Posts Tagged ‘India’

  1. Unreached

    Posted on May 8th, 2013 by Jonathan Lenning

    Kunbi of India

    Kunbi of IndiaPopulation:  16,030,000

    Language:  Gujarati

    Religion:  Hinduism (99.86%)

    %Christian:  0.04%

    Persecution Rank:  31

    About:  The Kunbi (alternate names of Reddi and Desai) are a prominent community of Karnataka. They can also be found in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Pondicherry, Karnataka, Kerala, Orissa and Maharashtra. However, traditionally the Reddy belong to the fourth of the Hindu Varnas, Sudra. One section of the Reddy is called Kapu which means guardian.

    Kunbi of India map

    The majority of the Kunbi communities are non-vegetarian, and all the communities take rice as their staple cereal. Jowar, wheat, bajra, and ragi are the other cereals for them.

    The Kunbi community have social divisions such as clans, lineage, subcastes and sects. These social divisions regulate marital alliances.

    The traditional occupation of most of the Reddy groups is settled cultivation, followed by animal husbandry and labour. Both men and women smoke a homemade cheroot (chutta) which results a high incidence of mouth and throat cancer.

    They are Hindu by faith and worship many deities. Their main festivals are Ugadi, Akshade, and Dussehra. They play bhajans and kirtans.

    They speak the Kannada and Telugu languages. Alternate names: Kapu, Akutota, Desai, Dommari, Guruda, Illela, Kuruva, Musugu, Nadi Taram, Panta, Sajjana, Renati, etc.

    Prayer Points

    • Pray for the ultimate salvation of the Kunbi people.
    • Pray that God would send Christian laborers to work among them and meet their spiritual and physical needs.
    • Pray for the small number of Kunbi Christians to reach out to their own people.
    • Pray that God would raise up strong local churches among the Kunbi.

    Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! – Psalm 117:1

    Information for this post was gathered from Joshua Project.  For more information, check out Operation World.

  2. Unreached

    Posted on April 29th, 2013 by Jonathan Lenning

    Kumhar of India

    KumharPopulation:  14,487,000

    Language:  Hindi

    Religion:  Hinduism (99.98%)

    %Christian:  0.00%

    Persecution Rank:  31

    About:  Per old Indian mythology, the Kumhar are offspring of Lord Braham (Prajapati). This is why in some places in India, the Kumhar use Pajapati/Prajapat as a surname according to Indian caste system. However, the Kumhar can also be found throughout India under the surnames Verma, Kumhar, and Kumawat. Ancient Indian culture cannot be deciphered without acknowledging the Kumhar.

    Kumhar Map

    The Kumhar’s livelihood is making earthen pots. They claim to be the first inventors of the wheel/cycle, which they use not only to make pots, but other earthen utensils as well. Historically, their main way of earning income has been through these earthen products and agriculture. They are very honest people and make their livelihood by hard work.

    The Kumhar are generally Hindu and pray to the Lord Shiva, Godess Mother (Mata). They believe in god and are highly spritual, loveable, honest, and hard working.

    Prayer Points

    • Pray that the gospel will be preached among the Kumhar.
    • Ask God to open the hearts of Kumhar nonbelievers and convict them of their need for the Savior.
    • Pray that Christian missionaries will find favor with the Indian government and the Kumhar people.
    • Ask the Lord to grow the number of Kumhar believers, strengthen them, and encourage them so that their faith endures and their witness is bold and clear.
    • Pray that God will give these believers opportunities to share the love of Jesus with their own people.
    • Ask God to raise up strong local churches among the Kumhar of India.

    Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! – Psalm 117:1

    Information for this post was gathered from Joshua Project.  For more information, check out Operation World.

  3. Unreached

    Posted on April 8th, 2013 by Jonathan Lenning

    Koli of India

    Koli WomanPopulation:  12,389,000

    Language:  Gujarati

    Religion:  Hinduism (99.74%)

    %Christian/%Evangelical:  0.25%/unknown

    Persecution Rank:  31

    About:  The term Koli means fisherman. According to legend, the Koli claim to be descendents from the Black Dwarf that came forth from the body of King Vena. Numbering more than 12 million they are one of the largest communities of western India. The Koli constitute of a number of communities with various occupations and cultural identities, yet they remain Koli.

