The Unreached Among Us

As the final school bell rings, Pooja quietly gathers her books. She boards the bus and takes her usual seat—alone—careful not to meet anyone’s eyes. At her stop, she steps off with a small sigh of relief. No one spoke to her today, but at least no one mocked her name, her lunch, or her background.

At home, the smell of fried snacks still lingers in the air. Her parents aren’t home—they’re busy at the family-run motel: checking in guests, cleaning rooms, and handling repairs. Pooja knows how proud they are to own their own business, especially one with such great online reviews. 

Still, she sometimes wishes they didn’t live in such a small town. Maybe in a bigger city she could find other Indians—or even fellow Gujaratis—and maybe, just maybe, classmates who were more welcoming.

Gujaratis have a long and storied legacy in global trade and business. Today, they form well-established communities in many countries. In the United States, about 40% of hotels and a significant share of gas stations and convenience stores are owned by Gujaratis. As a result, many small towns and rural areas across the U.S. have just one Gujarati family, often running a local business, just like Pooja’s.

The Hindu population in the U.S. is around 5.4 million, and Gujaratis remain one of the groups least reached with the gospel—fewer than 1 in 1,000 follow Jesus. Yet families like Pooja’s are making quiet, meaningful contributions to the communities where they now live, far from their ancestral home.

Since the passing of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, the U.S. has opened its doors to a much more diverse population. Gujaratis like Pooja’s family are part of this rich tapestry. But while they bring their culture, food, language, and work ethic with them, many still haven’t heard of or experienced the life-changing love of Jesus Christ.

Who will reach out to girls like Pooja—with friendship, compassion, and the Good News?