Gujarati in Canada

People Name:	Gujarati
Country:	Canada
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	283,000
World Population:	3,463,800
Primary Language:	Gujarati
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.90 %
Evangelicals:	0.10 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Hindu - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Most of the Gujaratis who have left their home in western India to make their fortunes are from the Patel community. If you meet a South Asian who works in the motel industry, they are probably a Patel. This community is branching out to other businesses as well. They are among the wealthiest communities in the world.

Where Are they Located?

The Gujaratis are most likely to own businesses in Canada's many urban centers like Toronto.

What Are Their Lives Like?

A December, 2015 article in the Star Tribune said this about the Gujaratis: "For Gujaratis, enterprise is virtually a cultural obligation and has always earned the most respect. Starting a small corner shop is seen as more impressive than holding a mid-level management job in somebody else's company. For many Gujaratis the point of acquiring knowledge is to attain practical goals, particularly business goals."

But they do pay a price: Gujarati businessmen in Canada work long hours, with little time for social activities. They are wealthy, but perhaps their wealth leaves them lonely.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though there are Muslim Gujaratis, the ones who venture out into other nations tend to be from the Hindu community. They look at the world in a pragmatic way, seeking favor from Hindu gods and goddesses, and hoping for their favor during important events like weddings and opening new businesses. They do not have a personal relationship with their gods.

What Are Their Needs?

Gujarati Hindus in Canada are not at all needy when it comes to material things, but they are spiritually impoverished, since they do not put Jesus in the center of their lives.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to give Gujaratis in Canada a spiritual hunger that will lead them to Jesus Christ.
There are almost no efforts to reach the Gujarati diaspora, though they are in places where there is religious freedom like Canada. Pray for teams of believers to establish friendships with Gujaratis and lead them to the One who offers spiritual freedom for all who come to him.
Pray for a church planting movement among Gujaratis in Canada that will spread to those who live in Gujarat, India.