    Koli Map

    As their name implies, fishing is common, but other work can be found in agriculture, water-carrying, boating, and animal husbandry. A large percentage of the Koli population in Gujarat have advanced education, and, subsequently, higher societal status; some work in the government. However, it remains that the majority live within the lower strata of society.

    The Koli live mostly in the villages and towns of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. While they live the simple life of agriculturalists, they have become aware of the life available to them in urban areas as technology has spread to most people. Many have firsthand knowledge of the material gains that city life offers.

    Beliefs/Religion

    Nearly all of Koli are Hindu, though a very few will practice Islam. Both nuclear and extended families are common among them, and the eldest son inherits the father’s authority. The Koli cremate their dead and practice death pollution for eleven days. The Koli worship Guar Mati and Holi Mata among other deities of Hinduism. They also believe in ghosts and spirits. Depending on the region, they will celebrate the Namiya festival (associated with fishing) as well as Karbha, Bahan, and other common festivals. A Brahmin priest will officiate rituals associated with the cycles of life as well as oversee other religious activities.

    Prayer Points

    • Ask God to send Christians into every district and village of the Koli.
    • Pray that the God, who set eternity in the hearts of the Koli and all of mankind, will prepare them to respond to the gospel of Jesus with faith and repentance.
    • Pray that strong churches will be established and mobilized among the Koli.
    • Pray that God will raise up Koli evangelists that will have a heart to reach their own.
    • Ask God to glorify His Son among and through the Koli.

    “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” Romans 1:16

    Information for this post was gathered from Joshua Project.  For more information, check out Operation World.

  4. Unreached

    Posted on April 1st, 2013 by Jonathan Lenning

    Koiri of India

    Koiri WomanPopulation:  7,423,000

    Language:  Hindi

    Religion:  Hinduism (100%)

    %Christian/%Evangelical:  0.o%/0.0%

    Persecution Rank:  31

    Koiri MapAbout:  The Koiri believe they are the descendents of Kush, one of the twin sons of lord Rama. They receive the services of a Brahman priest, who officiates over their life-cycle rituals and religious ceremonies. The majority of the Koiri are engaged in their traditional occupation of agriculture. Nominal Christians, whether in India or in the West, may have negatively influenced the Koiri’s perception of what it means to be a Christian.

    Pray

    • Ask the Lord to open the eyes of the Koiri community to their need for Him
    • Pray that He would send believers to the Koiri with the good news of Jesus Christ.
    • Pray that strong churches will be established among the Koiri people and that they will have a strong and faithful testimony for the Lord.
    • Pray the Koiri community will increasingly hunger to know forgiveness for their sins and the new life offered through faith in Jesus Christ.
    • Ask God to glorify His Son among and through the Koiri.

    “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” Romans 1:16

    Information for this post was gathered from Joshua Project.  For more information, check out Operation World.

  5. Unreached

    Posted on March 11th, 2013 by Jonathan Lenning

    Kayastha of India

    Kayastha GirlPopulation:  7,229,000

    Language:  Bengali

    Religion:  Hinduism (99.99%)

    %Christian/%Evangelical:  0.01%/unknown

    Persecution Rank:  32

    About:  Kayasthas mostly belong to the Hindi-speaking states of West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi.

    Kayastha MapWith the passing of time, the Kayasthas have surged ahead. They have broken new grounds in vocations other than those relating to writing and record-keeping, and excelled in them. From among the Kayasthas have arisen all sorts of influential leaders, including a president, a prime minister, a governor, a philosopher, military leaders, eminent scientists, film makers, and musicians.

    Many Kayasthas believe their origin is tied to the god Brahma.  They believe he created someone named Kayasthas to work as an assistant for another god who was responsible for keeping record of the good and evil deeds on the earth, Dharamraj. Some historians hold the view that during the reign of the Mughals, a number of Hindus who were were educated and endowed with sharp intellect attained administrative positions through rapid adaptation to the Persian language and culture of India’s new rulers. These influential Hindus got together and formed a new caste known as Kayastha.

