who have stayed in Zimbabwe need a stable, lawful society to have the opportunity to use their business skills. No private, legitimate business can thrive in turmoil and violence. The Gujaratis need to understand that material success will not get them the peace of mind and happiness they seek. Jesus is not just another Hindu god or guru. He is the unique Son of the one, true God.


Prayer Points

Pray for peace and stability in Zimbabwe. Pray that the wealth of the nation would benefit the entire population. Pray that believers in Zimbabwe would share the good news with Gujarati Hindus. Ask the Lord to raise up a Disciple Making Movement among the Gujaratis of Zimbabwe. Pray that leaders and heads families in the Gujaratis community would become followers of Jesus.


Scripture Prayers for the Gujarati in Zimbabwe.


References

https://www.quora.com/What-is-it-like-to-be-an-Indian-in-Zimbabwe
https://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com/ahmedabad/others/global-gujarati-zimbabwes-1st-indian-mp-seeks-closer-ties-with-home/articleshow/73881574.cms
https://theworldelsewhere.com/2015/02/26/the-last-indians-of-masvingo-zimbabwe/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indians_in_Zimbabwe


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Gujarati
People Name in Country Gujarati
Pronunciation goo-jah-RAH-tee
Alternate Names Bajania; Gujarani; Indo-Pakistani; Karana; Parsi; Shahinshahi; Zarabe; Zardasht; Zarushti
Population this Country 34,000
Population all Countries 3,518,000
Total Countries 29
Indigenous No
Progress Scale 4
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 11982
ROP3 Code 103544
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 5.00 %)
8.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
66.00 %
Islam
16.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
10.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Gujarati (34,000 speakers)
Language Code guj   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Gujarati (34,000 speakers)
Language Code guj   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Gujarati

Primary Language:  Gujarati

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1809-1965)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1820-1985)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1823-2021)
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YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
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Amazon
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Film / Video Following Jesus video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video God's Story video God's Story
Film / Video Indigitube.tv Video / Animation Create International
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Gujarati Jesus Film Project
Film / Video LUMO film of Gospels Bible Media Group/LUMO
Film / Video Magdalena video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Story of Jesus for Children Jesus Film Project
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General Bible for Children Bible for Children
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General Biblical answers to your questions Got Questions Ministry
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
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General Four Spiritual Laws Cru
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General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
General Zume Resources Zume Project
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Mobile App Android Bible app direct APK download SIL
Mobile App Android Bible app: Gujarati YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible App: Gujarati Bible (ગુજરાતી બાઇબલ) Indian Revised Version (IRV) Operation Agape
Mobile App Android Bible app: Gujarati Study Bible Grace Ministries and Dusty Sandals
Mobile App Android Bible Radio app: Gujarati Bible Radio Shalom Design S2dio
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Gujarati YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App iOS Bible Radio App: Gujarati Bible Radio iOS Revive India
Text / Printed Matter Children and youth resources One Hope
Text / Printed Matter Literacy primer for Gujarati Literacy & Evangelism International
Text / Printed Matter Love letter to you from scripture Father's Love Letter
Text / Printed Matter Tools for faith conversations Cru
Text / Printed Matter Topical Scripture booklets and Bible studies World Missionary Press
Photo Source Anonymous 
Map Source Bethany World Prayer Center  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
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