Agarwal Bania in India
AG-ur-wahl BAHN-yah

The Agarwal belong to a trading and business community that holds a middle position in India's hierarchy. Many continue in their traditional role as merchants, while others in rural areas own farmland and practice agriculture. They maintain community organizations that look after the welfare of their members, helping preserve their identity and traditions. Marriage customs vary by region—remarriage after divorce or widowhood is permitted in some states but not in others. Spiritually, they worship family deities such as Sakambarimata and Jevamata. After cremation, the ashes of their loved ones are ritually immersed in the sacred waters of the Ganges River.

Ministry Obstacles
There are few, if any, followers of Christ among the Agarwal, meaning outreach must begin from the ground up. Their established traditions and community structures may make it difficult for outsiders to introduce the gospel.

Scripture Focus
"My foot stands on level ground; in the great assembly I will bless the LORD."  Psalm 26:12

Scripture Prayer
Pray that many from today’s people group will allow their spiritual lives to be transformed by the Lord, and that they will begin to publicly praise Him.

Prayer Focus
Pray for God to stir a deep dissatisfaction with a faith that cannot offer forgiveness of sin or eternal life. Ask the Lord to give Agarwals a hunger for truth that can only be satisfied in Jesus, who declared himself to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Pray for the first Agarwal believers to be raised up, who will boldly share the gospel and lead others into the hope of Christ.

Presented by Joshua Project
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