Pandaram in India

The Pandaras are among a cluster of Scheduled Tribes, meaning they come from a tribal background and have low status in Hindu society. Traditionally, they have been hunters and gatherers, and some still are hunters. Other sources describe the Pandara as lower caste Hindu ascetic mendicants. Some are experts in medicinal herbs; these people use their skills to help the sick. Most of the time, these herbs are found in the forests. Though they are officially "Hindu" the Pandara bury their dead instead of cremating them. Another strange custom that conflicts with most other Hindus is that their wedding ceremonies can be at the home of either the bride or the groom. As a Scheduled Tribe, they face limited access to education and economic opportunity.

Ministry Obstacles
Though they speak Malayalam, the language spoken by Hindus and Christians alike in southern India, they have been closed to the claims of Christ in the past. There are probably no Christians among the Pandarams.

Scripture Focus
"If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, You shall love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well."  James 2:8

Scripture Prayer
Pray for today’s people group to obey God’s law and love their neighbor as themselves.

Prayer Focus
Pray for Pandaras to understand and embrace that Jesus wants to bless their families and neighborhoods. Pray for Holy Spirit-anointed believers from the Pandaras to change their society from within. Pray for a movement in which the Holy Spirit leads and empowers disciples to make more disciples. Pray for a movement of Jesus to heal and strengthen Pandara communities. Intercede for believers to emerge from nearby communities to share the gospel with cultural sensitivity. Pray for training and opportunities that help Pandara families thrive in the modern economy.

Presented by Joshua Project
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