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  •  Asian Indian Missions in North America

    This article was published in On Mission Magazine               
    Source: www.onmission.com

     

     

     

     

    ASIAN-INDIANS
    The Pluralism Project of Harvard University lists nearly 700 places of worship for Hindus in the United States today.13

    Most of these temples have been built since 1990. The Asian-Indian population has doubled every 10 years since 1970. Today, there are some 1.9 million Asian-Indians in the United States.14

    In Canada, 917,075 people identified themselves as South Asians in the 2001 census a growth of 37 percent since 1996.15

    A majority of Asian-Indians are Hindus.


    RELIGION
    Although India is the birthplace of several religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism), the majority of Indians are Hindu. Hinduism is more a way of life than a religion. According to Hinduism, there is one god who has manifested himself in millions of gods and goddesses. Since no one can possibly remember all of them, most Hindus pick and choose what they want to believe or even practice.

    Start by finding out a little about Hinduism and the major differences it has with Christianity. There are several good resources available. (If you want a quick guide, you can see the authors book Reaching the World in Our Own Backyard. Or visit www.namb.net/beliefbulletins.


    THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN INTERACTING WITH AN ASIAN-INDIAN

    • The Indian culture is collectivist which means your Indian friend will consider accepting Christ in light of how it will impact his or her family. Many Hindu coverts are disowned by their family members. Converting to another religion is seen as a betrayal of ones family and even as abandonment of ones culture. Be supportive, prayerful and patient. Gently remind your Indian friend that Jesus was not a westerner, nor was He an American!
    • Indians tend to be philosophical. Be prepared to explain why Christianity makes sense from a logical viewpoint.
    • Cricket is the most popular sport, making it a safe topic for conversation. Other popular games are football (known as soccer in North America) and badminton. Indian culture, heritage and food are also good topics for conversation. 
    • Indians tend to be very hospitable and friendly. Concentrate on building a relationship before you bring up the topic of religion.
    • Many young Asian-Indians who have arrived recently in the United States tend to work very hard and long hours. Theyre looking for meaningful community experiences during weekends. Start by inviting them to non-threatening church events.
    • Keep in mind that Asian-Indians are a diverse mix of people representing a long historical fusion of cultures, religions and race.
    • A whole new generation of Asian-Indian children and youth are finding it increasingly hard to balance their strong traditions at home to fit into mainstream American society.
    • Education is highly prized by Asian-Indians. Only 3 percent of Indian arrivals lack a high school diploma, and 75 percent of Indians working in the U.S. have a college degree.16

    SENSITIVE ISSUES

    • Although handshakes are common among Asian-Indians in America, men should wait for a woman to extend her hand first.
    • Don't initiate a conversation on politics. Avoid talking about the India-Pakistan conflict. If your Indian friend brings it up, do more listening than talking.
    • The left hand is considered unclean, so avoid using it when giving or receiving things.
    • Don't let the sole of your feet point toward your Indian friend that is considered highly offensive.
    • Treat copies of the Bible, and other printed materials, with respect. Hindus treat their holy scriptures with much respect.
    • Avoid touching idols or portraits of gods and goddesses, and never make any jokes about them.
    • Avoid comparing India with the United States.


    Speak Hindi!

    You will be able to build a bridge quickly if you know just a few words in Hindi:
    Hello/Goodbye-- nah-mus-tay
    Good Morning-- nah-mus-tay
    How are you?-- ahp kai-say ho?
    I am fine may-- theek hoo
    Please-- krip-yah
    Thank you-- dhaan-yah-bahd


    TOP STATES WITH ASIAN-INDIANS (2000)

    1. California (314,819)
    2. New York (251,724)
    3. New Jersey (169,180)
    4. Texas (129,365)
    5. Illinois (124,723)
    Source: Embassy of India, Washington, DC



    Colossians 4:5 exhorts us, Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity (NIV). With the growing numbers of internationals in our midst, opportunities are everywhere. You can become a missionary to the nations without even leaving your zip code! Pray that internationals will know that true fulfillment and joy can be found only in Jesus. Pray also for the numerous on mission churches and Christians who are trying to reach them.


    13. Source: www.pluralism.org
    14. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
    15. Source: Statistics Canada (www.statcan.ca)
    16. TIME, The Golden Diaspora, June 19, 2000, p.B26.


    Rajendra Pillai, originally from Calcutta, India, speaks on crosscultural issues across the continent. He is the author of Reaching the World in Our Own Backyard (WaterBrook Press, 2003) and lives in Damascus, Maryland.