    Prayer Points

    • Pray that the Lord would send laborers into the harvest among the Kayasthas who will make disciples of Jesus.
    • Pray that God would begin to lead the Kayasthas toward Himself, softening their hearts and opening their eyes.
    • Pray that many Kayasthas would follow Jesus and that strong local churches begin in the areas where they live.
    • Pray for God to be worshiped by and glorified through the Kayasthas.

    “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” Romans 1:16

    Information for this post was gathered from Joshua Project.  For more information, check out Operation World.

  6. Unreached

    Posted on March 4th, 2013 by Jonathan Lenning

     Kashmiri Muslim of India

    Kashmiri ManPopulation:  7,117,000

    Language:  Kashmiri

    Religion:  Islam

    %Christian/%Evangelical:  0.0%/0.0%

    Persecution Rank:  32

    Introduction / History
    The Kashmiri live in Kashmir State in northwestern India. Kashmir is a breathtaking region located in the western Himalayan Mountains. Unfortunately, this is a highly disputed area. It has been a battleground between India, Pakistan, and China since the partition of the India and Pakistan in 1947.

    When India and Pakistan were divided, Kashmir was given the choice of siding with either of the two countries. Since the ruling class was Hindu, they sided with India. However, most of the people were Muslims and felt more alliance to Pakistan. Today, parts of Kashmir are controlled by India, parts by Pakistan, and parts by China; and fierce fighting continues among the three.

    More than ninety percent of Kashmir is mountainous. It includes the Karakorum Range, which contains K2, the second highest peak in the world. Most of the region is under snow and glaciers all year due to its extreme elevation.

    What are their lives like?
    Kashmir MapThe Kashmiri primarily live in rural regions; only about one-fifth live in cities. They are descendants of Indo-Aryan immigrants and are generally tall, fair skinned, and have features like the people of Central Asia.

    Most of the Kashmiri are peasant farmers. They raise rice, wheat, maize, barley, lentils, and fruits such as apples, peaches, and apricots. The lakes of Kashmir supply many fish and water chestnuts. Sheep, goats, and yaks are raised at higher elevations. These flocks produce cashmere, a rich wool that is also very popular in the West. The men primarily tend to the farms, and the women usually stay home and tend to the household chores.

    Because most Kashmiri villages lie in such remote areas, festival celebrations and pilgrimages to shrines are times for uniting the communities. The villagers enjoy gathering around a fire and sharing folk tales or ballads. They also enjoy music and dancing. Cricket and soccer have become some of their favorite sports. Extended families commonly live together. The Kashmiri are very hospitable people and enjoy entertaining guests over tea. Their diet is similar to that of other Indians. Wood, dung, and kerosene are the main sources of fuel for cooking.

    In addition to farming, many of the Kashmiri are skilled crafters of wood furniture, wool carpets, and sweaters. Industrial development is limited in Kashmir, but the large number of timber forests and rivers are used for producing hydro-electric power. Tourism is also an important industry, although it has declined in recent years because of the violence in the region.

    What are their beliefs?
    Most of the Kashmiri are devout Sunni Muslims, who follow a strict code of conduct. Their civilization has been heavily influenced by Muslim mystics and Persian culture. Only a small minority are Hindus.

    The Kashmiri Muslims are convinced that the Bible is wrong because it contradicts the Koran. Those who convert to Christianity are viewed as immoral, degenerate people; Christians in this region are often persecuted. Many Kashmiri have heard of Jesus Christ, but view him merely as a prophet and teacher.

    Today, there are less than 1,000 known Kashmiri believers.

    Prayer Points

    • Ask God to raise up prayer warriors and laborers for the Kashmiri harvest of believers.
    • Ask the Holy Spirit to grant wisdom and favor to missions agencies focusing on the Kashmiri.
    • Pray that the God will give the small number of Kashmiri believers there boldness to share Christ with their own people, especially those suffering from persecution.
    • Ask God to soften the Kashmiri hearts towards the Gospel of Christ.
    • Pray that God will give these precious people grace through faith in Jesus.
    • Ask the Lord to bring forth a triumphant Kashmiri Church for the glory of His name!

    “Let the peoples praise you, O God;
    let all the peoples praise you!”
    Psalm 67

    Information for this post was gathered from Joshua Project.  Check out Operation World for more information.

