East Indian in Netherlands
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| People Name: | East Indian |
| Country: | Netherlands |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 149,000 |
| World Population: | 1,348,700 |
| Primary Language: | Hindustani, Sarnami |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 3.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.30 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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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 and coffee plantations. After the Dutch lost their colonial holdings in Surinam in 1975, some of the Hindi Sarnami came to the Netherlands. Most settled in the Netherlands during the 1970s and 1980s.
Where Are they Located?
The Hindi Sarnami people live in the Hague, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Amsterdam.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Hindi Sarnami people speak their own version of Bhojpuri, a language spoken in northern India. They retained their language throughout the colonial era. Mainly because of language differences, the Hindi Sarnami people do not blend with other Hindu communities in the Netherlands, except for major festivals.
What Are Their Beliefs?
There is no unifying Hindu theology in the Netherlands. Some follow New Age thinking while others are involved with Arya Samaj, a movement that promotes the infallibility of the Hindu Vedas. They celebrate major Hindu festivals like Holi and Diwali.
What Are Their Needs?
The Hindi Sarnami people in the Netherlands need a spiritual hunger that will lead them to Jesus Christ.
Prayer Points
Once a diaspora group is well settled, they are far less receptive than they were when they first arrived. Pray for spiritual receptivity.
There are a number of Christian resources in Bhojpuri. Pray that the Hindi Sarnami people will eagerly listen to them and be drawn to the Lord.
Pray for a disciple making movement to emerge among the Hindi Sarnami people in the Netherlands.