Kanchan (Muslim traditions) in Pakistan

People Name:	Kanchan (Muslim traditions)
Country:	Pakistan
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	12,000
World Population:	12,000
Primary Language:	Saraiki
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Portions
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Muslim - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction

The Muslim Kanchan are a people who live in Pakistan's Punjab Province. They were labeled as a criminal caste during the time of the British colonial period. Even today they are looked down among other Muslim groups in Pakistan. Traditionally, the Kanchan had a lifestyle similar to the Roma Gypsies. They would make their living through both legal and illegal activities. Their women would tell fortunes. The men would practice magic by casting out and appeasing evil spirits. Some Kanchan would obtain money by begging.
The Pakistani government has encouraged the Kanchan to live in one place and earn their living through honest means such as farm work and taking care of animals.

Most Kanchan are unable to read and write. Their main language is Western Punjabi.

Ministry Obstacles

Many Pakistani believers may not want to associate or make friends with the Kanchan. New Kanchan believers may not be able to attend Pakistani churches due to their bad reputation. The gospel will have to be presented to the Kanchan in oral and visual forms.

Outreach Ideas

Workers can teach the Kanchan useful job skills and help their children to learn how to read and write. The JESUS Film is available in Western Punjabi.

Pray for the Followers of Christ

Pray that soon many Kanchan will come to the knowledge of the truth and be established in the faith. Pray that Pakistani churches will reach out and accept new Kanchan believers.

Pray for the Entire People Group

Pray for the Holy Spirit to work powerfully through those ministering to the Kanchan people. Pray for movements to Jesus to sweep through Kanchan families, permeating the group from within. Ask the Lord to raise up and send out a new generation of fruitful, multiplying witnesses from among the Kanchan people.