Malhar Koli in India

The Malhar Koli is an indigenous Hindu people group who live in western state of Maharashtra in India. The primary language of the Malhar is Marathi. The word Koli means “fisherman.” Some sources consider the Malhar to be a Koli subgroups while others consider them to be separate. The Malhar are a Scheduled Tribe meaning that they are entitled to public jobs and special consideration for university admissions. In addition to being in the fishing business, some Malhar work as water carriers, especially in the places where there is not much rain. A tiny group among the Malhar call themselves followers of Jesus.

Ministry Obstacles

Many Malhar are unable to read and write, so the gospel will have to be presented to them in oral and visual forms.

Scripture Focus

"Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and whose power is in the skies. Awesome is God from his sanctuary; the God of Israel—he is the one who gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God!"  Psalm 68:34-35

Scripture Prayer

Pray for many from today’s people group to tell of God’s power and goodness to others.

Prayer Focus

Pray that the Koli traditional council leaders would come to Jesus Christ and lead others to him. Pray that Indian followers of Christ would lead them into an unstoppable movement to Christ. Pray that good schools and modern medicine would become available to the Malhar. Pray that the small Malhar church would grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ.