South Asian, Telugu-speaking in Bahrain

People Name:	South Asian, Telugu-speaking
Country:	Bahrain
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	30,000
World Population:	1,174,700
Primary Language:	Telugu
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	11.00 %
Evangelicals:	10.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The peoples of India have managed to go to other parts of the world to make their mark, and Telegu speakers are no exception. Telegu refers to a Dravidian (southern Indian) language spoken mainly in India's states of Andhra Pradesh and Telegana, where it is the official language. Early inscriptions in Telegu date back to 575AD, and literary works started in the 11th century. From the mid 1700s until India became a sovereign nation in 1948, this part of India was ruled in part by monarchs, but ultimately controlled by the British Raj. Hyderabad, as the princely state was then called, was among the most prosperous princely states of India. It is still one of India's most prosperous states. Some Telegus have needed to go to Bahrain to earn a living.

Where Are they Located?

Telegu speakers in Bahrain mainly live in the capital city of Manama.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Though there are some professionals and white-collar workers among Indians working in Bahrain, they are more likely to be found doing construction or working in the oil industry. Many barbers and carpenters in Bahrain are from India. Women are often working as domestic servants. Even though they are far from home in a Muslim land, Telegu speakers will keep good contact with their families and friends in southern India.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most are Hindus who look to their gods to provide them with prosperity and good fortune. They celebrate all the Hindu festivals. The dates of these festivals vary depending on the Hindu calendar, which is lunar. There is a sizable number of believers among Telegu speakers in Bahrain, so much so that we can't really call them an unreached people group like they are in most other parts of the world.

What Are Their Needs?

Telegu speakers need to cling to Jesus, and not allow the pull of materialism or anything else steer them away from the Savior. Telegu speakers who follow the Lord can be used by Him to begin a Disciple-Making movement among other predominantly Hindu peoples, and among the Muslim Kuwaitis.

Prayer Points

Pray for members of the Telegu speaking congregation to be salt and light to the Muslims of Kuwait. Pray that the Holy Spirit will move through them.
Pray for a Disciple-Making movement to flourish among Telegu speakers in Bahrain.