Sinhalese culture goes back about 2600 years when migrants from what is now northern India went to Sri Lanka. Eventually, these new settlers developed a language which we now call Sinhala, and the people were Sinhalese. Around 250 B.C. they embraced Buddhism, which became part of their identity as a people.
About 1/8th of the Sri Lankan population lives abroad in 20 countries. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the home of thousands of Sinhalese.
Some come to these countries as students, but they are most likely to be on work visas. Some are in the business community or IT professionals.
Unlike the Arab majority, the Sinhalese in the UAE are almost entirely Buddhist. The strict Wahhabi form of Sunni Islam is the state religion in Saudi Arabia. Proselytism is forbidden, but expatriates are allowed to practice their faith.
Resources in the Sinhalese language include a complete Sinhalese Bible, an audio New Testament online, the JESUS Film, and gospel recordings. The Sinhalese need to have the spiritual hunger it will take to find and use these resources.
Pray that gospel radio, television, and Christian websites might penetrate the homes and hearts of Sinhalese people living in the UAE.
Pray that greater unity, effective discipling of believers, and sensitive sharing of faith will occur among the Sinhalese in the UAE.
Pray for a mighty movement to Christ among the Sinhalese, both in Sri Lanka and in the UAE.
Scripture Prayers for the Sinhalese in United Arab Emirates.
https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/getting-to-know-sri-lankans-in-the-uae-1.1541417647108
https://www.ipsinternational.org/the-sri-lankan-community-in-the-uae/
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
