Introduction / History

Vincey got married at 11 years of age. Among her community, the Ganda people of Orissa state, this is normal. Now she shares her time between raising children, caring for her husband and working with him in agriculture. Her husband also plays drums, another legacy of the Gandas. With these two trades, the pair will eke out a living and carry on the tradition of their Dalit community.

Vincey's cousin, Mangilal, became a follower of Christ, but he faced opposition almost immediately. No one would hire him to work on their farm. His family began to starve. Still, Mangilal held to his faith. Even when men dragged him into the street and beat him, he called on this Jesus. Vincey wonders what there is about Jesus that would give Mangilal such courage. He never had it before. She sees a change in his life: A cheerful and hopeful spirit and a caring attitude toward others. And she sees that even though he is a Dalit like she is, his believing friends accept him and love him. She wonders what would happen if she were to become a Christian too. Would her husband reject her? Would she starve? Would she be beaten like Mangilal? Would she find acceptance and respect among the other followers of Christ?

Prayer Points

* Pray that hundreds of Gandas will see hope in Christ and turn to Him.
* Pray for God to move among Ganda leaders.

References

Some information from "The Scheduled Castes" K. S. Singh, ed. Oxford University Press, USA (1994)