Posts Tagged ‘unreached people group’

  1. 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.

  2. Unreached

    Posted on April 22nd, 2013 by Jonathan Lenning

    Hui of China

    Hui ManPopulation:  12,799,000+

    Language:  Chinese, Mandarin

    Religion:  Islam (96%)

    %Christian/%Evangelical:  0%/0%

    Persecution Rank:  37

    The Basics:  The Hui, made up of at least 13 million people, are the largest and most widespread of China’s Muslim nationalities. They also comprise the third largest minority group in China. Remarkably, Hui live in 2,310 of China’s 2,369 counties and municipalities. Small pockets also live in Taiwan, Myanmar, Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia. Only .006% of them know Christ!

    Hui MapTheir Beliefs:  To be Hui is to be Muslim – it is the core of who they are. Even if they don’t fully understand it, or even follow it the same as some other countries do, it has been hidden deep inside of them from the time they were very young. For the Hui, Islam is more than just a set of religious beliefs – it is a total way of life.

    Their Culture:  The Hui are some of the most hospitable people you will ever meet. Some of this comes from just being Chinese, and the rest of it comes from just being Hui. Either way – you never want to visit the Hui on a full stomach! Many of the Hui own restaurants. You can find them in cities all over China and they serve some of the best food you will ever eat. As you walk down the street, you can often recognize the men by their prayer caps and the women by their head scarves. Hui with other Hui are like family. Even if they are strangers, you would never know.

    Their Language:  Mandarin Chinese is the heart language of the Hui in both spoken and written. But the spiritual language of the Hui is a mixture of Arabic and Persian.

    Their History:  The Hui are descendants of Muslim traders, soldiers and officials who came to China between the 7th and 14th centuries. They settled and intermarried with Arab Muslims and Han Chinese.

    The Situation:  Although there are more than 13 million Hui scattered throughout China, very few (including the Chinese church) are intentionally planting their lives among the Hui to tell them about Christ. It is estimated that every five minutes one Hui person dies. Currently, more Hui people are dying daily than are hearing the gospel. The Hui are in desperate need of more laborers to boldly proclaim the gospel and reap the harvest that God has prepared.

    Prayer for the Hui

    • Pray for laborers called by God to reach the Hui – laborers from other countries as well as Chinese Christians currently living among the Hui.
    • Thank God for ongoing gospel proclamation efforts among the Hui. Pray that effective strategies can be identified and implemented to make Christ’s love known to the Hui.
    • Pray for God to tear down the barriers that keep the Hui from hearing the Good News of Jesus’ forgiveness and love.
    • Pray that Hui believers will gather together and form churches that will multiply.
    • Pray for followers of Jesus to boldly proclaim the gospel to the Hui, believing that God is at work among them.

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

    Information for this post was gathered from Pray for the Hui, the prayer focus for the most recent Secret Church, and Joshua Project. For even more information, check out Operation World.

  3. Unreached

    Posted on April 15th, 2013 by Jonathan Lenning

    Korean of North Korea

    North Korean WomanPopulation:  24,355,000

    Language:  Korean

    Religion:  Non-Religious (99.74%)

    %Christian/%Evangelical:  1.48%/1.00%

    Persecution Rank:  1

    About:  The Koreans of North and South Korea share distinctive Mongolian features and are believed to have descended from a single racial group. Korean is the national language of both countries. Many Korean words have Chinese roots due to centuries of diplomatic relations. The Korean writing system uses 26 phonetic symbols.

    Officially, the North Korean Constitution gives political power to the people. However, real political power belongs to the Communist Party. The constitution guarantees such rights as freedom of the press, religion, and speech; however, the 23.6 million Koreans in North Korea have very little freedom in those areas. For instance, all radio and television broadcasts are strictly controlled by the Korean Central Broadcast Committee. All privately owned radios are “preset” to the government frequency. Current news is often withheld from the public, or even altered. The people often do not learn of news events until weeks, months, or even years after they occurred.

    Before the 1900′s, Korea was an agricultural society with strong family ties. Almost all the people lived in small villages and worked on farms. However, since the late 1940′s, the Communists have taken steps to industrialize the country. Today, most urban North Korean work in factories, while those in rural areas continue working on farms.

    North KoreaArranged marriages are still popular in rural villages. However, a growing number of urban Koreans now choose their own mates. Marital bonds have been so strong in the past that divorce was infrequent-even unthinkable. Today, however, the divorce rate among the educated urban Koreans is steadily increasing; divorce is no longer a disgrace.

    Education for the Korean people is free and mandatory for the first 11 years. (This includes a year of preschool.) Students must have Communist Party approval to continue their education after the tenth grade. During their summer vacations, students must work for the state.

    In North Korea, the government controls all aspects of Korean life. Most forms of entertainment are supported and controlled by the government. Even the work of artists is restricted. Anything that conflicts with Communist principles is forbidden.

    The North Koreans eat mostly rice, occasionally supplemented by fish, vegetables, or fruit. The national dish is kimchi, a highly spiced mixture of Chinese cabbage, white radishes, and various other vegetables. However, after severe flooding in North Korea, there has been an acute food shortage in many areas. Some people have even been forced to eat grass and roots to survive.

    What are their beliefs?

    A mixture of Confucian thought, Buddhism, and shamanism (belief in an unseen world of gods, demons, and ancestral spirits) were previously dominant among the Korean, but have been officially repressed since 1945. The former North Korean ruler, Kim Il Sung, was held in high regard and worshipped by the Korean. He was presented as omniscient and omnipresent. The regime under Kim Jong Il was as oppressive as the former.

    The Koreans believe that deceased family members remain within the family circle, in spiritual form. For this reason, the most important concern of the family is to produce a male heir to carry on the family line. He is called on to perform ancestral rituals in the household and at the family grave site.

    Although religious freedom is technically guaranteed by the North Korean government, religious activity is strongly discouraged. Politically, North Korea is one of the most highly controlled societies in the world. The government has officially decided against Christianity and the gospel for the entire nation.

    Prayer Points

    • Pray that the gospel will be preached in North Korea.
    • Ask God to open the hearts of North Korean nonbelievers and convict them of their need for the Savior.
    • Pray that the doors of North Korea will soon be open to Christian missionaries.
    • Ask the Lord to strengthen and encourage the small number of Korean Christians so that their faith endures and their witness in the face of persecution 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 Korean of North Korea.

    “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:10

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Unreached

    Posted on March 25th, 2013 by Jonathan Lenning

    Central Khmer of Cambodia

    Cambodian WomanPopulation:  13,005,000

    Language:  Khmer, Cambodian

    Religion:  Buddhism (89.82%)

    %Christian/%Evangelical:  3.2%/1.7%

    About:  The Central Khmer inhabit the western and central portions of Cambodia, and make up the majority of the country’s total population. The Central Khmer speak an Eastern Mon-Khmer language called Khmer, or Cambodian. It is the national language of Cambodia.

    The Khmer Empire, which flourished between the ninth and thirteenth centuries, encompassed present-day Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and southern Vietnam. Its power declined after being conquered by the Thai and the Vietnamese.

    In 1969, Cambodia suffered bombings by the U.S. and invasions by the Vietnamese; events that threw the country into turmoil. In addition, a civil war broke out between the Cambodian government and Communist rebels known as the Khmer Rouge. Possibly three million Central Khmer died between 1975 and 1979, while the Khmer Rouge ruled.

    In 1975, the Khmer Rouge regime nearly destroyed Cambodia. In order to depopulate cities, three million people were forced into the countryside as slave labor. Starvation led to the deaths of over one million people. Currency was abolished; religion was eradicated; education was suspended; medicine was forbidden; and people who could read were often massacred all in the name of the ideal of rural social reform. Many people fled north to Thailand; others took the trail of tears into Communist Laos. Unfortunately, there they struggled to find clothing, shelter, medical care, and food. Some Khmer found permanent homes; others found shelter in crowded refugee camps.

    CambodiaBefore the war, the majority of Cambodia’s inhabitants lived in one-third of the country, along the two main waterways and their tributaries. Although the soil there is not fertile, the plains flood every rainy season. The overflow brings an abundance of fish; and when it recedes, leaves rich deposits.

    Sadly, bombing, civil war, and war with the Vietnamese decimated a once thriving agricultural economy. Today, most of the Khmer still live in small villages and grow rice in irrigated paddies. Rubber is also important to their economy. Unfortunately, it has been dangerous for the farmers to work the fields since the 1970′s (due to land mines). The mines have caused more wounds to the Central Khmer than any other weapon. In 1994, the United States provided military aid to help locate the mines and build new roads.

    While the Khmer Rouge ruled Cambodia, more men died than women, creating a skewed sex ratio. Today, women are required to perform duties that were once done by men. They dress in colorful skirts, adding life to their unhappy environment. Red and white checkered cloth is used to make everything from headdresses to pouches for carrying babies.

    In the villages, Buddhist rules of conduct maintain social control. These rules forbid lying, stealing, drinking alcohol, committing adultery, and killing living creatures. Some remnants of traditional culture can be seen in the villages: folk dance, the classical royal ballet, and traditional Khmer music.

    The former Khmer Empire was influenced by India, from which it adopted Hinduism and Buddhism. Today, the majority of the Central Khmer are Buddhist, although relics of ethnic religions such as ancestor worship (praying to deceased ancestors) and spirit worship are very important to them. The Buddhist Khmer seek the middle path to nirvana, or ultimate peace through gaining merit in this life. Merit may be gained through supporting the construction of Buddhist temples, giving food to monks, and studying in the monastery.

    Although the Bible and other Christian resources are available to the Central Khmer, few of their population have turned to Christ. They remain a war-torn people in need of true, inner peace.

    Prayer Points

    • Ask the Lord to call people who are willing to go to Cambodia and share Christ with the Central Khmer, and ask Him to give missionaries wisdom and boldness.
    • Pray that God will reveal Himself to the Central Khmer and prepare their hearts to receive the good news of Jesus.
    • Pray that God will encourage and equip the Central Khmer who have repented and trusted in Christ.
    • Ask God to use these new converts to reach out and share the love of Christ with their own people.
    • Pray that strong local churches will be planted among the Central Khmer.

    “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.

  7. Unreached

    Posted on March 18th, 2013 by Jonathan Lenning

    Kazakh of Kazakhstan

    Kazakh ManPopulation:  9,823,000

    Language:  Kazakh

    Religion:  Islam

    %Christian/%Evangelical:  0.1%/0.06%

    Persecution Rank:  48

    About:  The Kazakh, a Turkic people, are the second largest Muslim people group of Central Asia. In times past, they may have been the most influential of the various Central Asian ethnic groups. While most of the Kazakh now live in Kazakhstan, they make up less than half of the country’s population. Large communities can also be found in Mongolia, Ukraine, and Russia.

    The Kazakh developed a distinct ethnic identity in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. Several of their clans formed a federation that would provide mutual protection. As other clans joined the federation, its political influence began to take on an ethnic character. During the nineteenth century, the Russians acquired Central Asia through a steady process of annexation. They eventually claimed the entire territory of Kazakhstan. Tragically, about half of the Kazakh population was killed during the Russian Civil War of the 1920′s and 1930′s. During this time, many fled to China and Mongolia.

    Since the collapse of Soviet Communism, the Kazakh have been searching for their identity. Traditionally, they were nomadic shepherds; however, under Soviet rule, much of their land was seized and used for collective farming. As industry developed, their economy and culture became dependent entirely on the Russians. Today, however, there is a widespread movement to redevelop their own cultural identity.

    KazakhstanAs nomadic shepherds, the Kazakh lived in dome shaped felt tents called yurts. These portable dwellings could be taken down and moved from area to area as the shepherd found good land for his flocks. Under Russian rule, many other Kazakhs were forced to move to the cities and live in houses or small apartments. Most of these two or three room apartments have running water, though in some rural areas there is no hot water. The water is clean, but not safe to drink. The process of purifying the water can be very tedious. The Kazakh eat a variety of meat and dairy products. A popular Kazakh food is besbarmak, which is eaten with your hands. It is made of noodles, potatoes, onions, and mutton. Rice and bread are common staples. In the southern regions of Kazakhstan, fruit and vegetables grow in abundance. There the people enjoy eating grapes, melons, and tomatoes. Kazakh apples are also famous throughout Central Asia. The foundation of the Kazakh culture is hospitality, which always starts with a cup of tea. The host offers tea to any person who comes to his house. Guests must accept the kindness, or the host will be offended. A favorite sport is kokpar which means “fighting for a goat’s carcass.” Up to 1000 horseman will participate in this sport.

    The Kazakhs embraced Islam during the sixteenth century and still consider themselves Muslim today. Changes in Kazakh society (mainly from a nomadic to a settled lifestyle) and an attempt by the Soviets to suppress religious freedoms have led the people to adopt Islam more closely. However, their Islamic practices have been combined with traditional folk religions. This includes beliefs in spirits. They practice animism and ancestor worship. Animism is the belief that non-human objects have spirits. Ancestor worship involves praying and offering sacrifices to deceased ancestors. Today, the Kazakh continue to consult shamans (priests who cure the sick by magic, communicate with the spirits, and control events). They also practice various traditional rituals before and after marriage, at birth, and at death.

    The Kazakh are facing ecological catastrophe due to the mismanagement of natural resources. This has caused the near desolation of the Aral Sea and contamination of much of their drinking water. As a result, the infant mortality rate is very high. There is also a high rate of stillbirths and birth defects. Abortion is their main method of birth control. Most women have five or six abortions. Because Kazakhs value children, this creates a serious emotional battle for Kazakh parents.

    The Kazakh church is young, but the church is growing. Young people are especially excited about hearing the Good News of the Gospel. Over 40 Kazakh speaking churches exist, but in a people group of over eight million, that is a small number. Many churches are located in the major cities like Almaty, but Christian workers are also needed in the rural areas.

    Prayer Points

    • Praise God for the growing number of Kazakh Christians. Pray that they would learn the Word of God quickly, that there would be good leadership training materials prepared in the Kazakh language for pastors, and that God would raise up many strong local churches.
    • Pray for salvation, especially in the influential family heads, as the gospel is clearly presented.
    • Ask the Lord to send long term laborers to live among the Kazak and share the love of Christ with them, and pray for the Holy Spirit to open the hearts of the Kazak towards Christians so that they will be receptive to the gospel.
    • Ask God to encourage and protect the small number of Muslim Kazak who have converted to Christianity, while praying that these converts will begin to boldly share the gospel with their own people.
    • Pray that God will begin revealing Himself to the Kazak through dreams and visions.

    “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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.