Golla in India
GOH-lah

The word “Golla” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Gopal” which means keeper of cows. The Golla are landowners and a community that raises sheep and goats. Child labor is prevalent among the Golla. Women play an important role in agriculture and animal husbandry and excel in tattooing and singing folk songs. Men participate in folk dramas and perform feats such as holding red-hot iron balls in their mouths, handling hot iron plates, and swallowing long knives. Paying a bride price is a prevalent practice before a wedding. The women wear vermilion, a thali and toe rings as symbols of marriage. Additionally, the Golla celebrate a naming ceremony on the twenty-first day after a baby's birth.

Ministry Obstacles
They worship Krishna, a Hindu god who is central to their identity. It will be hard for them to put their identity in Jesus.

Scripture Focus
"By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just; by me princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly."  Proverbs 8:15-16

Scripture Prayer
Pray that this truth will put the fear of God in the hearts of all who hold power.

Prayer Focus
There is an abundance of gospel materials in their Odia language that they can download on cell phones; pray they will do that. Pray that God may send many Christian workers among them and meet their spiritual and physical needs. Pray that the Golla may be freed from the practices of magic, child labor, and other social evils. Pray that the Holy Spirit will uplift the Golla community and empower them to live a dignified life through education.

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