Baloch Rind in Pakistan

Map Source:  People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
People Name: Baloch Rind
Country: Pakistan
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 1,418,000
World Population: 1,418,000
Primary Language: Balochi, Southern
Primary Religion: Islam
Christian Adherents: 0.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: New Testament
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Baloch
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Baloch peoples like the Rind tribe generally live in remote mountainous and desert regions, which provides protection from invasions. They live mainly in the Balochistan region of the southeastern-most edge of the Iranian plateau in Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan. In Pakistan they have their own province, Baloch Province.
Baloch tribes are subdivided by clan and language. The Rind people speak Southern Baloch.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Life is hard for the Baloch tribes, and things are even more difficult since they often fight against the Pakistani government. If the Baloch had their way, they would separate themselves from this country that gives priority to those in Punjab Province.
The tradition of a Baloch mother singing lullabies to her children has played an important role in the transfer of knowledge from generation to generation for many centuries. The Rind Baloch enjoy stories and songs about their military victories. Is it possible for someone to come up with culturally appropriate music, skits and oral stories that honor the Lord for the Rind Baloch people? Since it's very difficult for outsiders to enter and stay in this land, perhaps songs and recorded stories can be downloadable on the internet.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Like other Baloch subgroups, the Rind are Sunni Muslim. They believe all the tenets of Islam. Islamic practices vary from person to person. One might pray five times a day while others only pray at the mosque on Fridays. Most Rind Baloch come together to participate in the Fast of Ramadan, but few have the means to ever go on pilgrimage to Mecca.
Muslims in rural areas are often tempted to veer from Islamic orthodoxy and depend on spirits and amulets for their daily needs.

What Are Their Needs?

There is not enough water in Baloch Province; as a result, farming and livestock herding is difficult. They need improved farming methods and advanced irrigation systems.

Prayer Points

Pray for God to send out people who love Christ who can help the Baloch obtain the water they need.
Pray for the Rind Baloch to have easy access to Christian music that they can adapt to their culture and the Southern Balochi tongue.
Pray for Rind Baloch disciples to make other disciples who will make even more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project