Pray for Brampton
January 15, 2020
Brampton, ON
Quick Facts:
Population: 603,536
Ethnic Groups: Approximately 250,000 Punjabi Sikhs
Other significant population of South Asians: Indian Hindus, Gujarati, Sri Lankans, Pakistanis, etc.
Religious Groups:
50% Christian adherents
(Catholic - 26%, various Protestant groups - 24% – e.g. Anglican, United Church, and Baptist)
Sikhism 20%
Hinduism 10%
Non-religious 10%
Islam 8%
The city has the highest, youngest, median age population in Canada, and is the fastest-growing city in Canada. The city’s revitalization plan cost was over $55 million dollars in investment capital and has triggered a financial boost and economic revival in the downtown area. Brampton has more than 120 recreational centers and corporate spaces intended for physical activity, such as soccer fields, tennis courts, cricket fields, and fitness zones. Over the years, Brampton has effectively renewed its 'flower' town legacy, to guarantee the title of "Canada’s Flower City".
Many people are overworked (working too many hours in order to purchase large houses, more cars, etc.) as they chase the Canadian dream. This brings associated stress on marriage and family. Brampton has very high auto insurance rates due to dangerous driving practices.
Brampton has the largest Sikh-background population in Canada. At least 40% of the population is from South Asia and this percentage will likey continue to rise. There is an increasing Jain population in Brampton and a temple on the northwestern outskirts of the city.
Number of mosques: 21 (According to Salatomatic)
Number of churches: 91
Pray:
Pray for the following ministries in Brampton:
Global Gates Canada (globalgates.ca) as it reaches the ends of the earth through Canadian gateway cities;
Bramalea Baptist Church and Mission Pastor Josh Bautista;
His Prayer House Int'l (Pastor Bhupinder Singh, a former Sikh); and
"CL" who serves among South Asians.
Pray for more ethnic believers from a Muslim background to join the LMT network, as well for the younger generation.
Pray for renewed trust between Sikh-background churches and pastoral leaders. Lack of trust has hindered the gospel advance and disciple-making among Sikhs. Pray for appropriate contextualization strategies.
Pray for more partnership efforts and collaboration for cross-cultural mission. The church is increasingly alert to new ways of responding to the lost among the burgeoning population in Brampton.
Pray for younger leaders to be raised up in churches and to be given freedom to try new, fruitful methods that may differ from the traditional church model. Pray for disciple-making multiplication.