Introduction / History

Urdu is a major language, closely related to Hindi. In fact, it is a Persian-ized version of Hindi, widely spoken in northern India and Pakistan. One can also call those who speak Urdu the Urdu people.

The Urdu belong to the Indo-Aryan people who originated near Delhi, India. Aryan tribes entered India about 1500 BC mixing with Mongolians, Greeks and Huns. This caused the Indian features to become gradually more Caucasian and their language more diverse. Muslim influence promoted the linguistic change out of which the Urdu language eventually developed.

Where Are they Located?

Though the vast majority of Urdu speakers live either in northern India or Pakistan, they have a diaspora which covers many countries including New Zealand. Those in New Zealand tend towards urban centers, especially Auckland.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Many Urdu speakers have made a good life for themselves in New Zealand. Some are cricket players, and others hold professional jobs. Most have more ordinary jobs.

The term Urdu does not adequately describe the Urdu people as such but is merely a language distinction.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Urdu are Sunni Muslims, the religion of their heritage and their culture.

What Are Their Needs?

Urdu speakers in New Zealand need someone to step out in faith and tell them the truth about Jesus Christ in a loving way.

Prayer Points

Pray that believers will reach out to the Urdu people in New Zealand with the gospel.
Pray for spiritual hunger among the Urdu people in New Zealand that will give them the willingness to seek and find Jesus Christ no matter how much it costs them in their community.
Pray for a Disciple-Making movement among Urdu speakers in New Zealand.

Scripture Prayers for the Urdu in New Zealand.

References

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/15727/BA
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/15727/CA
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistani_New_Zealanders
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urdu