Vanjara in India

The Vanjara or Banjara live in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Telangana. Their traditional occupation was that of transporting salt, cattle and grain. With the coming of the railroads and modern trucks, the Vanjara had to change their livelihood. Today most Vanjara work in agriculture. Most Vanjara have a minimal level of education because their children must help their parents in the fields to make ends meet. The Vanjara are classified as a Scheduled Caste meaning that they receive special consideration for public jobs and university admissions.

Ministry Obstacles
The relatively low level of education of the Vanjara will mean that the gospel must be presented in oral and written forms. At present there are no known believers among the Vanjara.

Outreach Ideas
Christian agricultural experts could help the Vanjara increase their crop yield. This might allow more Vanjara children to attend school. Christian teachers could teach the children how to read and write and about the God of the Bible.

Pray for the followers of Christ
Pray that Hindu background believers would pray for and reach out to the Vanjara with the good news.

Pray for the entire people group
* Pray for spiritual hunger among the Vanjara people that will lead them to truth. * Pray for a movement of Vanjara households to study the Bible and accept the blessings of Christ. * Pray for the Vanjara people to understand and embrace that Jesus wants to bless their families and neighborhoods.

Scripture Focus
"For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." 1 Peter 2:25

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