Gandia Odisha in India

Introduction / History

The Odisha Gandia people speak Koya. They live along the banks of the River Godavari in the Kammam district of Andhra Pradesh. They are also found in the states of Odisha and Chattisgarh.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They are mainly agriculturalists but also work as daily laborers when they do not have work in their fields. They used to be isolated, but of late they are slowly merging with mainstream Indian society and are seeing much development.

The Odisha Gandia love socializing. They make use of every opportunity to meet their friends and relatives. A weekly market in each locality draws many people for this purpose, not just for selling and buying. Young boys and girls also use these socializing events to choose their life partners.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Odisha Gandia were originally animistic in faith, but now take pride in a Hindu identity. During the early years of Christian work among the Odisha Gandia, those who became Christians faced much opposition from the community. Actions against them included excommunication from the community and denial of access to the water source. Over a period of time, Christian Odisha Gandia became accepted, though they mingle with others only during social gatherings, not for Odisha Gandia religious festivals.

Several Christian organizations are working among the Odisha Gandia, providing literacy, medical and community development services along with evangelistic outreach. Several Odisha Gandia churches have been established and many Odisha Gandia Christians are being equipped through short-term Bible Schools to be evangelists in their own community.

The New Testament is translated and available in the Koya language. Old Testament translation is in progress. Odisha Gandia songs and study materials are resources also available as audio cassettes and CDs. Although there are many Odisha Gandia Christian workers and resources, many more Christian workers are needed. Pray that God will send additional workers for the growing ministry among the Odisha Gandia.

What Are Their Needs?

The government has done much to improve the living conditions of Odisha Gandia. Their traditional mud houses with thatched roofs have been replaced by tiled or concrete roofed houses and some have their own private toilet facilities.

Prayer Points

Pray for effective use of the translated New Testament in Odisha Gandia churches and in the personal lives of Odisha Gandia Christians.
Pray for completion and distribution of audio recordings of the Koya New Testament.
Pray for a training facility for mother tongue translators for the OT project.

Text Source:   Joshua Project