  7. Unreached

    Posted on February 25th, 2013 by Jonathan Lenning

     Kapu of India

    Kapu ManPopulation:  14,958,000

    Language:  Telugu

    Religion:  Hinduism

    %Christian/%Evangelical:  0.01%/unknown

    Persecution Rank:  31

    About:  The word Kapu or Kaapu, in Telugu, means “protector.” They are also referred to by their caste title Naidu, which means “leader.” They are found primarily in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, where they make up about one-quarter of the population. The Kapu community in Andhra Pradesh is predominantly concentrated in the coastal districts, North Telangana and Rayalaseema regions, of Andhra Pradesh. They are also found in large numbers in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Orissa.

    The Kapu were primarily a military/agrarian community who took up military service and participated in cultivation during peace time. Consequently the Kapu subcastes also evolved based on occupation. Kapus who engaged in trade were referred to as Balija. Balijas who took up military service and protected trading caravans were called Balija Nayakulu or Balija Naidu.

    Kapu MapModern day Kapus have banded together to fight for their political rights in the caste system. They have also organized agricultural unions to protect their way of life. A significant number of Kapus have today diversified into industry, arts, and academia. However, substantial segments of the population are still farmers. They are similar to farming peoples in neighboring Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamilnadu, Orissa Rajasthan, and also Madhya Pradesh. Kapu are primarily Hindu.

    They also live among many Muslims. Today, 30 major denominations are represented in the state. The Church at large, however, has struggled long and hard against nominalism. Of the 33 tribal groups in Andhra Pradesh, 16 have yet to be evangelized.

    Prayer Points

    • Ask God to call people who are willing to go to India and share the love of Jesus with the Kapu.
    • Ask the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of the Kapu towards Christians so that they will be receptive to the gospel.
    • Pray that God will use the small number of Kapu believers there to share the Gospel with their friends and families.
    • Pray that the Lord will give the small number of Christian Kapu people grace for faithful and holy living as they trust in Christ for their salvation.
    • Ask the Lord to raise up strong local churches among the Kanuri.

    “Let the peoples praise you, O God;
    let all the peoples praise you!”
    Psalm 67

    Information for this post was gathered from Joshua Project.  Check out Operation World for more information.

  8. Unreached

    Posted on February 11th, 2013 by Jonathan Lenning

    Kahar of India

    Kahar WomanPopulation:  7,654,000

    Language:  Hindi

    Religion:  Hinduism

    %Christian/%Evangelical:  0.0%/unknown

    Persecution Rank:  31

    Kahar People, India

    About:  It seems likely that the Kahar people are a remnant of one of the primitive races who occupied the valley of the Ganges before the incursion of the Aryans. Among them, the Brahman are their sacred specialists. The Kahar have many sacred ceremonies. For example, one of the main ceremonies associated with marriage is to circle a sacred fire seven times.

    The worldview of the Kahar is very different than the biblical worldview. Tools (Jesus Film, recordings, videos, etc.) are available in most of the languages spoken by the Kahar community, but workers are needed to carry these tools to the people.

    Pray

    • Pray that the Lord will soon call out His followers from among the Kahar community. As the local churches are established, pray they will be patient with each other, bearing with one another in love.
    • Pray that laborers will be sent to the harvest there, carrying the gospel of Jesus to the Kahar in their language.
    • Pray that “the knowledge of the glory of the Lord” spreads to the Kahar people.

    “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” - Habakkuk 2:14

    Information for this post was gathered from Joshua Project.  Check out Operation World for more information.

  9. Unreached

    Posted on February 4th, 2013 by Jonathan Lenning

    Kachhi, Hindu of India

    KachhiPopulation:  5,802,000

    Language:  Hindi

    Religion:  Hinduism

    %Christian/%Evangelical:  0.0%/0.0%

    Persecution Rank:  32

    About:  The Kachhi people are a part of the largest people cluster in India, the Hindi. They are traditionally agrarian workers, growing crops including wheat, gram and lentils. Economically speaking, their main resource is their land due to their agrarian lifestyle. However, in regions like Delhi, the Kachhi are mostly small business owners. Their industries range from selling vegetables, to book binding, to manufacturing plastic toys or electrical parts. Some have made careers in the government or in private sector roles such as medicine or engineering. Education is given to both male and female Kachhi, however continued study is not encouraged for women. In states where their numbers are highest, literacy levels are also quite low.

    Kachhi MapThe diet is traditionally vegetarian (which reflects both their Hindu background and agrarian lifestyle). However as Hindu nominalism creeps in and more roles are taken in the business sector, their diet is now occasionally including meat.

    The Kachhi are almost entirely Hindu. A very small minority are Buddhist or adhere to some other local traditions. The Kachhi Hindu’s predominantly worship Hanuman, Rama, Krishna Shiva, Kali and Durga. They celebrate the various major Hindu festivals and practice rituals of cremation, preferring to spread ashes in the Ganges River. In the cities, many of the younger Hindu Kachhi are becoming more and more nominal. In Gujarat some have started to adopt Muslim concepts and festivals like Ramadan

    It is unclear whether there are any Christians among the 6 million Kachhi. Their deep roots in Hinduism have long made it difficult to evangelize them. However, with growing nominalism towards Hinduism, the gospel has a unique opportunity to share its life-saving news with this people. There is, however, little or no active witness to the Kachhi. They are geographically and linguistically linked to many nearby peoples, so there is opportunity!

    Prayer Points

    • Pray that God would continue to open up doors for the gospel to be shared with the Kachhi.
    • Thank God for His generosity in opening up an interest in “new ideas” among many younger Kachhi.
    • Pray that the Spirit will be working in many Kachhi and cause them to seek out the truth.
    • Pray that many Christians will seek opportunities to go to this people, laborers at the harvest.
    • Pray that God would build His Church among the Kacchi in India.

    “Let the peoples praise you, O God;
    let all the peoples praise you!”
    Psalm 67

    Information for this post was gathered from Joshua Project.  Check out Operation World for more information.

  10. Unreached

    Posted on January 7th, 2013 by Jonathan Lenning

    Jat, Sikh of India

    Population:  11,025,000

    Language:  Punjabi, Western

    Religion:  Other/small

    %Christian/%Evangelical:  0.01%/unknown

    Persecution Rank:  32

    About:  Today, the Jats are located all over India and some surrounding countries. The largest concentration is in the Punjab Region, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. They are immersed in several ethnic groups who retain an identity often based on occupation and heritage. They arrived in the sub-continent as invaders, yet did not establish ruling dynasties. They were presumably Indo-Iranian, but in the course of time, they mixed with other invaders and older Indian inhabitants. A popular occupation among them is farming. A small percentage are traders and laborers. They eat unleavened bread (roti) and curry, seasonal vegetables, ghee and milk. Girls are tattooed before marriage. Women are fond of jewelry and wear bangles made of ivory, lac (a resinous material), or clay, but never glass.

    A man cannot take a wife from his own section. For a wedding, a square enclosure is made known as Chaonari and a fire sacrifice is performed. The couple walk seven times around the Chaonari with their right hand inward. Widow remarriage is allowed but cannot marry her younger brother-in-law or near relatives of her deceased husband. The dead are cremated except children under seven, who are buried.

    When a man dies, his widow goes around his body seven times in the reverse direction of the one during marriage, indicating the undoing of marriage and breaks a few of her bangles. An important occasion for display among them is a ceremony which is done among wealthy families when the head of the family or his wife dies, or when a daughter is married. The person who does the ceremony is highly respected and his opinion is given weight in caste disputes. The Jats also have special ceremonies during the Dussera and Baisakhi festivals.

    Prayer Points

    • Ask the Lord to graciously call people to go to India and share Christ with the Jats.
    • Pray that the Holy Spirit will soften their hearts towards the gospel.
    • Ask God to raise up faithful prayer warriors and intercessors to pray for the Sikh Jats of India and the people reaching out to them.
    • Ask the Lord to raise up a triumphant church among the Jat for the glory of His name!

    “Let the peoples praise you, O God;
    let all the peoples praise you!”
    Psalm 67

    Information for this post was gathered from Joshua Project.  Check out Operation World for more information.